Justice League (2001 - 2004)

Justice League review by Mark McPherson - Cinema Paradiso

Bruce Timm’s DC animated series had quite the build-up throughout the 1990s. When his team first started developing Batman: The Animated Series, they had no idea they’d be making one of the more revered interpretations of the comic book character. As the sun set on that series, his team branched out into Superman: The Animated Series, exploring more of that character with better-serialized storylines and delving into many more DC heroes and villains (including a crossover movie). Following that show were numerous other spin-off programs of Batman Beyond, Static Shock, and the lesser-known Zeta Project.

But Justice League felt like the perfect culmination of all of these series. The familiar characters of Batman and Superman return with all the baggage of their previous shows, now teamed up with the likes of Wonder Woman, The Flash (Barry Allen), Green Lantern (John Steward), Hawkgirl, and The Martian Manhunter. They all come together to stop a threat against Earth and realize they’re much stronger together than apart. Thus, the Justice League is born!

The show had a bit of a rocky start trying to find its footing but it doesn’t take long to stick the landing. What greatly benefits the show is that the majority of stories are about an hour-long, leading to two-part episodes. Enough time is given to mold the characters with their unique personalities, from the brash Hawkgirl to the wise-cracking Flash. We get to know more about their backgrounds, their motivations, their failings, and their dreams/nightmares. Sometimes literally as when they’re attacked by a villain who invades their subconsciousness.

I really dug the use of the whole universe during the show, exploring enough to incorporate the corrupt Guardians of Oa to the winged-armies of Thanagar. The development of the villains is also quite clever, being far more than just a series of team-ups (though those episodes are pretty fun in their own right). In particular, the episode Twilight highlights more of the history behind the world of Apokolips and Darkseid’s latest ambition involving the tech of Branianc.

The characters also don’t remain the same throughout the series. A relationship soon forms between Green Lantern and Hawkgirl, one that is put to the ultimate test in the series finale. Superman finds himself conflicted about how to enact justice that runs counter to Batman’s views. Even Lex Luthor has a bit of change in plans when he discovers he’s dying of cancer, making him a far bitter and desperate villain.

There are also some episodes that are just plain fun. There’s a holiday special which is mostly just the heroes coming home for the holidays. For an episode with Flash tangling with Inhumanite and Hawkgirl jumping into a bar brawl, it’s a rather sweet and charming episode for being light on the action. I doubt I have to mention how much Mark Hamil hams up his performance as the Joker for the four episodes he occupies.

The look of this show is just so stunning. Even if not viewing the Bluray, the DVDs are incredibly vibrant with deep colors and fluid animation. It’s still hard to believe a cartoon this good was in the early 2000s, which probably explains why Cartoon Network initially saved such a show for primetime broadcasts. It does have some issues in that season two was technically letterboxed as a kinda/sorta move towards HD. Thankfully, by the next series of Justice League Unlimited, the show was finally fully widescreen and looks immaculate.

Everything about Justice League just holds up as a strong balance of both cunning writing and exciting animated action. It plays wonderfully with the DC Comics lore while also building on its own animated predecessors. Coupled with Justice League Unlimited, it’s one of the best superheroes shows ever made. Not just in animation. Ever.