Justice League assembled
Fail is not the word I would use for the Justice League animated series. Lasting four seasons, we have a wealth of episodes which delves at the core of what heroes do. There is action, adventure, thrills and some very cool interpretations of some beloved comic book characters. When watching this version of the Justice League, I felt strongly that the creative team not only represented their own diverse backgrounds and those of the readers, but they represented a high sense of quality and excitement for a super hero animated series.
To say I’m a fan of the Justice League animated series is an understatement. Seeing several of DC Comics’ iconic characters in a weekly animated program is the stuff of nerd dreams. Bear with me as I contextualize a little. This is not the first animated adaptation of the Justice League for television. Several of the DC Comics have appeared over the years. Animation companies such as Filmation and Hanna-Barbera have produced their own adaptations of DC heroes in the past. While animation companies had to deal with the politics and censorship based on the rules of children’s programming in the past, the modern version of the Justice League definitely has the advantage of being in a less restrictive age, and the polish of designs/direction of Bruce Timm, whose creativity (along with Paul Dini) gave Batman: The Animated Series as well as Superman: The Animated Series a certain style and character. The line up is pretty straightforward with several modifications to add diversity to the team. For example, you have the standard DC icons, Superman, Batman (both having featured in animated series of their own), Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, the Flash and Hawkgirl.
Hawkgirl proves her agression when she takes on a group of Green Lanterns
The change to Green Lantern is that John Stewart replaces Hal Jordan (Jordan later makes a cameo, as does Kyle Raynor), and Hawkgirl replaces Hawkman (who appears in later seasons). Stewart, who is black, and Hawkgirl being female adds a bit more representation to the team, which it has lacked in past incarnations, as well as in the actual comics. Also it is in part about who is behind some of the masks. For example, it’s Wally West, not Barry Allen who is Flash in the Timm-verse (West being Allen’s former protege and a Kid Flash in the comics).
There are a lot of things the series does that simply strike me as positive creative/editorial choices. One of them being able to amp up the action and the character development. While Superman and Batman are firmly established characters from their own series, the other characters needed clarity and quickly because the action starts early in the first episode. Wonder Woman’s origin is streamlined, but she’s still an Amazon and quite powerful. Hawkgirl got an amp in her aggression and skill factor. Like some others on the team, such as Superman and the Martian Manhunter, she’s not a native of Earth. Her wings are real instead of a flying device. Hawkgirl is a more than competent team member who shows she’s not a just a pretty face. John Stewart is a tried and true Green Lantern who’s power and skills are understandably impressive. There is a clear personality distinction between Wally West and the previous Flash, Barry Allen. West being far more jovial but still a capable Flash. For continuity’s sake Allen was the more serious character.
Superman and J'onn J'onz, the Martian Manhunter
Let’s get this out of the way because I’ve recently heard the words “forced diversity” when it comes to recasting minorities in roles once held by white heroes to a point where I think some people like to hear themselves talk and not place any emphasis on knowledge. Many readers and creators have different gender and ethnic backgrounds. It stands to reason that there needs to be some form of representation that allows all viewers a chance to see someone like themselves within the series. Second, using a different character other than one’s favorite does not invalidate a reader’s favorite character. It only shows an awareness of the limitations that pervade the creation of some comics and characters.
Let’s be honest, Hanna Barbara had to create original minority characters (Apache Chief, Black Vulcan, Samurai, El Dorado) to appear in the various incarnations of the Superfriends cartoon. I don’t believe any of these characters were ever assimilated into the mainstream DC comics continuity, which is a shame because it suggested that they had limited appeal, when they were in fact fun. In season three we do find a homage to several of these “discarded” characters.
In the first two seasons, the stories are multi-part episodes, which the story unfolds in a serialized-like manner, much like a comics do. This also leads to more complex storytelling, and taking time to let the stories and characters develop. There are a few flaws in several of the stories, but they still remain enjoyable long after the series end.
One of the reasons I’m writing this is that I want to celebrate the accomplishments of the late Dwayne McDuffie. Before his passing he was the story editor and one of the main writers on the Justice League series. Further, he is one of the founders of Milestone Media, which in effect brought multicultural characters to the forefront as leading heroes in comics. While he didn’t write all of the stories for Milestone Media, he produced a vision and watched it grow. I’ve been waiting for DC Comics to release more titles based on the Milestone properties. So far Shadow Cabinet has appeared in Justice League. Static, and Xombi both have limited series. Static Shock will be one of the initial 52 titles in the DCnU.
As the story editor of Justice League, he gave us a vision of the DC characters that, while not an exact match of their comic book counterparts, gave the program diverse, contemporary versions of the characters. With season one there are 26 episodes of the series to digest on four DVDs.
As always Batman is a one-man crusade against crime. Not surprisingly, he bankrolls a lot of the Justice League’s hardware. He’s definitely abrasive, stern, and aggressive. He is also the only team member without powers. His vulnerability is highlighted in “Injustice for All” when Copperhead assaults him.
Few Bat-centric villains show up, but when they do, it’s fun. Joker and Harley Quinn make appearances. Typically Joker is just there to give Batman a difficult time as he’s really no match for the League as a team.
Lex Luthor plays a critical role as a primary antagonist though this and other seasons. What impresses me is that Luthor gets caught red-handed for his crimes and arrested. These changes stick. Although Luthor goes though some changes in this season; terminal illness, loosing his company, and escaping prison, he loses none of his guile and remains a potent threat to the Justice League.
The stories, while exciting, are not without their flaws. For example, in “Darkest Night,” Green Lantern surrenders a little too easy after believing he caused a planet’s destruction without believing in himself or insisting that the clams be further investigated. Several of his fellow Green Lanterns are such jerks one wonders what inspires these beings. Green Lantern’s defining story really leaves me cold since he so readily believes in his own guilt. I have to believe that he’s not smart enough to insist on an investigation to satisfy his own integrity and life. Hawkgirl’s aggressive persona shines here. She’s sincerely destructive and committed to her Thanagarian (warrior) nature. This contrast to Superman’s more articulate approach and Martian Manhunter’s more defensive approach is noted.
One of my favorites is “Paradise Lost” with the spotlight on Wonder Woman and the Amazons. Diana contends with sorcerer Felix Faust when he blackmails her into retrieving mystic artifacts. Diana faces several tough foes and her actions includes breaking the laws of her homeland (Themiscrya) in order to save her people. Her punishment is bittersweet as had she not taken action, her people would be lost.
With season one of Justice League we get a healthy amount of episodes and a lot of excitement. The focus is on the main seven, there are some serious threats. Aquaman makes his appearance, and he’s nothing like his old school Super Friends counterpart. He’s more aggressive, a bit brutish and very no-nonsense. He doesn’t start off as a hero, but as the king of Atlantis who really is pissed that “surface dwellers” cause his kingdom and oceans nothing but grief. Ultimately he has to save the very people who’ve gravely offended him from his own people.
The series does a lot to keep up the action, adventure while maintaining some nostalgia for fans and newcomers. There are some character flaws to be aware of. Superman’s a bit too much of a pushover for villains. Batman is sometimes too perfect and arrogant for his own good. While he looks like a serious player, and is, being the only League member with no powers, he often comes off as infallible, which irks me.
The first season is full of fun and adventure, so don’t let the flaws overtake this your enjoyment.
