I never know what to expect these days when I sit down to watch the latest animated feature from Warner Home Video. They’ve had a few titles that blew me away (Wonder Woman) and a few that disappointed (Green Lantern: First Flight), so expectations were high as I settled in for the premiere of Justice League: Doom. A great writer, great cast, and one of my favorite comic stories being adapted made me hopeful this would be a good one.
It’s incredibly bittersweet to be writing this exactly one year after creator Dwayne McDuffie’s passing. It was just a year ago I had the chance to meet the writer for the first time in person and watch the premiere of his previous feature, All-Star Superman. It was a wonderful experience I’ll never forget. We knew he already had Justice League: Doom in the works and sitting in a theater to watch his last work was tough not only as a fan, but as a journalist. I was extremely concerned Justice League: Doom wouldn’t be good and that’s what I would have to write about. Thankfully, those fears never came to fruition. Justice League: Doom is one of the best Warner Home Video films I’ve ever seen.
The plot of Justice League: Doom is based on the Mark Waid Justice League story arc “Towel of Babel.” I remember thinking what an interesting story it was when I first read it and was very keen in seeing how it would translate onto the screen. McDuffie dropped a portion of the story and changed a few major details but the essential plot remains. The Justice League is targeted for their specific weaknesses and after the dust has settled, realize the scenarios were ones Batman concocted in the event any members went rogue. In the comic, Ra’s al Ghul was ultimately responsible. In the film, it’s Vandal Savage and the Legion of Doom. The one plot point definitely not in the film? The actual Tower of Babel. But no worries, there is so much already packed into Justice League: Doom, you won’t miss it.
Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Martian Manhunter are the members of the Justice League in the film. A surprising addition to the cast was Cyborg, voiced by Bumper Robinson. Initially it seemed as if he was being squeezed in (perhaps because of his impending link to the team in the comics) but his role was well-crafted and executed and he’s showcased perfectly. Of course, part of what makes this feature so special is the voice cast. The Trinity is played by the Trinity we came to love in the Justice League cartoon. Kevin Conroy as Batman, Tim Daly as Superman, and Susan Eisenberg as Wonder Woman. Even though they didn’t get to record together, the chemistry is still evident.
You’ve also got a few other JL alums and just great actors all around: Nathan Fillion, Carl Lumbly, Michael Rosenbaum, Alexis Denisof, Olivia d’Abo, and Phil Morris (Eight returning JL cast members altogether). Conroy brings his A-game, deftly delivering McDuffie’s dialogue in that particular Batman way we’ve come to expect. And the banter between characters is spot on, entertaining, and effortless. I won’t spoil too much but at one point Alfred tells Bruce, “You can eat while you brood.” Classic.
With all that takes place in the film, it’s a wonder it’s coherent but it is, and it’s tremendously entertaining. Each member of the League goes up against their rivals; Bane (so, so evil), Cheetah, Metallo, Star Sapphire, Mirror Master, and Ma’alefa’ak. The attacks take place almost simultaneously and though the action is quick, it’s always clear and definitely epic. My jaw was on the floor during certain moments and I was loving every minute of it. The drama in each of these scenes is phenomenal but it’s kicked up a notch as the team has to join forces against Vandal Savage’s ultimate goal – killing a good portion of the world’s population.
I had a few thoughts as the credits rolled. One was simply, wow. Another was, we need a new Justice League animated television series immediately. And lastly, that Justice League: Doom was perfect in my eyes and one hell of a sign off for McDuffie. Personal feelings aside, he crafted a spectacular script that has action, suspense, drama, and comedy in spades. A comic fan couldn’t ask for more. If you haven’t picked up a DC animated feature in a while, this is the one to buy.
Warner Home Video will be releasing Justice League: Doom on blu-ray, DVD and for download on February 28.
The series had already been available as weekly digital segments that could be bought at COMIXOLOGY. I had the fortune of reading the series already and have to admit it fills up the gaps between some of the events from Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, like Robin’s introduction story, the Joker-Penguin feud, and the story on the Joker’s one arm muscle HAMMER and he’s Penguin counterpart: the Abramovici brothers. I think the art was very good, and the experience was worth it. I would recommend the series for anyone who wants to stitch together the story of the games, or just want to enjoy some Joker. Below is what to look for in the series:
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