If there is one thing that DC has done right, it's there handling of there comic properties in their animated forms. For over ten years they have given us some excellent shows, with the peak being their first, Batman the Animated Series. There was also the Superman Animated Series, The New Batman/Superman Adventures, and Justice League. The only one I'm not that crazy about is Teen Titans, a lot of people seem to like it, but it's just not to my taste. Tonight, the latest show premiered on the Cartoon Network, Justice League Unlimited. It's like the original Justice League, only with more characters.
I haven't followed any of those shows religiously, save Batman, although I should have as I have loved every episode I've seen. Anyway, I was reminded that the new incarnation of The League was starting today, and made it a point to see if it would hold up. The answer to that is yes, and I knew that within the first five minutes.
Apparently the League has recruited many of the world's heroes into an organization to optimize their efforts. The episode begins with a speech from Superman explaining how it was going to work, with J'Onn J'Onzz (Martian Manhunter) coordinating from their space platform. During the speech Green Arrow is shown at the rear of the crowd with Batman enticing him to join. This was the segment that nailed it down, with Arrow talking about working alone for the little man, not unlike Batman himself. Batman realized that he could use the help, but also maintains a certain aloofness, and he recognizes elements of himself in Arrow. Most of this is inference based on the conversation, little is said but much is conveyed in this short segment. The show works on many levels, action and superheroes for the kids, and character development and a story that doesn't underestimate its audience for the adults who grew up on these characters in the comics.
Article comments
1 - Vic
I enjoyed it as well. My concern is similar to yours: They're introducing a *ton* of new characters, yet are limiting episodes to 30 minutes. (Most of last season's episodes were 60 minutes.)
Vic
2 - Chris
I wasn't keeping track of last season, sadly, but weren't they two 30 minute episodes to a story? I remember them being padded a bit despite the number of characters. I plan on keeping track of this one...