Continuing our look at the 25 DC Animated films, let’s take a look at 15 through 11…
15. Justice League: A New Frontier (2008)
Probably sporting the finest overall collection of voice actors, A New Frontier is adapted from a mini-series by Darwyn Cooke and tells a unique story of how the Justice League met. This new spin on the Justice League origin is set in the 1950’s and showcases our heroes in their original appearances.
Voice actors: David Boreanaz as Green Lantern, Miguel Ferrer as Martian Manhunter, Neil Patrick Harris as The Flash, Lucy Lawless as Wonder Woman, Kyle MacLachlan as Superman and Jeremy Sisto
14. Son of Batman (2014)
Son of Batman is another adaptation from writer Grant Morrison. This time the story derives from the “Batman and Son” story arc of 2006. When Batman discovers that he has a son named Damien who is being raised by the League of Assassins, he steps in to take back and save his heir from the boys grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul. Although this was a pre-New 52 storyline, this 75-minute animated feature tries to build upon the previous DC Animated Feature, Justice League: War. At times you feel that it suffers from that forced integration but in the end it works and fits the continuity just fine.
Voice actors: Jason O’Mara as Batman, David McCallum as Alfred, Morena Baccarin as Miranda Tate, Giancarlo Esposito as Ra’s al Ghul and Stuart Allan as Damien
13. Superman vs. The Elite (2012)
Taken from 2001’s “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?” by Joe Kelly, the Man of Steel faces off against a team of ruthless superheroes who find his idealism of truth and justice, in contempt. What made this storyline stand out amongst the other Superman films is its political overtones and what it means to have power. There’s a responsibility that Superman has and in this story, it comes under fire in an intelligent and thought provoking way. This was very well done.
Voice actors: George Newbern as Superman and Pauley Perrette as Lois Lane
12. Wonder Woman (2009)
This animated feature is an origin story of the Amazon Princess and a great introduction into her history. Centuries ago the Amazons defeated the ancient war god Ares. He is imprisoned on the hidden island of Themyscira. Fast forward to the present and when Air Force pilot Steve Trevor crash lands on the island, this distraction leads to Ares’ escape. After winning a competition, Princess Diana is tasked with the responsibility to bring Steve Trevor home and capture Ares. Trevor offers to help Princess Diana to track down Ares and bring him back to the island. In order to do so, they would have to set aside and conflicting feelings and worldviews they clearly have. Lets hope more Wonder Woman projects are on the horizon especially given the feature film slated for 2017 starring Gal Gadot.
Voice actors: Keri Russell as Wonder Woman, Nathan Fillion as Steve Trevor, Alfred Molina as Ares, Rosario Dawson as Artemis, Marg Helgenberger as Hera, Oliver Platt as Hades and Virginia Madsen as Hippolyta
11. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)
A multi-verse story line that happens to be one of the best Justice League films to date. Loosely based on Grant Morrison’s JLA: Earth 2 (2000), where an alternate universe Lex Luthor, who happens to be a hero on his Earth, comes to our universe to work with the Justice League to take down the Crime Syndicate. To put it mildly, Superman and company does not greet this version of Luthor warmly. I thoroughly enjoy the multiverse and would like to see more of them.
Voice actors: William Baldwin as Batman, Mark Harmon as Superman, Chris Noth as Lex Luthor, James Woods as Owlman, Gina Torres as Superwoman and Bruce Davison as Deathstroke
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
