Comics’ first super-team gets their own animated feature.
World War II. The Nazi menace is on the rise. The United States brings together a team of super-powered beings. Hawkman, the Flash, Black Canary, Hourman, and lead by Wonder Woman form the Justice Society to combat the threat. Meanwhile, in modern times, Barry Allen is still getting used to being the Flash. When Barry goes too fast, he ends up in the past and has to help the Justice Society. All the while trying not to change the timeline and figuring out how to get back home.
I’m a huge Justice Society fan, so to me, this film was long overdue. Any chance to spotlight the JSA makes me a happy camper. Now, yes, some of my favorite members weren’t included in this film, but overall I was happy with the members that make up this version of the team.
Wonder Woman is voiced by Stana Katic and Barry/Flash is voiced by Matt Bomer. This is their second time working together on a DC Animated feature. They were both in Superman: Unbound as Superman and Lois Lane, so it was great to have both in this project.
Stana Katic does a great job as Wonder Woman. She gives her an accent, similar to Gal Godot. She’s a warrior that never gives up and never quits.
Matt Bomer plays the Flash as someone who’s very inexperienced as a hero, but still has the mind of a scientist. I’ve always been a fan of Bomer so this is just another great thing he’s done.
The cast is rounded out by Omid Abtahi as Hawkman, Matthew Mercer as Hourman, Elysia Rotaru as Black Canary, Armen Taylor as Jay Garrick / Flash, and Chris Diamantopoulos as Steve Trevor. This is a solid cast and they play off of each other extremely well. I really like the voice casting. A nice blend of seasoned veterans and newcomers.
The story was written by Meghan Fitzmartin and Jeremy Adams. While it’s a fun script, there are parts that just don’t make sense. It feels like at the start there is one objective and in the middle, the story goes off in a different direction.
I’m still getting used to the animation style they are currently using. It’s set in the same universe as Superman: Man of Tomorrow. The style kind of reminds me of the Venture Bros or the old Jonny Quest show. While it’s not bad, it does take some getting used to, especially seeing Phil Bourassa stunning artwork in the last series of films.
For the issues I had with this film I do have to admit director Jeff Wamester sticks the landing. He does a great job bringing all these properties together.
The film also comes with Kamandi short. This was an exciting feature and just loaded with Jack Kirby goodness.
There’s this great roundtable discussion entitled Adventures in Storytelling: Justice Society: World War II. Where the creative team talks about the film. I love these types of things because it’s interesting getting into their heads and seeing the creative process.
Finally, there’s a trailer for the next animated feature, Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One. This just looks epic and I can’t wait for it.
Bottom line, this was a fun film and a great introduction to some bigger things. I really hope Warner Bros. expands upon these ideas.
Justice Society: World War II is currently available on digital download, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Blu-ray on May 11, 2021.
Newsdesk