After some lean years where DC Animated had decided to explore the clusterfuck that was the New 52, things appear to be getting back on track. It’s amazing how easily and well DC can do when they make the Flash (Matt Bomer) the heart of the story (see Justice League: The New Frontier and Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox). And, thank god, the creators of the film knew enough to keep the character’s gorgeous simplistic design rather than the eyesore DC has been pushing on readers for nearly a decade now.
The latest volume of Batman Beyond concludes with Batman framed for multiple attacks around Gotham City by Inque, one of which puts Bruce Wayne and Terry’s younger brother in the hospital. Wonder Woman arrives to help solve the mystery, and clear Batman’s name (thankfully we’re saved from a lengthy heroic misunderstanding as Diana sizes up Terry in short order).
Inque was one of the stand-out villains from Batman Beyond and although her motivations seem a bit muddled (blaming Bruce Wayne for preventing the villain a chance to cure her condition) she’s put to good use against the formidable duo of Batman and Wonder Woman.
2017’s Wonder Woman proved to be the pleasant surprise to shine some light in DC’s otherwise gloomy extended universe. Director Patty Jenkins and star Gal Gadot reunite for a sequel set in the 1980s (apparently primarily for the purpose of making fun of the decade’s fashion sense). Gadot seems more confident in the role, hits the right emotional beats, and the sequel taps into primary motivations of the character while introducing one of the Amazon’s most famous possessions in the Invisible Plane. So why isn’t Wonder Woman 1984 more successful?
The choice to bring back Wonder Woman‘s lost love Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) is a controversial one, but the wishing stone that also turns Kristen Wiig into Cheetah and provides Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) with near unlimited power does work as a catalyst to get things rolling. Trevor’s return forces Diana to confront her own feelings as does the dread that defeating Max may mean saying goodbye to Steve again. It’s a clever way to bring the character back for one more film but other than the personal turmoil it causes Diana, I don’t think the script is helped by Trevor’s inclusion.
Billy Batson (Zach Callison) was previously introduced as a supporting character in LEGO DC: Batman – Family Matters. LEGO DC: SHAZAM! – Magic & Monsters introduces us to his super-hero alter-ego complete with origin story, some classic villains, and a lesson for kids about trust.
There are three separate plots in LEGO DC: SHAZAM! – Magic & Monsters. The straight-to-video allows for the origins of the hero formerly known as Captain Marvel to be explored along with his introduction to the Justice League. There’s also a plot by Mr. Mind (Greg Ellis) who, with the help of Dr. Sivana (Dee Bradley Baker), transforms the Justice League into kids where they will be more susceptible to his mind control and retrieve the food he needs for his transformation. And last, but not least, is the appearance of Black Adam (Imari Williams), the Wizard’s former warrior, who breaks out of the Rock of Eternity and attacks the Wizard and his new champion.
After some lean years where DC Animated had decided to explore the clusterfuck that was the New 52, things appear to be getting back on track. It’s amazing how easily and well DC can do when they make the Flash (Matt Bomer) the heart of the story (see Justice League: The New Frontier and Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox). And, thank god, the creators of the film knew enough to keep the character’s gorgeous simplistic design rather than the eyesore DC has been pushing on readers for nearly a decade now.
