The heart of the DC Animated Universe
Toons Up North
The setup
Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Hawkgirl and Martian Manhunter form the Justice League to defend Earth from threats too big for any one hero to handle alone.
Most people have seen an episode of Batman The Animated Series, but how many of you knew that they basically continued that world into a massive DC Universe spanning sequel show?
Justice League takes characters who could each carry their own show and makes them a cohesive and dependable team as the series goes on. It respects the characters and the world so much that I don't think any long term DC fan could find fault and newcomers will be able to learn about each hero in their own time.
This was absolutely my proper introduction to Green Lanterns, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl and the Flash. Obviously Batman and Superman had already jumped to the big screen but other than that this was all new to me.
This show also manages to blend all the different characters together so well and doesn't lose any part of their personality in the process. Batman does not suddenly become a cheerful team player, Superman still feels like boy scout and even lessor known characters like Hawkgirl, Martian Manhunter and John Stewart get enough room to become favourites in their own right.
The multi part stories give the bigger threats time to breathe, giving the villains enough time to get situated and then dealt with in a satisfying manner. But they also still have great one and done episodes. Because of the time their given they're also able to do some more heartfelt episodes solely to build the world.
My favourite episode is the Xmas one where the Martian Manhunter has no place to go so the league members take turns trying to show an alien the meaning of Xmas. The highlight being a stay at the Kent farm where we learn that Superman still upholds the Santa Claus myth in their household. Even with potentially silly moments like this the show never feels like it is talking down to the audience just because it is animated.
I really couldn't fault this series at all and what's even more surprising is that it's followed by Justice League Unlimited which is arguably an even stronger show by comparison.
Positives
Brilliant voice cast, strong team chemistry, ambitious stories, excellent continuation of the DCAU.
Negatives
A few early stories feel slower than later episodes, some characters get more attention than others.
Verdict
If you like super hero stories in the slightest, you owe it to yourself to watch this.
