Anil Rickly Reviews Young Justice

Anil Rickly Reviews Young Justice

...Teen Titans...meets the JLA...are they ready?...Today is the day!!!

Review Opinion
By earzmundo - Nov 26, 2010 09:11 PM EST
Filed Under: Animated Features

Young Justice – Brief History



Originally created by writer Todd DeZago and artist Todd Nauck for DC Comics, after the early issues, DeZago handed the reins off to Peter David (best known for his inspiring Hulk and X-books, namely ‘X-Factor’) and this comic team boasted Robin (Tim Drake), Kid Flash (Bart Allen) and Superboy (Kon-El a.k.a Conner Kent nowadays) as the main protagonists, just at a time when the Teen Titans became the Titans, and this Young Justice team acted as a pseudo-Teen Titans outfit. David has won awards, especially for his ‘Hulk’ works but did receive 1999 Eisner nominations for this Young Justice book under – Best New Series, Best title for a younger audience!
His work on these comics did draw rave acclaim!

Todd DeZago


Peter David


This series is now chosen not as an adaptation of the comics per say, but more to a less explored specific animated DC universe, as it’s based on Earth-16; and may be the response to a flailing ‘Teen Titans’ animated address. It seems that the Young Justice comics meet the Teen Titans in a sort of crossover that yields this series…but anything animated is most welcome from the high quality DC usually puts out! This animated Earth-16 also allows freedom from previous comic continuity to some extent as well as from past animated continuity.



Greg Weisman (writer) is joined by Brandon Vietti (scriptwriter and director of DC’s ‘Under the Red Hood’) as co-creators with an expanded writing asset of Kevin Hopps, Andrew Robinson, Nicole Dubuc, Jon Weisman, Tom Pugsly and last but not least, Peter David. This squad is experienced in the DC animation front and Greg himself has worked on DC’s recent ‘Green Arrow’ showcase short, as well as the Batman, Ben-10, Men in Black cartoon, Legion of Superheroes, Max Steel, Spectacular Spiderman, and acted as co-writer for ‘Captain Atom’ at DC, where he served as an editor also. He is also the creator of cult favorite ‘Gargoyles’ and dealt with the animated series and comics in depth!
Jay Olivia and Michael Chang are listed as some of the directors, with Sam Register as exec producer, and a solid voice cast of Jesse McCartney, Danica McKellar and Nolan North among the many!
The squad consists of Robin (Dick Grayson rather than Tim Drake, voiced by McCartney), Kid Flash (Wally West, not Bart Allen, voiced by Jason Spisak), Aqualad (Kaldur'ahm, voiced by Khary Payton), with Superboy (voiced by Nolan North, who does Superman as well) and Miss Martian (voiced by Danica McKellar) rounding off the team. Artemis will be joining later on in the series.
Further key voice castings come in the experienced and animation versed Bruce Greenwood, Rob Lowe, George Eads, Kelly Hu, Kevin Richardson, Phil Lamarr and last but not least, Alan Tudyk. The choice to use a new team roster baffled me at first but in time, I assume it would be trivial.




Pilot Episode–

Note to self, the word ‘sidekick’ and ‘whelmed’ become severely annoying as of this review. This series is one I garnered much self-hype for as DC’s full-length animated movies always impress, as do their animated series or shorts. Since Justice League: Unlimited ended and Teen Titans: Judas Contract got squashed; I’ve waited for something in the way of a thrilling series to whet my mind.



This episode starts off with a bang, and the action sequences are glorious indeed. Seeing Batman/Robin tackle Mr. Freeze, Flash/Kid Flash tackle Captain Cold, Aquaman/Aqualad tackle Killer Frost and Green Arrow/Speedy take on Icicle kept true to amazing voice sequences combined with the exquisite fight scenes that DCU pushes out by the series. It’s up to mark and high standard. There are also some design changes made to certain villains and heroes that pop up throughout episode that are all in good vein. After this introductory debacle, the pace for induction is well set as the young heroes – Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad and Speedy – head to the Hall of Justice, Washington to meet the lair of the Justice League.





It’s fun to see the heroes portrayed as celebs but the exchange that follows is one that surprises me yet sticks to the character I’ve known in comics as Roy Harper! It’s much welcome and mature a bit much, but its left-field effect is one that made me wonder what else lay in store in the lines of 'shocker'? In times when the likes of Geoff Johns, Dan Didio and Jim Lee are the big kahunas at DC, and the ‘Brightest Day’ comics link a LOT of titles, I have very high expectations for this series – even if the continuity is different.


The team proceeds to receive strict orders from Batman and company as the JLA heads to a certain development, and again it’s fresh to see new and old JLA faces pop up…but the treatment of the youngsters are a bit too infantile for me, and borders kindergarten at times. A simple ‘stay and don’t move’ might suffice for Krypto the Dog, but I didn’t find this handling of the youth team done too well. It wasn’t well scripted and poorly executed a bit sloppily. Nonetheless, as the team disobeys orders, no shocker there, we see them head to investigate a key foil to the JLA animated team in the form of CADMUS labs. While CADMUS reared recently in Adam Beechen’s ‘Batman Beyond’ miniseries, it’s nice to see them pop up again on screen. With Amanda Waller sinking into the ‘Green Lantern’ film also (done by the always wonderful Angela Bassett), it’s nice to see CADMUS used as an antagonist here once more. The voice work is done well for all youth members, although Grayson is done too high pitched and annoying at times (and reminds me of an whiny Peter Parker, but credit to McCartney for sounding that young when he isn’t) and this Robin at times, clashes with the humor of Wally West, the Kid Flash. I’d have liked a more grim Grayson (a la Batman), but this graver tone is taken by Aqualad Kaldur’ahm (Kaldur – who has been stated as the leader in the series as it goes on) and again, the voice is done well for the latter two. On this note, it’s intriguing to see that Kaldur will be helmed as leader, as he does bear a resemblance in look and powers to the Aqualad Jackson Hyde that Geoff Johns created for ‘Brightest Day’. I do hope to see if Hyde and Kaldur are tied as closely as I assume.


The pace never drops off as the team heads to investigate CADMUS and their discoveries there are not too subtle…in fact it’s a huge repercussion for this series. With Guardian, Dubbilex and the G-Gnomes as the foils to the heroes here, there’s a lot more than meets the eye; and DCU comic lovers are offered lots of treats. With Mark Desmond rearing a head as well, we got a lot more entertainment than we bargained for and as a comic fan of DC, it was in utter appreciation. It’s a nice search, find…and escape, rather than rescue, mission that goes off course with the discovery of a certain alien clone.





Superboy enters the fray and is done well by Nolan North, with his shortcomings as well as strengths played off well. The interactions between all the young ones are done smoothly as the heroes try to convince Superboy to aid their cause and join them. The antagonist who steps in is most welcomed by us comic fans and it’s a nice action sequence that requires a lot of brains rather than brawn, and Robin shines here as he did throughout, akin to Master Bruce.
The main battle goes as one would expect but is still a charm to behold. The final few sequences are very pristine as a plethora of DC heroes, even ones I didn’t expect, show to shine their JLA badges…and they all look pretty top notch! With the changed roster for this series done, it’s nice to know that Miss Martian and Artemis, will be added for future episodes, as the writers have stated they have certain plans for certain heroes at specific times. They even hint at roster changes and death during the season so I place my trust in what they have planned. Whatever reasons they have for their roster, I have faith in their scripts, and it does bode sad that legal tie-ups kept Wonder-Girl out this series, as it’d be nice to have her show and give an impression.



Red Tornado and Black Canary are featured in reverenced roles in the latter stages of this show, and while there isn’t any ‘Snapper Carr’, I fully expect a profound expansion per episode on the villainous society calling itself ‘the Light’! Further expansionary roles from Billy Batson, Batman, Martian Manhunter, Red Arrow, Tempest (Garth) and Arrowette, as well as a few teased villains, all make me giddy for what’s ahead.



In all, amazing fight sequences, witty dialogue, impressive voice castings, overall solid scripts and direction/production are some of the things I expect to be carried over from this pilot and maintained throughout the first season! This episode proved a lovely ride for a thorough DC comic fan, and I must say, despite a few shortcomings, I was impressed and pleased.

Rating = 8.5/10

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InSpace
InSpace - 11/26/2010, 11:57 PM
I cant believe I missed this...stupid Black Friday.

Any word if they'll reshow it, or any link online ?
Fan4life
Fan4life - 11/27/2010, 3:43 AM
U fanboys r so touchy I give a 10 for the fact that we have a good series to watch cuz there hasn't been a good series to watch since the justice league series so I am truly appreciative for having a good series to watch so I give it a 10 out of 10....
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 11/27/2010, 3:45 AM
I enjoyed it. But its no JLA! The last minute "oh and this is Miss Martian" was silly too. But I'll keep watching.

Fan4life, so you found it a good series to watch then?
Legomaster
Legomaster - 11/27/2010, 4:33 AM
This is a wicked tv series... i would watch it 24/7

1 question...
which robin is this?

who thinks robin looks awesome
longbowhunter
longbowhunter - 11/27/2010, 4:55 AM
I was really suprised by how good it was. The tone was much more serious than the comics and the animation was on the level of any of DC's movies. I watched it twice yesterday and am very much excited to see what comes next.
rook187
rook187 - 11/27/2010, 4:58 AM
Really enjoyed it. I was very whelmed. ;)

Wasn't totally sold on the voices, but grew to like them. The attitude of Speedy felt right, as well as that of Kid Flash. Robin seemed a bit flighty, but since he's not considered the leader(yet)he takes off and did his own thing(much like Bats would). Aqualad is too new for me to compare, but I liked his character. Superboy was a bit angrier than I liked, but hopefully he'll relax a bit.

Action was great, humor was there, thought it was better than Avengers! 9.5 out of 10.
Hawksblueyes
Hawksblueyes - 11/27/2010, 5:12 AM
Good review Anil. Personally, I loved the way Robin couldn't let go of "whelmed". I thought it was used at just the right moments in the show.
hewilldefytheirgravity
hewilldefytheirgravity - 11/27/2010, 6:02 AM
Where the hell is Static Shock? He should have been included in this show as well!
StrangerX
StrangerX - 11/27/2010, 6:03 AM
The show was cool. I love the way how Robin reacts to how Batman would have been pissed because it took him so long to break loose from the handcuffs. The only problem is I wish he was the leader too bad.
golden123
golden123 - 11/27/2010, 7:50 AM
Wait a second. Did you say that Wally West was Kid flash that doesn't make any sense because Wally West was the version of the Flash that founded the Justice Leauge in the DCAU. Barry Allen was never in the DCAU. Also I could've sworn remembering that somebody called Kid Flash bart so I think your wrong about Wally being kid Flash.
golden123
golden123 - 11/27/2010, 7:52 AM
@Fan4life: completly agree with you.
airbeyonder18
airbeyonder18 - 11/27/2010, 8:00 AM
It was awesome!!! I'm so upset that we have to wait til January.
iconstatic
iconstatic - 11/27/2010, 8:07 AM
@golden123

It isn't set in the DCAU, but it's own continuity. If you notice, Aquaman has both hands and they're using Zatara instead of Zatanna.
YourMomNaked
YourMomNaked - 11/27/2010, 8:10 AM
I really enjoyed it! Looking forward to more!

@Grif...[frick] you, ya hater-troll! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Martian
Ibz
Ibz - 11/27/2010, 8:34 AM
@goldern123 its set in its own continuity dc even made it a official part of there multi verse which is a good move, it means the creator have much more free reign, and i like grayson this is how he was when he was robin, he's not meant to be all dead serious at the moment but we see his transition in to nightwing, if the show lasts that long
bailey90
bailey90 - 11/27/2010, 8:47 AM
anyone else think of dolmio day whenever they kept saying, 'todays the day!'
chasesuperremey
chasesuperremey - 11/27/2010, 8:56 AM
This was a good show and Aqualad was the best.
Nerdman3000
Nerdman3000 - 11/27/2010, 9:31 AM
Love the episode, and if they eventully do bring Wonder-Girl into the series later on. I already heard that the Wonder-Girl legal issue has ended, so they can now bring her. I hope they bring in Cassie and not Donna Troy. It'd be nice to have Cassie for many reasons. Now I won't say that they can't bring Donna Troy as well, but I'd rather have Donna Troy as a guest, and Cassie joins the team latter on.
Bandrews1
Bandrews1 - 11/27/2010, 9:39 AM
Good review, can't wait for it to officially premier in January.
Technoman
Technoman - 11/27/2010, 9:52 AM
Jackson Hyde was based on Kaldur.
Triptheorist
Triptheorist - 11/27/2010, 10:34 AM
It was a great watch, not the team line up I was hoping for, but a very compelling show none the less.
cjkalel
cjkalel - 11/27/2010, 11:31 AM
Pretty awesome can't wait till january
AskaniSon
AskaniSon - 11/27/2010, 12:45 PM
@anil no, technoman is right. It's been stated in interviews. Kaldur's creation predates Jackson Hyde's, but Jackson was introduced first.

Good review tho. I can't wait for the premier in January. Between Weisman, David, and Vietti, I have faith that this show will only get better from here.
blueorangeny
blueorangeny - 11/27/2010, 2:02 PM
@ Anil Rickly and all others - It does say in Wikipedia that the show's writers do have plans for Wonder Girl to show up in future shows. Hopefully it's true.

I loved the show, it was nice, especially the ending when the entire Justice League showed up. I was surprised to see also both Hal and John Stewart showing face.

One thing that does play in my head, what was up with Supes way when he walked up to Conner Kent. Superman looked and acted like he was just brought on the Maury Povich show lol
loganaspatch
loganaspatch - 11/27/2010, 2:37 PM
Ibz- You Said "i like dick" xD lmfao

blueorangeny- thats funny his probaly thinking how many cousins escaped krypton or if it really blew up all!! OR ... yellow folder reads "he is the baby daddy!"
Jib7z
Jib7z - 11/27/2010, 4:19 PM
For real, I didnt read this, but look at the top picture. Look at Robin. That's Tim Drake. Now look at the guy in red to the right. That's Impulse. That's not Dick Grayson's Robin and Kid Flash. Does anybody else see my complaint now?
xmentheeight
xmentheeight - 11/27/2010, 4:27 PM
Okay...okay, I just finished watching the show on YouTube....and damn kid! I mean damn! The footage at Comic Con already had my interest piqued....but this met all my expectations in the premiere episode. DC is on point once again, and if they ever do another Justice League show....Im going to need them to use the line up I saw on this show! Ive always been a Marvel man, and it pitiful that their animated attempts still cant even come close. I dont know how many episodes deep the Avengers are, but Young Justice just blew that shitty pre-school show out of the water. The animation alone makes Avengers look ametuerish,...and Im not even gonna start about the fight scenes. Well played DC...Im looking forward to more episodes. Lastly, I like how Superman was awkward as hell around Superboy....and Aqualad is a beast, and not just some token black character.
xmentheeight
xmentheeight - 11/27/2010, 4:29 PM
Back to that Justice League line up.....they had two Green Lanterns! Come on fam!....how can U not love that!? Hawkman and Hawkwoman lookd pretty tight also. Come on DC...lets get that new Justice League show up and running!
Denn1s
Denn1s - 11/27/2010, 7:09 PM
the pilot was awesome but it is not to be mistaken with the young justice comic. it is not an adaptation. anyway, i wish marvel had that kind of animation for the avengers. i have better hopes for ultimate spiderman...
golden123
golden123 - 11/27/2010, 8:31 PM
@iconstatic, Ibz, and deathmetalbrian: Yeah I thought it was a continuation of the DCAU. Thanks for giving me the heads up.
@just Iconstatic: That's funny you should mention Aquaman's hand because actually I meant to look for that but every time he was shown I kept forgetting to look at his hand. I was looking for it because I hadn't remembered seeing his hands different from each other the first time he was shown and wanted to make sure this show wasn't screwing up continuity.
GraysonsCowl
GraysonsCowl - 11/27/2010, 9:09 PM
Here's a link to watch the episode if you haven't already. Hurry before it's taken down. http://www.videoweed.com/file/pdz2kbmh515z9
wonderme
wonderme - 11/27/2010, 9:09 PM
I thought that Superman aready had a clone made in the 90's you know when he dies. I hpoe that it is good though.
greenlanter13
greenlanter13 - 11/27/2010, 9:15 PM
this was a good show
Jib7z
Jib7z - 11/27/2010, 9:33 PM
@deathmetalbrian: For real dude? You're going to take the "Little boy running around in his underwear" comment? I was talking about how that Robin costume came about from Tim Drake, and that was AFTER Connor Kent died. I think that if they use Dick Grayson, they should at least make his costume look like they did on Batman: The Animated Series.

I'm just trying to discuss how different the Robins were, and how this one is JUST like Drake on a lot of levels.
Ultron8872
Ultron8872 - 11/27/2010, 9:35 PM
Good show, but I was underwhelmed or at the very least whelmed.

LOL!

I'd rather have Justice League or JLU back.

Avengers is still better, at least story-wise.

Animation is better for YJ, but the story (thus far) is better for A:EMH.

I'll watch both, though.
Suzanne
Suzanne - 11/28/2010, 1:49 AM
According to Wikipidea now that the Wonder-Girl legal issue has ended,they will bring her on to the show later in the season. I would assume that it will be Donna.

I am shocked with all the Smallville haters on this site that no one had a problem with Hawkman or Green Arrow's look. Although I am pleasantly shocked.
gvozdengrom
gvozdengrom - 11/28/2010, 9:27 AM
watched it. It was good enough.
But, I feel I have to repeat myself here: This is Teen Titans, not YJ, however you look at it.
For cripes sake it even has Wally instead of Bart, and begins with Roy.
It's like someone promising you Justice league, and than you get Squadron Supreme from marvel.
I understand the marketing reasons and all, but in the end, what I see is corporative laziness.

Apologies for rant.
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