In 2011 Cartoon Network introduced YOUNG JUSTICE, an animated series that set a bunch of teen meta-humans in the world of DC Comics’ Justice League. The series focuses on sidekicks and teenaged superheroes struggling to make a name and reputation for themselves in hopes of becoming full members of The Justice League, but following the trend that WB animations are taking, this is far from from appealing to "just kids". Gone art the days of the Superfriends--complete with the wonder-twins and their pet comic relief monkey "gleek". In this adultish take on superhero teens, non-linear storytelling is frequently employed to tell the rather complex stories and the characters are more than just balls of teen angst; they deal with both villains and growing up in very mature ways making many of them great role models for the younger fans. The first season was even awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.
YOUNG JUSTICE Season Two has been subtitled INVASION and this first collection of 10 episodes has been released on DVD under the further subtitle “Destiny Calling.” After a very brief introduction in which we learn that six members of the Justice League went missing and cannot remember those 16 hours, we jump ahead five years to be re-introduced to “The Team.” A couple of the teenaged heroes from Season One have graduated and some new members are being introduced. The line-up for Season Two includes (but is certainly not limited to) Nightwing (last season’s Robin, Dick Grayson, being promoted to team leader), Wonder Girl, Superboy, Lagoon Boy, Miss Martian, Blue Beetle, Batgirl, Beast Boy, Bumblebee and the new Robin, Tim Drake. Whew! The main season-long story concerns a secret alien invasion of Earth, a maybe traitor in “The Team” and covert missions including one of our teen heroes infiltrating his father’s army.
THE DISC:
-The full screen 1.78 transfer is good with bold colors that are visually appealing and "pop". Very good line delineation with hardly any stair-stepping.
-The Dolby Digital 2.0 sound mix is more than acceptable to satisfy picky audiophiles.
THE EXTRAS:
The extras are limited to three bonus episodes of another excellent DC animated series, BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD: “Rise of the Blue Beetle!,” “Fall of the Blue Beetle!” and “Revenge of the Reach!”
Warner Brothers / 2012 / 217 min. / NR