Young Justice
This animated series has been on hiatus for a very long time. I became interested and actually look forward to the next episode after the first 9 aired. It was months before another episode, then months after that before another one. I admit I became frustrated and almost gave up on this series. When I found out that new episodes were airing I was hesitant because I was still hurt from the last act of treason that was forced upon me. I eventually forgave the young children. Kids will be kids, right?
I waited until 3 episodes aired before I decided to write this little review.
Young Justice: Alpha Male (1:13)
ROSTER:
Aqualad: Super Strength-Endurance-Durability-Water Manipulation (Magic), Electric Emitting Ability.
Robin: Advanced Agility-Fighting Skill-Intelligence (Computer Accessing Skill, Deductive Reasoning).
Kid Flash: Super Speed-Endurance-Intelligence (Technical Skills)
Superboy: Super Strength (Leaping Ability)-Endurance-Durability-Limited Invulnerability-Infra-Red Vision.
Miss Martian: Super Strength-Shape Shifting-Mental Ability (Telepathy, Telekinesis)-Flight.
Artemis: Marksmanship-Agility-Fighting Skill.
Speedy a.k.a Red Arrow: Uncanny Marksmanship-Agility-Fighting Skill-Intelligence.
RECAP: The Justice League sidekicks being Aqualad, Robin, Kid Flash and Speedy are promised to be elevated to the next level. A tour of Justice League headquarters turns in to a debacle. The junior team discovers that certain information has been withheld from them and Speedy reacts to the disrespect by cutting ties with both groups.
The remaining junior leaguers try to prove their worth by taking on a dangerous and mysterious mission without consulting any of the adult heroes. They stumble upon Superboy and free him from captivity. He eventually joins with his liberators and receives praise from Batman.
Miss Martian and Artemis, Green Arrow’s new protégée, also join the teen titans and form a league of their own called Young Justice.
Batman issues mission assignments and Red Tornado is appointed chaperone to the inexperienced group of youngsters. Many adventures take place up to the present episode. (See season 1 episodes 1-12 for in depth information)
Episode 13: Alpha Male
Newly appointed chaperone, Captain Marvel (Shazam) leads the team on an expedition while investigating an animal attack on a prominent citizen. The team discovers The Brain and Monsieur Mullah are using control devices on the animal population.
*Could this be a hint at future cameo from Doom Patrol or Beast Boy. We can only hope.*
There is turmoil within the ranks of Young Justice. A traitor to the team has been discovered and current leader Aqualad had previously been informed and did not share the alleged information with the rest of the members. This leads to mistrust in their leaders ability. Aqualad even begins to doubt himself.
*It’s interesting to watch this as Captain Marvel guides Aqualad into coming to his own conclusions throughout the episode*
Mind controlled venomed induced animals attack the team as they split up. Captain Marvel is captured and the team has to pull together and overcome the betrayal from Aqualad to rescue him.
*A very familiar tiger catches Captain Marvel’s eye and he even names him Mr.Tawny. Superboy has a battle with a white wolf and becomes attached to him and Kid Flash offers up a name for him as well, Krypto. It doesn’t stick though.*
A fantastic battle ensues as Aqualad takes a page from the Batman's book and reasserts himself as team leader. The Brain and Mallah narrowly escape. A reunited team departs as Captain Marvel flies off alone.
*The best part of this episode was the ending. Captain Marvel returns to Fawcett City where Uncle Dudley waits patiently. During the episode one can feel the abated excitement from Captain Marvel as he presents himself as an adult, but his young Billy Batson persona is apparent as he is told to brush his teeth and get into bed as Uncle Dudley instructs. Shouting “Shazam” we see Billy Batson take Cap’s place and it is a very exciting moment knowing he belongs in Young Justice as well.*
CONCLUSION: Young Justice is a very well written animated series and during the hiatus I began to doubt the teens. The teams progression into a well oiled machine is moving along at an even pace. They still have a traitor to deal with as well.
Robin is learning from his second-in-command role and understands the decisions Aqualad made concerning the traitor issue. He’s proving that the team comes before his ego.
Superboy is a weapon and that’s all he knows. He showing more emotion and is a little over protective since his girlfriend, Miss Martian, almost died last episode.
Miss Martian is gaining experience and maturing. She wants to contribute to the team and works hard to prove it and she seems to have a good relationship with Artemis, the mysterious new comer who has some secrets.
Aqualad, in my opinion, is the most difficult character to write. He is turning into a fine leader by making good tactical command decisions.
Future episodes will most certainly include Red Arrow, Who is my favorite character on the show. I believe he will eventually come to blows with the team.
This makes Young Justice exciting as the team overcomes mistakes and personalities develop.
With this and the last 2 episodes my faith has been restored.