For a time, DC Comics published a line of graphic novels under the brand "Elseworlds". The goal of this line was for writers to take existing DC characters and present a new take on them, sometimes placing them in a different time period, having some heroes take on a different identity than we're used to, and many more types of scenarios. Prominent examples include "Superman: Red Son", where Kal-El's ship lands in Soviet Russia, and "Batman: In Darkest Night", in which Bruce Wayne is chosen to be a Green Lantern rather than Hal Jordan. Outside the comics though, an Elseworlds type of story had never been the focus of a TV series or film, as those focus on adapting the mainstream version of DC heroes. This is what makes the latest DC Universe animated film, "Justice League: Gods and Monsters" a pivotal project in the superhero genre. Honestly, after watching the sneak peek of film included on the "Batman vs. Robin" DVD, I wasn't sure this would be something I'd be interested in since it was vastly different from the Justice League I'm used to. But then DC released three six minute animated shorts that told solo stories of the new versions of the trinity, and I was sold. The Batman vs. Harley Quinn short was disturbing, the Superman vs. Brainiac short was heartbreaking, and the Wonder Woman vs. Giganta short got me liking this version better than Diana. It probably goes without saying that my interest for the actual movie had finally been piqued.
When I say that these are different versions of these characters, that should be taken literally. Similar to how characters like Green Lantern and Flash were revamped and given new identities in the Silver Age, this is what's happened to the Trinity. This isn't Clark, Bruce, or Diana. This Superman is the son of Zod who was raised by Mexican immigrants. This Batman is Kirk Langstrom, who after trying to use a bat serum to cure his lymphoma, is turned into a vampire and decides that his blood lust will only be satisfied by feeding on criminals. This Wonder Woman is Bekka, a warrior from the planet of New Genesis. Obviously these heroes are much darker takes than what we're used to, which becomes rather obvious from their lethal tactics. While the first two heroes' origins are slightly altered versions of Superman and Man-Bat, the most interesting origin of the three comes from Bekka/Wonder Woman. Engaged to Orion of Apokolips in an attempt at peace between the two worlds, her story brings a pretty big twist to what one would be used to when the New Gods are involved. If I had to give it one drawback though is that Lex Luthor doesn't have some presence in her story compared to Superman's or Batman's.
Of course the DC trinity aren't the only established characters that are altered from their mainstream versions. Several prominent DC characters, both hero and villain, make appearances but are mostly only civilians. While I and other fans well versed in the DC universe may be able to pick up on who these characters are, I worry that some viewers may not do as well, but not to the point where they can't enjoy the film on its own or be confused. I would give examples of how some of these characters are different, but part of me wants me to keep it a surprise to those reading this review. Since there is a big mystery aspect in the film's story, I don't want to say too much or I might give away who the main villain is. I'll just say that I had two guesses that didn't pan out and I didn't get it until the big reveal, and it's after that reveal that makes it plainly obvious afterwards, and I applaud the film makers for bringing a dark revamp to what are otherwise, in my opinion, silly characters...and that's all you're getting before I give away too much else.
One of the biggest aspects that may draw DC fans into this film is the return of Bruce Timm, the character designer from the "Batman: The Animated Series", "Justice League", and the rest of the DC Animated Universe from the 90's and 00's. It should certainly bring a nostalgia feel to some viewers. But I will bring up the fact that these animated movies are more graphic compared to the old shows, and seeing things like people getting brutally stabbed or burned alive done in Timm's style can be some real blows to the childhood. At the same time though, it is kind of cool to see Timm not hold back as much when it comes to the violence, and it's nice to see him back working on DC characters, even if they're not the versions we're used to.
I think a good comparison to this story would be "Watchmen". You have these heroes, but they're obviously damaged and shouldn't be considered role models. The people and government even question whether or not that heroes with such power can be trusted, and it doesn't help when said heroes do ponder the idea of taking full control of the world. There's a moral gray area for not just the heroes, but for the main villain as well. They both want to change the world for the greater good, but their actions are very questionable and while you can even see things from their point of view, you're still left wondering if they're in the right.
I can't really say much about the voice cast this time around, but the one that really stood out to me was Michael C. Hall as Kirk Langstrom/Batman. His voice is just so dark and broody. It's fitting and what you'd expect from Batman. I could even see Hall doing Bruce Wayne's voice as well.
While I wouldn't recommend this film to those just starting to get into the DC universe, I believe fans who are more knowledgeable will appreciate this darker version. I applaud the film makers for taking a risk and giving fans something different than the usual versions of the characters seen hundreds of times before, and I believe they've succeeded in that attempt. I believe there's still more to explore in this world, like heroes not seen that could be given the same treatment. If a sequel were to be made (most likely to be out in 2017 at the earliest), I would gladly take another look into this world of gods and monsters.
RATING: 9/10
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