TV Review: "Young Justice: Outsiders" - Business As Usual

I cannot give enough praise to the DC animated series, "Young Justice". Beginning on Cartoon Network in 2010, the show featured a team of superhero proteges, with the initial roster consisting of Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Superboy, Miss Martian, and Artemis. It may sound like an updated version of Teen Titans, but while the focus is on the young heroes, it was more of a DC universe show as a whole. The team would work hand in hand with the Justice League and take on A-list villains, including Lex Luthor and Ra's al Ghul. The brilliant writing of the show not only helped make this version of the DC universe so unique, but also allowed viewers to become invested in the characters and their relationships. The best thing the show could have done was a five year time skip between seasons one and two (taglined "Invasion") with an expanded character roster, as it made it clear that these characters will change and grow in time much like how real life works. I'd go so far to say this is THE best DC animated series of all time (at least when it comes to universe-wide shows).
The show grew a large fanbase over its first two seasons, so you can probably guess how angry I and others were when the show was cancelled in 2013 for something as dumb as low toy sales. It was even worse that the season ended on a cliffhanger teasing Darkseid; you don't tease Darkseid and end the story there! Petitions were constant, but as years went by, it seemed like the book was closed on the story. That is until the tail end of 2016 when a third season was officially announced, much to a collective fangasm.
Season three, with the tagline "Outsiders", would air over the course of 2019 on the DC Universe streaming service. Despite the gap between seasons, the creators behind the show are no worse for wear, as the show retains what made it so special and loved to begin with.

In a way, it feels like the show never left. The writing is still brilliant and it's a joy that they were able to get a majority of the original voice cast back. The ones I do miss though are Tim Curry as G. Gordon Godfrey and Logan Grove as Beast Boy. Godfrey is now voiced by James Arnold Taylor, who does a good impression, while Beast Boy is reprised by his Teen Titans voice actor, Greg Cipes. I do like Cipes and he does good as a more mature Beast Boy, but getting Logan Grove back would have been a nice touch since the young actor has aged about the same amount as the character; then again, he may just have been available.
The season introduces a number of new characters, including Geo-Force, Halo, Forager, Terra and Cyborg. All mentioned characters are written very well and you will become invested in their progression, so much so that you will feel bad for them at moments where they make major mistakes.

The season begins two years after "Invasion", and it's made clear the Justice League's public reputation still hasn't fully recovered, not helped by Lex Luthor using his position as the United Nations Secretary General to hinder the League's efforts to help the world. This causes a divide among the heroes, whether to work with or without oversight, as well as staying in the shadows or remain public figures. It's an interesting premise that helps it stand out from the previous two seasons, bringing about a moral debate of how far one would go for justice.

The show seems to take a "Samurai Jack" approach with its revival, taking on a more mature tone compared to what came before. This works hand in hand with how the other DC Universe originals do the same. Compared to the previous seasons, the tone of "Outsiders" is more in line with the current DC animated films. It doesn't stick out like the content of "Titans" though, as I feel the mature tone in "Outsiders" feels like a natural progression and helps up the ante from what came before. This includes a lot more bloodshed during fights and some graphic imagery. A prime example is Cyborg's origin, particularly the accident that lead to his creation. This origin is probably the most graphic version yet, going so far as to expose his still beating heart and a portion of his head scorched down to the skull.
Aside from the violence though, the mature tone also allows for the show deal with themes it would have been unable to before, including abusive homesteads, childbirth complications, and more prevalent and relative, racism. While they also go the X-Men route by using meta-humans as a metaphor, true racism exists as well, including a storyline about banning refugees from certain countries. It's also clear they take inspiration from Donald Trump with villains like Baron Bedlam and Lex Luthor, the latter of which mimicking the "fake news" and "good people on both sides" quotes. So not only has the Donald Trump makeover Lex had in the 80's come full circle, but maybe it's a good thing the show had a bit of a hiatus.

As a whole, "Young Justice" has had this way of using the last episodes of the season to wrap things up in a way that, personally, gets me overly excited as I watch the smug-ass villains get rightfully put in their place as the heroes get the huge victory. "Outsiders" is no different. Like "Invasion" though, it's a bittersweet ending as the victory also comes with a major turning point for one of the characters. I think that between the excitement and concern over the fate of certain characters, both are a testament to how well written the show is and how it's able to make fans care so much.

Admittedly, I will say that I wish certain questions I had were answered (like why Miss Martian's form was different) and that some plotlines weren't used to their full potential (Red Hood, Batman Inc.). However, it's small potatoes when it comes to how good the season was as a whole.

Overall, "Young Justice: Outsiders" will leave both established fans and newcomers extremely satisfied. Not only do we get some closure from "Invasion", but with a fourth season greenlit, we won't have to say goodbye to these characters again. In a word, it's totally crash.

Movie Review: "Batman: Hush" - Faithful to a Point (SPOILERS)

In anticipation for this film, I reviewed the original "Batman: Hush" comic storyline, finding it still held up as a great story with great art. Does the animated film hold up just as well? Well, it's kind of complicated, and I think there will be some division between fans over this film.

I'll first give props to the character designs. While this is set within the DC animated movie universe, they certainly went out of their way to be faithful to Jim Lee's style. Batman's wearing the classic blue and grey suit complete with the trunks, Nightwing's back in blue after wearing red in the "Judas Contract" film, and Harley's in her jester outfit (though they make a joke about it I think fans of the classic look may not like). And characters introduced within universe are given their "Hush" designs, including Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Scarecrow. I think they even gave Joker extra special treatment.
While on the topic Joker, I have to give my thoughts on Jason Spisak's portrayal of the character. I think he does a good job, despite not being one of the significant players in the film. I only wonder if he'll remain Joker going forward or if he may be replaced as it tends to happen with these films. He's no Mark Hamill, but I think Spisak should have another opportunity as the character in the future. He's certainly got the laugh down and his delivery during the Arkham scene really had me laughing.

The film takes quite a few liberties with the story to help it fit with the continuity of the DCAMU, with characters being switched out for others. Bane is used in place of Killer Croc, most likely to bring the character into the universe since Croc had already been in "Son of Batman". Batgirl is used instead of Huntress to justify her cameo appearance in "Bad Blood". Lady Shiva is used as the new head of the League of Assassins since both Ra's and Talia are dead. Besides the character changes, I did notice that the film does tend to rush or condense some plot points. For example, Superman seems leave on bad terms with Batman for working with Catwoman and putting Lois in danger compared to the film.
But then there's the big change that I think is comparable to the Mandarin twist in "Iron Man 3": in this film, Riddler is Hush. Much like in the comics, Riddler had used the Lazarus Pit to cure himself of a brain tumor, which enhanced his intelligence so he could deduce Bruce Wayne was Batman. In the film though, Riddler becomes Hush himself (wearing bandages to cover up a question mark scar) to finally destroy Batman and make fools out of the other villains used in the film. Thomas Elliot is still in the film, but only as an old friend of Bruce and the doctor who was unable to cure Riddler.
There are a few problems with this change. One, it downplays Bruce and Thomas' relationship, leaving out the flashbacks to their childhood friendship. In turn, this leaves out a lot of red herrings. Thomas would only be a suspect because he was Hush in the original story, but there's also the fact that Harvey Dent is still shown to be Two-Face in a cameo and Jason Todd doesn't exist in this universe, leaving Clayface to act as a decoy Riddler instead. To add to the Jason Todd part, Batman's brutal beatdown of Joker after believing him to have killed Thomas also doesn't have as much emotional punch because Bruce was also thinking back on how he killed Jason and crippled Barbara, wondering how much more hurt Bruce will allow himself to take from the clown.
On the other hand though, this does kind of work when you look at it as its own story. The whole thing about Riddler deducing Batman's identity was retconned sometime after the original story, so I think the film does a good job of doing something with that idea, showing the pit's enhancing properties as well as how deranged it can make a person. It's a good way to turn the tables on those familiar with the story, but I think this will piss off the purists.

Where it lacks in the mystery, they tend to focus more on the romance between Batman/Bruce Wayne and Catwoman/Selina Kyle. They capture the romance from the original story quite well, thanks in part to the voice acting of Jason O'Mara and Jennifer Morrison. I also think they took a lot of inspiration from the engagement period of the two from Tom King's run, where they're shown actually fighting crime together and even living in Wayne Manor as a couple. But like the comics, it's seemingly not meant to be. While the original "Hush" storyline began a period of Batman acting more paranoid and Tom King's run is working under the idea that "Batman can't be Batman if he's happy" crap, this film goes with Selina realizing that despite how much she's changed, Bruce may always put his personal crusade first. Still, they hope one day they can make it work.

Lastly, the action is pretty good, with my favorite fights being Batman vs. Superman and Batman vs. Hush in the climax. The Batman/Superman fight is a good but brief adaptation of the one from the comics, plus it's kind of nice to see them on somewhat equal footing in a fight compared to their first encounter way back in "War". The Hush fight is also a particularly brutal one, due in part to Hush using the Riddler cane in a scythe fashion.

Overall, "Batman: Hush" is a satisfying adaptation even if it doesn't adhere strictly to the source material. Between the identity misdirection and the romance, you could say it's similar to "Mask of the Phantasm". While not exactly groundbreaking, it's still an entertaining film with a wide cast of iconic characters.

TV Review: Swamp Thing - Go Green...Or Else

Swamp Thing is another character I've only really encountered in a widespread compacity, like when he appears as part of a crossover in comics, animation or video games. The best way to think of Swamp Thing is like a scarier version of Captain Planet, as he draws his power from the environment while also fighting to protect it. While the character has had solo adaptations outside of comics, it has been a few decades so he might not be as relevant nowadays. So much like Doom Patrol, Swamp Thing was prime material for the DC Universe streaming service, and focusing on the character's horror roots (no pun intended) would give it its own unique feel. "Swamp Thing" is another hit for DC Universe, but unfortunately is a short-lived one.

As mentioned, the series leans very heavily on the horror aspects of the character and his world. It's really the main highlight to me, as there's a great mix of practical and computer generated effects. There's a lot to fill viewers with fright, from jump scares, ghosts and hallucinations, and body horror (including transformation and mutilation). There's also one specific moment in episode four that made me very nauseous. Even if you don't read comics, true horror fans would get a real kick out of this series.

The cast of characters is rich and have a lot in terms of complexity. Many characters come off as likable people but also have a dark side. Honestly, the only main character that comes off as "obviously evil" from the get-go is Avery Sunderland (played by Will Patton). I also enjoy that there are a number of significant DC characters involved as well, including Phantom Stranger, Madame Xanadu, and Blue Devil.
When it comes to our titular character, Andy Bean and Derek Mears shine as both Alec Holland and Swamp Thing.
As Holland, Bean is able to deliver a significant performance, allowing his human form to be memorable and for viewers to become invested in him before the events that lead to the creation of his monstrous alter ego.
Derek Mears is mostly known for his stunt work, including playing Jason Vorhees in the 2009 "Friday the 13th" film, but he is probably the most surprising actor of the series as Swamp Thing. The Swamp Thing suit is heavily detailed and makes for one of the most comic accurate looks to come from the genre. The facial make-up is the best part as it allowed for Mears to speak and we can see his expressions coming through. Swamp Thing the character is a marvel to witness as we watch him grow, coming to terms with his existence, his powers, and his purpose. Coupling that with the delivery in Mears' voice also allows us to ride the emotional roller coaster he goes on. The relationship between him and Abby Arcane (played by Crystal Reed) is great to watch and I found it akin to "The Shape of Water" (though it doesn't go THAT far). Overall, Mears as Swamp Thing is probably the best comic book character performance I've seen since Josh Brolin as Thanos.
Another character that really stood out to me was Kevin Durand as Jason Woodrue. Woodrue was one of the few characters I was familiar with going into this series due to his villainous alter ego, so he was one character I was sure to keep my eye on. I haven't seen a lot of Kevin Durand's work, but what I have seen shows him in more brutish roles, so seeing him as more of scientist was as much as a surprise to me as Mears as Swamp Thing. He's an eccentric character with very noble intentions, though his drive to reach his goals eventually results in a psychotic break. He's just a character that's enjoyable to watch from beginning to end, and his fall from grace is somewhat heartbreaking, even if you're able to see it coming.

"Swamp Thing" was highly entertaining and another unique addition to DC's live action library. Sadly though, we must bid farewell as soon after greetings, as "Swamp Thing" was cancelled shortly after its first episode despite its acclaim. While a straight answer hasn't been given, the cancellation was most likely due to budgetary issues. It's a real shame because I saw a lot more potential to be had based on the final episode. Still, I can't help but think of another horror-based DC character whose solo series was unjustly cancelled. If Constantine can find new life within the Arrowverse, there could be hope for Swamp Thing in one way or another. Only time will tell.