Young Justice: The Animated Series
by William Hood
In the words of Miss Martian. "Duh, Megan."
That's what you should say to anyone not watching Young Justice. Originally a comic book from DC Comics and Peter David with Todd Nauck, it is now a brilliantly executed animated series.
I have been watching this show from the preview pilot movie, and it hooked me right out of the gate.
Spot on characterizations (if a little wobbly sometimes) and fantastic animation puts this show on par with any of the DCU animated movies.
Robin, voiced by Jesse McCarty is just perfect. To the point that I hear him in my head now when reading Robin in the comics, the costume is a slightly modified version of the Tim Drake costume, but it is Dick behind the mask. The computer hacker/genius slant is a really nice touch. It is also kinda cool to see him NOT in charge by default this go around.
Initially, I didn't like the almost obligatory once per episode "disgruntled, gruntled" or "overwhelmed, underwhelmed, or just whelmed" type of quips, but they've grown on me. Similar to the "Duh, Megan!" from Miss Martian...who is actually voiced by Danica McKellar, a welcome surprise, a very innocent, very sweet character who seems a bit starstruck sometimes but has become sort of the heart of the team.
Kid Flash is Wally West. Yay! Kid Flash should be Wally, I mean if Wally can't be Flash. Jason Spisak voices the teen speedster, and that coupled with the sometimes frenetic animation puts Kid Flash into one of my favorite slots on the team.
Aqualad, at first, I wasn't a fan as I thought he was put there for affirmative action or whatever, but he has grown on me especially after they acknowledged Garth in an Atlantis-centric episode.
Superboy is the one character that sometimes seems off to me. Very angry, yet heroic and protective of his friends. I would like a resolution to his Superman issues, however.
Throughout the first season, we are introduced to Artemis, as she is brought onto the team, we get the stealth suits, and Red Arrow/Speedy trying desperately not to be a part of the team.
We get the mystery of "the Light" and the kids coming into their own as a team.
With the second season they have introduced a rotating slate of JLAers to be den mothers to the kids. Fun idea, if a little forced. We also get Wendy and Marvin introduced in a way that actually works, and eagle eyed viewers will see Bumblebee from the Teen Titans, too. We get a nod to the swamp headquarters of the Injustice League of the old Challenge of the Super Friends cartoons. We have intrigue in discovering there is a mole on the team, and conflict when a team member isn't wholly honest. We were just introduced to Zantanna, and despite her being de-aged it is a nice touch. Captain Marvel is so appropriatly formula that it works, and they actually introduced Mr. Tawny. He works, It's great.
With classic Superfriends nods, classic storyline respect and cool little bits and cameos (Snapper Carr, anyone?) coupled with great pacing and writing and animation this series is one you should be watching.
Bill Hood is Creative Director for Dream In Color Entertainment. He can be reached at wjh1170@gmail.com
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