Justice League - Season Two (DC Comics Classic
Collection) (2001)
Justice League
DVDs
Buy Now
Justice League season 1 was good, but flawed. Characters lacked
depth, dialogue was occasionally cliche, plot holes were everywhere,
stories felt padded to fill the running time. With season 2, the
creative staff went back and did some major tweaking. The end result
is not only a much better season all around, but one that almost
feels like a brand new series.
Where to begin? Superman is finally back to his super-powered self,
and the season opener pits him against his long-time nemesis
Darkseid in an epic-yet-personal space opera. Green Lantern begins
to get more imaginative with his energy ring, and Wonder Woman is
less a powerhouse barbie and more a rounded character. Continuity
has a heavy role this season, with plot threads from both season 1
and the prematurely cancelled Superman series finding continuation
here.
The stories themselves are an interesting yet strong mix. You have
your standard action stories, but also some downright creepy moments
(Only a Dream, Wild Card) and others that are just randomly bizzare
(Hereafter). A holiday-themed episode lightens the mood just before
everything hits the fan with the season finale "Starcrossed," which
if you've bought the previous dvd already know what it means for a
certain Justice Leaguer. Overall there's definitely some stories
fans will prefer more than others, but there's really not a dud in
the bunch. It helps that strong character moments really hold
everything together and give the stories a more personal edge. That
and the tons of unexpected cameos and nods to the source material.
Animation is much improved over season 1, and the distracting CG
elements are better implemented. It helps that the season is
animated in true widescreen, and if Warner Bros. keeps its promise,
that's what we'll be seeing on this set. Beyond all that, this is
really a show that appeals to both kids and adults. Cartoon Network
had a great hands-off policy, and season 2 pulls no punches. Kids
will love the action and costumed characters, adults will do
double-takes at the implied deaths, veiled innuendo, and all-around
maturity. Bravo.
Below is a list of the 26 episodes for those interested. If you have
any interest in superhero-related material, you will not be
disappointed with this set. By far the best of American animation.
Twilight (2 parts)
Tabula Rasa (2 parts)
Only a Dream (2 parts)
Maid of Honor (2 parts)
Hearts and Minds (2 parts)
A Better World (2 parts)
The Terror Beyond (2 parts)
Eclipsed (2 parts)
Secret Society (2 parts)
Hereafter (2 parts)
Comfort and Joy
Wild Card (2 parts)
Starcrossed (3 parts)
