For the past six years, Warner Premiere have been producing a steady stream of direct-to-video animated movies, featuring heroes of the DC Universe. Seventeen in all, to date. Building upon the firm foundations set by the Batman, Superman and Justice League Unlimited animated T.V. series, these films have made clear efforts to glean classic tales from actual comic books, either partially or wholeheartedly. These have been met with varying degrees of critical and commercial success.
It’s apparent that today, the direct-to-DVD market is not quite the cash cow it was perceived to be in 2007. Yet, the sales figures are not synonymous with the quality of output. My top six are by no means the best-sellers. Perhaps they’re not even the most critically acclaimed. I would say however, the standards of storytelling that have been achieved across the board enable DC Comics to claim this channel as one they truly own.
Before we boom-tube into the countdown, I must confess my guilty pleasure that didn’t quite make the cut: Superman vs. The Elite (2012). It has the most rip-roaringly hilarious portrayal of an Englishman,(and a northerner at that), since the mockney-isations of Dick van Dyke Esq. What’s more, this feat is upstaged in the same movie by the sheer joy of hearing Superman uttering a certain characteristically English swear-word. I cried with laughter for at least a week. Thank you, Joe Kelly!
6. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
This feature is based on Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness‘ original comic-book arc from Superman/Batman #1 – #6. The plot is that President Lex Luthor has declared this World’s Finest pair to be dangerous criminals. They are immediately fugitives on the run from the authorities and their ex-colleagues, whilst being hunted by the underworld fraternity keen on claiming their substantial bounties. Not only is this a solid interpretation of Loeb’s script, the effort made to emulate McGuinness’ art style is inspired and effective. This is a sleek adaptation that concentrates on delivering pace and action aplenty. It’s noteworthy that voice-actor stalwarts, Tim Daly (Superman) and Kevin Conroy (Batman) reprised their animated TV series roles in this production and the film is all the better for it. It’s also a fine example of how best to respect source material, without being a slave to it.
5. Wonder Woman (2009)
This feature goes on my list for being true to this character’s heritage, rather than being a primary coloured spandex-fest. Diana, Princess of Themyscira is an Amazon. The Amazons are warriors. First and foremost this presentation doesn’t let you ever forget that. Whilst not ridiculously bloodthirsty, there is much violence and the delivery is relatively mature. Essentially, it’s a retelling of Wonder Woman’s origin, including her initial encounters with Col. Steve Trevor, played with notable zest by fan-favourite Nathan Fillion. So, yes, there are admirable doses of fun, too. Their principal nemesis, the war-god, Ares, is also finely realised by Alfred Molina.
4. Justice League : The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
This film is a streamlined adaptation of the Flashpoint comic book mini-series of 2010. The Flash wakes up in a world that is a dark mirror to his own. Emperor Aquaman and Princess Diana are at loggerheads, fighting a global war. Bruce Wayne was gunned down as a child; still, there is a Dark Knight: Thomas Wayne, who doesn’t object to dropping criminals to their deaths or having a hip-flask in his utility belt. The anime-inspired visuals are vividly rendered, displaying levels of violence and bloodshed that I’d suggest are rather grown-up. This is perhaps the darkest interpretation of the DCU to date, but one can’t deny the drama. Or the entertainment.
3. Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)
I was and am an admirer of Darwyn Cooke’s mini-series, upon which this movie has been so carefully and painstakingly based. Visually, this is a rare treat. Cooke’s art style, which beautifully echoes the line-work of the likes of Jack Burnley, Wayne Boring and Jack Kirby, has been skillfully imitated and animated. The plot takes our heroes closer to their chronological roots; we see the traditional values that won WWII being challenged; we witness Superman and Wonder Woman debating politics in the midst of the Korean War; we behold the dawning of demiurgic global threats, for which there may well be no adequate response. What was originally a six-issue printed epic has been elegantly condensed, whilst retaining much of its charm and exuberance. Most importantly, it distils the positivity and hope for the future that defined the 1960’s and the Silver Age.
2. DC Showcase: Animated Shorts Collection (2010)
Variety is the spice of life, they say. This collection undoubtedly supports that tenet.
Warner Premiere and DC Comics experimented with giving exposure to certain lesser known DC characters by producing short animated bonus segments, added to a string of releases including Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010) and Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010). Quite sensibly, they subsequently released this collected edition.
The main feature, running at 22 minutes, is Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam. This is a muscular, energetic retelling of the origin of Captain Marvel, with much added value provided by the voice-acting talent of James Garner as the wizard, Shazam. This is followed by a fast and furious display of the martial talents of Green Arrow interrupting a kidnapping and battling with arch-nemesis, Merlyn, played with verve and vigour by Malcolm McDowell. The Spectre’s chapter, starring Gary Cole as hard-boiled detective Jim Corrigan, is an exceedingly cool homage to the pulp detective movies of the 1970’s, combined with the supernatural menace of a darkly imaginative spirit of vengeance. The Jonah Hex short is also superbly rendered. Thomas Jane is perfect for the role in this brutal, mature western.
It makes for the perfect Saturday morning, with a big bowl of rice-crispies whilst outside, the gale force winds blow unheeded.
1. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Parts I and II (2012/13)
Contentious is a word commonly used in reference to adaptations of beloved comic book stories. This particularly film, split between two DVD releases, takes on perhaps the most beloved Batman epic of modern times: Frank Miller and Klaus Janson’s The Dark Knight Returns.
The greatest weakness of previous reworkings from printed page to small-screen has been the toll taken by cutting content, in order to achieve a commercially viable running time. So, producing a two-part release was the only way to accommodate this classic.
This is a great animated film. It faithfully recreates Miller’s vision of a twisted version of the 1980’s and his overriding Cold War theme that’s this tale’s backbone. Whilst there are storytelling amendments to suit the medium and a compression of certain elements, it’s a lively and engaging ride, that’s not lacking depth. This is still a package that can satisfy devotees and first-timers alike.
So, there you have it chums, my top six from seventeen. And there’s more to come: Justice League: War, Son of Batman and Batman: Assault on Arkham have each been announced as forthcoming. Yes, DVD sales are dropping but that’s an issue of medium, not content. The overall trend of DCU Animated films is gradual improvement. I hope it continues.
What are your favourite DCU animated films?
