Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)

Dirs. Sam Liu + Lauren Montgomery

After an intriguing introduction we join the primary Justice League members as they build a new HQ in space; regular fans will know it as the Watchtower.

Construction is halted, however, when an intruder alarm is triggered, which is the precursor to a situation that requires their special talents; namely, a collective of evildoers who threaten to destroy everything that the League hold dear, and more.

The DC Multiverse has been used more in the comic book medium than in the animation one, but you won't need any special knowledge of the 'cosmic construct' concept to enjoy CoTE, and nor does it get too heavily into the science behind the phenomenon.

It focusses on action and adventure, mixing up expectations just enough to keep things feeling fresh.

Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)

Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)

Dir. Dave Bullock

A voiceover in the deep tones of Keith David is a good way to open any animation, but coming as it does before a title sequence that captures the aesthetic of the Atomic era as it might be seen through the expert eyes of Saul Bass is a hell of a good start! And yes, I feel that exclamation mark is fully warranted.

It then establishes the mindset of a few of the heroes by having them placed in various parts of the world during times of great social and/or political upheaval. For fighter pilot Hal Jordan (David Boreanaz) that translates to his having to make some very difficult decisions whilst in a life or death situation.

For Superman (Kyle MacLachlan) and Wonder Woman (Lucy Lawless) the level of mortal danger is significantly less, given their near-invincibility, but thematically their challenges are also demanding.

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)

Dir. Ethan Spaulding

It surprised me to learn that Aquaman made his comic book debut in 1941. I'd not given his genesis any thought before now, but if asked I would've guessed that he was a product of the Silver Age. I don't know if the DC universe would be much worse off if he wasn't in it, but the modern (internet) age hasn't improved his profile much. The Throne of Atlantis movie doesn't help his credibility, either.

Before he dons the orange and green duds, he's dry-land dweller Arthur Curry (Matt Lanter). Arthur's father has recently died, leaving the young man lonely and angry as he moves through the stages of grief.

Besides loss and anger, the story explores yearning, belonging, belief, and teamwork, among other things, as Arthur uncovers his true heritage.

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

Dir. Jay Oliva

An alternative universe tale of sorts that can be viewed as a single movie in itself, but also functions as the beginning of a major continuity shakeup for the animated DC Universe. I'll refer more to the second part of that sentence at the end of the post. [1]

It's a gritty and violent adventure packed with DCU heroes and villains; some of whom have very little impact on the story, but it's fun to see them included.

A knowledge of the Justice League is required, however, in order to fully appreciate how different things are in the featured timeline - to understand the extent of the contrast, you'll need to have some knowledge of how things ought to be normally.

The primary protagonist is Flash, the Barry Allen version, as seen front and centre on the cover art.