For the Man Who Has Everything
Episode #2 - For the Man Who Has Everything
Original Airdate - August 7th 2004
Batman and Wonder Woman visit the Fortress of Solitude on Superman's
birthday, only to find him trapped by Mongul.
Review by Bleu Unicorn
Media by Bird Boy, Jim Harvey |
Credits:
Written by J.M. Dematteis
Adapted from a story by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Directed by Dan Riba
Music by Lolita Ritmanis
Animation Services by Dong Yang Animation
Voices:
George Newbern as Superman
Susan Eisenberg as Wonder Woman
Kevin Conroy as Batman, Gunman
Eric Roberts as Mongul
Dana Delaney as Loana
Mike Farrell as Pa Kent
Josh Hutcherson as Vane-El
Christopher McDonald as Jor-El
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Review
I think everyone had their reservations about the new Justice League. There
was in the very least a lot of skepticism surrounding it. But, at least in
my opinion, I think this episode proved that the new show can work just as
well, if not better in its new format. And with the promise of a revolving
cast of guest stars, I found it very enjoyable that this episode was devoid
of new faces (save those introduced in the dream sequence).
Dream sequences are nothing new to the DCAU and have in the past been done
very well and been received with great enthusiasm. Delving into Superman's
deepest desires not only solidifies the idea that he, at least some of the
time, feels very alone; which, is understandable, since he's the sole
survivor of a planet that no longer exists. A fact that has often been
brought to his attention by any number of people. His deepest desire, it is
revealed, revolve around family. He dreams of a Krypton that still exists
and thrives, with his parents alive and well and a family of his own. As
most desires go, this one's pretty much impossible to achieve, which makes
it only that much more precious and hard to give up. In fact, that pain is
transferred into a furious rage and is thus turned onto a very deserving
Mongul in a very violent way.
All that notwithstanding, this episode certainly is not devoid of action. In
fact, while not as solely devoted to action as "Initiation", this episode has
its own share of brutal fighting. Mongul's no slouch this time around by
anyone's definition - leaving Wonder Woman injured before any real fighting
even begins. Superman, in his post-dream rage, holds back nothing and their
ensuing battle is quite a sight to behold.
A few touches I was greatly pleased with: Mongul's design, a nice
improvement. The Invisible Jet, which is the first thing shown in the
episode, was just a treat. Batman's Black Mercy-induced dream - need I say
more? Wonder Woman plainly not being Superman's equal, where in the past
this fact could have been debated.
The animation in this episode is really mind-blowing. Very fluid and
consistent, accompanied with perfectly timed cuts between scenes. Along with
a perfectly fitting and well placed score, that seems to just get better the
more I hear it. I was also very impressed with the superb voice acting,
especially from George Newbern, who all-to-often is criticized just because
he isn't Tim Daly. It was also a nice treat to have Dana Delaney and
Christopher McDonald back.
By all accounts it was an incredible episode and hopefully just a beginning
to a season of continued excellence from the new series. |
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