NYCC’14: Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
Written by: Gary M. Kenny, CC2K Comics Editor
Writing an article about last year’s New York Comic Con might seem a bit tardy, but contre monfre, i’ve been planning this ever since Justice League: Throne of Atlantis was mentioned at NYCC’13! That’s right, this review is almost two years in the making.
Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment keeps delivering some amazing comic book animation. Ever since Batman: Mask of the Phantasm came out (I saw it in the movie theatre), I always had to check out which ever comic related video DC and WB had to offer. Lately, there really have stepped up their game. Flicks like the epic Justice League: War, the amazing Suicide Squad feature aka Batman: Assault on Arkham, and now Justice League: Throne of Atlantis. They keep knocking out their competitors with these strong and powerful animated films.
This movie has so much action, humor, and suspense, I am at a loss for words. Long are the days of the Justice Friends and their campy superhero antics. DC has done right and given us an Aquaman origin worth checking out. The fight scenes alone are one of the best DC has ever produced and the script is very strong. The story even feels Shakespearean. Two brothers, one who grew up with royalty, the other a fisherman’s son. These men are both the rightful heirs of the magical ancient world of Atlantis. A man wanting to give the world to his people by any means necessary, the other only learning he has people to look out for. The Geoff John’s comic book arc was strong and WB animation really honored it with this movie.
At NYCC’14 I was talking with voice director Andrea Romano about what I should expect from JL:ToA. Though Mrs. Romano always speaks fondly about her voice actors, she really loved how Matt Lanter stepped up his game portraying Aquaman. Matt Lanter has been in the voice acting game a long time, his best work can be heard in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Ultimate Spider-Man. Mrs. Romano went on how about how likeable and believable Matt Lanter came across as Arthur Curry.
“Matt, as talented and wonderful, and as known as he is, isn’t a celebrity on the likes of some of the other people I’ve worked with, but he was absolutely the best actor for the role, and that is why we cast him“ – Andrea Romano (CBR interview)
At the start of this movie, there isn’t a Justice League. Batman is in Gotham, Green Lantern is off world, Superman and Wonderwoman are dating, and the Flash is running around doing his own thing. Cyborg and Shazam are the only heroes still communicating since the battle with Darkseid (JL: War). The film starts with Cyborg discovering an S.O.S. call from a submarine. The sub was attacked by an underwater threat and when Cyborg travels into the deep to investigate, he is attacked by unknown enemies. Barely escaping, Cyborg knows he has to reunite the Justice League before this threat becomes global. Meanwhile, fisherman Arthur Curry has been escaping his feelings at the local bar. He hasn’t been able to handle the passing of his father. He feels lost and alone. However, getting drunk and into a fight always puts a smile on his face. Atlantis has been magically protected from the surface dwellers thanks to a magical trident. Orm (OceanMaster) wants to rule his people but his mother won’t relinquish the throne. He knows his mother’s nonviolent ways won’t keep the surface world from discovering them. Especially now that there are men like Superman around. It’s up to Orm to attack first with the power of the trident. It’s a power unmatched by anyone on earth; anyone but Arthur Curry.
It’s a great movie, well worth checking out. If you liked Justice League: War you will equally love this film. I feel they finally got Aquaman done right. He’s relatable and passionate and not just a guy who talks to fish. Plus, he’s got some serious muttonchops.
4.0 out of 5.0
The newly formed Justice League members Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman discover another super hero on the planet – Aquaman – and the group must band together to prevent a war between the inhabitants of land and sea as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, and DC Entertainment unleash Justice League: Throne of Atlantis. Packed with non-stop action, the brand-new 75-minute DC Universe Original Movie comes to Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on January 27, 2015.
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis will be available on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack for $24.98 SRP and on DVD for $19.98 SRP. The Blu-rayTM Combo Pack includes a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet.* Fans can also own Justice League: Throne of Atlantis in Digital HD on January 13 via purchase from digital retailers.