For the longest time, DC animation has reigned supreme as the best in the business for animated television shows and films based off of their most iconic characters. With movies like Batman: Under the Red Hood, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and Wonder Woman, it’s obvious they know how to deliver an entertaining movie.
The next film to enter the pantheon of DC animated projects is Justice League: Throne of Atlantis, an adaptation of writer Geoff Johns’ DC New 52 Justice League storyline of the same name.
So, it’s nice to see Aquaman take center stage as the lead in this particular animated movie. Aquaman, a character who is so often mocked, is one of the most underrated heroes in the DC Universe. Originally a founding member of the Justice League, Aquaman is man of two different worlds. The rightful ruler of the Atlantean Empire and a surface dweller, Arthur Curry has had to be a king, superhero and political figure all at the same time. Plus, the guy has a big ass trident and has the ability to convince sharks to attack anything that dares to go into the water. If you’re not convinced, at least check out Johns’ recent run on the character. It offers a great take on the character, and even tackles the subject of Aquaman’s lack of popularity in a very amusing way.
Acting as an origin story, the movie is presenting Curry as a man who knows little to nothing about his Atlantean roots. Fighting for the throne of his kingdom against his half-brother Orm aka Ocean Master (Sam Witwer), the film looks like it’s going to be a loose adaptation of Johns’ original storyline.
If I have one concern, it’s that the film is a sequel to the events of Justice League: War, another movie based off of Johns’ New 52 material. War, while sporting great animation, was probably the weakest DC animated project in recent memory. With the uncomfortably violent portrayals of Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern, and a paper thin plot involving punching the bad guy really hard, War didn’t exactly earn any love from DC fans. Worst of all, most of the heroes acted as if they had nothing but contempt for one another, with the notable exceptions of The Flash and Batman of course. Still, Atlantis is supposedly set far enough away from War that the team members of the Justice League all seem to get along, and have a healthy amount of respect for one another. The humor and friendly interactions between the heroes certainly comes across in the trailer. Green Lantern and Captain Marvel’s amusement at Aquaman’s exasperation over his superhero name is particularly funny.
With original War voice actors Jason O’Mara (Batman), Christopher Gorham (The Flash), Shemar Moore (Cyborg) and Sean Astin (Captain Marvel/Shazam) returning for Throne of Atlantis, the film will also see Rosario Dawson voicing Wonder Woman, Jerry O’Connell voicing Superman and Nathan Fillion voicing Green Lantern. Justice League: Throne of Atlantis will be available on DVD and Blu-ray in the spring of 2015.
What do you think of the trailer for Throne of Atlantis? Any excitement or concerns about the film based on Justice League: War’s less than stellar reception? Let us know in the comments below!
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