25 reviews
When I watched this show as a kid, I thought it was the biggest show on television. How could it not be? It aired in the evenings and was so... mature, for lack of a better word. It had voice real celebrity actors who weren't just phoning it in, who were selling these dramatic stories without a hint of irony.
The writing was thoughtful and intelligent, reminding me of some of the other dramas my parents watched on the major broadcast networks... and yet it was a superhero cartoon. I am far from the first person to say that the dialogue and conversations on this show are so good, it's almost a disappointment when the inevitable earth-shaking superhero battles break out.
But the show pulls those off brilliantly too. JLU has some of the most exciting fights you are ever going to see these characters wage outside of the comic books. There isn't a single live-action fight in any of the DC movies that even comes close to the level of action this show provides on an episodic basis - and I don't say that lightly.
The three seasons of this show are an absolute love letter to comics fans, with dozens and dozens of ancillary DC characters getting the animated treatment for the very first time. It not only works from a narrative standpoint, adding more diversity to the classic lineup of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, etc., but it also creates a wonderful Star Trek-like feel on the Justice League watchtower. Plenty of scenes show characters commiserating and enjoying their leisure time on this futuristic moon-based headquarters, and it adds a fantastic familial feel to the show that, again, makes it feel more like a mature sci-fi show or broadcast drama.
I treasure this show, and I also fear that the respect and gravitas this series showed towards the superhero narrative is a thing of the past. Sure, it's easy to have a cheeky Marvel movie where the characters crack jokes about how stupid they look, and it's easy to have a self-serious DC film that tries to make viewers forget the heroes are wearing costumes. But it's tougher to actually pay tribute to the original comic books in a thoughtful, developed way, to respect the men and women who actually created the narratives from which these pop culture icons have stemmed.
That's something this show did day-in and day-out, episode by episode. It's why it stands apart from other animated American TV productions, and why it deserves every bit of praise I can give it.
The writing was thoughtful and intelligent, reminding me of some of the other dramas my parents watched on the major broadcast networks... and yet it was a superhero cartoon. I am far from the first person to say that the dialogue and conversations on this show are so good, it's almost a disappointment when the inevitable earth-shaking superhero battles break out.
But the show pulls those off brilliantly too. JLU has some of the most exciting fights you are ever going to see these characters wage outside of the comic books. There isn't a single live-action fight in any of the DC movies that even comes close to the level of action this show provides on an episodic basis - and I don't say that lightly.
The three seasons of this show are an absolute love letter to comics fans, with dozens and dozens of ancillary DC characters getting the animated treatment for the very first time. It not only works from a narrative standpoint, adding more diversity to the classic lineup of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, etc., but it also creates a wonderful Star Trek-like feel on the Justice League watchtower. Plenty of scenes show characters commiserating and enjoying their leisure time on this futuristic moon-based headquarters, and it adds a fantastic familial feel to the show that, again, makes it feel more like a mature sci-fi show or broadcast drama.
I treasure this show, and I also fear that the respect and gravitas this series showed towards the superhero narrative is a thing of the past. Sure, it's easy to have a cheeky Marvel movie where the characters crack jokes about how stupid they look, and it's easy to have a self-serious DC film that tries to make viewers forget the heroes are wearing costumes. But it's tougher to actually pay tribute to the original comic books in a thoughtful, developed way, to respect the men and women who actually created the narratives from which these pop culture icons have stemmed.
That's something this show did day-in and day-out, episode by episode. It's why it stands apart from other animated American TV productions, and why it deserves every bit of praise I can give it.
DC Animated strikes again. Staying true to the heroes, this show contains nearly every single animated hero from the DC verse. All done very well and some of the stories (such as the one where Kara/Supergirl remains in the future) are quite moving. Very well done.
This review is actually for both Justice League and Justice League Unlimited because to me Unlimited felt more of a continuation than a reboot.
To start off this is probably the best place to see how the justice league should be like,not the movies, and while comics are great, this is still a cut above most of the justice league comics.
There is not a single episode that I would call bad, in fact all of them are good to great with some being one of the best episodes I have ever watched, and what really sells it is the characters, and not just the main seven who have some of the best character development around, but even side characters like the Question, Green Arrow, and Huntress to name a few, all get fleshed out quite well that you can't help but love them.
The art is not much to write about, but it gets the job done and when things start running the animation usually keeps up with some great scenes animated in there that help complement the well written story.
The story is where this show shines, I mean holy hell do they know how to write good episodes with some even deserving awards, they connect seemingly unconnected episodes to each other bringing the whole thing together as a package (this happens mostly in Unlimited) nicely tying it all up into something special, but that isn't everything, what really made me love this show as fan of comics and superheroes, is the way they pay respect to the comics, it is clear that the writers, voice actors, animators, sound designers and anyone who worked on this show love the comics and they show that love with great pride, and that more than anything is what, at least to me, makes a show something to write home about.
To start off this is probably the best place to see how the justice league should be like,not the movies, and while comics are great, this is still a cut above most of the justice league comics.
There is not a single episode that I would call bad, in fact all of them are good to great with some being one of the best episodes I have ever watched, and what really sells it is the characters, and not just the main seven who have some of the best character development around, but even side characters like the Question, Green Arrow, and Huntress to name a few, all get fleshed out quite well that you can't help but love them.
The art is not much to write about, but it gets the job done and when things start running the animation usually keeps up with some great scenes animated in there that help complement the well written story.
The story is where this show shines, I mean holy hell do they know how to write good episodes with some even deserving awards, they connect seemingly unconnected episodes to each other bringing the whole thing together as a package (this happens mostly in Unlimited) nicely tying it all up into something special, but that isn't everything, what really made me love this show as fan of comics and superheroes, is the way they pay respect to the comics, it is clear that the writers, voice actors, animators, sound designers and anyone who worked on this show love the comics and they show that love with great pride, and that more than anything is what, at least to me, makes a show something to write home about.
- trexman-79876
- May 7, 2018
- Permalink
I know theres a lot of animated shows that could be considered the best, Young Justice and Batman the series to name a few, this one stands out because of its consistent writing. I cant believe they canceled this show. I just wanted to put my 2 cents in and praise this show. If you haven't checked it out, do so!! You wont be disappointed.
If someone asked me "I want to watch/know more about DC, where should I start?" or "Where can I watch Superman slap someone around?" or "Who is Batman?" I would tell them to watch the DCAU. No ifs buts or maybes.
Starting with Batman: TAS you have what I would call the best standalone Batman material, period. With the fantastic voice work of Kevin Conroy laying down the chops of Batman (when I read or think Batman, he is who I hear) and Mark Hamill voicing Joker and the rest of the supporting cast, followed up with complex but easy to follow story lines and it's fantastic gothic noir artwork, you get an unbelievable cartoon.
Following on from that, you get my favourite of the series which is Superman: TAS. Move over Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill, because this is Superman. It's charming, it's complex, it's fun, it's beautiful to watch and it stands out even today just like B:TAS. It has a mix of old looking technology mixed in with futuristic but believable technology, and bright artwork that just brings Metropolis to life. (Seriously DC and WB, why haven't you remastered this in Blu Ray like the rest? You are sleeping on Superman and it breaks my heart...)
Then you have a few other gems like Static Shock and Batman Beyond which are worth a watch if they interest you.
And then you get Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. I love Marvel (Spidey is my main man!) but please step aside MCU, this is how you do Superhero storylines. It throws everything the previous series had and mixes it all together with the added bonus of the other members of the Justice League. It's brilliant and it works.
I'm not going to write anything more about these two shows, because if you are here and reading this, it means you are slightly interested to begin with and you shouldn't be reading me dribbling on, you should be watching the shows! Seriously just go do it. I mean it. Do it.
Starting with Batman: TAS you have what I would call the best standalone Batman material, period. With the fantastic voice work of Kevin Conroy laying down the chops of Batman (when I read or think Batman, he is who I hear) and Mark Hamill voicing Joker and the rest of the supporting cast, followed up with complex but easy to follow story lines and it's fantastic gothic noir artwork, you get an unbelievable cartoon.
Following on from that, you get my favourite of the series which is Superman: TAS. Move over Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill, because this is Superman. It's charming, it's complex, it's fun, it's beautiful to watch and it stands out even today just like B:TAS. It has a mix of old looking technology mixed in with futuristic but believable technology, and bright artwork that just brings Metropolis to life. (Seriously DC and WB, why haven't you remastered this in Blu Ray like the rest? You are sleeping on Superman and it breaks my heart...)
Then you have a few other gems like Static Shock and Batman Beyond which are worth a watch if they interest you.
And then you get Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. I love Marvel (Spidey is my main man!) but please step aside MCU, this is how you do Superhero storylines. It throws everything the previous series had and mixes it all together with the added bonus of the other members of the Justice League. It's brilliant and it works.
I'm not going to write anything more about these two shows, because if you are here and reading this, it means you are slightly interested to begin with and you shouldn't be reading me dribbling on, you should be watching the shows! Seriously just go do it. I mean it. Do it.
The 2001 series was a Justice League fanboy's dream come true and a great series in general, but with its continuation "Unlimited" WB Animation's team reached new heights!
So much more is added to the DC Animated Universe: more heroes are brought on board without sacrificing quality of development, updating the animation, getting previous DCAU series significant treatments within JLU.
I loved it as an animation fan, superhero fan, Batman fan and a Comics fan in general.
I recommend it to everyone who loves action and good storytelling and every DC fan out there!
So much more is added to the DC Animated Universe: more heroes are brought on board without sacrificing quality of development, updating the animation, getting previous DCAU series significant treatments within JLU.
I loved it as an animation fan, superhero fan, Batman fan and a Comics fan in general.
I recommend it to everyone who loves action and good storytelling and every DC fan out there!
I used to think the original (Justice league Animated) was better than Unlimited, but re watching it now I realize unlimited has so much soul and better stories.
They shed the spotlight on so many other lesser known heroes while still making sure the stars of the show are the seven. It's such a nice balance.
The stories are so relatable, personal, and smart. From the messy relationship of hawkgirl, to the fear and hate of the JL super powers, or insecurities of the no super power heroes in the league. It's all just so well written.
As much as I love "Young Justice", it's just a little too serious and dark sometimes but this show doesn't even have that problem, it somehow found a perfect balance.
As a Marvel fan, it's so upsetting to me that of all the Marvel Animated shows out there(there's a lot of Marvel series) only "Spectacular Spider-Man" has this kind of writing and heart. None of the "Avengers" animated series feel like this. They all feel like a quick something to cash on the success of the MCU instead of doing something deep and meaningful.
They shed the spotlight on so many other lesser known heroes while still making sure the stars of the show are the seven. It's such a nice balance.
The stories are so relatable, personal, and smart. From the messy relationship of hawkgirl, to the fear and hate of the JL super powers, or insecurities of the no super power heroes in the league. It's all just so well written.
As much as I love "Young Justice", it's just a little too serious and dark sometimes but this show doesn't even have that problem, it somehow found a perfect balance.
As a Marvel fan, it's so upsetting to me that of all the Marvel Animated shows out there(there's a lot of Marvel series) only "Spectacular Spider-Man" has this kind of writing and heart. None of the "Avengers" animated series feel like this. They all feel like a quick something to cash on the success of the MCU instead of doing something deep and meaningful.
It's so good and the re-watchability factor is insane. It's not even only about nostalgia, this show is mint and even gets better the older you get as you understand things you couldn't understand as a kid.
The way they introduced other DC characters without taking the main focus away from the OG Justice league members basically expands an amazing world that we didn't even know was there to begin with. Basically bigger and better. This is the only reason I'm a dc fan and to go a bit off topic, why the DCEU is just so disappointing.
The way they introduced other DC characters without taking the main focus away from the OG Justice league members basically expands an amazing world that we didn't even know was there to begin with. Basically bigger and better. This is the only reason I'm a dc fan and to go a bit off topic, why the DCEU is just so disappointing.
- Funkeysnow
- Jun 23, 2021
- Permalink
Brooooo, this is such an incredible cartoon. The animation is sublime, the lineup of characters...I can't even man. I won't even get into how amazing this show was it's too much.
To say that they should have had at least 10 seasons is an understatement. It's an absolute CRIME that they ended this gem so soon.
Excuse me while I mourn this loss.
To say that they should have had at least 10 seasons is an understatement. It's an absolute CRIME that they ended this gem so soon.
Excuse me while I mourn this loss.
- vaaugustin
- Jan 25, 2022
- Permalink
- amiranda-39274
- Feb 12, 2020
- Permalink
A high point for the DC Animated Universe, Justice League Unlimited features an expanded cast of superheroes as they battle evil across the universe.
Much like its predecessor Justice League, the stories are set in varied well-realized locations and take inspiration from sci-fi concepts, historical happenings and mythological legends. Balance is maintained between self-contained episodic plots and an overarching storyline, enabling meaningful character development and progression as well as the build-up of tension and suspense to explosive finales. Many lesser known heroes are included and humanized as themes like love, loss, trust and unity are touched upon. Finally, gorgeous character designs and jaw-dropping action sequences abound thanks to the beautiful art, excellent animation and creative storyboarding.
Of course, including a larger cast means there is less focus given to individual superheroes and less time available to adequately flesh out stories; the return to largely single-episode narratives exacerbates this issue. The premise of humanity's mistrust of the superheroes' intentions is repeated far too often and apart from a few notable exceptions, the villains and antagonists are unremarkable. Power levels in general feel inconsistent and the tropes typical of superhero cartoons are very much present and evident.
But to its credit, Justice League Unlimited has aged remarkably well. Apart from its aesthetic beauty, the show bears many uplifting messages while also having no dearth of superhero action. As long as one can suspend one's disbelief, it can be enjoyed and appreciated by viewers of all ages.
Much like its predecessor Justice League, the stories are set in varied well-realized locations and take inspiration from sci-fi concepts, historical happenings and mythological legends. Balance is maintained between self-contained episodic plots and an overarching storyline, enabling meaningful character development and progression as well as the build-up of tension and suspense to explosive finales. Many lesser known heroes are included and humanized as themes like love, loss, trust and unity are touched upon. Finally, gorgeous character designs and jaw-dropping action sequences abound thanks to the beautiful art, excellent animation and creative storyboarding.
Of course, including a larger cast means there is less focus given to individual superheroes and less time available to adequately flesh out stories; the return to largely single-episode narratives exacerbates this issue. The premise of humanity's mistrust of the superheroes' intentions is repeated far too often and apart from a few notable exceptions, the villains and antagonists are unremarkable. Power levels in general feel inconsistent and the tropes typical of superhero cartoons are very much present and evident.
But to its credit, Justice League Unlimited has aged remarkably well. Apart from its aesthetic beauty, the show bears many uplifting messages while also having no dearth of superhero action. As long as one can suspend one's disbelief, it can be enjoyed and appreciated by viewers of all ages.
This show really sucked. The characters it generally portrays are not even B rated characters who barely made appearances in comics. In the older justice league show the stories had to span 2-3 episodes but this only ever has 1 episode stories that are just lame and boring. There is no plot happening. It's just new never heard of lame characters cracking sappy jokes. You never get to know them during their little 15 minutes of fame before it's on to the next generic episode. They should've stuck with the old. It wasn't great but this is just sad and boring. This show feels more like paw patrol than anything else and I'm not wasting any more time with it.
- brokenwrench-77736
- Oct 23, 2023
- Permalink
- romanedgar
- Jul 31, 2018
- Permalink
This show is fun and the animation is flawless. There isn't just 1 story. It's basically DC Hero show where each hero gets their own story for different episodes.
batman took the back seat and no one cared which is probably why it got cancelled.
To the trolls giving me numerous unhelpful ratings. Don't stop I love the attention.
batman took the back seat and no one cared which is probably why it got cancelled.
To the trolls giving me numerous unhelpful ratings. Don't stop I love the attention.
- ThunderKing6
- Sep 17, 2019
- Permalink
Few shows - particularly sequels - have a reach that continues to generate new content 15 years after it ended. This is one of those shows. Lots of snark, fun, adventure and great superheroics put to the test. The storylines are excellent, the Universe thought-out beforehand so that there are few continuity glitches (and certainly almost none that catch your eye right away) and the characters are still true to their published selves. This should have been the template for the DCEU.
- BrianPhilbin
- Jul 2, 2021
- Permalink
I have loved the new DCUAOM, it is much a much darker universe, embodying the character of DC. However despite how many excellent pieces they produce, it still pales in comparison to JLU.
A proper Justice done to Justice League with excellent execution. It makes up where the modern movies lack, where there is some quite a lot.
Most obvious one is the range of superheroes it introduced, rather then being stuck to same ones, which we have seen over and over again, characters like Vigilante, Vixen, Shining Knight, Question and several more were introduced to casual audience, and each of them was brilliant in itself.
Another thing I came to love was the depth in story it told. A random scene between Vigilante and Knight about Clint Eastwood movies, was it necessary? No, did it add depth? Yes. It told a great other side of heroes, providing excellent depth to each of characters, something which I woe for in modern DCUAOM, where there is a lack of.
This was my childhood and I loved it when I watched it as kid, still love it to this day.
JLU will always be pinnacle of DC.
A proper Justice done to Justice League with excellent execution. It makes up where the modern movies lack, where there is some quite a lot.
Most obvious one is the range of superheroes it introduced, rather then being stuck to same ones, which we have seen over and over again, characters like Vigilante, Vixen, Shining Knight, Question and several more were introduced to casual audience, and each of them was brilliant in itself.
Another thing I came to love was the depth in story it told. A random scene between Vigilante and Knight about Clint Eastwood movies, was it necessary? No, did it add depth? Yes. It told a great other side of heroes, providing excellent depth to each of characters, something which I woe for in modern DCUAOM, where there is a lack of.
This was my childhood and I loved it when I watched it as kid, still love it to this day.
JLU will always be pinnacle of DC.
- GhostReacher
- Mar 27, 2023
- Permalink
The "Justice League" changed into Justice League "Unlimited" after two seasons, adding colorful additions like the Green Arrow and Supergirl to the original roster of DC characters (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter).
These new, half-hour episodes from Bruce Timm and company are more self-contained than their earlier animated series, but the new characters give the action new life, and the animation and language are on par with their earlier works (the "Batman" and "Superman" Animated Series as well as the former "Justice League").
The show always make fans got nostalgia on it.
These new, half-hour episodes from Bruce Timm and company are more self-contained than their earlier animated series, but the new characters give the action new life, and the animation and language are on par with their earlier works (the "Batman" and "Superman" Animated Series as well as the former "Justice League").
The show always make fans got nostalgia on it.
- Mysterygeneration
- Sep 9, 2022
- Permalink
Rewatching these in 2022 I was originally under the impression that JLU was an upgrade from JL. And in some ways it is. I love the expanded cast, the show becoming more of a general DC superhero show rather than just a JL one but also making sure to maintain stories for the main cast. And the direction and action continued to improve.
However with that change, and the change to more single episode stories I feel like some of the brilliant character depth and stories are lost from the previous series due to having less time to build things out. Still some absolutely stupendous writing and directing.
However with that change, and the change to more single episode stories I feel like some of the brilliant character depth and stories are lost from the previous series due to having less time to build things out. Still some absolutely stupendous writing and directing.
Amazing!! This cartoon is amazing and the is best superhero cartoon I've seen, I love it! This cartoon is the best adaptation of the justice league, has great stories that are well written and brings more unknown characters into the light that more casual viewers may not know. I'm impressed that they were able to make a cartoon with this many characters and stories all together on here that are fun to watch on the screen. I like how they don't forget about the founding members and that they are all great in this show like in the original if not better! My favorite of the original 7 is definitely Wally since his character is great and it's nice to see Wally as flash after all the times I've seen Barry as The Flash even though Barry is great as well. This is an amazing conclusion to the DC animated cartoon universe. This and the original are definitely must watches!
- wilkinsammycc
- Oct 9, 2023
- Permalink
- OliverJoya1998
- Feb 9, 2022
- Permalink
This entire animation series could have a whole lot better and stronger if the crew had added some extra effort and strength. I am not exactly sure how fans and viewers will feel after watching this animation series. The storyline throughout this entire animation series was simple and straightforward and weak. The cast selection throughout this entire animation series was alright enough. They did not exactly fully commit nor connect to the storyline nor to their respective characters. There was not any sign of real chemistry displayed throughout this entire animation series between the cast members.
Not as good as preceding justice league but so as long Superman is there, the score will be 10.
There's just too many superheroes involved & I actually hoped for Superman appearance in every episode I watched, even counted the scenes.
Overall, it's worth to watch & you will crave for more.
There's just too many superheroes involved & I actually hoped for Superman appearance in every episode I watched, even counted the scenes.
Overall, it's worth to watch & you will crave for more.