“All mankind waits upon our decision. A whole world looks to see what we will do. We cannot fail their trust. We cannot fail to try.” ~John F. Kennedy
As a child, I loved the exploits of Batman throughout his movies and TV shows. Superman has always been my favorite hero but I didn’t consider myself a true DC fan until one day, I rented a movie from a store and it transformed me. The movie was Justice League: The New Frontier, based on the graphic novel DC’s The New Frontier by Darwyn Cooke.
A World Without Hope
I expected to have a fun time with the superhero action and the colorful characters but instead, I was transported into one of the most brilliantly written and realized version of the DC Universe that takes place during the space age of the 1950s with the end of the Korean War.
Just from the way it opens up with the ominous intro with the Centre mixed with the historic recap showing that costumed heroes and vigilantes have become outlawed. It draws you in with this unique atmosphere and world building that not many DC animated films do. It reminds me of a DC Universe version of Watchmen.
Martian Manhunter Leads The Story
Fitting perfectly within the era this takes place, the story focuses mostly on J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter attempting to adapt and live on Earth during a time when we are so divided and mean-spirited towards each other. Being the only one of your kind and surrounded by toxic individuals can be disheartening but our lucky to find that select few who share your views. This was a story that I truly admired as I too have been an outcast trying to find my place in a crazy world.
A Perfect Green Lantern Origin Story
The other main storyline is that of Hal Jordan, a veteran with PTSD from the Korean War. Ha’s story is all about finding the stars: he became an Air Force pilot to get up there and now he gets his second chance when the government assigns him to a mission to Mars.
Again, very fitting with the Space Age setting of this movie. We were at a point where people either were terrified of what waited for us in the vast reaches of space while others couldn’t wait to get up there and explore. The way his origin of becoming the Green Lantern is woven so well into the larger plot with the Centre that when he finally dons the green suit, it is applause worthy.
A Dark Threat For A Dark Time
Speaking of, let’s talk about the Centre who acts as the primary antagonist that brings the world out of their petty squabbles and assemble for the battle to save the Earth. While this villain is not exactly the most developed nor does it have much in terms of personality, Keith David provides an ominous performance as this psychic living island that views humans as the disease that needs to be cured. It’s a good threatening presence that makes for a tense and action-packed climax to the film.
The Flash Is The Ultimate Underdog
While he doesn’t have the largest role in the film, Barry Allen’s The Flash portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris remains one of the greatest things to come from this story. His whole dilemma is that not only does he feel worthless in comparison to titans like Superman or Wonder Woman but he’s questioning why he’s helping people when all they do is treat him like a criminal. But all this leads to an amazing revelation that of all the heroes and vigilantes, he is probably the most important character in the fight against the Centre.
This was back when the Flash was considered a C-list hero amongst general audiences and I firmly believe that movies like this and his standout moments in the Justice League animated series were the beginning of the character’s rise in popularity. His scenes in the climax are great but most can agree that his best scene in the story by far is when he faces off against Captain Cold in Las Vegas.
Legends of the New Frontier
That’s something that I truly respect Darwyn Cooke for (may he rest in peace), while the more popular characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are indeed in this story and provide great moments, they are reserved as supporting cast members while the less popular characters like Green Lantern and The Flash steal the show. Even Ray Palmer plays a surprisingly important role and he’s not even the Atom yet.
A Brighter Tomorrow
One of the greatest aspects about this movie is how it reflects the history of comics in the real world. When the superheroes began, we were in a dark time: war, poverty, and suffering everywhere and comics books were an escape, a means to take a break from the gloom and the misery of it all. Even if it is just for a few minutes, those few minutes in a story with Superman made people happy. That’s how the heroes of the New Frontier were: Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Justice Society were beacons of light and happiness.
In the real world, people took these stories for granted, banning them, destroying them, causing the comic book industry to nearly crash. It was a dark age and finally, in the 1960s, superheroes made the return with the Silver Age of Comics. It was brighter, more family friendly, and it was the beginning of an era for superheroes. This is definitely reflected in The New Frontier with heroes and vigilantes becoming outlawed and….well I think Superman says it best:
“We face a threat big enough to wipe us off the Earth and still we bicker about a mask or a uniform.” ~Superman, The New Frontier
His entire speech in this scene is…perfect.
And when the world seemed to be at it’s most bleak, the heroes return, they face the Centre and a new age of heroes begins. The Justice League is born, the world looks brighter, and we leave the darkness in the past. This was reflected in real life…at least somewhat. Between World War II and the Korean War, it was time we looked to a brighter tomorrow when the 1960s began, even if it was only for a short time.
From Public Enemy To Public Figure
This ideal of embracing a brighter future is best shown in the small but amazingly well written subplot for Batman. He believes in justice and will go to any lengths to achieve it but when his original suit terrified a young boy, he decides it is time for an overhaul.
The urban mythical creature of the night becomes the Dark Knight Detective and Caped Crusader. When Batman arrives in the climax, he’s ditched his First Appearance inspired suit for a very Silver Age design that harks back to Adam West.
An All-Star Cast
This movie takes a chance by decided to opt the more iconic voices like Kevin Conroy and Tim Daly for voices actors that you would not expect but do a spectacular job in their selective roles. Kyle MacLachlan as Superman, the aforementioned Neil Patrick Harris as the Flash, Lucy Lawless as Wonder Woman, the late Miguel Ferrer as Martian Manhunter, Jeremy Sisto as Batman, David Boreanaz as Green Lantern, Brooke Shields as Carol Ferris, Kyra Sedgwick as Lois Lane, this whole cast is star studded and they all nail it. I’ve wanted more of MacLachlan as Superman for years and I think Neil Patrick Harris might still be my favorite voice for The Flash.
My Final Thoughts
To give my thoughts overall, this is one of those movies where every time I watch it, I find new things to love about it. It’s THAT good. From the animation, the story, the characterizations, this fascinating 1950s version of the DC Universe, the voice acting, the action, the maturity of it, it is just perfect to me from beginning to end and it’s a shame that I don’t hear many DC fans talk about. Instead most conversations lead to Mask of the Phantasm, Under the Red Hood, or Flashpoint Paradox which ARE fantastic movies in almost every way but in my personal opinion, Justice League: The New Frontier earns its spot as my favorite animated DC film of all time. This is the movie that turned me into a dedicated fan of the DC mythos and I thank it for that every time see the credits roll.
I give the movie a 10/10. If you have not seen it, go ahead and find a copy online if you can: buy it, rent it, love it!
I want to thank those who voted for me to review this movie:
- Lucas Haaf
- Fahadh Muhammad
- Moeed Rafi
- Michael Gilbert
- Sc Chris
- James Robirds
- Toby Toney
- Justin Tatman
- Sakif Mubtasim
- Sidharth Krishnan
- Jeffrey Tan
- Dowland Taylor Joshua
- Edward Jo Go
- Melvin Grant
You’re all SO SWEET for making it this far and I hope you all enjoyed this review! I write about anything geek related, especially comic book related stuff so if you want to stay up to date with all the reviews, news breakdowns, and lists I do, make sure to follow! Love you all!
Melody's Marvels 