The DC Animated Chronicles: Green Lantern: First Flight

In preparation for the release of Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, we are celebrating the rich history of DC Comics by detailing their characters’ history and legacy through animation. In something we’re calling, The DC Animated Chronicles. 

Unlike Batman or Superman or even Wonder Woman, the Green Lantern concept doesn’t really have an “origin” per say. While each individual Lantern has his own unique tale, the actual Green Lanterns Corps is something that has mostly always existed in the history of DC Comics and in other mediums. So their origin tales tend to be more an introduction to the Corps via the eyes of an Earthling. More often than not, that is Hal Jordan though John Stewart filled that role on the Justice League animated series.

While this is the first film to really dive into Hal Jordan’s story, his origins is quickly covered, but his first adventure as a Green Lantern makes up the backbone of the adventures. And what is that? Let’s get to the intro!

The Summary:

Green Lantern: First Flight finds Hal Jordan recruited to join the Green Lantern Corps and placed under the supervision of respected senior Lantern Sinestro. The earthling soon discovers his mentor is actually the central figure in a secret conspiracy that threatens the philosophies, traditions and hierarchy of the entire Green Lantern Corps. Hal must quickly hone his newfound powers and combat the treasonous Lanterns within the ranks to maintain order in the universe.

Thoughts:

Green Lantern First Flight was more enjoyable for me this time than any time before it, but it is still one of DC’s weaker animated ventures. I think that the film attempts too much in its short run-time. Hal’s origins are handled rather quickly, done before the opening credits. The film introduces the “yellow element,” turns Sinestro evil and has Hal go all super Saiyan in a single-film.

Just to get in all of the complaints, the voice acting isn’t grand across the board. Probably just have a different voice in my head, but didn’t much care for the Kilowog voice actor. Sinestro was okay, but nothing special and Christopher Meloni does a really solid job as Hal Jordan.

On the positive side, this film has some really gorgeous action scenes, and does a terrific job of amping them up over the course of the film.It ends with what could best be described as an anime-esque climactic battle which includes a dual-planet smashing move, which needs to be seen to be believed!

The animation as a whole is really nice, and something that I don’t think gets enough credit is the score for some of these films. I think they rival if not best some of their comic-book counterparts, and this one was really strong.

Another strong, but kind of minor point, I really liked the design of the Green Lantern’s uniform in this film. I think it was the right balance between green and black to really make it pop. I think the black gloves instead of white really bought it all together.

Memorable Moment:

As noted before, the final battle turns into a planet-smashing encounter, which makes for a visually amazing moment. Sadly, couldn’t find a version of it without some lame song over it (And noted how much liked the score too) so I apologize. Maybe mute it!

Green Lantern has taken flight.

The DC Animated Chronicles will return next with Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam