SHOWCASE: "Justice League: Gods & Monsters"

     Just when you thought the comic universe was running out of stories, this tale slips through the cracks and really shines on. From the same creators as Batman: Animated Series, Justice League, Superman, and many more, comes an original story featuring some familiar characters.
     Justice League: Gods & Monsters is an alternate universe plot line where many things we know about the DC world are turned completely upside down. Lets touch on each of them one at a time shall we?

     We're introduced to our heroes Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Except each of them have an interesting twist. They are not their normal selves. Superman for instance lands in a desert rather than a crop field. He is rescued by a young Hispanic migrant couple. He goes by the name Hernan Guerra instead of Clark Kent, and he also wears a much darker suit than the symbol of his people. In this universe, General Zod interrupts Jor-El as he's about to send Superman's escape pod and in doing so puts his own DNA into the chamber. That's right. Superman is General Zod's son.

     You think that's crazy? What if I told you that Batman is NOT Bruce Wayne? Here, Dr. Kirk Langstrom, otherwise known as the villain Man-Bat, has a slightly different outcome with his serum. After a human test on himself in order to cure his illness, he inadvertently turns himself into a real life vampire! Or as he might call it, a Batman. Enhanced speed, inhuman strength, and a taste for blood are now apart of our classic hero's belt now.

     Another off the wall change is the fact that Wonder Woman is NOT Diana. She is instead the princess Bekka, granddaughter to the powerful Highfather. She has an incredibly detailed, and amazing new background in the movie that I don't want to spoil at all in this. You just have to watch it to see what this woman is all about. Two gigantic differences between this Wonder Woman and the original are their weapons and worldly outlooks. Instead of a lasso, Bekka wields a very powerful sword that can pierce anything and can teleport her at will. (I need this weapon in my life.) Bekka also differs from Diana in her outlook on men, for she wasn't born on a female only amazonian island. These two differences make her a very unique and fun character to watch develop.

     The biggest, and most controversial, change in this universe are the heroes interactions with enemies. They have zero hesitation in killing and brutally attacking their opponents. Wonder Woman slices them, Superman pierces them with heat vision, and Batman bites their throats and drinks their blood. This is an extreme alteration from what many fans are accustomed to, including myself. But I actually like this change. It's so interesting to see these characters let loose and have zero restrictions when dealing with villains. Their decisions seem to have even more weight when they involve taking lives rather than sparing them.

     The central plot focuses on our Justice League investigating the deaths of a few well known scientists, and some close friends. Bits of evidence gathered at each crime scene seems to implicate our heroes as the supposed murders of each of these people. With the world already torn on their continued existence in the first place, these hits seem to be the work of someone trying to turn everyone against them. Our heroes go on the hunt to find whoever is issuing these hits, and stop them before the world attempts to put them down for good.

     After viewing this movie multiple times I can honestly say it's one of my new favorites. New takes on classic faces, an original plot, and a unique universe to center on really keeps your attention throughout the whole film. There are also numerous breaks in between the intense fight scenes filled with character backstory and development. Plus there's a pretty awesome twist that I honestly didn't see coming. This movie is oozing with style, heartbreak, and was a much needed breathe of fresh air. I recommend this to any DC fan, or any fan of well done animated movies. And if movies aren't really your thing, they released a stand alone comic series as well to read more.
     Please give this one a view! Thanks for reading!

-Otaku Anonymous