In the aftermath of Justice League: Unlimited's cancellation WB sought to continue their accomplished animated streak by adapting DC's most famous comic storylines, with most succeeding in almost every regard. Titles based on comics like DC: The New Frontier, Under The Hood, The Dark Knight Returns, The Tower of Babel and All Star Superman all did their respective source material justice - sometimes exceeding it in the process as well. Art was masterfully adapted - particularly in The Dark Knight Returns - showcasing Frank Miller's unmistakeable pencils very faithfully on screen. These films also gifted fans with new portrayals of iconic characters, with performances by John DiMaggio, Peter Weller and Neil Patrick Harris coming to mind as the most notable of newcomers to tackle DC's characters. Despite occasional wobbles such as Superman vs The Elite and Superman/Batman: Apocalypse somewhat ruining Warner's perfect slate, DC's original movies still managed to bounce back with successive hits - until they began to go down a somewhat different direction. Though not a bad film by any means, Flashpoint Paradox put Warner on a path to mirror the road to the New 52 - beginning with the dull art style and a recurring yet just acceptable voice cast. There's little variety in the DC animation of today, especially when compared to the sure-fire successes of the past. The fantastic 'Gods and Monsters' may be a step in the right direction, but only time will tell if the company moves back to the model that saw so much adulation when The Killing Joke makes its appearance in but a few years time.
Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.
