The origins and inspiration of Justice League: War, explained

As a long-time DC Comics enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of the Justice League since their Silver Age debut, I must say that “Justice League: War” holds a special place in my heart. This animated film, based on Geoff Johns and Jim Lee’s seminal work, served as a gateway to the reimagined DC Universe, aka The New 52.

In 2014, the animated movie titled “Justice League: War” hit the screens as part of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series. This film is adapted from the comic book series “Justice League: Origin” by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, which was a key component of The New 52 initiative – a major reboot in the DC universe that took place during the 2010s. Notably, The New 52 introduced fresh origins for many characters within the DC universe, including the formation of the Justice League.

In the movie “Justice League: War,” while the main characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Cyborg remain the same as in the comic book, there’s a notable change: Aquaman is replaced by Shazam in this particular film version.

Justice League: War’s connection to Origins

In both instances, Darkseid is the tyrant hailing from the planet Apokolips. His menacing aura and troops of Parademons are prominently displayed in both scenarios. For the first time united as a team, the Justice League engage in a battle to protect Earth, experiencing just as much discord among themselves as they do with their adversaries.

In my gaming world, diving into “Justice League: War” felt like stepping into a fresh comic book universe, much like its printed counterpart. That original comic laid the groundwork for the Justice League and their formidable foe, Darkseid, across The New 52 series. Similarly, the animated adaptation aimed to establish this beginning for the Justice League in the realm of animation.

The film initiated a collection of animated DC films, often referred to as the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU). This series resulted in multiple productions like “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis,” which followed the pattern set by The New 52 Justice League and introduced Aquaman.

In 2020, the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU) concluded its captivating narrative, primarily centered around the Justice League. The entire story wouldn’t have unfolded as it did without the powerful kick-off provided by “Justice League: War”.

2024-09-13 16:31