by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
Everything has led to this. Darkseid is ready to launch another attack on Earth, and it is up to the combined might of the Justice League, Teen Titans, Justice League Dark, The Bat Family, and The Suicide Squad to hold the line. Even with their powers combined, will they be enough to stop Darkseid and save the day? In a word…no. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War arrives on Blu-ray on 5/19 (released digitally earlier this month), and nothing will ever be the same.
The Justice League has faced off against Darkseid and his warriors on numerous occasions, but when the team learns that the villain was behind the recent “death” of Superman, it is time to change their tactics. Believing that Apokolips is on it’s way to Earth for a final invasion, Superman makes the call to all of the heroes of Earth to launch a preemptive strike. Even with a small army at their command, Darkseid remains several steps ahead and takes them down in a matter of minutes. Thanks to a rather significant time jump, viewers will quickly learn what happens to the world under Darkseid’s rule. What happened to the Justice League and their allies once the world fell? Is there any chance of turning the tides and saving the day? How much darker can this movie get? Unfortunately, it all comes down to a very battered and demoralized Constantine, Raven, Etrigan, Robin, Lois Lane, and a de-powered Superman to save the planet. What can this motley crew do in the face of imminent doom?
This animated adventure features the return of Matt Ryan (Justice League Dark) as John Constantine, Jerry O’Connell (Justice League: War) as Superman, Taissa Farmiga (Justice League Dark) as Raven, Stuart Allan (Son of Batman) as Robin, Tony Todd (Reign of the Supermen) as Darkseid, Rosario Dawson (Wonder Woman: Bloodlines) as Wonder Woman, Jason O’Mara (Justice League: War) as Batman, Rainn Wilson (The Death of Superman) as Lex Luthor, Rebecca Romijn (The Death of Superman) as Lois Lane, Christopher Gorham (Justice League: War) as The Flash, Shemar Moore (Justice League: War) as Cyborg, and John DiMaggio (Batman: Bad Blood) as Trigon and King Shark. Matt Ryan steals the movie as the ultimate personification of John Constantine, complete with all of his strengths and character flaws clearly displayed for the world to see. Jerry O’Connell and Rebecca Romijn continue to be the perfect casting for Clark and Lois. Even in the face of danger, their love comes through with every interaction. The dynamic pairing of Stuart Allan and Taissa Farmiga as Damien/Raven was one of the best elements of the film, showcasing how far they both have grown since their first appearances in this animated universe. Damien really receives the best character arc from this shared universe, leveling up becoming a true hero. Lastly, Jason O’Mara’s Dark Knight takes a turn to the dark-side (pun intended), as we get a very sinister version of Batman who has been influenced by the evil New God.
