Based on the graphic novel by writer/artist Darwyn Cooke, Justice League: The New Frontier takes place in the dark age in-between the Golden Age and the Silver Age of DC Comics. The McCarthy era--with all of its associated paranoia--has ushered in a period of persecution for everyone, including superheroes. The Justice Society has disbanded; Hourman is dead; the government has declared war on the Mystery Men and Batman is a fugitive from justice. The Flash, having barely escaped capture at the hands of insidious federal agents, has reluctantly decided to retire in order to protect his loved ones.
During all of this, a fighter pilot named Hal Jordan is wrestling with his
conscience after facing a hellish experience during the Korean War. Pursuing a
lifelong dream to see the stars, he signs up with Ferris, an aeronautical
company with a specific goal in mind: to head for Mars, seeking signs of life.
The government recently detected the presence of a Martian here on earth and
they want to determine the intentions of their nearest neighbor in the solar
system. But the Martian Manhunter is well aware of the rocket launch, and fully
intends to stow away so that he may return home.
But while these tumultuous events unfold, there’s a greater threat looming: an
ageless malevolent force bent on the destruction of all humankind. Justice
League: The New Frontier is a loving tribute to the Silver Age era of the DC
Comics world. All the greats are here: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green
Arrow, and more. The story places special emphasis on The Flash, who worries if
he can measure up to the other heroic greats, and Green Lantern, whose origin
story is told alongside the main narrative. With its production design flawlessly
reproducing the early 1960s lifestyle in terms of clothing and architecture, The
New Frontier will appeal to older comic fans, as well as fans of The Incredibles.
The two-disc DVD has several great documentaries regarding the creation and
history of the Justice League, as well as their villains, in the comics. And
there are also two sets of commentaries on the first disc, with the best one
being given by Cooke, who is very informative and engaging in how he pulls no
punches regarding how he feels an aspect of the film works. Fans of the comic
book may be disappointed in how much is cut out, and I can’t help but wonder if
the film’s sparse running time (75 minutes) was really mandatory. This was a
special story that could have used a longer running time. But, as it stands,
Justice League: The New Frontier is still a marvelous, affectionate, and fun
look at an extraordinary era of superhero history.
--SF
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