Warner Brothers and DC are shocking fans with a “stealth release” of a new original animated movie starring the Justice League, entitled ‘JLA Adventures: Trapped In Time’ which is being released next week.  Unlike previous mature features (which unfortunately get merchandised in the Kids’ section of every story… because if it’s animated it’s for kids apparently, still), this is an all-ages movie that showcases the world’s greatest heroes battling the Legion of Doom.

The movie’s producer Giancarlo Volpe also worked on ‘Green Lantern: The Animated Series’ which started off a bit slow, but by the end was exceptional, so that’s promising.  Volpe stated that this 52-minute movie is a stand-alone feature but that “in my head canon it could hook up to Green Lantern: The Animated Series.”  This is… interesting, in that should this movie do well, perhaps Green Lantern (who isn’t depicted, so presumably isn’t in it) could be brought in for a sequel and fans could get some closure for that series, which ended with too many questions lingering.

As for who is included, we get most of the classic League, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and the Flash as well as relative newcomer Cyborg, plus Robin.  At first glance, one would assume the winged female character in the sky is Hawkgirl, but if you look closer, it’s the Legion of Super Heroes’ Dawnstar.  And what about the Asian martial artist above Robin’s head?  Is that fellow Legionnaire Karate Kid?  (In the comics, the character was Caucasian, but it would be logical to change him into an Asian character.  However being half-Asian myself, I can’t help rolling my eyes at the one Asian character’s sole contribution being a martial arts expert.  Aren’t Batman and Robin already that and more?) Another possibility, however is Samurai.  Since they are using the Hall of Justice and the Legion of Doom, both concept that originated on the ‘Super Friends’ cartoon, why not use one of the Super Friends, and the character did wear a green costume.  That’s who I’m guessing this is, although it was reported as Karate Kid on another site.

The voice cast includes WB regulars Grey DeLisle, Dante Basco, Jack DeSena, Diedrich Bader (likely as Batman) and Jason Spisak.

‘JLA Adventures: Trapped In Time’ comes out Tuesday, January 21st, 2014 exclusively at US Target stores.  However, Volpe stated that should the release do well, it could expand to other retailers.

I will definitely be picking this up!  Will you?

Sources: Comic Book Movie and The World’s Finest