In recent years the characters that comprise the DC Comics universe have taken a cinematic backseat to the occupants of the Marvel Universe. But despite lacking the big screen success that Marvel has had with its motion pictures, DC Comics have become the more dominate of the two comic book moguls when it comes to direct to video animation. They have amassed an impressive resume of animated features which has re-imagined many of the characters and breathed new life into the 21st century of comics.
Green Lantern: First Flight is an impressive retelling of the origin of famous bearer of the most powerful weapon in the DC Universe. As one of the major characters to grace the pages of DC Comics, this updating does the character justice. It is a stylized, entertaining tale that is one part action and one part suspense. Think of it as an animated whodunit with a sci-fi twist.
Green Lantern: First Flight delivers an origin story which is miles more enjoyable than the debacle that was 2011s Green Lantern feature film. The animated incarnation uses the death of Abin Sur as a basis for the foundation of the stories mystery, and Hal Jordan’s origin is linked to Abin Sur's death. The film is really a crime story, and one that is extremely fitting for the character since The Green Lantern Corps is an intergalactic peace keeping force. Green Lantern: First Flight really embellishes on that ideal then takes it to the next level by showcases the members of the Corps in that manner. From interrogations, to bar fights, to foot chases of sorts, First Flight does a great job at focusing on the ideal that the Green Lantern Corps are the enforcers of the law.
The rings abilities are showcased as never before. Many of their capabilities such as a universal translator and mind melding are introduced in this film, really showing them as more than just something that can be used to make giant fist, and other zany structures, giving new insight into what Green Lantern’s power ring is all about.
This animated feature is really what the live action movie should have been, and just like many of the other animated movies from DC, First Flight does not disappoint. It’s not quite as good as Wonder Woman, Batman: Under The Red Hood, or All Star Superman but it clearly belongs with them, and is a worthy addition to that collection of films. Hardcore and casual fans will truly appreciate this film. A good movie and great rebirth for the emerald gladiator.
Previously
Justice League: The New Frontier
Wonder Woman
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Batman: Under The Red Hood
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
All-Star Superman
Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam
Green Lantern: Emerald Knights
Batman: Year One
Justice League: Doom
Superman: Unbound
Da’Mon Guy is a writer and artist. He’s a graduate of Coppin State University and an avid, life-long lover of film. Da'Mon has been actively writing movie reviews since 2011, for a number of publications. Check out more of his work at Examiner.com, where he has published over 400 reviews. Visit his Blog and follow him on Twitter.
