After Lego DC Superheroes franchise began shifting its focus to
non-Batman characters earlier this year with the Flash, it then devotes its
eighth installment to a typically overlooked DC character – Aquaman (it’s
possible the franchise was inspired to do so by the fact that the DC Extended Universe’s Aquaman solo movie starring Jason Momoa
is coming later this year). Titled Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman: Rage
of Atlantis, the animated feature sees Aquaman being forced to give up his
throne to Ocean Master, as Red Lanterns Atrocitus and Dex-Starr put Atlantis
under a rage-fueled mind control. Exiled
to a faraway planet with the Justice League, Aquaman must figure out a way to
return home, stop the Red Lanterns from using the corrupted Atlanteans to conquer the surface world, and prove once and for all that he is a worthy hero and a
worthy king.
Since it’s an Aquaman-centric
story, the main arc is, of course, centered on him. It starts with him having the reputation of
being a joke, but a fall-from-grace resulting from a supervillain plot occurring
under his nose becomes an opportunity for him to become a catalyst that saves
the day. It’s somewhat similar to what
Flash underwent in the last movie (by the way, he’s not in this one).
A noteworthy choice for a
supporting character in this movie is Jessica Cruz (the sixth and latest Green
Lantern of Earth who debuted in the comics in 2014). Instead of Hal Jordan, she’s the featured
Green Lantern this time around. I like
how the character’s anxious “Power Ring” background in the comics is incorporated
in this Lego incarnation by making her a rookie Green Lantern who suffers from severe
stage fright (in case you wonder, yep, the obvious pun of her being “green” is
indeed made in this movie). Second to
Aquaman, she has the most significant character arc in this movie, as she learns
to overcome her performance issues and become a legit courageous heroine.
Other major DC characters serving
as supporting characters in this movie are series mainstays Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman,
and Cyborg, as well as Mera, Robin, Batgirl, and Lobo.
Overall, Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis is once
again another amusing, chuckles-filled installment in the Lego DC Superheroes series with its usual mix of meta-jokes about
their Lego world, lampooning of established elements of DC Comics mythology, and
kid-friendly gags and slapstick.
Now, unto that Aquaman DCEU movie...
Now, unto that Aquaman DCEU movie...
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