'Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis' Serves as a Lighthearted Appetizer for the DCEU's 'Aquaman' Movie

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...