Superman Homepage reviewer Thomas Dreyfuss reviews episodes from the “Justice League Action” Animated Series, airing on Cartoon Network.
Check out his review of the 20th episode of Season 1 in which Mr. Freeze flies on his aircraft to freeze the entire Gotham City using Killer Frost as his power source. While Batman deals with Mr. Freeze, Firestorm will have to save Killer Frost and develops a crush on her at the same time.
Originally Aired: December 18, 2016 (Poland); May 27, 2017 (U.S.)
Written by Jeremy Adams
Directed by Jake Castorena
CAST:
Kevin Conroy as Batman (voice)
Stephen Tobolowsky as Professor Martin Stein/Firestorm (voice)
P.J. Byrne as Ronald Raymond/Firestorm (voice)
Mena Suvari as Killer Frost (voice)
Peter Stormare as Mr. Freeze (voice)
Rating – 4 (out of 5): WARNING, THE FOLLOWING REVIEW CONTAINS ICE PUNS/WORD PLAY THAT MAYBE UNSUITABLE FOR JADED ADULTS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
Out of all the characters in Justice League Action, I think it’s safe to assume that Firestorm is this series breakout character. Think about it. He’s the only leaguer thus far to have their backstory explored in a JLA episode. He’s got a marketable catchphrase. He has the most JLA appearances outside of the core DC Trinity. And the character’s brand of humor is not only perfect for kids and adults alike, but best represents the series as a whole. And in this episode, we’re introduced to his most frigid foe, Killer Frost.
The episode starts out innocently enough with Ronald chasing and flirting with Killer Frost much to Professor Stein’s chagrin. But once Frost knocks Firestorm out cold, she aligns herself with Mr. Freeze in his latest plan to freeze all of Gotham City. Unfortunately for Frost, Freeze gives her the cold shoulder as Freeze stashes Frost in an icebox to be used as the power source for his massive aircraft. Now that’s cold…So with all of Gotham on the line, it’s up to Firestorm and to heat things up by taking down Freeze. Also, Batman’s in this episode.
They say that opposites attract and the pairing of Firestorm with Killer Frost is no exception. P.J. Bryne and Mena Suvari have solid chemistry together and the action really showcases the power set of their respective characters. Frost’s innate ability to convert thermal energy into ice proves to be an effective plot point while Firestorm’s ability to manipulate molecules kept the action going at a brisk pace. And if I’m not mistaken, this episode marks the first time Firestorm’s intangibility powers have been seen outside of the comics. Prior to seeing this episode, I had no idea Firestorm could phase through solid matter but it makes sense within the character’s power set.
I’ve been very critical regarding how the designs/voices don’t quite match up with the character but in the case of Mr. Freeze, I think it’s a perfect amalgamation of different styles. Shane Glines’ design for Batman’s frozen foe looks similar to Mike Mignola’s design from Batman: The Animated Series, but there’s a subtle bit of inspiration from Batman ’66 by way of Otto Preminger’s eyebrows. Peter Stormare’s harsh, eastern European accent delivers a chilling Mr. Freeze performance and ties all of the aforementioned visual flourishes together. And how about those ice puns?
Overall, “Freezer Burn” was a pretty cool episode with hints of chilling repercussions…Did I mention that Batman was in this episode?
Check out the “Justice League Action – Episode Reviews” Contents page.
As much as I enjoy this show, they need to have more episodes where Superman is the main hero. That’s my opinion though.