When Warner Brothers premiered "Batman: The Animated Series" in 1992, the studio set a precedent for future 'toons by hiring the best vocal talent, writers, and animators. "Justice League," later "Unlimited" continued with that trend and "The Ties That Bind" is one of the best from the show's five-year run.
While the two-part episodes of the series' first two season allowed for more character development/interaction, the self-contained installments had to be equally as involving. "The Ties That Bind" involves the familiar Justice League members but also has characters created by the legendary Jack Kirby in his Fourth World series.
The story centers on Mr. Miracle and his Amazonian-like wife, Barda, being forced to rescue Kalibak from the clutches of the German-accented Vermin Vunderbarr. The wicked Granny Goodness has Miracle's mentor/friend Oberon as her captive and uses him as a bargaining chip. Miracle and Barda seek assistance from the Justice League but are declined help. Only The Flash secretly agrees to aid them as they travel to Apokolips.
During the search and rescue, Miracle relives the tortures that he had endured at the hands of the devious Granny.
The trio rescues Kalibak, returning with him to Granny, and saving Oberon from her dire intentions.
The characters are allowed some really humorous and witty banter, delivered with relish from the talents of Ed Asner (his fifth appearance as "Granny"), Dick Miller (the diminutive "Oberon"), Michael Rosenbaum ("The Flash"), Michael Dorn as the dim-witted hulk Kaliback and Arte Johnson, somewhat reprising his hilarious German soldier persona from the classic "Laugh-In" as he voices Vunderbarr.
Impressive animation, especially the explosions and flashback scenes, is another highlight of this well-crafted installment.
While the two-part episodes of the series' first two season allowed for more character development/interaction, the self-contained installments had to be equally as involving. "The Ties That Bind" involves the familiar Justice League members but also has characters created by the legendary Jack Kirby in his Fourth World series.
The story centers on Mr. Miracle and his Amazonian-like wife, Barda, being forced to rescue Kalibak from the clutches of the German-accented Vermin Vunderbarr. The wicked Granny Goodness has Miracle's mentor/friend Oberon as her captive and uses him as a bargaining chip. Miracle and Barda seek assistance from the Justice League but are declined help. Only The Flash secretly agrees to aid them as they travel to Apokolips.
During the search and rescue, Miracle relives the tortures that he had endured at the hands of the devious Granny.
The trio rescues Kalibak, returning with him to Granny, and saving Oberon from her dire intentions.
The characters are allowed some really humorous and witty banter, delivered with relish from the talents of Ed Asner (his fifth appearance as "Granny"), Dick Miller (the diminutive "Oberon"), Michael Rosenbaum ("The Flash"), Michael Dorn as the dim-witted hulk Kaliback and Arte Johnson, somewhat reprising his hilarious German soldier persona from the classic "Laugh-In" as he voices Vunderbarr.
Impressive animation, especially the explosions and flashback scenes, is another highlight of this well-crafted installment.
