Aquaman does not seem to get the love he deserves. There was 
an episode of Family Guy where they mocked him about how he was powerless out of the water. I have never thought that, I have always thought Aquaman was kinda cool. When I was a kid there was an Aquaman cartoon which was my introduction to the character. In this cartoon Aquaman rode a giant seahorse, which was lame, but it left a lasting impression on me.
Aquaman has come a long way as demonstrated in the newest release from Warner Animation, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis. While most of the inhabitants of the “lost” city of Atlantis are content with staying lost, Orm (Sam Witwer) is determined to declare war on the surface. Orm also wants to locate and kill his brother who is the rightful heir to the throne. Orm stages an attack on Atlantis in an attempt to frame the surface dwellers and when his subterfuge is uncovered he murders his mother, Queen Atlanna (Sirena Irwin) and seizes power. There is only one thing standing in his way, his half-brother and heir to the throne, Arthur Curry (Matt Lanter).
Prior to becoming queen, Atlanna gave birth to a son with a surface dweller named Thomas Curry (Larry Cedar) with whom she left her newborn for protection. Arthur was raised as a human never knowing of his royal ties and super abilities. It isn’t until he is rescued by Mera (Sumalee Montano) during an attack from Orm’s forces that he learns the truth. Once Arthur learns the truth he sets out to avenge the death of his mother and stop Orm and Black Manta (Harry Lennix) from destroying the surface.
The events of Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Follow the events of last year’s Justice League: War. The league is still trying to come together as a cohesive team while each tries to maintain their separate lives. The Justice League, at this point made up of: Superman (Jerry O’Connell), Wonder Woman (Rosario Dawson), The Flash (Chirstopher Gorham), Cyborg (Shemar Moore), Green Lantern, (Nathan Fillion), Shazam (Sean Astin) and Batman (Jason O’Mara), are once again called into action to help solve the mystery of a lost submarine and it’s missing nuclear cargo. This mission brings The Justice League in contact with Aquaman.
Before I go any further please understand that I do not know the original origin story for Aquaman, having only read his comics sporadically as a child. So my knowledge of this Atlantian prince is limited to this movie and the early 70’s Filmation cartoon. This story is based on Geoff Johns arc in The New 52 from 2013. That being said, I have to admit the more Warner Home Video DC movies I watch, the more I want to start collecting comic books again.
The animation in Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is top notch. If the movie was a bit longer I would say that it looked good enough to be on the big screen instead of direct to video. The film has a great look and I really liked the character designs. I am glad that Warner is making well written, well drawn movies that are skewed toward an older audience while still making it watchable for a younger audience. Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is a hit.
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis was directed by Ethan Spaulding, who also directed another great DC movie, Batman: Assault on Arkham. This direct to video release is available on DVD and Blu-ray combo packs. Special features include:
- Throne of Atlantis: 2014 NY Comic Con Panel
- Villains of the Deep
- A sneak peak at Batman vs. Robin
- Bonus Cartoons from the DC Vault
- Robin and Nightwing Bonus Sequence
- Scoring Atlantis: The Sound of the Deep
Special features may vary on the DVD. The 2 disc Blu-ray set includes a DVD and a digital copy.
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is rated PG-13 with a run time of 72 minutes.
Bottom line is Throne of Atlantis is enjoyable for casual fans and rabid fanboys alike. I think that Jason O’Mara is starting to grow on me as Batman. That being said I actually didn’t like Nathan Fillion as the Green Lantern the first time I heard him but I think he did a great job this time around.
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is available now and retails for $24.98. Get yours today.
