ToonCast Beyond

ToonCast Beyond

by GeekCast Radio Network, LLC

Animation and Manga TV & Film

Batman: Year One Review

Ben, Neil, and Mike examine the DC animated adaptation of Frank Miller's groundbreaking Batman: Year One graphic novel. They discuss the film's overly faithful adaptation, the clean art style that loses the rawness of the source material, casting choices including Ben Mackenzie as Bruce Wayne and Bryan Cranston as Commissioner Gordon, and how the story focuses more on Gordon's arc than Batman's. The hosts compare it unfavorably to other Batman adaptations like Batman Begins and Mask of the Phantasm, and praise the included Catwoman short film as superior to the main feature.

Duck Dodgers: The Green Loontern Review

The hosts from Tooncast Beyond and Animation Aficionados join forces to discuss the Duck Dodgers episode titled The Green Loontern. They analyze the crossover appeal of the Green Lantern mythos within the Looney Tunes universe and explore the comedic elements present in the episode.

Green Lantern: Emerald Knights Review

We break down the DC animated film Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, discussing its anthology structure and comparing it to other entries like Batman: Gotham Knight and Green Lantern: First Flight. We examine the film's pacing issues, the lack of urgency in the storytelling, and our reactions to specific segments like the Mogo and Kilowog stories. Finally, we share our thoughts on the voice performances and determine if the movie is worth a watch.

All-Star Superman Review

Ben, Neal, and TFG1 Mike discuss the DC Universe Animated Original Movie adaptation of Grant Morrison's All-Star Superman. The hosts debate the film's faithful translation of the comic's Silver Age sensibilities, its gentle approach to Superman's character, and the voice cast—particularly praising Anthony LaPaglia's Lex Luthor and Christina Hendricks' Lois Lane. They explore how the story's central premise of Superman facing his final year shapes the narrative, and discuss whether the film's comic-book roots make it less accessible to mainstream audiences.

Interview with Rob Paulsen on Voice Acting and Cartoon Legacy

Rob Paulsen returns to talk with Mike and Steve about his legendary voice acting career, spanning from Tiny Toon Adventures to Animaniacs to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He discusses the evolution of recording cartoon dialogue, the spontaneity and humor that happens behind the scenes with fellow voice actors, and shares stories about the uncensored moments that never make it to air.

Superman and Batman: Apocalypse Review

The hosts continue their DC Universe Animated Original Movies spotlight with Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, discussing the film's adaptation of the comic storyline, animation style, voice acting, and how it compares to earlier entries like Public Enemies. They explore the introduction of Supergirl to post-crisis continuity, the involvement of Wonder Woman and the Amazons, and Darkseid's role in the plot, while debating whether the film's heavy reliance on action sequences works for or against its storytelling.

Batman: Under the Red Hood Review

The hosts dive into DC's animated adaptation of Batman: Under the Red Hood, examining how Bruce Timm and crew successfully reimagined a controversial comic storyline. They discuss the voice performances from Bruce Greenwood as Batman and John DiMaggio as the Joker, the action sequences and animation style, and how the film proves that Jason Todd's return to life can work when executed properly—unlike the source material's convoluted approach. The episode includes a crossover with Animation Aficionados.

Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths Review

The hosts dive into DC's animated take on the Crime Syndicate—evil counterparts to the Justice League from an alternate Earth. Originally conceived as a bridge film between Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, this movie stands impressively on its own with stellar voice work from Mark Harmon as Superman, William Baldwin as Batman, James Woods as Owlman, and Gina Torres as Superwoman. The episode explores the film's tight action choreography, clever visual nods to DC comics (like the invisible jet's introduction and Grant Morrison's JLA: Earth Two), and why it ranks among the best DC animated movies made.

Superman & Batman: Public Enemies Review

The hosts dig into the DC Universe Animated Original Movie adaptation of Superman & Batman: Public Enemies, comparing it closely to Jeff Loeb's graphic novel source material. They discuss how Bruce Timm made significant changes to the story to improve its logic and coherence, explore the voice acting from Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, and Clancy Brown, and break down specific animation and character design choices. The conversation touches on animation style, callback references to other DCAU productions, and how the film works better as an adaptation than the original comic.

Green Lantern: First Flight Review

The hosts discuss the 2009 animated film Green Lantern: First Flight, praising its fast-paced plot and effective voice performances by Christopher Meloni and Victor Garber. The discussion covers the movie's strengths in animation style and its departure from overused origin story tropes. The hosts also compare the film favorably to the live-action 2011 Green Lantern movie, noting the differences in quality and storytelling. Additional topics include the characters of Kilowog and Boodikka, the film's PG-13 tone, and an unproduced Jack Black screenplay.

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