Pre-Long-Weekend Quickie Aside: New JLU Figures

These have hit the web over the last 48 hours, but in case you haven’t seen them, take a look….

Batman: The Animated Series, Episode 94 – “Growing Pains”

Written by: Robert Goodman
Story by: Paul Dini & Robert Goodman
Directed by: Atsuko Tanaka
Originally Aired: February 28, 1998
DVD: Batman: TAS, Volume 4

Summary: Robin becomes involved with a young girl, only to find that her father is hiding a dark secret.

Arc Notes: Clayface is captured by the authorities at the end of this episode; he eventually finds his way to crime boss Morgan Edge’s private collection at some point between this episode and Justice League.

Weekend Aside: Justice League Task Force (SNES)

One area where Marvel’s always had a massive, massive edge on DC was in the fighting game department. Marvel had the good fortune to have their characters licensed to Capcom, who produced first the X-Men fighter (complete with voices from the animated series) and later the vs. series (which is apparently getting revived fairly soon). DC, on the other hand…

Static Shock 036: “Toys in the Hood”

Story by John Semper Jr., Ernie Altbacker
Teleplay by John Ridley
Directed by: Another weird uncredited director
Originally Aired: May 3rd, 2003
DVD: (grumbling)

Summary: Toyman arrives in Dakota on the trail of an old friend, but it turns out that they’re conspiring to threaten Static’s girlfriend.

Arc Notes: Static’s first meeting with Superman. Some loose ends are tied up from Toyman’s second S:TAS appearance, “Obsession.”

Justice League 2×17-18: “Hereafter”

Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Directed by Butch Lukic
Originally Aired: November 29, 2003
DVD: Justice League, the Complete Series

Summary: Superman is apparently killed, and while the League mourns his loss he has to team up with Vandal Savage to fight killer cockroaches.

Arc Notes: Aquaman is established as the unofficial “eighth member” of the team (explaining his presence at some sessions of the “inner council” of JLU); Vandal Savage’s final appearance; Batman is confirmed to only have part-time membership status.