Crisis of Infinite Episodes - DC's World's Funnest: #9

I'm almost at a loss for words. A new low for DC Nation? So glad there is only 1 more of these stinkers to go.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Deadman: Gravefitti

With this final entry, Deadman joins Batman of Shanghai, Wonder Woman, and Amethyst as a perfect series of animated shorts. Like these other series, Deadman brought its own unique style and charm to create a whole world around the hero in just a few minutes of colorful screen time. The world of Deadman may never be explored, but if ever we return to this domain, I will be on board.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Metal Men: Payback Time

I have not been loving these Metal Men, but I have to admit seeing Dr. Magnus give up and join in the "insured" destruction was a little funny. I do think I have gotten my Metal Man fill though. Lets move on to something new.

DC Nation Short Count: 0097

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Doom Patrol - Chapter Six: Trial of the Terrible Titan

I really, really want to love these Doom Patrol shorts - and they do look great. But after being teased with them for over a year its anticlimactic to get Chapter 1 followed by Chapter 6 which ends on a cliffhanger. I mean, what in the world!? Is there even another chapter? Is it chapter 7? Will this be another Sword of the Atom debacle that ended without a conclusion? The Doom Patrol deserves better. The short itself was fun enough and teased potential, but I think the series may fall short.

DC Nation Short Count: 0096

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Plastic Man in Untouchable

Wish I could think of a clever pun, but these shorts Plastic Man shorts really grew on me. Although its absurd that the gang would all dress in Plastic Man colors, the gag was quite hilarious. Alas Plas, you will be missed.

DC Nation Short Count: 0095

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Deadman: Deadman Date

Deadman continues to be charming in his second outing. I love the transition from black white and gloomy to vivid and colorful as Deadman possesses those around him. Keep 'em coming.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Tales of Metropolis: Jimmy

Tales of Metropolis may not become one of the "classic" series of shorts, but I am really enjoying their overall tone. This was a pretty comical look at the relationship between Superman and his #1 pal, Jimmy - even if it was at the Man of Steel's expense. It was also fun getting a glimpse at "Not Bizarro," the star of the first Tale of Metropolis.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Superman 75th Anniversary

Best short ever? Hard to argue against it. The brilliant tribute to the Man of Steel captures 75 years worth of Superman's biggest moments, not only onscreen but in pop culture, in under 2 minutes. Yes, even at break neck speed so many moments were left out, but the spirit of Superman was captured. This little piece of animation is really something special. Rather than me trying to explain why, just watch it. 

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - MAD Presents: Zeke and Lex Luthor

What a complete and utter waste of a DC Nation short. Some people would argue against the MAD presents concept all together, but I think that some of MAD's best shorts are borderline worthy of being recycled for the DC Nation block... But who in their right mind would enjoy this one? Maybe its just because I have no real idea what Zeke and Luther is, but this short makes it look atrocious. The ONLY redeeming part of this short was the inclusion of Grodd and Grundy, but that still may not be enough to keep it from being the very worst of DC Nation's first 91 efforts.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Metal Men: Identity Crisis

With Dr. Von Vroon and his Nightmare Menace, the third Metal Men outing was an improvement over the first two, though I still have not particularly warmed to the animation style or characters. I just can't really imagine anyone watching this particular series and thinking they should seek out more Metal Men content. Maybe its just my own lack of familiarity with these characters outside of their periodical counterparts, but I can't really care if Lead gets hurt or if Mercury melts. If there are more of these, I am hoping for a short titled Amalgam about a super-sized Metal Men alloy. 

DC Nation Short Count: 0090

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Deadman: Deadman Catch

Although I never would have used the adjective to describe him before, Deadman is adorable - at least in this gem of a short. I also love his sidekick raven and the way the world turns to color when  he is possessing someone. This short proves that there is room for cute takes on characters that aren't lame. I can't wait to see what the other two Deadman shorts have up their ghostly sleeves.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Super Pets: The League of Just Us Cows

Yeah, this one was a little out to pasture... but I have to admit getting a thrill out of the super cows. I don't understand why Bat-Cow is Superman's cow, but Flaming Head Cow is amazing. I also don't understand why Wonder Woman's pet is a kangaroo. By now, I am getting my fill of Justice League animals, but still I give the Super Pets the edge over the Farm League.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - DC's World's Funnest #8

Just when you thought you had seen the worst. Maybe Aardman only had a 50 cent budget for this one, but its still no excuse for how bad this was justifying the near lack or "animation." Lets just get those last two clay Batman's over with and never speak of them again.

DC Nation Short Count: 0087

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Plastic Man in Superheroes Wear Pajamas

Plas continues to be consistently charming in this latest entry. I don't think Plastic Man would have much of a chance at sustaining his own series in this day an age, but little dose like this is just what the doctor ordered. Hopefully the demon teddy has a chance for revenge in a follow up. I smell the makings of a classic rivalry.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Metal Men: Teacher's Pests

Hmm. Still waiting to be won over by the antics of these metalloids. I hope that in the next outing they get to fight a villain because right now, I am not finding the team too easy to get behind. Sorry, not too much else to say other than that I do appreciate the inclusion of Asimov's Laws of Robotics.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Doom Patrol: Chapter One: Challenge of the Timeless Commander

Finally, after being teased for over a year, DC Nation finally debuted Doom Patrol and it was good! The action packed minute definitely broke from the typical comic tradition of the DC Nation shorts, but that was perfectly fine with me. This was a nice introduction to the team and I am very eager to see what else is in store. As far as I am concerned this is another one of those DC properties that has been criminally underused (ala Metal Men). Also like Metal Men and Sword of the Atom, these Doom Patrol shorts make an argument for just bringing back Batman the Brave and the Bold for a couple more seasons.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Super Pets: World's Finest Bark

While not as action packed as Bat Man of Shanghai or as Stylish as Wonder Woman, these Super Pets shorts are undeniably cute. Riffing on the dog from Up, Krypto and Ace had a hard time remaining professional when Green Lantern B'dg was called to assist (in his onscreen debut). I do in fact hope there are many more of these in the pipeline - though I hope to see some of the more obscure pets sooner rather than later. Bring on Beppo, Comet, and Bat-Cow!

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Metal Men: Happy Birthday

While I believe the Metal Men have potential, I am glad we got the introductions out of the way. As was the case with the Sword of the Atom shorts, this intro felt awfully redundant for a fan of Batman: The Brave and the Bold where the Metal Men had a couple of great spotlights. By the way, with Platinum in the line up, shouldn't it really be Metal People?

DC Nation Short Count: 0082

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Tales of Metropolis: Lois

 Although I had high hopes, and still do, for the Take of Metropolis shorts, this one fell a little flat. To start with, why focus on Batman? If you wanted to do that, why not call it Tales of Gotham since that's where it was set? I don't think  Lois-centric short is a bad idea, but I juts didn't feel that this served her character well. Hopefully a Lex, Metallo, or Jimmy Olsen themed short do better service to the world of Superman. 

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Wonder Woman Part 3

The third, and I assume final, Wonder Woman short was just as slick and stylish as the first two, but I have long since abandoned any hope of getting a coherent plot. I would definitely mark this series as a triumph. After the Bat Man of Shanghai and this 70's Wonder Woman I am hoping the Man of Steel or Green Lantern are next in line for an out there but stylistic makeover. The Wonder Woman shorts stands as a great example of why DC Nation is a real opportunity for open-minded fans of DC characters.