00.19 here with an exclusive first look at DC’s direct-to-DVD animated movie JUSTICE LEAGUE: NEW FRONTIER.

Though the actual DVD isn’t due out until February 26th, the screener I’ve seen shows DC does not disappoint with their second post-Cartoon Network animated film (the first was the underwhelming SUPERMAN- DOOMSDAY). Before I go any further, let it be known I absolutely love each and every panel of the mini-series NEW FRONTIER, which this movie is based off. My expectations were unfairly high going into it.

NEW FRONTIER was a love note to the DC universe written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke. Cooke is a master storyteller, and his love for the characters he breathes to life on the page is evident in every panel. Translating his 460 pages into a mere hour and fifteen minute movie couldn’t have been an easy task. There’s a lot left out. But since Cooke helped adapt the script, what we’re left with, the real meat and potatoes of the original story, makes this a compelling film with or without knowledge of the source material.

Opening at the end of the Korean War, NEW FRONTIER follows the lives of DC’s biggest guns (Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, the Flash, Martian Manhunter and Green Lantern) coming together for the first time to fight a common evil known only as the Centre. That’s about the only spoiler you’re going to get here. I don’t want to ruin this for anyone who hasn’t read NEW FRONTIER, but I do want you guys to not be afraid to pick this up when you see it for sale next month.

There are a few things I want you all to know going into this, though. First, for anyone who ever watched BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES or either iteration of the JUSTICE LEAGUE cartoon, some of the voice casting may seem a bit odd. Hearing Jeremy Sisto as a young Batman, instead of Kevin Conroy who spent years as our animated Batman, made each scene he was in seem a little off. Casting Neil Patrick Harris as Barry Allen/ Flash was probably the most inspired choice made. NPH is a complete scene stealer (hopefully, DC will cast him as the Flash in some other animated work). Hearing Angel (David Boreanaz) as Green Lantern never took me out of the story, but just didn’t sound like I’d always imagined Hal Jordan would sound (I’m just being picky). Lucy Lawless as Wonder Woman (duh. why hasn't this happened before?) does a fantastic job with her limited role. Kyle MacLachlan, as strange as it seems, sounds just like I always imagined a young Superman would.

Secondly, this is a pretty adult cartoon. This isn’t going to be shown on Saturday morning children’s programming any time soon. So be aware there is bloodshed and suggestive themes for those with kids.

As for you fans of the original source material, have no fear. All of your favorite moments from the comic (how it came to snow one night in Vegas or Wonder Woman’s arrival in Florida) are represented here. Even if adapter Stan Berkowitz does take some liberties with how and when they happen.

All in all, this is a must buy for any DC or comic fan in general. When it comes out on February 26th on all formats (save VHS), you can believe I’ll have my full dissertation on the original NEW FRONTIER mini-series ready for you guys. That way you can compare how close the film mirrors Darwyn Cooke’s original vision.