100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Screen Capture from Screen Capture from Young Justice Season 1, Episode 1: “Independence Day”
#68. Young Justice Season 1
Medium
Animated Television Series
Release Dates
January 7, 2011–April 21, 2012
Credits
Directors: Jay Oliva, Sam Liu, Christopher Berkeley, Michael Chang, Matt Youngberg, Victor Cook, Tim Divar, Lauren Montgomery
Writers: Greg Weisman, Kevin Hopps, Andrew R. Robinson, Nicole Dubuc, Jon Weisman, Thomas Pugsley, Peter David
Cast: Jesse McCartney as Dick Grayson / Robin, Khary Payton as Kaldur’ahm / Aqualad, Jason Spisak as Wally West / Kid Flash, Nolan North as Conner Kent / Superboy, Danica McKellar as Megan Morse / M’gann M’orzz / Miss Martian, Stephanie Lemelin as Artemis Crock / Tigress / Artemis, Crispin Freeman as Roy Harper / Speedy / Red Arrow, Lacy Chabert as Zatanna Zatara / Zatanna, Alyson Stoner as Barbara Gordon / Batgirl
The Reason It’s Great
Young Justice was one of those rare gems of animation that had something for everyone. It had mature themes, great action, and some equally great humor. Earth-16 was chosen as the universe for this series, as it allowed for a fresh start without any contradictions with DC continuity.
The show explored the sidekicks of established superheroes (e.g. Batman, The Flash, Green Arrow, etc.) breaking out on their own. From time to time, they would be visited by their mentors to see how they were progressing and learning. The group was known as “The Team” and had a core membership composed of Dick Grayson / Robin, Kaidur’ahm / Aqualad, Wally West / Kid Flash, Conner Kent / Superboy (Superman’s clone), M’gann M’orzz / Miss Martian, and Artemis.
The main story arc of Season 1 dealt with a secret nefarious group known as the Light. Each episode explored the Team going on missions that challenged them on a personal level, and also the strong relationships that were later formed among the members. The conclusion of Season 1 sees the Team coming full circle and saving the Justice League.
Young Justice left an imprint on fans as one of the best DC animation offerings outside of the DC Animated Universe. Strong characters and equally strong storylines put this at the top of superhero stories.