HBO Max has announced the films, series, and specials that are coming and leaving the U.S.-based streaming service during January 2023, with a collection of acclaimed DC Comics-based animated series as part of the programs leaving. Justice League, Justice League Unlimited and Batman: The Brave and the Bold will all be removed from HBO Max on January 31, 2023 after nearly two years on the service. All three series were added to HBO Max in February 2021. No explicit reason was given for the removal of all three programs.
HBO Max and Warner Media have provided the following program descriptions for Justice League, Justice League Unlimited and Batman: The Brave and The Bold, all of which are available below:
Batman: The Brave and The Bold
Batman isn’t going at it alone this time! The Caped Crusader teams up with heroes from across the DC Universe, delivering nonstop action and adventure with a touch of comic relief. Blue Beetle, Green Arrow, Aquaman and others fight crime alongside Batman, although their differing powers and personalities are often at odds with the Dark Knight’s style. While still based in Gotham, Batman often travels beyond the Gotham City limits, facing situations both unfamiliar and exhilarating. With formidable foes around every corner, Batman still relies on his stealth, resourcefulness, and limitless supply of cool gadgets to uphold justice.
Justice League
In this action-packed adventure series, the world’s greatest superheroes, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Hawkgirl and Martian Manhunter, join forces as the Justice League to battle powerful villains, supernatural creatures and evil entities determined to take over the world and destroy the League. Based on the DC Comics characters.
Justice League Unlimited
In a world of extraterrestrial invasions, powerful sorcerers, vast shadowy conspiracies and ancient gods, the galaxy’s most powerful superheroes return to battle the allied villains and criminal plots that endanger the universe. Two years ago, the world’s greatest heroes banded together as the Justice League and dedicated themselves to battling threats too great for any single hero to handle. Since then, they’ve saved the world countless times from unimaginable dangers. But the price has been high. With their ranks diminished after fighting off an alien invasion and with new dangers arising at an ever-increasing pace, the remaining Justice League crime fighters realize that protecting the entire world is going to take more technology and manpower than they have at hand. A lot more. These heroes come home to roost in their high-tech Watchtower, sporting space-based energy weapons and a powered-up fleet of Javelin spaceships. The team members tap innovative matter-transporters that zip them from one location to another in a flash. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern continue to lead the universe’s most powerful superheroes, including such well-known defenders as Supergirl, Green Arrow and the Atom as well as Booster Gold, Hawk & Dove, Elongated Man, Mister Miracle, Big Barda and Zatanna. These fearless fighters and many others are the Justice League Unlimited.
For more content and material from the above three series, check out the The World’s Finest Justice League / Unlimited and Batman: The Brave and The Bold subsites. Stay tuned for additional details on where these three programs, among other DC Comics-based animated series, may end up in terms of other streaming services.
Update: As of February 1, 2023, all three series remain on HBO Max. Stay tuned for additional developments.
In further related news, the recent DC Animated Movie title Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons will be joining the streaming service January 17, 2023. Further details on that animated feature can be found here. Stick around The World’s Finest for further updates and more. Discuss this news by clicking the link below.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has announced Legion of Super-Heroes, the studio’s first 2023 entry in the DC Universe Movie line, will hit physical and digital media on February 7 of next year. The feature is directed by Jeff Wamester from a script written by Josie Campbell. Continue below for the Legion of Super-Heroes trailer, package art and press details:
LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES
NEW HEROES AND OLD ENEMIES POPULATE THE 31ST CENTURY
IN AN ALL-NEW DC UNIVERSE MOVIE ARRIVING FEBRUARY 7, 2023
ON 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL
Supergirl ventures to the 31st century to find answers to her present-day dilemmas, only to encounter new problems and an old enemy in Legion of Super-Heroes, an all-new, feature-length DC Universe Movie coming to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray+Digital, Blu-ray (Canada only), and Digital starting February 7, 2023 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, the action-packed Legion of Super-Heroes will be available on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (USA $39.99 SRP; Canada $44.98 SRP), Blu-ray+Digital (USA $29.98 SRP), Blu-ray (Canada $39.99 SRP) and Digital ($19.99). The Blu-ray+Digital features a Blu-ray disc with the film in hi-definition and a digital version of the movie. The 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc in 4K with HDR, a Blu-ray disc featuring the film in hi-definition, and a digital version of the movie.
Welcome to the 31st century and the Legion Academy, where a new generation hones their powers with hopes of joining the Legion of Super-Heroes. Devastated by tragedy, Supergirl struggles to adjust to her new life on Earth. Taking her cousin Superman’s advice, Supergirl leaves their space-time to attend the Academy. There, she quickly makes new friends, as well as a new enemy with old ties: Brainiac 5. But a nefarious plot lurks in the shadows – the mysterious group known as the Dark Circle seeks a powerful weapon held in the Academy’s vault. Find out if the budding heroes can rise to the challenge in this all-new DC Universe Movie!
Meg Donnelly (American Housewife) and Harry Shum Jr. (Crazy Rich Asians) lead a star-studded cast as the voices of Supergirl/Kara and Brainiac 5, respectively. Darren Criss (Glee, The Assassination of Gianni Versace), Matt Bomer (Doom Patrol, White Collar) and Jensen Ackles (Supernatural, The Boys) reprise their roles in this ongoing Justice League continuity as Superman, The Flash and Batman, respectively.
The remainder of the robust Legion of Super-Heroes cast features Cynthia Hamidi (FBI) as Dawnstar, Gideon Adlon (Blockers) as Phantom Girl, Ely Henry (Players, Smallfoot) as Bouncing Boy, Robbie Daymond (Critical Role) as Timber Wolf & Brainiac 4, Yuri Lowenthal (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Spider-Man) as Mon-El, Eric Lopez (Young Justice) as Cosmic Boy & Chemical King, Darin De Paul (Mortal Kombat Legends franchise) as Brainiac & Solomon Grundy, Ben Diskin (Muppet Babies) as Arms Fall Off Boy & Brainiac 2, Victoria Grace (Pacific Rim: The Black) as Shadow Lass, Jennifer Hale (Mass Effect franchise) as Alura, Daisy Lightfoot (Avengers Assemble) as Triplicate Girl, and Zeno Robinson (Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons) as Invisible Kid & Brainiac 3.
Jeff Wamester (Justice Society: World War II) directs Legion of Super-Heroes from a screenplay by Josie Campbell (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power). Producers are Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) and Kimberly S. Moreau (Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Butch Lukic (Batman: The Long Halloween, Superman: Man of Tomorrow) is Supervising Producer. Sam Register is Executive Producer.
Legion of Super-Heroes – Special Features
4K, Blu-ray and Digital
-The Legion Behind The Legion (New Featurette) – It took a heroic effort from a legion of writers, artists, animators and filmmakers to bring Legion of Super-Heroes to life. In this featurette, filmmakers and stars give us a deep dive into the making of the movie, from the original story idea through character development and final animation.
-Meet the Legionnaires (New Featurette) – There are dozens and dozens of Legion members, many of whom are featured in Legion of Super-Heroes. Who made the cut, and why? Lucky for us, the filmmakers are here to introduce us to each one – and give us some background on who they are, and why they’re important to the movie.
-Brainiac Attack: The Intellect Behind the Super-Villain (New Featurette) – In Legion of Super-Heroes, Brainiac 5 proves himself to be the pinnacle of all Brainiac iterations, but how did he become that way? In this featurette, filmmakers explain what we should we know about the 4 Brainiacs who came before him, and how – and why – Brainiac 5 chose his own path.
-Down to Earth: The Story of Supergirl (New Featurette) – Supergirl’s narrow escape from Krypton and her arrival on Earth is just the beginning of our story (literally). In this featurette, filmmakers explain why they chose to center Legion of Super-Heroes on Supergirl, what the backstory is between her and Superman at the start of the movie, and what exactly is going on between her and Brainiac 5.
Spend some time with the expansive canon of popular DC Universe Movies, DC Animated Movies and many other animated DC films and television series by checking out HBO Max!
ABOUT MOVIES ANYWHERE
Your Movies, Together at Last. MOVIES ANYWHERE lets you enjoy your favorite purchased or redeemed digital movies combined in one simplified, personal collection. MOVIES ANYWHERE brings together movies from Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Pictures (including DreamWorks and Illumination Entertainment), The Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Twentieth Century Studios, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), and Warner Bros. Entertainment. MOVIES ANYWHERE offers a library of over 7,900 digital movies, including new releases, and old favorites, and the user experience will continue to grow as more content providers, digital retailers and platforms are added. Using the MOVIES ANYWHERE app and website, consumers can connect their MOVIES ANYWHERE account with participating digital retailers and enjoy their favorite digital movies across multiple devices and platforms. Participating digital retailers include Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, Xfinity, Google Play/YouTube, Microsoft Movies & TV, FandangoNOW, Verizon Fios TV and DIRECTV. Consumers may also redeem digital codes found in eligible Blu-ray Discs™ and DVDs from participating studios: just look for the MOVIES ANYWHERE logo, redeem the code, then instantly enjoy your movie.
ABOUT DIGITAL
Digital movies or TV episodes allow fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital movies or TV episodes are included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. With digital, consumers are able to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through retail services. For more information on compatible devices and services go to wb.com/digitalmoviefaq. Consult a digital retailer for details and requirements and for a list of digital-compatible devices.
BASICS
PRODUCT
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack $39.99 USA
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack $44.98 Canada
Blu-ray + Digital $29.98 USA
Blu-ray $39.99 Canada
4K/Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish
Blu-ray Subtitles: English, Spanish
Running Time: 83 minutes
Rated PG-13 for some violence and language
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video and digital distribution businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.
About DC
DC, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, creates iconic characters and enduring stories and is one of the world’s largest publishers of comics and graphic novels. DC’s creative work entertains audiences of every generation around the world with DC’s stories and characters integrated across Warner Bros. Discovery’s film, television, animation, consumer products, home entertainment, games, and themed experiences divisions, and on the DC Universe Infinite digital comic subscription service. Learn more at DC.com
About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. WBA’s current series include Animaniacs for Hulu, Batwheels, Bugs Bunny Builders, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, Harley Quinn, Jellystone!, Looney Tunes Cartoons, My Adventures with Superman, Noonan’s, Tiny Toons Looniversity, Tom and Jerry Time, Tom and Jerry in New York, and Velma for HBO Max, Teen Titans Go! for Cartoon Network. The studio is currently in production with New Line Cinema on the upcoming original anime feature film, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. WBA’s full-length theatrical film, Teen Titans GO! to the Movies, was released in summer 2018. As home to the iconic animated characters from the DC, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Movies — for DVD, Blu-ray and digital media. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 40 Emmy Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, a BAFTA Children’s Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 21 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).
Legion of Super-Heroes, the first DC Universe Movie entry for 2023, arrives February 7 on Blu-ray and Digital from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Check out The World’s Finest DC Universe Movie subsite for more on the acclaimed movie series, and stay tuned for further updates right here at The World’s Finest. Click the link below to discuss this news.
The final issue of the Young Justice: Targets mini-series, along with the latest issue of the Harley Quinn: Legion of Bats mini-series, are both slated to hit comic store shelves this December 2022 from DC Comics. Both comic titles carry on plot threads established in their respective animated series, including the status-quo changing season three finale of Harley Quinn. Continue below for artwork and further details, all provided as part of the December 2022 solicitations from DC Comics.
YOUNG JUSTICE: TARGETS #6
Written by GREG WEISMAN
Art and cover by CHRISTOPHER JONES
Variant cover by MEGHAN HETRICK
$3.99 US | 32 pages | 6 of 6 | Variant $4.99 US (card stock) You’ve witnessed teams across the globe band together in the name of a shared goal—through twists and turns, friendships and betrayals, they have held steady in their goal to rescue Queen Perdita from the foul conspiracy she has been ensnared in. And now, in our final issue, we ask the question…will they succeed? Find out in this dramatic, action-packed, and heart-wrenching finale! ON SALE 12/27/22
HARLEY QUINN: THE ANIMATED SERIES: LEGION OF BATS! #3
Written by TEE FRANKLIN
Art by JON MIKEL
Cover by YOSHI YOSHITANI
Variant cover by DAN HIPP
1:25 variant cover by REILLY BROWN
$3.99 US | 32 pages | 3 of 6 | Variant $4.99 US (card stock) Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, a.k.a. Harlivy, a.k.a. the DCU’s most favoritest couple.They’re inseparable, right? Right? Well, maybe not. While Ivy focuses onprepping for her new job with the Legion of Doom and Harley dives mallet-firstinto her role as a member of the Bat-Family, the DCU’s most favoritest couple find themselves stretched thin. But are they at their breaking point? ON SALE 12/20/22
In related news, Young Justice producer Greg Weisman is launching a new ongoing comic book series this December 2022 based on his acclaimed 1990s Gargoyles animated series. Coming from Dynamite Comics, the series will feature new Gargoyles stories that are fully in continuity with the acclaimed cartoon. Details are below.
GARGOYLES #1
Written by GREG WEISMAN
Art by GEORGE KAMBADAIS
Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
Price: $3.99 US | 32 pages One thousand years ago, superstition and the sword ruled. It was a time of darkness. It was a world of fear. It was The Age of Gargoyles. Stone by day, Warriors by night, they were betrayed by the humans they had sworn to protect…frozen in stone by a magic spell for a thousand years. Now, here in Manhattan, the spell is broken, and they live again! They are Defenders of the Night! They are Gargoyles! Series creator Greg Weisman and illustrator George Kambadais reintroduce the Manhattan Clan, a family of Gargoyles at full strength, though modern New York City is full of attractions and distractions, and each member of the clan has begun to go their own way. But their bonds will be tested, when nefarious factions from all across the world attempt to steal that rarest, most precious of possessions…an unhatched Gargoyle egg! ON SALE 12/07/22
Click here for further information on the upcoming Gargoyles comic series, including a look at interior artwork, variant covers, and more, and click here for discussion.
DC Comics has released details on upcoming issues of the Young Justice: Targets mini-series and the Harley Quinn: Legion of Bats mini-series slated to hit comic store shelves this November 2022. Both comic titles carry on plot threads established in their respective animated series. Continue below for artwork and further details, all provided as part of the November 2022 solicitations from DC Comics.
YOUNG JUSTICE: TARGETS #5
Written by GREG WEISMAN
Art and cover by CHRISTOPHER JONES
Card stock variant cover by MEGHAN HETRICK
$3.99 US | 32 pages | 5 of 6 | Variant $4.99 US (card stock) Just as it seemed that Superboy was about to make some headway, enter a Kryptonite-laced Metallo! Will the team be able to finally achieve their goal and rescue Perdita, or will the Lexcorp robotics factory be their final resting place? Check out this penultimate chapter to find out! ON SALE 11/22/22
HARLEY QUINN: THE ANIMATED SERIES: LEGION OF BATS! #2
Written by TEE FRANKLIN
Art by SHAE BEAGLE
Cover by YOSHI YOSHITANI
Variant cover by DAN HIPP
1:25 variant cover by JON SOMMARIVA
$3.99 US | 32 pages | 2 of 6 | Variant $4.99 US (card stock) While out shopping for new outfits at the New Gotham Mall, Harley and Ivy stumble across a possible recruit…but are they recruiting for good or for bad? And what loser(s) would dare to show up and ruin their shopping extravaganza? A very pissed-off Clock King and a butthurt Riddler. Meanwhile, Nightwing and Batgirl follow up on a lead that sends Harley reeling…as many villains’ plans come to light. Everyone is out to tear our girls apart! ON SALE 11/15/22
Warner Bros. Animation released images and details from the Green Lantern: Beware My Power movie premiere and discussion panel at the San Diego Comic-Con 2022 pop culture convention on July 22, 2022. The studio also confirmed the four initial animated movies coming from DC Comics and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment in 2023, previously reported here. More details and images can be found below.
It was Christmas in July as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment gave a gift, then tossed in a few surprises at 2022 Comic-Con International this past weekend.
The initial gift — the World Premiere of Green Lantern: Beware My Power — came on Friday night as the enthusiastic Ballroom 20 audience was treated to the first public screening of the latest entry in the 15-year history of the DC Universe Movies. The screening was followed by an exciting, informative and oftentimes funny panel discussion amongst actors Aldis Hodge (John Stewart/Green Lantern), Jimmi Simpson (Green Arrow), Jamie Gray Hyder (Hawkgirl) and Brian Bloom (Adam Strange) alongside the filmmaking quartet of executive producer Butch Lukic, director Jeff Wamester and co-screenwriters John Semper Jr. & Ernie Altbacker. Publicist Gary Miereanu served as moderator.
Among the many panel highlights was Aldis Hodge, the voice of John Stewart/Green Lantern in his first animated feature film starring role, surprising the crowd with an impromptu reciting of the Green Lantern Oath, delivered with an impressive intensity and joy. See the attached photo.
During the later part of the panel discussion, WBHE reminded the crowd of the final DC Animated Movie coming this Fall — Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons (10/18/22) — and then rekindled its Comic-Con tradition of announcing its initial slate of DC Universe Movies and DC Animated Movies for the following year. See the attached image. With only names announced thus far, these film titles are coming in 2023:
• Legion of Super-Heroes
• Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham
• Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes and Huntsmen, Part One
• Justice League: Warworld
The panelists in attendance include:
Front Row (left to right) – Gary Miereanu (moderator), Brian Bloom, Jamie Gray Hyder, John Semper Jr. & Aldis Hodge
Back Row (left to right) – Ernie Altbacker, Jimmi Simpson, Jeff Wamester, Butch Lukic
(the three stills were photographed by Gary Miereanu)
Further details are expected in the coming months for these four upcoming DC Universe Movie and DC Animated Movie titles, including cast details, release dates, trailers and more. Additionally, DC Comics announced a new printing of the Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham trade paperback softcover collection, released to tie into the upcoming DC Animated Movie adaptation of the acclaimed comic mini-series of the same name, will hit shelves April 4, 2023.
Be sure to stay tuned to The World’s Finest for further updates and exclusive content. Discuss these upcoming titles and more right here by clicking on the links below.