One of the most daunting hurdles that DC Comics has had to overcome throughout their history is making Aquaman look cool. The image arguably most have of this nautically-themed defender of the innocent has been informed by the hero's corny '60s cartoon or portrayal as a loudmouth braggart in "Batman: The Brave and the Bold." Now I have my issues with not only DC but just about all comic book-inspired media at large for giving their characters gritty aesthetic overhauls in vain attempts at hipness, but I'll give Justice League: Throne of Atlantis credit for trying this approach with Aquaman and actually sort of pulling it off. This animated feature still experiences its share of choppy waters, most of which stem from the stylistic alterations that DC's "New 52" initiative has wrought in recent years. But compared to the comic giant's last handful of animated adventures, that Justice League: Throne of Atlantis retains at least some semblance of humor to its name is reason enough to give it a whirl.

The world has forever been changed by the evil alien Darkseid's attempted takeover in Justice League: War. But as we surface-dwellers start to rebuild and move on, further strife is brewing fast at the bottom of the sea. Atlantis, long thought to be a myth, not only exists but is extremely peeved about the devastation unleashed upon the ocean floor. With the king dead, Prince Orm (voice of Sam Witwer) has sworn revenge on terra firma and has begun mobilizing troops for an all-out assault. Fortunately, we have heroes like Superman (voice of Jerry O'Connell), Wonder Woman (voice of Rosario Dawson), and Batman (voice of Jason O'Mara) on our side, although their newly-formed "Justice League" is still wracked with disorganization. However, one person may hold the key to stopping the Atlantean attack: Arthur Curry (voice of Matt Lanter). He isn't aware yet, but he's a bridge between the worlds of land and sea, a halfling with the ability to see peace achieved and fulfill his destiny as the hero that will one day be known as Aquaman.

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is DC's latest step towards establishing a shared animated universe for its famed superhero properties. This particular enterprise has been influenced by the company's "New 52" comic line, which sought to reboot and refresh the origins of many classic characters for modern readers. I haven't flipped through the issues upon which Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is based, so I can't say how direct an adaptation it is. However, the flick does display certain undesirable traits adopted by the recent darker direction that various forms of superhero media have taken. Nothing too dramatic has been done in the way of retooling the backgrounds of the crimefighting folks we know and love, but the overall attitude of this film has taken a visible step back from the whimsy with which they were originally conceived. The action sequences have a grimness to them; that big blue boy scout Superman now issues death threats; and not even Green Lantern (voice of Nathan Fillion) can crack wise in combat without having a chip the size of Oa on his shoulder. None of this reaches the dour depths that last year's Son of Batman sunk to, but that a flick using a particular medium sure to attract younger viewers is so hesitant to let loose and take pleasure in its heroism seems mighty disheartening.

That is, until the last act, at which point Justice League: Throne of Atlantis becomes a bastion of in-jokes and DC references. The switch to a breezy attitude is very sudden, but it's welcome, as we bear witness to Arthur/Aquaman making callbacks to his depiction in "The Brave and the Bold" and a cameo from one character once played by a certain Shaq Fu practitioner. Although it doesn't completely excuse the serious face that the movie pulls for the first half or so, it's a sign the production hasn't lost all touch with its fantastic roots. I'll also be the first to admit that a decent chunk of the film's dramatic subplots are executed with tact and weight. The struggles of Cyborg (voice of Shemar Moore) over being half-man/half-machine feel sincere, and Superman and Wonder Woman's growing romance is handled nicely.

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is replete with little asides and character interactions that'll likely be explored further in oncoming sequels. But as far as the focus of this specific outing goes, the creative team has done a fine job of not just instilling Arthur/Aquaman with a compelling arc but giving his entire universe a healthy coat of badass paint, as well. The submarine battles, Lovecraftian sea beasts, and magic-infused fights that populate this picture are more than eager to make anyone who dismisses Aquaman as some cut-rate crimebuster who talks to fish eat their words with a side of drawn butter.

Rounded out by kinetic animation and a voice cast that's more often than not on the ball, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is DC's most noteworthy cartoon caper in some time. Stiffness still holds court too frequently for my taste, but once the flick musters up the confidence to embrace its inner child that's clamoring for explosions and punches galore, it can be an entertaining watch. Though fans and their appetites for action would be better served revisiting previous adventures like 2009's Wonder Woman, the uneven but enjoyable Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is enough to satisfy their super-fix for the time being.

(Released by Warner Home Video and rated "PG-13" by MPAA.)