Genre: Animate Superhero | Directed by: Sam Liu | Release Date: 2019
Diana rescues Steve Trevor, leaves Themyscira, and builds a life among humanity. Years later, she battles Villainy, Inc., a group of her former enemies.
Plot
Wonder Woman: Bloodlines delivers a strong story that balances action, mythology, and emotional stakes. The narrative establishes Diana as not just a protector but also a mentor and warrior, highlighting her compassion alongside her combat prowess. The film gives significant weight to her bond with Vanessa, whose transformation into Silver Swan provides one of the most compelling arcs. Their relationship adds emotional depth and a sense of personal tragedy, making the final showdown between them not only explosive but heartfelt.
Villainy, Inc. is a clever concept, assembling Cheetah, Giganta, Doctor Cyber, Doctor Poison, Medusa, and Veronica Cale. While their inclusion adds scale and variety, the group could have benefited from stronger team dynamics and more interaction. Still, the sheer range of foes puts Diana against challenges that test her on multiple levels.
The pacing is tight and never feels bloated, moving seamlessly between action set pieces and character-driven moments. Themes of loyalty, growth, and the price of heroism resonate throughout, and the finale is easily one of Wonder Woman’s strongest onscreen battles across any medium. Grounded yet epic, the story captures the essence of Diana while giving fans a layered take on her world.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Production
Visually, Bloodlines shines with refined animation and sharp character models. Each design feels distinctive and tailored, from Diana’s Amazonian armor to the sleek menace of Silver Swan. The action sequences are a particular highlight—choreographed with energy and fluidity that rival some of DC’s best animated films. The fight against Medusa and the climactic battle with Silver Swan stand out as stunning showcases of scale and choreography.
The color palette and line work are polished, leaning toward bold contrasts that complement the story’s mythic tone. Costume and character designs, while not groundbreaking, are consistent and clean. They allow the characters’ personalities to stand out while still honoring classic looks.
Musically, the score is serviceable—fitting the tone but lacking memorable themes. However, what the music lacks in distinctiveness, the sound design makes up for in impact. The crisp layering of battle effects, from sword clashes to Silver Swan’s sonic screams, keeps the viewer immersed.
The script is well-written, balancing exposition, emotional arcs, and superhero spectacle. The dialogue is grounded yet engaging, and the pacing ensures every scene feels purposeful. Sam Liu’s direction brings cohesion, ensuring the visuals, writing, and tone align in a way that elevates the story beyond standard comic-book fare.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Performances
The voice cast is one of Bloodlines’ strongest assets. Rosario Dawson steps fully into Diana, giving the Amazon strength, confidence, and emotional resonance. Her delivery captures both the regal warrior and the compassionate mentor, making her one of the definitive animated Wonder Women.
Jeffrey Donovan’s Steve Trevor is an excellent counterbalance—charming, loyal, and grounded. His chemistry with Dawson provides levity and heart, ensuring their relationship feels genuine without overshadowing the central Diana-Vanessa storyline. Speaking of which, Marie Avgeropoulos delivers a layered performance as Vanessa/Silver Swan, effectively portraying her tragic descent from vulnerable young woman to vengeful villain.
The supporting cast is equally impressive: Adrienne C. Moore, Kimberly Brooks, Courtenay Taylor, Constance Zimmer, Nia Vardalos, Michael Dorn, Cree Summer, and Mozhan Marnò all bring their characters to life with personality and nuance. Alfred Molina may not be present this time around, but the villains are still voiced with conviction, adding menace and charisma.
Sam Liu’s direction once again proves why he’s a trusted hand in DC Animation. His ability to balance character-driven storytelling with action spectacle ensures that the performances are front and center while the visuals and pacing support them. Liu has a knack for pulling out emotionally charged voice work, and it’s clear here.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Wonder Woman: Bloodlines is a standout entry in DC’s animated lineup—balancing heart, myth, and heroism. The story delivers strong character arcs, particularly Diana and Vanessa’s, while the action sequences dazzle with scale and energy. The voice cast elevates the material, especially Dawson and Avgeropoulos, though the score lacks memorability and Villainy, Inc. feels underutilized. Still, Sam Liu’s direction ties everything together, resulting in one of Wonder Woman’s most compelling animated portrayals. Wonder Woman: Bloodlines gets 4 out of 5.
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