Vixen: The Movie

This feature-length animated superhero adventure is actually a compilation of webisodes about a young orphan named Mari McCabe (voiced by Megalyn Echikunwoke), who inherits an African totem from the parents she never knew and acquires the ability to channel the powers of animals, which include strength, speed, and the ability to fly. The story charts her journey to Africa to learn about her legacy and meet a sister (Anika Noni Rose) she never knew before returning to America to develop as a superhero with magic-based powers in the DC TV universe of Arrow, The Flash, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Echikunwoke also portrayed the character in an episode of the live-action Arrow and the real stars of other live-action shows here voice the animated appearances of Flash, Green Arrow, Firestorm, Atom, and others. Originally presented in 12 five-minute chapters over two seasons on the CW Seed streaming channel, Vixen: The Movie has been expanded into a feature-length 75-minute film. But even though well-known DC characters appear here, the story remains focused on Mari and her journey, making it a rare superhero film centered on a female. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)