“Humanity” follows up on the whereabouts of Red Tornado, the Young Justice team’s mentor. Tornado is in the clutches of T.O. Morrow, his creator. The team is introduced to Zatanna (finally), and decides to ditch the adult heroes in their own quest to find Tornado. Guest stars in this first bit include Zatara, Black Canary, and Captain Marvel (unfortunately acting a lot more like a little kid and taken advantage of by the team).In a great sequence full of Eater Eggs for long term DC readers, T. O. Morrow recounts the history of his past projects. The previous robots were part of the Golden Age, Red Torpedo was the hero of the same name, and Red Inferno was originally Firebrand, both designed to infiltrate the JSA. Tornado was supposed to do that too, but he rebelled, liking being a hero. Morrow has designed a new one, Red Volcano, who immediately turns on Morrow, revealed as a robot. After this stunning sequence, the kids go to Belle Reeve and interrogate Ivo, getting Morrow’s location from him via Zatanna’s power.

Warned by Ivo that the team is coming, Volcano sends Tornado after them. Even with the addition of Zatanna’s power, Tornado (assume Reds in front of all these names) wipes the floor with Young Justice. This was a fake to throw off Volcano, who wasn’t fooled. He seems to have earth control like Terra, as well as amazing speed and strength. Elsewhere, Tornado convinces Torpedo and Inferno to turn on Volcano, all three being destroyed in the process. Tornado and the team then manage to divert the effects of the near-cataclysmic eruption. In a nice scene at the end, we learn that not only was Tornado teaching the kids, but they were helping him learn more about being human.

This was yet another great episode. The bits of Golden Age history were great. The team dynamic was great, especially with the addition of Zatanna. Robin seems to have a good deal of interest in her, which led to a few interesting moments. They changed a good bit of DC history, especially in the Golden Age, but the changes worked considering they have stated time and again this is not “main” DC Earth. This show continues to really impress me.

What I liked and what I didn’t:

Aces all the way around. The characterization, action, history bits, all were great. I loved the Robin/Zatanna interaction. The teamwork was well done. There were lots of nice touches, like Kid Flash still being injured from last episode, and his cast not changing colors when the heroes go into their “stealth mode.”

My only complaint at all was Captain Marvel being so incredibly gullible. Aside from that, phenomenal episode.