Mexico's Justice League by Dave Goode

 

By their very nature Mexico's masked wrestler movies a.k.a Mexiluchahero movies can only be described as psychotronic. What with their colorfully costumed heroes having comic book-like adventures with alien invaders , mad scientists , mummies , vampires , werewolves and zombies what else could they be described as? And none of these flicks were more psychotronic than the Los Campeones Justicieros series. Better known in the U.S.A as the Champions of Justice trilogy. I consider the first film from this series to be the best. And it has what I consider to be the best team. Blue Demon , Mil Mascaras , Tinieblas , el Medico Asesino and el Sombra Vengadora.

The 1971 movie was directed by Federico Curiel and written by Rogelio Agrasanchez , Rafael Garcia Travesi , Ramon Obon and Valente Perez. The flick has five Mexiluchaheroes team up to thwart a mad scientist known as the Black Hand and his minions , including a squad of midgets in Halloween-like superhero costumes. There is also a plethora of Mexican pulchritude on parade provided by the actresses portraying our heroes' goddaughters/nieces. Do you remember the scene in the blockbuster movie PRETTY WOMAN between Julia Roberts and Elinor Donahue. Roberts tells Donahue that Richard Gere isn't really her uncle. And Donahue replies " They never are dear. "

The best remembered scene in this flick may be the one where the villain gives his team of  costumed midgets super-strength. It's hilarious watching the Black Hand's miniscule minions toss around the muscular heroes like rag-dolls. Almost as funny is the scene where their super-strength wears off and the heroes turn the tables on them. If you're a fan of psychotronica and Mexiluchahero movies and have never seen this flick or it's two sequels ( Vuelven Los Campeones Justicieros and Triunfo Los Campeones Justicieros ) search them out. You won't be sorry.

If you're a fan of comic book hero teams check out this alternate-universe JLA illustration by Vance Capley. It features Dr.Judo , Mr. Incognito , the Phantom Gorilla and the Judo Twins (Judo Jim & Judo Jenny).