Warner Bros, out now

John Sheridan finds himself transported through multiple timelines and alternate realities in a quest to find his way back home.

The last time we saw Bruce Boxleitner as Captain Sheridan was in 2007’s The Lost Tales, and prior to that it was 1999’s A Call to Arms, just after the end of Babylon 5’s five-season run. He’s an interesting character, and I honestly thought we’d not see or hear him again, so the announcement of an animated movie featuring the voices of cast members piqued my interest.

Written by J Michael Straczynski, the story begins with Sheridan looking for his lucky blue socks – he wore them when he took over Babylon 5, and now wants to wear them when taking over as President of the 12-world Interstellar Alliance. In an acceptable info dump, we discover that it’s two years after end of the Shadow War and that the station had been left under the command of Lochley. And then, at the opening of a ceremony for a new power system on Minbar (this is his new life) Sheridan finds unstuck in time.

Thus follows a series of alternate reality scenarios – backwards and forwards in time – where he meets himself and other members of the crew at different stages in the Babylon 5 timeline. It’s fun without being essential, and a delight to recognise familiar voices while also lamenting just how many cast members have died in the intervening years. The animation style is familiar to those who have watched recent DC animated movies, capturing the essences of beloved characters.

Verdict: Surplus to requirements and wisely doesn’t interfere with what’s already been established before, but as a nostalgia hit it’s fun to spend time in this universe again. 7/10

Nick Joy

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