The latest creation from the brilliant mind of writer, director, producer and all around fanboy Joss Whedon isn’t a major motion picture about space cowboys. It isn’t a television series about vampires and the spunky chicks who slay them. It isn’t even a mini-series exploring some new corner of the Whedon-verse.

Instead, this time Whedon is examining and illuminating the concepts of good and evil, heroes and villains, responsibility, and the far-reaching consequences of our actions through the tragicomic struggle of a mad scientist trying to prove to the world, his nemesis and the girl of his dreams that he isn’t just a joke. Upping the ante, Whedon is telling this particular story through song – and he’s using the internet to do it.

“Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” was conceived by Whedon and his siblings Jeb and Zack as a response to last winter’s writer’s strike. His hope was that by developing and releasing a project like “Dr. Horrible” without the support of a major studio or production company it might remind the industry (and heck, the world) that creativity and innovation aren’t dictated by contracts; and with a little ingenuity (and a lot of friends who owe you favors) you can make something great.

“Dr. Horrible” stars Neil Patrick Harris (CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother”) as the titular character and his shy alter-ego Billy. Harris does a magnificent job conveying Horrible’s frustration with the status of the world (which is not “quo” in case you were wondering) and his overwhelming need to prove himself evil enough for inclusion in the ‘Evil League of Evil’. Parallel to these lofty goals is Billy’s desire to be loved by winsome do-gooder Penny, played with just the right touch of sweetness by BtVS alum Felicia Day, whom Billy adores from afar at the local laundry mat. Unfortunately for Billy – and the Doctor – his nemesis Captain Hammer, played with gleeful arrogance and smarm by Whedon favorite Nathan Fillion (“Firefly”), is out to ruin Horrible’s plan for world domination as well as his plan to romance Penny.

The first of the three 15 minute acts introduces us to Dr. Horrible via his video blog as he answers fan e-mails and broadly outlines his plot for world domination. I’ll admit it – despite NPH’s excellent comedic timing, the first few minutes can feel a bit boring and forced. But the moment you hear the first twinkling notes of “With My Freeze Ray (I Will Stop the World)” the whole thing really kicks into gear. For anyone who is familiar with NPH’s work in theater, how great he is won’t be a surprise. But for those who only know him as Barney or Doogie Howser, the lovely tone of his voice and his superb delivery may very well be a revelation.

Songs like the “Letter from Bad Horse” (cleverly sung by a cowboy chorus) introduce us to the head of the Evil League of Evil, and also set the stage for Dr. Horrible’s nefarious schemes. “A Man’s Gotta Do” proves to be the weakest of the main musical numbers, but is an effective and often hilarious intro to Captain Hammer (Corporate Tool) and nicely sets up the challenges Dr. Horrible will face in trying to implement his plans for world domination, his inclusion in the ELE, as well as the love triangle he finds himself in with Penny and the Hammer.

Though Dr. Horrible’s sets and effects are somewhat simpler and lack some of the outward polish of Whedon’s other projects, the first Act does possess all of the requisite charms: quirky characters, snappy dialog, great humor and wonderful acting. If Act I is any indication, “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” will give every viewer – from the most ardent Whedon fan to a casual web browser – something to sing about.

Reviewer: Alli Holstrom.

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