The year was 1987 and DC was reworking the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths universe. In walked editor Andrew Helfer, writers Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis, and artist Kevin Maguire, to relaunch the popular Justice League of America; the DCU would never be the same.
The first six-issues of Justice League and the first issue of the retitled Justice League International are collected in a new hardcover. DC was restructuring the DCU post-Crisis and reintroduced many characters with the six-issue limited series Legends including Captain Marvel. At this time many characters were also going through extensive relaunches including Wonder Woman, Superman. and Wally West trying to fill the boots Barry Allen left behind.
Because of this Justice League wasn’t allowed to use many of the mainstays of League’s past core members. Only Batman and the Martian Manhunter were available to Giffen, but not to worry because they would more than make do with a league all their own.
Unable to use most of DC’s headliners (and many of the middle-weights) the creative team struck on the idea to change the tone and scope of the book to examine the interpersonal relationships of the group behind the scenes. As a stark contrast to the heavy drama of the time the book decided not to take life so seriously and brought an unexpected humor to the saga of the world’s greatest heroes.
Not all the new members joined up simply to fight the bad guys. These new heroes all have their own interests for joining whether it be their urge to prove themselves (Guy Gardner, Captain Marvel), their desire for wealth and fame (Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Mister Miracle and Oberon), or the few hold-overs from the former league (Black Canary, the Martian Manhunter), for a purpose they don’t yet understand (Doctor Fate), or simply to hold all these egos in check (Batman). Add in the secret plans of the mysterious Maxwell Lord and you’ve got yourself a series.
The series starts with the self-grandizing thoughts of the League’s Green Lantern – Guy Gardner, who, until Batman punches him out in issue #5, is forever trying to wrangle control of the group for himself and includes an all-out brawl for leadership of the new league (and incessantly insulting poor Captain Whitebread, I mean Marvel).
The hijinks would continue for years but here’s where it all begins. In these seven issues the league finds new members and a new mandate as it takes on the likes of terrorist Rocket Reds, the Gray Man, and the Royal Flush Gang.
If you don’t already have a graphic novel collecting these issues go out and pick this one up now! Unable to use many of great heroes of the DCU Giffen and crew simply wrote great stories centering around who the characters were and how they interacted with each other. Here was the most innovative (and hysterically funny) work done on any Justice League title to date. It’s a must have for any comic fan.