Justice League

Justice League International #4

justice-league-international-new-52-4-coverThe team, split up into pairs, attempted to do reconnaissance and stop the giant menacing robots looming around the world. They were unsuccessful, as was Guy Gardner who attempted a solo run on Peraxxus‘ ship in orbit above the Earth.

Now reunited, the team comes together for one last ditch effort to stop the alien from destroying the planet merely to plunder its remnants. Issue #4 works well, but the story does feel a little drawn out. The story arc could easily have finished by the end of this issue and moved on to new business, like the team members getting better acquainted, in issue #5.

Writer Dan Jurgens does give us some fun moments (hell, he’s even getting me to change my mind about Godiva) and the art by Aaron Lopresti fits the story well, even if Peraxxus’ design is far too reminiscent of Galactus) including a full-page spread of the team jumping back into action. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Justice League #3

justice-league-new-52-3-coverAfter a promising start I thought writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee lost their way with the series’ second issue, but I’ve got to say this one’s almost everything I wanted it to be. Sure, I’ve got a few minor quibbles (like someone yet again telling Hal how to use his ring) but if the series can deliver this much fun on a monthly basis (and, I’ll admit, that’s a big “if”), I’m going to be very happy.

As Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, and the Flash battle the legions of Parademons invading the Earth a new face joins the fight (after she finishes her first ice cream cone, of course). This Wonder Woman is a warrior born itching for a little action, and when the demons show up she’s more than happy to join the fray – much to the amazement of Hal and Barry.

The open sequence with Wonder Woman, Steve Trevor, and the little girl who introduces her to ice cream might be a tad too cute for my tastes, but once the Amazon joins the fight the comic really picks up. We also get our first look at Aquaman and Cyborg.

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Justice League #2

justice-league-new-52-2-coverAlmost without exception the second issues of the DC Reboot have been an improvement. The stories are better written, the art feels less rushed, and the writers more effectively use the characters. I say almost without exception, because the second issue of Justice League feels like a step in the wrong direction.

The first issue did a fair job in introducing us to the New 52 versions of Green Lantern and Batman before promising Batman and Superman‘s first throwdown in issue #2. Here’s the problem, the first fight between Batman and Superman, incomprehensively, takes place off-panel between issues.

That’s right, by the time this issue picks up the action most of the Batman/Superman fight is already over. Who at DC thought this was a good idea? And that’s not the only problem as most of the takeaways are equally questionable. Batman is pushed around, Superman shrugs off Green Lantern’s best constructs without much effort, and we learn that Cyborg‘s dad is one huge dick. Is this really what I waited seven weeks for?

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Justice League International #2

jli-new-52-2-coverThe new Justice League International gets their first big test when a giant robot rises out of the ground in Peru and leaving destruction in its wake. Let’s just say things could have gone better.

The team, ill-equipped for the situation, having no experience together functioning as a team, and with no intel on the threat, quickly gets their butts handed to them. They can’t even agree at making a necessary hasty retreat to regroup. And that’s before they learn the robot has some buddies.

A solid second issue from writer Dan Jurgens. I’d still like it to be a little more fun but we do get a couple of fun moments include Andre Briggs‘ attempt to throw Batman off the team and Booster Gold getting some unexpected support in his early days as leader of the team.

It’s an improvement from the first issue, but the comic is still missing a little of the fun from Justice League: Generation Lost. If Booster is going to be the more serious version we’re seeing here I think the book needs a little more youthful energy which someone like Blue Beetle could provide. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Justice League International #1

jli-v2-1-coverI was surprised how much I liked DC’s first new title Justice League. The reboot of Justice League International isn’t quite as good, but it’s a solid start for another Justice League title.

The original JLI run by Keith GiffenJ. M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire to this day remains one of the best team comics DC, or any publisher, has put out. Way before its time, JLI focused on character relationships, humor, and petty arguments among heroes at least as much as it did with the League saving the day.

The new JLI lacks the zaniness of Giffen’s run, and isn’t as strong as Judd Winick‘s year-long Justice League: Generation Lost tale. It’s also missing a few key pieces that could really spice up the team dynamic (including Guy Gardner, who quits halfway through this first issue).

The first issue is primarily concerned with setting up the team (which includes Fire, Ice, Rocket Red, Vixen, August General in Iron, and Godiva) under the leadership of Booster Gold, who in the relaunch is still widely regarded as a glory hound.

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