“Justice League of America" #1
posted by JediSheltie @ 11:20 PM
Introductions
Since the individual at whom's whim I write here did a brief introduction of why you should pay attention to what he says, so shall I.
Briefly... You shouldn't.
I'm nobody.
It's an incident of fate perhaps that that I have been “blessed” with the ability to string a few words together in a reasonably coherent manner. It was instrumental in my graduation from college, in fact. Beyond that, it hasn't served me too well.
So, don't get too worked up at anything you read in here. My opinion is just that, and it is no better than your own. Unless, of course, you disagree with me. Then your opinion is juvenile and moronic.
Okay, that was an example of ironic humor. If you didn't chuckle in the least, then you should probably just move on now. The bottom line is that, just because I have an outlet for my opinion doesn't make it right. Nor do the many thousands of similar bloggers have any great monopoly on being right or posting “the truth.”
Basically, my primary job qualifications are: I read comics and watch sci-fi. And I am thirty-one years old. Insert joke here. Yes, I'm a walking cliché, but at least I know it. I'm a huge Superman fan, have been since quite the young age. Don't tell anyone, but at the age of 5 or 6 I was running around my backyard in blue tights, a red cape, and appropriately dyed Underoos. If that doesn't earn you some fan “street cred”, I don't know what does.
Justice League of America #1
For my inaugural entry in this probably not even semi-regular column, I've chosen the imminently timely "Justice League of America #1". We'll get the meat of the “what does this have to do with the site?” question out of the way first. It has Superman in it. That's about it, and it gives me a chance to wrap up with the really cheap and easy, “who would you put in your ideal Justice League” bit.
DC pushed this hard, not only because it's a return of a flagship title, but because Brad Meltzer, of “Identity Crisis” and “actual published, popular novelist” fame is doing the first 13 (counting “0”) issues, and is responsible for the current line up.
In the interest of full disclosure, I'll mention my previous favorite incarnation of the JLA was Grant Morrison's inaugural run on the last “JLA” series. I enjoyed the idea that the JLA should be primarily composed of DC's most iconic characters. Well, DC's most iconic characters... and Martian Manhunter. Since I've given scout's honor I won't work blue on the mike here, I can't launch my scheduled tirade against Martian Manhunter, so let's just say... I'm not a fan of this “iconic” seventh or eighth wheel...
Meltzer's line up gives us most of the iconic core, and expands outward. Much of the issue is concerned with familiarizing new readers with the parts of the team that don't have that instant name recognition of a Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, or Green Lantern. I won't “spoil” the full line-up, though if you don't know it by now, then you're damn sure committed to avoiding spoilers, and I commend you for it. Technically the full lineup isn't firmed up this issue, unless of course you glance at the alternate “incentive cover”. Supposedly an 11th member remains shrouded in mystery, unless I've missed a Newsarama post or something, that is.
My guess: Flash. They don't have a “speedster” in the current lineup as of yet.
If the title “The Tornado's Path” is any hint, this first arc is focused on soon-to-be JLA member Red Tornado. The story shifts back and forth between the “Trinity”, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, picking potential recruits, and the immediate back-stories of the eventual choices. As the picking goes, it's obvious some are going to turn down the offer. The smooth interaction of the big three here is an enjoyable return to happier days, giving us assurance that, though they don't always agree, they aren't storming off to build surveillance satellites, or breaking people's necks.
The art by Ed Benes is consistently spectacular. There's no real epic throwdowns in this, the first issue, so the character work is key, and it looks great. From the Metal Men commiserating over the lifeless shell of Red Tornado, to the reaction of Oliver Queen to learning he was not to be team's archer. After suffering through the miss-mash of artists on Infinite Crisis, it was nice to see the story play out with consistent quality. I liked IC, don't get me wrong, and I would have waited even longer if they'd have let Perez finish the issues.
Meltzer's characterization of the major players is also key. There's “wiggle room” perhaps with the Vixen's and Black Lightning's of the world, but you have to nail Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Since most of their presence in this issue is conveyed entirely through dialog, it is even more important. He does an excellent job in shaping the characters through their choices for team membership. It culminates somewhat in a minor, friendly “spat” where each one's motives are laid bare: Batman votes only for those he trusts, Wonder Woman for votes for purely tactical reasons, and Superman for those he feels are “nice.”
So, why isn't Capitan Atom getting in? Because Superman thinks he's a jerk. That's good enough for me.
One thing I disagreed with, and Meltzer will probably refine this a little in the upcoming issues, was the characterization that the new team needed a “tank”, and that would be Red Tornado. Personally, I think they're overlooking the tall guy with the big “S” on his chest. He's pretty well known for being able to soak up a lot of punishment and then serve it back, with interest. Again, perhaps the idea here is that Superman isn't exactly a tank, but more of the “nuclear option” in terms of striking power. I'll give Meltzer time to flesh the idea out a bit.
So, bottom line.... Uh, well, I realize I don't have a rating scale... So, for now, just buy it and read it, you'll like it.
"My" League
Yes, pointless space filler, but I can't resist throwing my ideal League out there. The topic of a thousand fanboy forum posts, I'll toss my 2 cents in as well. Anyone who notices any patterns should just keep their damn mouths shut. I'm going off the 11 member scale, since that's what the current League is using, no other reason. You have to stop somewhere, after all.
So, on a pointless side note, I leave you. Hopefully you chuckled a bit throughout this little shindig, that was mostly the point.
Since the individual at whom's whim I write here did a brief introduction of why you should pay attention to what he says, so shall I.
Briefly... You shouldn't.
I'm nobody.
It's an incident of fate perhaps that that I have been “blessed” with the ability to string a few words together in a reasonably coherent manner. It was instrumental in my graduation from college, in fact. Beyond that, it hasn't served me too well.
So, don't get too worked up at anything you read in here. My opinion is just that, and it is no better than your own. Unless, of course, you disagree with me. Then your opinion is juvenile and moronic.
Okay, that was an example of ironic humor. If you didn't chuckle in the least, then you should probably just move on now. The bottom line is that, just because I have an outlet for my opinion doesn't make it right. Nor do the many thousands of similar bloggers have any great monopoly on being right or posting “the truth.”
Basically, my primary job qualifications are: I read comics and watch sci-fi. And I am thirty-one years old. Insert joke here. Yes, I'm a walking cliché, but at least I know it. I'm a huge Superman fan, have been since quite the young age. Don't tell anyone, but at the age of 5 or 6 I was running around my backyard in blue tights, a red cape, and appropriately dyed Underoos. If that doesn't earn you some fan “street cred”, I don't know what does.
Justice League of America #1
For my inaugural entry in this probably not even semi-regular column, I've chosen the imminently timely "Justice League of America #1". We'll get the meat of the “what does this have to do with the site?” question out of the way first. It has Superman in it. That's about it, and it gives me a chance to wrap up with the really cheap and easy, “who would you put in your ideal Justice League” bit.
DC pushed this hard, not only because it's a return of a flagship title, but because Brad Meltzer, of “Identity Crisis” and “actual published, popular novelist” fame is doing the first 13 (counting “0”) issues, and is responsible for the current line up.
In the interest of full disclosure, I'll mention my previous favorite incarnation of the JLA was Grant Morrison's inaugural run on the last “JLA” series. I enjoyed the idea that the JLA should be primarily composed of DC's most iconic characters. Well, DC's most iconic characters... and Martian Manhunter. Since I've given scout's honor I won't work blue on the mike here, I can't launch my scheduled tirade against Martian Manhunter, so let's just say... I'm not a fan of this “iconic” seventh or eighth wheel...
Meltzer's line up gives us most of the iconic core, and expands outward. Much of the issue is concerned with familiarizing new readers with the parts of the team that don't have that instant name recognition of a Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, or Green Lantern. I won't “spoil” the full line-up, though if you don't know it by now, then you're damn sure committed to avoiding spoilers, and I commend you for it. Technically the full lineup isn't firmed up this issue, unless of course you glance at the alternate “incentive cover”. Supposedly an 11th member remains shrouded in mystery, unless I've missed a Newsarama post or something, that is.
My guess: Flash. They don't have a “speedster” in the current lineup as of yet.
If the title “The Tornado's Path” is any hint, this first arc is focused on soon-to-be JLA member Red Tornado. The story shifts back and forth between the “Trinity”, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, picking potential recruits, and the immediate back-stories of the eventual choices. As the picking goes, it's obvious some are going to turn down the offer. The smooth interaction of the big three here is an enjoyable return to happier days, giving us assurance that, though they don't always agree, they aren't storming off to build surveillance satellites, or breaking people's necks.
The art by Ed Benes is consistently spectacular. There's no real epic throwdowns in this, the first issue, so the character work is key, and it looks great. From the Metal Men commiserating over the lifeless shell of Red Tornado, to the reaction of Oliver Queen to learning he was not to be team's archer. After suffering through the miss-mash of artists on Infinite Crisis, it was nice to see the story play out with consistent quality. I liked IC, don't get me wrong, and I would have waited even longer if they'd have let Perez finish the issues.
Meltzer's characterization of the major players is also key. There's “wiggle room” perhaps with the Vixen's and Black Lightning's of the world, but you have to nail Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Since most of their presence in this issue is conveyed entirely through dialog, it is even more important. He does an excellent job in shaping the characters through their choices for team membership. It culminates somewhat in a minor, friendly “spat” where each one's motives are laid bare: Batman votes only for those he trusts, Wonder Woman for votes for purely tactical reasons, and Superman for those he feels are “nice.”
So, why isn't Capitan Atom getting in? Because Superman thinks he's a jerk. That's good enough for me.
One thing I disagreed with, and Meltzer will probably refine this a little in the upcoming issues, was the characterization that the new team needed a “tank”, and that would be Red Tornado. Personally, I think they're overlooking the tall guy with the big “S” on his chest. He's pretty well known for being able to soak up a lot of punishment and then serve it back, with interest. Again, perhaps the idea here is that Superman isn't exactly a tank, but more of the “nuclear option” in terms of striking power. I'll give Meltzer time to flesh the idea out a bit.
So, bottom line.... Uh, well, I realize I don't have a rating scale... So, for now, just buy it and read it, you'll like it.
"My" League
Yes, pointless space filler, but I can't resist throwing my ideal League out there. The topic of a thousand fanboy forum posts, I'll toss my 2 cents in as well. Anyone who notices any patterns should just keep their damn mouths shut. I'm going off the 11 member scale, since that's what the current League is using, no other reason. You have to stop somewhere, after all.
- Superman
- Batman
- Wonder Woman
- Flash
- Green Lantern- But what one? You are no doubt asking... Kyle. Two reasons: 1, he's now Ion, and thus more powerful than your average GL. Or even your average bear. Again, this is the JLA, it's about hitting power. 2. I started reading GL when Kyle got “the” ring, so it's also a function of that. I like Hal, I like the fact that he's the “iconic” GL, but Kyle has more raw power now, perhaps even on a "galactic" scale, it remains to be seen. Besides, I always thought it was a great idea to make a graphic artist a GL.
- Supergirl- Let's, for the moment, forget the dodgy characterization going on at the moment, I have every confidence it will all work out. Bottom line, 2 Kryptonians are better than one.
- Power Girl- Um... let's just say... 3 Kryptonians are better than 2, and leave it at that.
- Big Barda- Hmm... getting harder to not make this pathetically obvious, isn't it? What have people got against tall chicks, anyway? Never bothered me, not one bit.
- Zatana- Wait, I know what you're thinking, but seriously, this is a purely tactical decision based on the need to have a powerful magic user. I mean, so what if she wears fishnet stockings and a top hat. Superheros aren't known for their general fashion sense.
- Hawkgirl- Eh, it's a buy, she's already on the team... Seriously, took me years to figure out these “Thanagarians” were all just wearing the wings and beaks. Again, I think we covered the fashion thing in the last entry. I'll refrain from making a horrible pun about chicks with mace, so congratulate yourselves on missing that.
- Phantom Lady- Um, really, this one is just a plug for the Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters mini coming out now. Quite the enjoyable read, indeed.
- Special “wildcard,” no-limit pic: Ice- Yes, she's dead, no, I'm not jumping on the “DC is screwing the JLI” bandwagon. Honestly, I never really cared too much for that incarnation of the JLA, and didn't read many of the pre-Death of Superman arc issues, they were pretty much broken up after that anyway. But Ice, man, I had a crush on her... No, really, wasn't a horrible pun. Well, it was, but I didn't mean it that way. I hated that they offed her in a pointless “big event” that only made me constantly ask... if this is just a huge threat, where's Superman?
So, on a pointless side note, I leave you. Hopefully you chuckled a bit throughout this little shindig, that was mostly the point.
Labels: by JS, comic books, JLA, Superman
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