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JLA (Original Trades)
JLA, Vol. 4: Strength in Numbers
With Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Martian Manhunter, and Aquaman as members, the JLA was made up of the greatest heroes in the universe. But as old foes create unholy alliances and new enemies attack out of nowhere, Batman realizes that the team must increase its numbers. Joined by such new allies as Plastic Man, Steel, Zauriel, the Huntress, and Oracle, a truly almighty team comprised of super heroes, aliens, gods, and monarchs prepare for battle against any and all threats.
222 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1998
4 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Mark Waid
3,192 books1,274 followersMark Waid (born March 21, 1962 in Hueytown, Alabama) is an American comic book writer. He is best known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 19, 2019
Score: 3.44 out of 5
Grade: 69% (C+) | Decent
A man sworn to destroy all justice, alien invading starfish from space, a hero trying to save the one that he loves, and a man who changes the odds in his favour. (The JLA need a pay raise!) Here is my review of JLA Vol. 4: Strength in Numbers:
The Good:
PROMETHEUS
This volume hits the ground sprinting! The very first issue makes you sympathize with Prometheus, the next big baddie, just as he’s about to straight up murder someone. We also get his origins, which feels like a slight twist on Batman’s, and we understand his motivations. All we know is that the JLA have their work cut out for them.
The art was great in this! Clean, consistent, full – probably the best JLA art yet! We’re also given a complete diagram of the JLA Watchtower which really goes above and beyond for what’s needed to tell this story. Maybe this diagram is there just in case any of us win the lottery and want to build our own JLA Watchtower on the moon!
ODDS AGAINST THE JLA
What would happen if some JLA members just straight up vanished?! Well, this storyline gives us an idea of how this might play out. Shockingly enough, Batman is one of those heroes who vanished. And I’ve mentioned it before, a lot of these stories rely too much on Batman to be…Batman. I liked how he was completely omitted from the equation here.
I really enjoy seeing twists on classic storylines we know and love. With the odds of the world in flux, we got to see some alternate timelines and fragments of things in the world that are slightly different. It was also nice to see some JLA members step up! Martian Manhunter in particular was given a larger role and was actually interesting for once.
ADAM STRANGE
Not only do we FINALLY get to see the return of the Superman we know and love, but we also get some proper Wonder Woman action! Superman’s reintroduction was very tongue-and-cheek, which was great. And surprisingly, by the end, I ended up sympathizing with Adam Strange. Even though he started off as this crazy lunatic, I felt bad for the lad when it was all said and done.
ENTER SANDMAN
Being Canadian, I loved the Canadian representation in here. Although there were only some small nods to us folks up north, you take what you can get! What I really enjoyed was the crossover with Sandman! It was a quick crossover and I wanted to see more of him. There’s even a moment between Sandman and Green Lantern about surpassing his idol (Hal Jordan), which I thought was an interesting story element.
The next big bad villain – Alien invading Starfish from Space! Now I know it’s a rendition of Starro the Conqueror, but I like to think of them as evil starfish. Speaking of things I liked, I actually liked the lore that was built up for these starfish. It was even cool to see them in the dream world – almost a “Where’s Waldo” of sorts.
The Bad:
PROMETHEUS
The first flaw, Blue Superman. Enough said. The second flaw, Prometheus’ “strategy” in taking down the greatest superhero team (probably) in the galaxy is to pretty much fight them all 1 vs. 1. Each hero he fights is as if the JLA members were taking turns in trying to defeat him. I’m just saying, if Prometheus had to fight 3 or 4 JLA members all at once, he would (probably) die.
Although the ending was solid, it also felt very lazy. I’m not sure I buy the fact that Prometheus trained pretty much his entire life to fight justice, and then forgot about some JLA members when it counted the most. My diagnosis, lazy writing. There’s even a dumb moment when Plastic Man accidentally walks in front of Steel’s hammer preventing it from causing any real damage. Again, my diagnosis, lazy writing.
ODDS AGAINST THE JLA
Julian September was a forgettable villain. His motive is hardly a motive. You’ve been unlucky? Oh buddy, so has most of the world. He went down too easily and felt like your typical villain of the week. This story also wrapped up way too quickly and way too easily. Just bring these split photons back together – bingo, bango – the world is saved!
Although Martian Manhunter stepped up, this poor guy had to endure a massive (I mean, MASSIVE) forhead in one panel. I mean, we know he’s smart, but I don’t think he’s that smart. It was also a nice surprise to see the Atom, but if he could settle down on that quantum realm stuff that would be grrreat. He just rambles on for a tad too long.
With the odds of events in the world all over the place, Barbra sees an opportunity to possibly save the Wayne’s. Listen, clearly Barbra hasn’t met Barry Allen yet. He’s changed the timeline in the comics and in the CW show so many times, I’ve lost count. And it NEVER turns out for the better – dammit Barry, stop changing the f***ing timelines!
ADAM STRANGE
The biggest problem with this story is how Adam Strange feels like a completely different character between issues. At first, he’s this psycho crazy guy, and in the second, he’s calm, cool and collected. He was just written inconsistently. And even his masterplan was too out there for it to have worked. But of course, (almost) everything worked out in the end.
ENTER SANDMAN
Although those alien starfish were cool, it was just another “alien invasion/Earth is in peril” storyline. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the boy in the land of dreams arc. It wasn’t made explicit as to how this connected to the main story. Or maybe I’m just too much of a rookie when it comes to Sandman and the dream world.
I feel like Orion’s main purpose is to get angry and shoot lasers, because he really isn’t good for much else. And I find it funny how, to thwart these alien starfish, the JLA had to make Earth too hostile… Considering some of the previous JLA arcs, I would think Earth is too hostile to begin with. And just for the very fact that these alien starfish were defeated by the JLA once, what makes them think this time would be different…?
Conclusion:
This was another mixed bag for me. Prometheus was probably my favourite storyline and Adam Strange might have been my least favourite. I find that a lot of these stories have a hard time wrapping things up in the end – they just don’t stick the landing all the time. But this is a big volume with a lot of solid content, so I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a variety of JLA stories.
Thanks for reading! :)
Grade: 69% (C+) | Decent
A man sworn to destroy all justice, alien invading starfish from space, a hero trying to save the one that he loves, and a man who changes the odds in his favour. (The JLA need a pay raise!) Here is my review of JLA Vol. 4: Strength in Numbers:
The Good:
PROMETHEUS
This volume hits the ground sprinting! The very first issue makes you sympathize with Prometheus, the next big baddie, just as he’s about to straight up murder someone. We also get his origins, which feels like a slight twist on Batman’s, and we understand his motivations. All we know is that the JLA have their work cut out for them.
The art was great in this! Clean, consistent, full – probably the best JLA art yet! We’re also given a complete diagram of the JLA Watchtower which really goes above and beyond for what’s needed to tell this story. Maybe this diagram is there just in case any of us win the lottery and want to build our own JLA Watchtower on the moon!
ODDS AGAINST THE JLA
What would happen if some JLA members just straight up vanished?! Well, this storyline gives us an idea of how this might play out. Shockingly enough, Batman is one of those heroes who vanished. And I’ve mentioned it before, a lot of these stories rely too much on Batman to be…Batman. I liked how he was completely omitted from the equation here.
I really enjoy seeing twists on classic storylines we know and love. With the odds of the world in flux, we got to see some alternate timelines and fragments of things in the world that are slightly different. It was also nice to see some JLA members step up! Martian Manhunter in particular was given a larger role and was actually interesting for once.
ADAM STRANGE
Not only do we FINALLY get to see the return of the Superman we know and love, but we also get some proper Wonder Woman action! Superman’s reintroduction was very tongue-and-cheek, which was great. And surprisingly, by the end, I ended up sympathizing with Adam Strange. Even though he started off as this crazy lunatic, I felt bad for the lad when it was all said and done.
ENTER SANDMAN
Being Canadian, I loved the Canadian representation in here. Although there were only some small nods to us folks up north, you take what you can get! What I really enjoyed was the crossover with Sandman! It was a quick crossover and I wanted to see more of him. There’s even a moment between Sandman and Green Lantern about surpassing his idol (Hal Jordan), which I thought was an interesting story element.
The next big bad villain – Alien invading Starfish from Space! Now I know it’s a rendition of Starro the Conqueror, but I like to think of them as evil starfish. Speaking of things I liked, I actually liked the lore that was built up for these starfish. It was even cool to see them in the dream world – almost a “Where’s Waldo” of sorts.
The Bad:
PROMETHEUS
The first flaw, Blue Superman. Enough said. The second flaw, Prometheus’ “strategy” in taking down the greatest superhero team (probably) in the galaxy is to pretty much fight them all 1 vs. 1. Each hero he fights is as if the JLA members were taking turns in trying to defeat him. I’m just saying, if Prometheus had to fight 3 or 4 JLA members all at once, he would (probably) die.
Although the ending was solid, it also felt very lazy. I’m not sure I buy the fact that Prometheus trained pretty much his entire life to fight justice, and then forgot about some JLA members when it counted the most. My diagnosis, lazy writing. There’s even a dumb moment when Plastic Man accidentally walks in front of Steel’s hammer preventing it from causing any real damage. Again, my diagnosis, lazy writing.
ODDS AGAINST THE JLA
Julian September was a forgettable villain. His motive is hardly a motive. You’ve been unlucky? Oh buddy, so has most of the world. He went down too easily and felt like your typical villain of the week. This story also wrapped up way too quickly and way too easily. Just bring these split photons back together – bingo, bango – the world is saved!
Although Martian Manhunter stepped up, this poor guy had to endure a massive (I mean, MASSIVE) forhead in one panel. I mean, we know he’s smart, but I don’t think he’s that smart. It was also a nice surprise to see the Atom, but if he could settle down on that quantum realm stuff that would be grrreat. He just rambles on for a tad too long.
With the odds of events in the world all over the place, Barbra sees an opportunity to possibly save the Wayne’s. Listen, clearly Barbra hasn’t met Barry Allen yet. He’s changed the timeline in the comics and in the CW show so many times, I’ve lost count. And it NEVER turns out for the better – dammit Barry, stop changing the f***ing timelines!
ADAM STRANGE
The biggest problem with this story is how Adam Strange feels like a completely different character between issues. At first, he’s this psycho crazy guy, and in the second, he’s calm, cool and collected. He was just written inconsistently. And even his masterplan was too out there for it to have worked. But of course, (almost) everything worked out in the end.
ENTER SANDMAN
Although those alien starfish were cool, it was just another “alien invasion/Earth is in peril” storyline. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the boy in the land of dreams arc. It wasn’t made explicit as to how this connected to the main story. Or maybe I’m just too much of a rookie when it comes to Sandman and the dream world.
I feel like Orion’s main purpose is to get angry and shoot lasers, because he really isn’t good for much else. And I find it funny how, to thwart these alien starfish, the JLA had to make Earth too hostile… Considering some of the previous JLA arcs, I would think Earth is too hostile to begin with. And just for the very fact that these alien starfish were defeated by the JLA once, what makes them think this time would be different…?
Conclusion:
This was another mixed bag for me. Prometheus was probably my favourite storyline and Adam Strange might have been my least favourite. I find that a lot of these stories have a hard time wrapping things up in the end – they just don’t stick the landing all the time. But this is a big volume with a lot of solid content, so I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a variety of JLA stories.
Thanks for reading! :)
November 26, 2019
Después de los eventos de La Roca de la Eternidad, en lugar de embarcarse en una nueva saga, Grant Morrison enfocó sus siguientes historias al frente de la Liga con una serie de tramas "breves", de un máximo de tres números por historia en los que se da una vuelta al propio concepto del equipo, que crece con la incorporación de Zauriel, Plastic Man, Oráculo, Acero, la Cazadora, Hipólita de Themyscira, Orión y Big Barda (creo que no me dejo a nadie).
A lo largo de La Unión Hace la Fuerza, Morrison volvió a recrear un antiguo personaje de DC, Prometeo, al que convierte en un enemigo letal que llega a poner a la Liga en jaque al colarse en la Atalaya con planes para incapacitar prácticamente a cada uno de los miembros del equipo, mientras estos tratan de evitar que un grupo de periodistas que ha subido a conocer el recinto sufran daño alguno. Después, con la desaparición del resto del equipo, y con la adición de Átomo, siete de los héroes tienen que hacer frente a Julian September, un científico loco que ha creado un Motor del Caos separando siete fotones, lo que crea toda suerte de paradojas temporales, como la supervivencia de los Wayne. Después, parte de la Liga serán arrastrados a Rann, el planeta protegido por Adam Strange, que parece haber enloquecido por la pérdida de su esposa y esclaviza a la Liga para trabajar al servicio de unos tiránicos alienígenas, los En'tara. Y por último, en la que fue la primera aparición en DC del Sandman de Neil Gaiman después del fin de esta serie, la Liga tiene que hacer frente a una nueva encarnación de Starro el Conquistador.
Un tomo muy completo, con un poco de todo, y que la verdad, tiene historias muy chulas (la de Julian September por ejemplo me encantó).
A lo largo de La Unión Hace la Fuerza, Morrison volvió a recrear un antiguo personaje de DC, Prometeo, al que convierte en un enemigo letal que llega a poner a la Liga en jaque al colarse en la Atalaya con planes para incapacitar prácticamente a cada uno de los miembros del equipo, mientras estos tratan de evitar que un grupo de periodistas que ha subido a conocer el recinto sufran daño alguno. Después, con la desaparición del resto del equipo, y con la adición de Átomo, siete de los héroes tienen que hacer frente a Julian September, un científico loco que ha creado un Motor del Caos separando siete fotones, lo que crea toda suerte de paradojas temporales, como la supervivencia de los Wayne. Después, parte de la Liga serán arrastrados a Rann, el planeta protegido por Adam Strange, que parece haber enloquecido por la pérdida de su esposa y esclaviza a la Liga para trabajar al servicio de unos tiránicos alienígenas, los En'tara. Y por último, en la que fue la primera aparición en DC del Sandman de Neil Gaiman después del fin de esta serie, la Liga tiene que hacer frente a una nueva encarnación de Starro el Conquistador.
Un tomo muy completo, con un poco de todo, y que la verdad, tiene historias muy chulas (la de Julian September por ejemplo me encantó).
December 26, 2018
Another solid volume by Grant Morrison and company.
This volume has a few stories in it, all good with strong art. Whether its Prometheus single handedly taking down the JLA (well, most) to Adam Strange guest starring and requesting the Leagues help.
But where the book really shines is the Starro story in which Dream of the Endless makes a guest appearance. I love Morrison and I love Gaiman, so seeing Daniel in a Morrison JLA was just beyond awesome. I loved how he treated the character with reverence, to the point of even the character Zauriel, who is a angel from heaven, makes a comment about Daniel and how he is beyond any of them.
Its also very cool because it establishes the Sandman story in the DC universe's timeline. I would love to see more stuff like this occur with Grant Morrison writing more of the Endless or maybe Gaiman writing something with Morrison's other characters.
Overall a very enjoyable arc with some smart super heroic adventures.
This volume has a few stories in it, all good with strong art. Whether its Prometheus single handedly taking down the JLA (well, most) to Adam Strange guest starring and requesting the Leagues help.
But where the book really shines is the Starro story in which Dream of the Endless makes a guest appearance. I love Morrison and I love Gaiman, so seeing Daniel in a Morrison JLA was just beyond awesome. I loved how he treated the character with reverence, to the point of even the character Zauriel, who is a angel from heaven, makes a comment about Daniel and how he is beyond any of them.
Its also very cool because it establishes the Sandman story in the DC universe's timeline. I would love to see more stuff like this occur with Grant Morrison writing more of the Endless or maybe Gaiman writing something with Morrison's other characters.
Overall a very enjoyable arc with some smart super heroic adventures.
July 16, 2022
Issues ranked by villains: Starro > Prometheus > September > Rann.
March 13, 2011
Intro by Priest was stiff and turgid. Morrison returns the team to the realm of weird and meta, but it's starting to feel a little repetitive. Waid's storyline was jarring at first, not going along with the weird of Morrison. It was good, not terribly emotionally convincing, but earnest.
The most fun was Morrison's attempt to lasso Sandman into DC - a fun mash-up of two universes, styles and imaginations. I'd like to see more of these crossovers to shake things up a little more.
The most fun was Morrison's attempt to lasso Sandman into DC - a fun mash-up of two universes, styles and imaginations. I'd like to see more of these crossovers to shake things up a little more.
March 18, 2012
Ooh! I liked this arc! And a special guest star of Dream (from The Sandman by Neil Gaiman)! The only problem with this volume is that so many stories happened that I really can't recall exactly what occurred when. But it was fun. :)
January 6, 2023
This volume of Grant Morrison's JLA run takes the form of an anthology, fairly disconnected stories, that all work well to flesh out the team of the JLA.
The first story, Heroes, I really enjoyed. Just a single issue, that gives the Leaguers just some time off, concluding with the formation of the new, new JLA. Aquaman interacting with the Kents makes it all worth it.
The second, being Prometheus Unbound, I was less fond of, but still enjoyed it. The background to Prometheus was really interesting, and the concept of his crooked house outside of time and space was excellent, and made for some really nice visuals - I love a good white void, me. His takeover of the Watchtower was also a nice read, and a good moment for catharsis at his defeat.
I kinda checked out of the third stories, The Strange Case of Dr. Julian September. It's your standard Grant Morrison JLA story - things go wack on Earth and the League has to do something equally as wack to save the world. Fun, but I've seen it before.
Now, this one intrigued me from the off. Mystery in Space starts with Orion and Barda arriving at the Watchtower. I'm usually not the biggest fan of stories revolving around the New Gods, everything's a little high-concept sci-fi for my liking, but whenever these characters pop up in stories like these, it heralds high stakes. The story, too, delivers, with plenty of danger and mystery for the League. I know enough about Adam Strange for this one to work for me.
As Mystery in Space was an odd (but good) blend of Adam Strange with the New Gods, Return of the Conquerors is a mix of Starro the Conqueror and the Sandman. An absolutely insane pairing, but it no way hampers the story. This is by far the best in the collection, perfectly capping of a collection of odd and strange JLA stories like Grant Morrison is best at.
The first story, Heroes, I really enjoyed. Just a single issue, that gives the Leaguers just some time off, concluding with the formation of the new, new JLA. Aquaman interacting with the Kents makes it all worth it.
The second, being Prometheus Unbound, I was less fond of, but still enjoyed it. The background to Prometheus was really interesting, and the concept of his crooked house outside of time and space was excellent, and made for some really nice visuals - I love a good white void, me. His takeover of the Watchtower was also a nice read, and a good moment for catharsis at his defeat.
I kinda checked out of the third stories, The Strange Case of Dr. Julian September. It's your standard Grant Morrison JLA story - things go wack on Earth and the League has to do something equally as wack to save the world. Fun, but I've seen it before.
Now, this one intrigued me from the off. Mystery in Space starts with Orion and Barda arriving at the Watchtower. I'm usually not the biggest fan of stories revolving around the New Gods, everything's a little high-concept sci-fi for my liking, but whenever these characters pop up in stories like these, it heralds high stakes. The story, too, delivers, with plenty of danger and mystery for the League. I know enough about Adam Strange for this one to work for me.
As Mystery in Space was an odd (but good) blend of Adam Strange with the New Gods, Return of the Conquerors is a mix of Starro the Conqueror and the Sandman. An absolutely insane pairing, but it no way hampers the story. This is by far the best in the collection, perfectly capping of a collection of odd and strange JLA stories like Grant Morrison is best at.
February 16, 2024
So by this point, I'm pretty much into the groove of Grant Morrison's writing and I didn't really think he would surprise me with anything new or exciting, but with the first story in here he did it. We are introduced to a new villain, Prometheus, and he is just too cool. He's basically the anti-Batman, except he gains all his knowledge and abilities by downloading it into his helmet. But he sure knows how to plan a one man attack on the JLA in their own watchtower of all places. A great way to kick it off.
Next is a cool story about a villain Julian September who has the ability to increase the odds in his favor, and he has a thing about the number 7. JLA members mysteriously disappear and the remaining members have to figure out why. My second favorite story in this volume.
Next is a two parter featuring Adam Strange, but don't think he's there to team up with the group. I wasn't too crazy about the twist in this one but is has an all right ending.
Last is a story featuring Sandman. Now I'm a huge Sandman fan, but I don't think he was represented here faithfully. Overall this story was kind of bland.
This volume also features Mark Waid as a guest writer which was a nice change of pace. Plus Superman finally reverts back to his original suit (Thank you, Jesus!), which after two volumes of that blue monstrosity was a welcome change. The new members in here include Steel, Huntress, Barda, Orion, Zauriel, Plastic Man (great comic relief) and Oracle. A nice improvement over the previous issues as I liked the switching up of the team each issue. I guess the more the merrier.
Next is a cool story about a villain Julian September who has the ability to increase the odds in his favor, and he has a thing about the number 7. JLA members mysteriously disappear and the remaining members have to figure out why. My second favorite story in this volume.
Next is a two parter featuring Adam Strange, but don't think he's there to team up with the group. I wasn't too crazy about the twist in this one but is has an all right ending.
Last is a story featuring Sandman. Now I'm a huge Sandman fan, but I don't think he was represented here faithfully. Overall this story was kind of bland.
This volume also features Mark Waid as a guest writer which was a nice change of pace. Plus Superman finally reverts back to his original suit (Thank you, Jesus!), which after two volumes of that blue monstrosity was a welcome change. The new members in here include Steel, Huntress, Barda, Orion, Zauriel, Plastic Man (great comic relief) and Oracle. A nice improvement over the previous issues as I liked the switching up of the team each issue. I guess the more the merrier.
June 18, 2018
I actually enjoyed most of the stories in this volume which was a nice change! I'll breakdown my review into the different story arcs.
'Camelot' and 'Prometheus Unbound' written by Grant Morrison:
- We got a new lineup for JLA and it was a pretty cool one! I loved that Hippolyta was included since she took on the mantle of Wonder Woman when Diana "died" and became a Goddess (I highly recommend John Byrne's Wonder Woman Volume 2 run. It's amazing!). Sadly, Wonder Woman was written out of character here. Hippolyta would have never hesitated when facing an enemy.
- This two-parter had a great villain though and I enjoyed seeing the JLA work together to take him down.
'Synchronicity' and 'Seven Soldiers of Probability' written by Mark Waid:
- This was my favourite story from this volume! Batman and Martian Manhunter were the stand-outs.
- I also liked that Orion and Barda joined the team!
'Mystery in Space' and 'Strange New World' written by Mark Waid:
- Another great two-parter! I wish the art was better though.
'It' and 'Conquerors' written by Grant Morrison:
- I'm starting to warm up to Morrison's writing. This two-parter was pretty enjoyable. I liked the interactions between the Sandman and the JLA.
'Camelot' and 'Prometheus Unbound' written by Grant Morrison:
- We got a new lineup for JLA and it was a pretty cool one! I loved that Hippolyta was included since she took on the mantle of Wonder Woman when Diana "died" and became a Goddess (I highly recommend John Byrne's Wonder Woman Volume 2 run. It's amazing!). Sadly, Wonder Woman was written out of character here. Hippolyta would have never hesitated when facing an enemy.
- This two-parter had a great villain though and I enjoyed seeing the JLA work together to take him down.
'Synchronicity' and 'Seven Soldiers of Probability' written by Mark Waid:
- This was my favourite story from this volume! Batman and Martian Manhunter were the stand-outs.
- I also liked that Orion and Barda joined the team!
'Mystery in Space' and 'Strange New World' written by Mark Waid:
- Another great two-parter! I wish the art was better though.
'It' and 'Conquerors' written by Grant Morrison:
- I'm starting to warm up to Morrison's writing. This two-parter was pretty enjoyable. I liked the interactions between the Sandman and the JLA.
August 24, 2021
This arc or runs of the book were weaker overall, seeing the expanded team and using other heroes was a nice touch. Allowing a greater flexibility to handle more types of issues and seeing Plastic Man in the league is fun. Prometheus started out as a clever, fun villain but they screwed all that up going forward, well mostly, when he returns to face the JLA later he is done well again.
The September case and Adam Strange stories both allowed Manhunter more time to grow and flesh out the character more. Plus both were without Batman for most of all, I love Batman but sometimes it is nice to see the others work and shine without the same ones saving the day. There was a solid mix in both the stories.
Starro was made dangerous again and seeing Daniel there and his interaction with my favorite Green LANTERN Kyle, was fun.
Not the strongest stories but fun use of the new people and seeing Adam Strange was cool.
The September case and Adam Strange stories both allowed Manhunter more time to grow and flesh out the character more. Plus both were without Batman for most of all, I love Batman but sometimes it is nice to see the others work and shine without the same ones saving the day. There was a solid mix in both the stories.
Starro was made dangerous again and seeing Daniel there and his interaction with my favorite Green LANTERN Kyle, was fun.
Not the strongest stories but fun use of the new people and seeing Adam Strange was cool.
February 24, 2025
A mixed bag, some written by Christopher Priest, some by Grant Morrison, and some by Mark Waid. The sole Priest issue, which opens the volume, is the most workman like; Waid’s issues, where he is billed as guest writer, are reliably good in the Waid way. Morrison’s stuff here reminded me more of the earlier part of his run, not as good as the high point of the previous volume but still enjoyable. The Prometheus arc is okay, but the highlight is probably Waid’s story about the world realigning itself around the #7, which when I write it out sounds like a Morrison idea.
I also like the expansion of the team’s membership to include people like Plastic Man, Huntress, and Oracle.
I also like the expansion of the team’s membership to include people like Plastic Man, Huntress, and Oracle.
January 31, 2021
Starts really weak with a purely utilitarian issue with bad art, then moves on to mediocre shlock for most of the book. The last two story arcs are still shlock, but really good shlock.
Consequently, it was a bit of a slog to get through this book.
Consequently, it was a bit of a slog to get through this book.
August 21, 2020
I don't have issues 20-23 on paper and now I read them for the first time. Next: Dc one Million.
April 2, 2022
STARO the Conqueror!!!!
May 30, 2024
Prometheus is another really well written JLA arc by Morrison.
4.25 Stars
Odds against JLA was okay just not that good as the rest
3.25 stars
Adam Strange was a mostly mediocre 2 issue arc
2.75 stars
Sandman invasion 2 issue arc was a pleasant sequel to Secret Files #1
4 stars
Secret Files #2 was kind of pointless but I guess okay for giving context for total beginners
2 stars
4.25 Stars
Odds against JLA was okay just not that good as the rest
3.25 stars
Adam Strange was a mostly mediocre 2 issue arc
2.75 stars
Sandman invasion 2 issue arc was a pleasant sequel to Secret Files #1
4 stars
Secret Files #2 was kind of pointless but I guess okay for giving context for total beginners
2 stars
October 21, 2025
pretty good Prometheus was a good villain I do wish that we got more out of plastic man
November 25, 2020
Acho que o Sonho dos Perpétuos não permitiu que eu dormisse quando cheguei nos capítulos onde ele surge.
Pra mim os capítulos #22-23 foram os únicos capítulos que prestaram e que prendeu minha atenção neste volume. Talvez seja porque Sandman de Neil Gaiman está no meu top de leituras favoritas e acho que Morrison conseguiu trazer o personagem sem insultar a obra prima que Gaiman fez.
Os capítulos #16-21 achei bem fracos e por pouco não dormi lendo, graças ao Sonho dos Perpétuos isso não aconteceu.
Pra mim os capítulos #22-23 foram os únicos capítulos que prestaram e que prendeu minha atenção neste volume. Talvez seja porque Sandman de Neil Gaiman está no meu top de leituras favoritas e acho que Morrison conseguiu trazer o personagem sem insultar a obra prima que Gaiman fez.
Os capítulos #16-21 achei bem fracos e por pouco não dormi lendo, graças ao Sonho dos Perpétuos isso não aconteceu.
July 15, 2008
Strength in Numbers is the fourth collection of Morrison’s run, though there’s a couple of issues/storylines in here that were done by other writers. Christopher Priest’s issue “Heroes” actually leads off the collection, which deals with the League reforming after having been disbanded at the end of the last issue. It’s a well done story, and Priest does a good job handling the various characters involved. It also manages not to feel like a jarring departure from Morrison’s run. The only thing that bothers me about it is the whole “JLA disbands…JLA reforms!” thing, which didn’t seem to have a whole lot of point. The disbanding was so short as to go totally unnoticed, unless it cropped up in other comics that aren’t represented here.
After that, Morrison is back at the helm with “Prometheus Unbound”, which introduces the villain Prometheus to the JLA. Prometheus is sort of an evil Batman archetype who beats up on the JLA with a variety of tactical and technical trickery. He’s a pretty fun villain, and his gimmick of being able to download information directly into his brain is kind of neat. That, and it’s nice to finally see someone take Batman down a notch. Batman in the JLA can occasionally become something of a Mary Sue character. Of course, the JLA does eventually take Prometheus out, though it involves in the intervention of a character that seems a little random. Overall, the whole Prometheus arc is pretty good. As near as I can tell, he’s never seen much use since the end of Morrison’s run on the JLA, which is a shame. He’s a pretty fun villain.
Also, there’s some very weird stuff going on in this issue with Wonder Woman not being Diana, because Diana is dead, and Hippolyta is filling in for her. I have NO clue what it’s about, and it’s very confusing. It stops at some point in Morrison’s run, and, well, it’s still damn confusing. Guess I should pick up some Wonder Woman trades or something.
Mark Waid takes the helm with “The Strange Case of Julian September” which features the sort of wacky, trippy, Star-Trek physics insanity that I normally associate with Morrison. It’s a very fun storyline, especially for the moments when the newer leaguers start asking about Batman’s utility on a team like the JLA. The story itself wraps up in a very strange way, but the whole premise is kind of strange, so it’s not a big deal. Again, Waid does a great job of keeping the flavor and personality of the characters consistent with Morrison’s run…it’s such a seamless transition, I didn’t even realize he was at the reins until I looked at the credits.
Waid has the next story arc, “Mystery in Space” as well. It’s ok, though it felt less Morrisony (if that’s a word) than the previous one. Adam Strange kidnaps and enslaves the JLA for various plot related reasons. It’s still got some good character interaction, but the story itself is a bit weak. Despite Strange’s comments to the contrary, his whole plan seems a bit farfetched. The interaction between Strange and J’onn is great though, especially the last panel.
The last storyline, “Return of the Conqueror” is also the return of Morrison. It also wins the “strangest team-up” award as the JLA teams up with…Daniel, aka The Sandman, to defeat It, aka Starro the Conqueror.
No, that’s not a typo. Daniel, the boy who became the king of dreams at the end of Gaiman’s Sandman ran plays a pivotal role in this story arc. Before you panic (and I know you Sandman fans ARE panicking right now), this does not mean he’s running around punching out Starro, or shooting his “dream ray” or anything like that. Morrison’s version of Starro begins It’s assault on Earth in the realm of dreams, and Daniel shows up to help get Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and Superman into the dreams of one boy where they might be able to defeat the It. He doesn’t really dirty his hands with fighting, so much as he points people in the right direction. (It’s also worth noting that the Sandman interacts with the JLA at least once in the original series, so there is some precedence for this.)
It’s actually a very cool, creepy, and surreal storyline. I don’t think I ever would have thought of Starro as a particularly frightening or disturbing villain, but Morrison makes it creepy as hell. Though constantly referring to it as It, definitely helps. It sounds a lot scarier than Starro the Conqueror.
Overall, it’s a good collection, with a lot of fun stories. It’s not as much Morrison as I would have liked, but the guest stories are good enough that the switch isn’t that noticeable. Even the weak story is still pretty good.
After that, Morrison is back at the helm with “Prometheus Unbound”, which introduces the villain Prometheus to the JLA. Prometheus is sort of an evil Batman archetype who beats up on the JLA with a variety of tactical and technical trickery. He’s a pretty fun villain, and his gimmick of being able to download information directly into his brain is kind of neat. That, and it’s nice to finally see someone take Batman down a notch. Batman in the JLA can occasionally become something of a Mary Sue character. Of course, the JLA does eventually take Prometheus out, though it involves in the intervention of a character that seems a little random. Overall, the whole Prometheus arc is pretty good. As near as I can tell, he’s never seen much use since the end of Morrison’s run on the JLA, which is a shame. He’s a pretty fun villain.
Also, there’s some very weird stuff going on in this issue with Wonder Woman not being Diana, because Diana is dead, and Hippolyta is filling in for her. I have NO clue what it’s about, and it’s very confusing. It stops at some point in Morrison’s run, and, well, it’s still damn confusing. Guess I should pick up some Wonder Woman trades or something.
Mark Waid takes the helm with “The Strange Case of Julian September” which features the sort of wacky, trippy, Star-Trek physics insanity that I normally associate with Morrison. It’s a very fun storyline, especially for the moments when the newer leaguers start asking about Batman’s utility on a team like the JLA. The story itself wraps up in a very strange way, but the whole premise is kind of strange, so it’s not a big deal. Again, Waid does a great job of keeping the flavor and personality of the characters consistent with Morrison’s run…it’s such a seamless transition, I didn’t even realize he was at the reins until I looked at the credits.
Waid has the next story arc, “Mystery in Space” as well. It’s ok, though it felt less Morrisony (if that’s a word) than the previous one. Adam Strange kidnaps and enslaves the JLA for various plot related reasons. It’s still got some good character interaction, but the story itself is a bit weak. Despite Strange’s comments to the contrary, his whole plan seems a bit farfetched. The interaction between Strange and J’onn is great though, especially the last panel.
The last storyline, “Return of the Conqueror” is also the return of Morrison. It also wins the “strangest team-up” award as the JLA teams up with…Daniel, aka The Sandman, to defeat It, aka Starro the Conqueror.
No, that’s not a typo. Daniel, the boy who became the king of dreams at the end of Gaiman’s Sandman ran plays a pivotal role in this story arc. Before you panic (and I know you Sandman fans ARE panicking right now), this does not mean he’s running around punching out Starro, or shooting his “dream ray” or anything like that. Morrison’s version of Starro begins It’s assault on Earth in the realm of dreams, and Daniel shows up to help get Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and Superman into the dreams of one boy where they might be able to defeat the It. He doesn’t really dirty his hands with fighting, so much as he points people in the right direction. (It’s also worth noting that the Sandman interacts with the JLA at least once in the original series, so there is some precedence for this.)
It’s actually a very cool, creepy, and surreal storyline. I don’t think I ever would have thought of Starro as a particularly frightening or disturbing villain, but Morrison makes it creepy as hell. Though constantly referring to it as It, definitely helps. It sounds a lot scarier than Starro the Conqueror.
Overall, it’s a good collection, with a lot of fun stories. It’s not as much Morrison as I would have liked, but the guest stories are good enough that the switch isn’t that noticeable. Even the weak story is still pretty good.
July 3, 2011
This book (though he didn't write all of it) is the fourth volume of JLA in grant Morrison's run.
While enjoyable, as I always think Morrison's stuff is, this one did less to wow me as much as something like "Doom Patrol", and it doesn't even hold a candle to "The Invisibles" (both previous works by Morrison).
Writer Christopher Priest leads off the whole book and while the story wasn't bad, I've gotta ask: why were the JLA disbanded at the end of the last volume, only to have them reform at the beginning of this one?
Morrison follows this with the story of antagonist Prometheus, who has put together a plan to kill the entire Justice League. This one touched enough on Morrison's usual themes and used superhero action enough to make it enjoyable for me.
The Mark Waid portions of the book followed this. "The Strange Case of Dr. Julian September" almost felt like Waid was trying to write using Morrisonian themes. There were time travel and parallel universe plot points that almost felt like Waid was forcing himself to keep up these things simply because he was filling in for Morrison. The "Mystery in Space" story, to me, almost felt like a rehashing of the Prometheus story with just a few altered details.
The best part of the whole book by far was when Morrison returns to wrap of the volume with two issues involving The Sandman brought to popularity by master of the medium Neil Gaiman. This story felt the most like Morrison's usual work, without being too forced.
All in all, a good solid book, just not jaw-dropping.
I'd recommend it to fans of any of the writers who worked on it, fans of superhero comics, and JLA fans.
While enjoyable, as I always think Morrison's stuff is, this one did less to wow me as much as something like "Doom Patrol", and it doesn't even hold a candle to "The Invisibles" (both previous works by Morrison).
Writer Christopher Priest leads off the whole book and while the story wasn't bad, I've gotta ask: why were the JLA disbanded at the end of the last volume, only to have them reform at the beginning of this one?
Morrison follows this with the story of antagonist Prometheus, who has put together a plan to kill the entire Justice League. This one touched enough on Morrison's usual themes and used superhero action enough to make it enjoyable for me.
The Mark Waid portions of the book followed this. "The Strange Case of Dr. Julian September" almost felt like Waid was trying to write using Morrisonian themes. There were time travel and parallel universe plot points that almost felt like Waid was forcing himself to keep up these things simply because he was filling in for Morrison. The "Mystery in Space" story, to me, almost felt like a rehashing of the Prometheus story with just a few altered details.
The best part of the whole book by far was when Morrison returns to wrap of the volume with two issues involving The Sandman brought to popularity by master of the medium Neil Gaiman. This story felt the most like Morrison's usual work, without being too forced.
All in all, a good solid book, just not jaw-dropping.
I'd recommend it to fans of any of the writers who worked on it, fans of superhero comics, and JLA fans.
April 26, 2015
Volume interessante, che presenta l'inizio della seconda parte della run di Morrison, sempre Howard Porter ai disegni. Di fondo Morrison progetta una Lega della Giustizia espansa, sul modello del Pantheon Greco-romano.
In questo pantheon moderno, con base la torre lunare, abbiamo un Superman-Zeus, una Wonder Woman-Hera, un Batman-Ade, un Aquaman-Poseidone, un Flash-Hermes, un Green Lanter-Apollo, e di conseguenza tutti gli altri eroi.
Le storie non sono male: si parte dalla incursione di Prometeo, un nuovo criminale in grado di duplicare digitalmente abilità di altri personaggi, che però dopo aver messo in scacco la JLA nella sua base lunare, viene sconfitto semplicemente con un colpo di frusta agli zebedei da Catwoman, abbastanza ridicolo come finale.
Si prosegue con due doppiette di storie di Mark Waid, che prende momentaneamente il timone. Sono storie che, sebbene riprendano il tono sopra le righe di Morrison, affondano anche a piene mani nella storia della Lega riportando sotto i riflettori personaggi come Atom e Adam Strange e la loro relazione con gli eroi più forti dell'universo DC.
Poi torna Morrison con una bella storia che si riallaccia a un vecchio episodio del Sandman di Gaiman e riporta in scena Starro, il primo avversario della JLA, rendendolo un inquietante e terrificante essere ben diverso dalla ridicola stella di mare spaziale che era in origine.
Spicca comunque la presenza di Waid come scrittore in questo volume rispetto a Morrison.
In questo pantheon moderno, con base la torre lunare, abbiamo un Superman-Zeus, una Wonder Woman-Hera, un Batman-Ade, un Aquaman-Poseidone, un Flash-Hermes, un Green Lanter-Apollo, e di conseguenza tutti gli altri eroi.
Le storie non sono male: si parte dalla incursione di Prometeo, un nuovo criminale in grado di duplicare digitalmente abilità di altri personaggi, che però dopo aver messo in scacco la JLA nella sua base lunare, viene sconfitto semplicemente con un colpo di frusta agli zebedei da Catwoman, abbastanza ridicolo come finale.
Si prosegue con due doppiette di storie di Mark Waid, che prende momentaneamente il timone. Sono storie che, sebbene riprendano il tono sopra le righe di Morrison, affondano anche a piene mani nella storia della Lega riportando sotto i riflettori personaggi come Atom e Adam Strange e la loro relazione con gli eroi più forti dell'universo DC.
Poi torna Morrison con una bella storia che si riallaccia a un vecchio episodio del Sandman di Gaiman e riporta in scena Starro, il primo avversario della JLA, rendendolo un inquietante e terrificante essere ben diverso dalla ridicola stella di mare spaziale che era in origine.
Spicca comunque la presenza di Waid come scrittore in questo volume rispetto a Morrison.
April 21, 2015
"It is the belief of a child that keeps us hopeful in this realm."
The Starro storyline is not only creepy but it is brilliantly engrossing as well. The part where the dream turns reality upside down is mind-boggling.
Moreover, Prometheus shows up and challenges the League in its every aspect. The newly reformed League is faced with newer and much more complex threats such as the one where they are Zeta-beamed by Adam Strange to spoil a major alien invasion that to on an alien world.
Grant Morrison tries to re-establish the stricter and sterner foundation of the league, giving more sturdier layers to the main characters. The plus point being that the old boy scout Superman returns in the volume.
The battles get intense and the new Green Lantern and the Flash start to make a strong alliance. The New Gods decision to send in Orion and Barda changes the landscape of the league. Orion's temper and Barda's temperament makes for a teeming sort of a compositional side of the team.
Overall, compelling artwork and an interesting story line.
The Starro storyline is not only creepy but it is brilliantly engrossing as well. The part where the dream turns reality upside down is mind-boggling.
Moreover, Prometheus shows up and challenges the League in its every aspect. The newly reformed League is faced with newer and much more complex threats such as the one where they are Zeta-beamed by Adam Strange to spoil a major alien invasion that to on an alien world.
Grant Morrison tries to re-establish the stricter and sterner foundation of the league, giving more sturdier layers to the main characters. The plus point being that the old boy scout Superman returns in the volume.
The battles get intense and the new Green Lantern and the Flash start to make a strong alliance. The New Gods decision to send in Orion and Barda changes the landscape of the league. Orion's temper and Barda's temperament makes for a teeming sort of a compositional side of the team.
Overall, compelling artwork and an interesting story line.
November 19, 2011
This volume takes a drop in quality from previous editions, mainly because half of this trade is written by guest writers. Not to say that Mark Waid is a bad writer, he does an excellent Justice League story. The problem is that you can feel the inconsistency in writing style and structure. Overall, though, this is still a good read a not to be skipped if your following the story. My biggest problem with this series is how the rest of the DC universe affects the quality. Wonder Woman was killed in another story, Superman has that stupid blue costume and then doesn't, and Morrison can only mention those moments and move on with the real story. They're not big issues, but they do detract from the tale at hand.
September 3, 2012
I thought this collection of stories from the JLA was spotty at best. Divided into four stories, the first is about a new villain named Prometheus infiltrating the JLA and trying to kill them all from within.
The second is about a scientist who changes the power of probability. This was easily the weakest of the four.
The third story was about Adam Strange, which also was a lacklustre story.
The last however redeems it by crossing over with Sandman and having a Starro like entity attack a child in his dreams to take over the planet.
I think the fact that the stories were all over the place made for a topsy-turvy collection of Grant Morrison's fourth volume.
The second is about a scientist who changes the power of probability. This was easily the weakest of the four.
The third story was about Adam Strange, which also was a lacklustre story.
The last however redeems it by crossing over with Sandman and having a Starro like entity attack a child in his dreams to take over the planet.
I think the fact that the stories were all over the place made for a topsy-turvy collection of Grant Morrison's fourth volume.
June 20, 2008
The best thing about this volume is Morrison actually having the chutzpah to bring Morpheus (from The Sandman) into the mainstream DCU. Granted, he technically started out there, but he was quickly shuffled off to Vertigo with Swamp Thing. Still, having finally read some Sandman now, it was nice seeing him here. We also get the full roster of the JLA (including reserves) debut in this volume, and the first appearances of Morrison's antithesis to Batman as a villain - Prometheus (who sadly has been relegated to team-ups with Hush of all people of late).
September 21, 2022
The JLA's ranks have grown to 14 with several new recruits bolstering the big 7.
This is a collection of 5 shorter stories with Mark Waid and Christopher Priest sharing writing duties with Grant Morrison.
While Morrison's stories are great (introducing the villain Prometheus and a guest appearance from The Sandman), it is Waid's stories that are stand out. The wonderfully wacky The Strange Case of Dr. Julian September and the heart wrenching Adam Strange tale.
This really was the greatest period for The Justice League and I love revisiting it.
This is a collection of 5 shorter stories with Mark Waid and Christopher Priest sharing writing duties with Grant Morrison.
While Morrison's stories are great (introducing the villain Prometheus and a guest appearance from The Sandman), it is Waid's stories that are stand out. The wonderfully wacky The Strange Case of Dr. Julian September and the heart wrenching Adam Strange tale.
This really was the greatest period for The Justice League and I love revisiting it.
July 10, 2013
The Prometheus arc in this book I had already read courtesy of the Deluxe JLA Volume two, but still an excellent read even on this slightly lower quality papers.
The middle two arcs - one about chance going wild and the other about Adam Strange - about whom I know precious little - were both good stories.
Finally, I really enjoyed the Starro / Sandman arc which has a real tension and horror feel to it.
The middle two arcs - one about chance going wild and the other about Adam Strange - about whom I know precious little - were both good stories.
Finally, I really enjoyed the Starro / Sandman arc which has a real tension and horror feel to it.
January 11, 2023
The opening issue by Christopher Priest isn't very good but establishes the new lineup. It has some early art from Yannick Paquette who gets much better as the years go on. The rest of the stories are all pretty good. Prometheus works well as an anti-Batman and I like that he fails more from his own mistakes than the JLA being unbeatable. The Julian September and Adam Strange stories are clever and the final story is a fun way to mix the world of The Sandman with the larger DC Universe.
July 17, 2009
I really enjoyed this. Fun and engaging, and it had everything a Justice League comic should have. I like it when there's a little more to the stories than just a maniac superfoe or some weird threat from outer space, and in that regard, Morrison and Waid usually deliver.
Plus this one has the best cameo EVER. And I do mean ever.
Plus this one has the best cameo EVER. And I do mean ever.
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August 10, 2011Nice trade with many stories of 1 or 2 issues, the first appearance of Prometheus, Queen Hippolyte as Wonder Woman, Sandman, Adam Strange....
The best storyline is "The strange case of Julian September". The art is not so good, specially from Arnie Jorgensen. Mark Waid wrote some nice stories.
The best storyline is "The strange case of Julian September". The art is not so good, specially from Arnie Jorgensen. Mark Waid wrote some nice stories.
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