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Justice League of America (2013)
Justice League of America, Volume 1: World's Most Dangerous
Following the events of Throne of Atlantis, it is deemed nessesary to create a new Justice League. This new superhero team is under the command of Col. Steve Trevor, of the United States Military's A.R.G.U.S. division (Advanced Research Group Uniting Superhumans). Signing up for duty with this new incarnation of the JLA are Catwoman, Katanna, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Steve Trevor, Hawkman, Star Girl and the long-awaited return of 80s superhero, Vibe.
Collecting: Justice League of America #1-7.
Collecting: Justice League of America #1-7.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2013
42 people are currently reading
836 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,718 books2,410 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
April 29, 2021
(B) 73% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: Born broken, it’s a clever yet cursory clown car of a story: ill-advised and stuffy, with little room to stretch or breathe.
Notes: Born broken, it’s a clever yet cursory clown car of a story: ill-advised and stuffy, with little room to stretch or breathe.
January 25, 2014
Not as bad as I was expecting it to be.
That's not to say that this is a stellar piece of entertainment, but it was at least readable and somewhat interesting in parts.
The premise is that the government wants a team of superheroes under their control, just in case the real Justice League goes rogue.
Martian Manhunter and Catwoman are the only two on the team that I thought might be able to pull something like that off. Everyone else is just kind of a B-Lister.
Well, except for Green Arrow. But let's face it, there must be someone at DC who has absolutely hates this character. Otherwise, how do you explain him being portrayed as the World's Biggest Douche at every turn. His title sucks ass, and in this title he comes off as such a whiny wannabe that you don't know whether to pat him on the head or punch him in the face.
He actually has to blackmail his way onto the team after they repeatedly refuse to let him join their club. He already looked like a loser for trying to beg the Justice League to take him on, but it really takes the cake for him to have to beg his way onto a team like this.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you go into it with low expectations, you'll probably enjoy this one.
That's not to say that this is a stellar piece of entertainment, but it was at least readable and somewhat interesting in parts.
The premise is that the government wants a team of superheroes under their control, just in case the real Justice League goes rogue.
Martian Manhunter and Catwoman are the only two on the team that I thought might be able to pull something like that off. Everyone else is just kind of a B-Lister.
Well, except for Green Arrow. But let's face it, there must be someone at DC who has absolutely hates this character. Otherwise, how do you explain him being portrayed as the World's Biggest Douche at every turn. His title sucks ass, and in this title he comes off as such a whiny wannabe that you don't know whether to pat him on the head or punch him in the face.
He actually has to blackmail his way onto the team after they repeatedly refuse to let him join their club. He already looked like a loser for trying to beg the Justice League to take him on, but it really takes the cake for him to have to beg his way onto a team like this.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you go into it with low expectations, you'll probably enjoy this one.
August 30, 2015
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
I didn’t expect much when I read this comic. After finishing it, it seems that was a very wise decision on my part.
Basically, the story is about Amanda Waller (Director of A.R.G.U.S) and Steve Trevor (Wonder Woman’s former boy toy and Justice League liaison) gathering together a group of superheroes to take out the Justice League if they go rogue. After much debate (and endless intros) they decide to either blackmail, bribe, or trick Catwoman, Katanna, Green Lantern Simon Baz, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Star Girl and Vibe into joining up. (Green Arrow is on the team, but he actually forces his way onto it.)
Please note: There is no good explanation as to how in the hell this Justice League of America could stand toe to toe with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern, and Cyborg. If that actually matters to anyone.
From this less than inauspicious formation, the new JLA goes on to have an entertaining adventure fighting a group of mysterious bad guys, then gets caught up in the Trinity War event. (Be warned that several issues included in this volume really do not make much sense unless read in conjunction with Trinity War.)
After the Trinity War nonsense is over, there are some interesting stories focusing on Martian Manhunter, not that I’m a huge of J’onn J’onzz fan, but I thought they were well done and an interesting take on this classic alien character.
Overall, this was an okay story. I actually liked the intros (brought me up-to-date on the characters), thought the initial clash with the mysterious villains was well done, and felt the art was decent throughout. Unfortunately, the whole Trinity War ruined the flow of story to me, and so this one is just “okay” in my book.
I didn’t expect much when I read this comic. After finishing it, it seems that was a very wise decision on my part.
Basically, the story is about Amanda Waller (Director of A.R.G.U.S) and Steve Trevor (Wonder Woman’s former boy toy and Justice League liaison) gathering together a group of superheroes to take out the Justice League if they go rogue. After much debate (and endless intros) they decide to either blackmail, bribe, or trick Catwoman, Katanna, Green Lantern Simon Baz, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Star Girl and Vibe into joining up. (Green Arrow is on the team, but he actually forces his way onto it.)
Please note: There is no good explanation as to how in the hell this Justice League of America could stand toe to toe with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern, and Cyborg. If that actually matters to anyone.
From this less than inauspicious formation, the new JLA goes on to have an entertaining adventure fighting a group of mysterious bad guys, then gets caught up in the Trinity War event. (Be warned that several issues included in this volume really do not make much sense unless read in conjunction with Trinity War.)
After the Trinity War nonsense is over, there are some interesting stories focusing on Martian Manhunter, not that I’m a huge of J’onn J’onzz fan, but I thought they were well done and an interesting take on this classic alien character.
Overall, this was an okay story. I actually liked the intros (brought me up-to-date on the characters), thought the initial clash with the mysterious villains was well done, and felt the art was decent throughout. Unfortunately, the whole Trinity War ruined the flow of story to me, and so this one is just “okay” in my book.
May 18, 2016
Why didn't anyone tell me Catwoman is in this??? I completely missed her on the cover!
Still reading but I had to stop and get a screen shot of this:
Seriously cracked me up.
Still reading but I had to stop and get a screen shot of this:
Seriously cracked me up.
August 7, 2017
Evil but bland corporate stooge Amanda Waller puts together a team to fight the Justice League after she sees Superman and Wonder Woman smooching, thinking Wonder Woman will coerce Superman to take over the world. Dopey Steve Trevor and Amanda put together a team they believe is the World’s Most Dangerous: Hawkman, Katana, Vibe, Star Girl, Green Arrow, J’onn J’onzz the Martian Manhunter, a Green Lantern, and Catwoman. The only one who could be called the World’s Most Dangerous is J’onn, the others are a joke. You know how dangerous these morons are? They get taken out by something called The Shaggy Man in issue #4 – how the hell are they a credible challenge for Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and the rest of the JL?
Why would these random individuals work together as a team? Geoff Johns gives us the barest of reasons for each, none of which make any sense. Also, half of the Justice League of America aren’t American. But that’s par for the course with this book, all of it is completely arbitrary and stupid.
Geoff Johns brings his Z-game to the series and, after presenting us with the uninspired lineup, gives us cornball dialogue throughout, my favourite of which is a line from Steve Trevor who says “I’m not a sellout. I’m the guy who rebels against authority!”. Amazing. I keep hoping this will be his catchphrase as it makes me laugh so much (and his expression when he says it!) but he only says it the once.
The plot is absolute nonsense – there’s some rubbish about the JLA hunting down something called the Secret Society but the last two issues in the book are Parts 2 and 4 of Trinity War where the Justice League teams are fighting one another over a Damien Hirst-like skull called Pandora’s Box in a new nonsensical storyline. Trinity War is a whole other barrel of crap that’s also not worth your time but the pieces included here only further serve to confound the reader as the missing parts (1 and 3) aren’t included.
The characters are all unlikeable, the story is flimsy and dumb, Johns’ writing is among the worst I’ve ever read by him, and David Finch’s art is very scratchy and poor while his depiction of Catwoman is outright horrible.
New 52 JLA is simply the worst comic of 2013.
*
I’ve been writing about the New 52 Justice League of America for another site since the title launched in February so rather than repeat myself here, if you’re interested in a detailed breakdown of the book, you can check out the reviews below of almost all of the single issues. Where I’ve missed an issue, I still read it but didn’t have the willpower to write yet another critical review of that terrible comic – but every single one is bad.
Justice League of America #1
Justice League of America #2
Justice League of America #4
Justice League of America #6
Justice League of America #7
Why would these random individuals work together as a team? Geoff Johns gives us the barest of reasons for each, none of which make any sense. Also, half of the Justice League of America aren’t American. But that’s par for the course with this book, all of it is completely arbitrary and stupid.
Geoff Johns brings his Z-game to the series and, after presenting us with the uninspired lineup, gives us cornball dialogue throughout, my favourite of which is a line from Steve Trevor who says “I’m not a sellout. I’m the guy who rebels against authority!”. Amazing. I keep hoping this will be his catchphrase as it makes me laugh so much (and his expression when he says it!) but he only says it the once.
The plot is absolute nonsense – there’s some rubbish about the JLA hunting down something called the Secret Society but the last two issues in the book are Parts 2 and 4 of Trinity War where the Justice League teams are fighting one another over a Damien Hirst-like skull called Pandora’s Box in a new nonsensical storyline. Trinity War is a whole other barrel of crap that’s also not worth your time but the pieces included here only further serve to confound the reader as the missing parts (1 and 3) aren’t included.
The characters are all unlikeable, the story is flimsy and dumb, Johns’ writing is among the worst I’ve ever read by him, and David Finch’s art is very scratchy and poor while his depiction of Catwoman is outright horrible.
New 52 JLA is simply the worst comic of 2013.
*
I’ve been writing about the New 52 Justice League of America for another site since the title launched in February so rather than repeat myself here, if you’re interested in a detailed breakdown of the book, you can check out the reviews below of almost all of the single issues. Where I’ve missed an issue, I still read it but didn’t have the willpower to write yet another critical review of that terrible comic – but every single one is bad.
Justice League of America #1
Justice League of America #2
Justice League of America #4
Justice League of America #6
Justice League of America #7
August 7, 2017
Well this could have been a really good one. If it was a stand alone origin story. But nope DC had to go and mix the Trinty War cross over bullcrap into it.
The Justice League of America was created by super-hot Halle-Berry Ninja Amanda Wallaer (why DC? why?!!!) to be a counterpoint to the Justice League. Each member is to counter their more powerful hero counterpart. Martian Manhunter (Superman); Catwoman (Batman); Katana (Wonder Woman); Green Lantern Simon Baz (for uh Green Lantern Hal Jordan. Um who the Hell is Simon Baz?) Cisco (Flash. Cisco has some dimensional power. Not the singer. That would be odd. But it IS the New 52.); Cyborg (Stargirl. Who?) and finally Hawkman (Aquaman).
So not a bad combo. Weird though. In my opinion they wouldn't have much of a chance against the actual Justice League. But that is just me. Good artwork. Geoff Johns has written some great stuff. This isn't one of them. It's not bad. Just the story of the JLA's founding, which is good, gets caught up in the major background noise of the Trinity War/Pandora nonsense. That's a lot of story to carry in a origin volume. It never fails spectacularly. Instead, Geoff Johns puts forth a mediocre origin story lost in the cross over mania of the Trinity War.
Can't really recommend. Can't really hate on it either. It's just ok. Without the Trinity War going on-there was a good story here about a US option to "deal with" the Justice League. I don't know about the reality of that outcome being viable but it is a good plot anyways. But the entire volume should have been spent on it and not some other story arc from other series. Meh.
The Justice League of America was created by super-hot Halle-Berry Ninja Amanda Wallaer (why DC? why?!!!) to be a counterpoint to the Justice League. Each member is to counter their more powerful hero counterpart. Martian Manhunter (Superman); Catwoman (Batman); Katana (Wonder Woman); Green Lantern Simon Baz (for uh Green Lantern Hal Jordan. Um who the Hell is Simon Baz?) Cisco (Flash. Cisco has some dimensional power. Not the singer. That would be odd. But it IS the New 52.); Cyborg (Stargirl. Who?) and finally Hawkman (Aquaman).
So not a bad combo. Weird though. In my opinion they wouldn't have much of a chance against the actual Justice League. But that is just me. Good artwork. Geoff Johns has written some great stuff. This isn't one of them. It's not bad. Just the story of the JLA's founding, which is good, gets caught up in the major background noise of the Trinity War/Pandora nonsense. That's a lot of story to carry in a origin volume. It never fails spectacularly. Instead, Geoff Johns puts forth a mediocre origin story lost in the cross over mania of the Trinity War.
Can't really recommend. Can't really hate on it either. It's just ok. Without the Trinity War going on-there was a good story here about a US option to "deal with" the Justice League. I don't know about the reality of that outcome being viable but it is a good plot anyways. But the entire volume should have been spent on it and not some other story arc from other series. Meh.
September 27, 2014
I think I'm getting numb to Geoff Johns' ham-fisted character introductions. The first chapter of this book went pretty smoothly for me, only a couple of major winced along the way (and god help me with this weak-willed nobody Steve Trevor showing up everywhere in JL land - he's a milquetoast stooge, a straight man that serves no purpose except to make others feel better. Does he have any ambitions other than to sleep with Wonder Woman? Apparently not according to Geoff Johns)
At least the pacing is good as the team assembles and faces their first threats. It's a real shame that Johns makes them beat on the JL yet again (does the New 52 JL actually ever spend time with a pure villain?)
The Amanda Waller "follow my inscrutable orders!" tension gives us some fun "I'm a badass hero that doesn't follow the rules" moments, but boy is that authority shit getting stale. I far preferred Maxwell Lord or Henry Bendix or Nick freakin Fury - hopefully not because they were men but because they had some real quirks and personality (though I'll admit Fury is generally as inscrutable).
*******
Spoiler ahead
*******
What the hell is with dumbass pop culture writers? "We stay in place and the Earth moves around us" kinds of insta-travel across the surface of the planet raises as many questions as answers. If you know anything about physics (let alone astrophysics) then think about this: if we stay in place relative to anything but the *center of the Earth*, we will quickly move into the center of the planet or the middle of space next to the moon. The Earth doesn't just spin like a top, it's also hurtling through space according to orbital rotations of itself around the sun, the solar system around the center of the galaxy, and the galaxy hurtling outward from the center of the universe according to the Big Bang theory. Pretty much any "stay in place" travel mechanism is an instant death sentence. Dumbass.
*********
Spoilers behind
*********
After a decent four-issue intro and adventure, the story gets tripped up in the (repeated elsewhere issues tangled up with) retarded Trinity War dog's breakfast of an "event". So skip past that nonsense and head for Matt Kindt's backups - an interesting elucidation of Martian Manhunter's demons, for lack of a more apt metaphor for an alien.
Kindt lends some emotional depth and resonance to the Manhunter. In knowing his background, in seeing just how much his former life among Martian culture agonizes him in isolation, I finally feel like I have done reason to want to care about this otherwise cold, stony, indifferent creature. (I have no idea if Kindt just robbed DC's history vaults for these ideas, if he augmented and finely wove them, or birthed a new origin, but the effect is just as good.)
This book (aside from the Trinity stumble) was decent, but like any confused child in the face of foreign dopiness, I've got a few questions here:
- Signal Man? What kind of shit 50's JSA villain is that? A guy with a spotlight on his chest?
- Vibe? Is that the 90's calling - a black superhero with a name out of the Ebony magazine "top 100 ethnic-sounding names for your baby"?
- Who's this Simon GL? There are already 153 known GL's who could be brought into the New 52 to roam our generally-overcrowded sector (I mean, some sectors have one squirrel or protoplasm lump to cover the whole thing, but somehow Earth rates a half-dozen at any one time) - they gotta bring on #154 just because Johns is feelin frisky?
At least the pacing is good as the team assembles and faces their first threats. It's a real shame that Johns makes them beat on the JL yet again (does the New 52 JL actually ever spend time with a pure villain?)
The Amanda Waller "follow my inscrutable orders!" tension gives us some fun "I'm a badass hero that doesn't follow the rules" moments, but boy is that authority shit getting stale. I far preferred Maxwell Lord or Henry Bendix or Nick freakin Fury - hopefully not because they were men but because they had some real quirks and personality (though I'll admit Fury is generally as inscrutable).
*******
Spoiler ahead
*******
What the hell is with dumbass pop culture writers? "We stay in place and the Earth moves around us" kinds of insta-travel across the surface of the planet raises as many questions as answers. If you know anything about physics (let alone astrophysics) then think about this: if we stay in place relative to anything but the *center of the Earth*, we will quickly move into the center of the planet or the middle of space next to the moon. The Earth doesn't just spin like a top, it's also hurtling through space according to orbital rotations of itself around the sun, the solar system around the center of the galaxy, and the galaxy hurtling outward from the center of the universe according to the Big Bang theory. Pretty much any "stay in place" travel mechanism is an instant death sentence. Dumbass.
*********
Spoilers behind
*********
After a decent four-issue intro and adventure, the story gets tripped up in the (repeated elsewhere issues tangled up with) retarded Trinity War dog's breakfast of an "event". So skip past that nonsense and head for Matt Kindt's backups - an interesting elucidation of Martian Manhunter's demons, for lack of a more apt metaphor for an alien.
Kindt lends some emotional depth and resonance to the Manhunter. In knowing his background, in seeing just how much his former life among Martian culture agonizes him in isolation, I finally feel like I have done reason to want to care about this otherwise cold, stony, indifferent creature. (I have no idea if Kindt just robbed DC's history vaults for these ideas, if he augmented and finely wove them, or birthed a new origin, but the effect is just as good.)
This book (aside from the Trinity stumble) was decent, but like any confused child in the face of foreign dopiness, I've got a few questions here:
- Signal Man? What kind of shit 50's JSA villain is that? A guy with a spotlight on his chest?
- Vibe? Is that the 90's calling - a black superhero with a name out of the Ebony magazine "top 100 ethnic-sounding names for your baby"?
- Who's this Simon GL? There are already 153 known GL's who could be brought into the New 52 to roam our generally-overcrowded sector (I mean, some sectors have one squirrel or protoplasm lump to cover the whole thing, but somehow Earth rates a half-dozen at any one time) - they gotta bring on #154 just because Johns is feelin frisky?
October 19, 2021
This was actually quite a good read!
It starts off with the new JLA being assembled by Waller and Trevor and we see their dynamic and their first threat: Secret Society and I love the way it happens but its when Catwoman also joins the team and the team has to band together and rescue one of their own and fight big threats like Shaggy man, Blockbuster and Copperhead things will change and the coming together of another JL team was well done.
It ties into Trinity war the end of the volume so no point in collecting it here but regardless it ties in pretty well and I love that main story here too and the art is awesome throughout for sure.
It starts off with the new JLA being assembled by Waller and Trevor and we see their dynamic and their first threat: Secret Society and I love the way it happens but its when Catwoman also joins the team and the team has to band together and rescue one of their own and fight big threats like Shaggy man, Blockbuster and Copperhead things will change and the coming together of another JL team was well done.
It ties into Trinity war the end of the volume so no point in collecting it here but regardless it ties in pretty well and I love that main story here too and the art is awesome throughout for sure.
December 19, 2018
Too busy intersecting with all the other New 52 titles to feel coherent.
Occurs in parallel with the events of JL(v.2) #22, JL Dark #22, and Justice League: Trinity War. This would be somewhere in vol. 4 of the collected editions of JL & JLD.
Occurs in parallel with the events of JL(v.2) #22, JL Dark #22, and Justice League: Trinity War. This would be somewhere in vol. 4 of the collected editions of JL & JLD.
October 24, 2014
I thought this was pretty good, once I got beyond the misconception that JL and JLA was the same. That Amanda Waller is a master schemer and manipulator. I feel that Steve Trevor is in a tough spot. I don't think he's completely against the Justice League (he still has feelings for Diana), but Waller is playing on his concern for Diana and his jealousy over her being involved with Superman, and the fact that Steve isn't a super and therefore couldn't work out with Diana in the long run.
The team that they put together is interesting. I hope my library continues to carry this so I can see where the story goes next. I actually liked Catwoman in this book, so I am convinced to try her New 52 series.
I was a bit confused on some aspects. It's hard with these action and character-packed stories to keep up with everyone. But overall, I felt the story was cohesive, and I liked how it continued the arc from Justice League, Vol. 4: The Grid and showed the JLA side (and dealt with some of my confusion over JL versus JLA).
I wasn't too excited about the first JL titles I read, but I am starting to like these graphic novels more and more.
I'd recommend this title.
The team that they put together is interesting. I hope my library continues to carry this so I can see where the story goes next. I actually liked Catwoman in this book, so I am convinced to try her New 52 series.
I was a bit confused on some aspects. It's hard with these action and character-packed stories to keep up with everyone. But overall, I felt the story was cohesive, and I liked how it continued the arc from Justice League, Vol. 4: The Grid and showed the JLA side (and dealt with some of my confusion over JL versus JLA).
I wasn't too excited about the first JL titles I read, but I am starting to like these graphic novels more and more.
I'd recommend this title.
September 22, 2018
Overall was going pretty good till half way through.
So it starts off decent enough. Waller is trying to create a Justice League to be the face of America. To protect people in a public way instead of having the Justice League, all these gods, do what they please. So they go on a mission together and all come together like any team book. However, by the second half we get a bunch of crossover issues of Trinity War. Just why? WHY!?
Good: The start is solid enough. Fun storylines, fun dialog, good pacing. Everything is working to make a fun team book. Also the art is pretty damn good.
Bad: Then trinity war comes in and ruins the whole second half. Like almost unreadable. Especially since it's confusing and missing key issues. Fuck this garbo.
SO yeah, first is a 3 out of 5, last is a 1 out of 5 so...2 out of 5.
So it starts off decent enough. Waller is trying to create a Justice League to be the face of America. To protect people in a public way instead of having the Justice League, all these gods, do what they please. So they go on a mission together and all come together like any team book. However, by the second half we get a bunch of crossover issues of Trinity War. Just why? WHY!?
Good: The start is solid enough. Fun storylines, fun dialog, good pacing. Everything is working to make a fun team book. Also the art is pretty damn good.
Bad: Then trinity war comes in and ruins the whole second half. Like almost unreadable. Especially since it's confusing and missing key issues. Fuck this garbo.
SO yeah, first is a 3 out of 5, last is a 1 out of 5 so...2 out of 5.
January 11, 2022
Very good enjoyable comic. I wonder what will happen in Trinity War.
March 30, 2021
Amanda Waller recruits Steve Trevor to train a new group of heroes selected by her to assist The Justice League. Amanda's real agenda is to have a team ready to take out The Justice League if they should become a problem.
This graphic novel consist of Justice League of America 1-7 and I thought it was pretty good. The story is tight, moves quickly to the point and has a few twist and turns. The book also includes "Martian Manhunter: Missing Pieces" a very good short where Jonn looks into the Catwoman's mind reveling some secrets of her past to the reader (origin) and at the same time Catwoman sees into his mind as we then get his origin story.
The action is fast and furious, but all of it is integral to the story line and not gratuitous. There are also a couple of painful memories that get revealed.
The reader also gets a look at the "Trinity War" crossover which has it's fair share of action and a great cliffhanger.
The book has some beautiful full page illustrations as well as some very impressive double page spreads.
At over 200 pages this is an investment well worth making.
This graphic novel consist of Justice League of America 1-7 and I thought it was pretty good. The story is tight, moves quickly to the point and has a few twist and turns. The book also includes "Martian Manhunter: Missing Pieces" a very good short where Jonn looks into the Catwoman's mind reveling some secrets of her past to the reader (origin) and at the same time Catwoman sees into his mind as we then get his origin story.
The action is fast and furious, but all of it is integral to the story line and not gratuitous. There are also a couple of painful memories that get revealed.
The reader also gets a look at the "Trinity War" crossover which has it's fair share of action and a great cliffhanger.
The book has some beautiful full page illustrations as well as some very impressive double page spreads.
At over 200 pages this is an investment well worth making.
October 11, 2014
Went in to this one with pretty low expectations, so I'm not surprised it was a little enjoyable. If you go in excepting shit, and instead you get some garbage, it seems better. (Right?)
If I was a betting man I would say this title was created just so it could tie into the Trinity War crossover, and after that, Forever Evil series. So in the first volume you get a few issues that lead up to...Trinity War! Alright, what do I win? In a way the enjoyment of this series was brought way down because I just think of it as a title who's sole purpose is to set up crossover events. When one isn't going I'll bet this book is boring as shit. The first book ends saying, "To be continued in Trinity War", and I'll bet the next one either leads up to saying "Buy Forever Evil", or it leaves you with huge gaps in the story telling so you can "Buy Forever Evil."
I've been laying off DC for awhile because of this kind of shit, and while I won't say Marvel isn't doing the same, Marvel has some characters I at least care about, and that's where DC falls short in this book and in general. I don't care about any of these characters. And if you don't care what happens, what's the point of even reading the book?
If I was a betting man I would say this title was created just so it could tie into the Trinity War crossover, and after that, Forever Evil series. So in the first volume you get a few issues that lead up to...Trinity War! Alright, what do I win? In a way the enjoyment of this series was brought way down because I just think of it as a title who's sole purpose is to set up crossover events. When one isn't going I'll bet this book is boring as shit. The first book ends saying, "To be continued in Trinity War", and I'll bet the next one either leads up to saying "Buy Forever Evil", or it leaves you with huge gaps in the story telling so you can "Buy Forever Evil."
I've been laying off DC for awhile because of this kind of shit, and while I won't say Marvel isn't doing the same, Marvel has some characters I at least care about, and that's where DC falls short in this book and in general. I don't care about any of these characters. And if you don't care what happens, what's the point of even reading the book?
November 8, 2014
The team that was created to counter the Justice League, and to protect America if the original JL fails to do so. I love that they went non traditional with the team line up, and found that the beginning storyline was a good way to showcase this team, and their abilities. Featured some of the Pandora's Box story.
August 6, 2014
too many missing story elements caused by crossovers to be enjoyable, or even really understandable
October 14, 2025
From the start I know the purpose of this team. Geoff Johns needed a third team for his Trinity War crossover so the answer is, the JLA. They already have the JL: International but because of the low sales they need to cancel that. There is now limited time for the characters of this team to develop because the Trinity War event is fast approaching. That's why we get half-cooked issues and rushed storylines.
I love the art of David Finch and it suits the theme of this team, dark and gritty. Sadly after a couple of issues he left the title. Inconsistent art in some TPBs is my number one problem.
The story is interesting but it was rushed to serve its purpose in the upcoming event.
I love the art of David Finch and it suits the theme of this team, dark and gritty. Sadly after a couple of issues he left the title. Inconsistent art in some TPBs is my number one problem.
The story is interesting but it was rushed to serve its purpose in the upcoming event.
September 6, 2015
i liked this a good bit. there wasn't a lot of room for characterization of the JLA members, but i liked that of Amanda Waller and Steve Trevor. the art got better as the volume progressed. the bad thing is that we only get the JLA chapters of Trinity War, which means some of the action going on in the latter part of the book doesn't read smoothly. since the companion Justice League and Justice League Dark volumes are not out yet (I don't think?), i'll have to go back and read this part again much later.
all in all, i liked the first arc of this book better than that of Justice League, but not as much as JLD.
all in all, i liked the first arc of this book better than that of Justice League, but not as much as JLD.
September 29, 2014
Not satisfied with Suicide Squad? Stormwatch not fulfilling you? Enjoy this loveable cast of also-rans as they tromp their way into doing nothing of import and enabling the Trinity War! I believe they actually fight a stray dog - and lose!
Read! Amanda Waller insists. No, Amanda Waller insists...
Read! Amanda Waller insists. No, Amanda Waller insists...
November 5, 2013
Apparently, DC learned nothing from their Justice League debacles in the early 90's. You cannot throw a bunch of B list superheroes together, call them the Justice League and expect people to buy it, let alone enjoy it.
January 28, 2022
Pues efectivamente, según voy leyendo más de la Liga de la Justicia de Johns más entiendo por qué terminé dejando de seguir los cómics de las Nuevas 52. En fin, por no adelantar acontecimientos, me voy a limitar a comentar este primer volumen con los cinco primeros números de la Liga de la Justicia de América (en oposición a la colección que Johns había arrancado con Jim Lee y que era simplemente Liga de la Justicia). En algunos de los números anteriores de Liga de la Justicia se había dejado ver como Steve Trevor y la nueva Amanda Waller (con el cambio de continuidad, Amanda Waller había perdido cerca de ciento veinte kilos, dejando atrás la imagen clásica y mucho más interesante con la que se había convertido en uno de los personajes más reconocibles de DC) estaban preparando un equipo para hacer frente si llegaba el momento a la Liga de la Justicia, un equipo con intereses más locales, por así decirlo, y mayor capacidad de intromisión por parte de Argus, y por lo tanto, del gobierno de EE.UU. Y ese equipo va a ser esta Liga de la Justicia de América, con héroes elegidos directamente por Waller y Steve Trevor. A priori, la alineación no tiene mala pinta: J'onn J'onnz, Hawkman, Green Arrow, Stargirl, el Green Lantern más controvertido (Simon Baz), Vibe y en plan incógnito, Catwoman, con quien Johns recoge la jugada que ya realizaran en Thunderbolts con Bullseye, manteniéndola apartada de la prensa y los medios de comunicación.
En esta historia, el equipo tiene su bautismo de fuego después de que Green Arrow sea descubierto infiltrado en algo llamado "La Sociedad", lo que les lleva a tener que hacer frente a las creaciones del Profesor Ivo, mientras una especie de caballero inglés comienza a hacer tratos con villanos como el Espantapájaros, a los que libera de prisión a cambio de "un futuro favor".
Y la verdad es que no hay mucho más, la verdad. Con la presentación, las tretas para que Catwoman se infiltre en la Sociedad y el enfrentamiento con los robots de Ivo no hay tiempo para mucho más. Y es todo muy maaaalo. Todo es demasiado badass, demasiado "motherfucker", gracias a dios Stargirl sigue siendo la de siempre, porque el "nuevo" J'onn... tela. En fin, la pinta que tiene esta Liga de la Justicia de América es de haber sido creada a toda prisa para tener una colección con la que cruzar la Liga de la Justicia en el evento que se acercaba, la Guerra de la Trinidad, y no está ni bien guionizada, ni bien dibujada siquiera, y eso que para el dibujo contaron con David Finch, que normalmente me gusta bastante, y se le pueden decir muchas cosas pero no que no sea espectacular... y sin embargo, aquí está como sucio, como demasiado apresurado. Y por cierto, en el último número lo reemplazaron a lo bruto por Brett Booth, que tiene sus cosas buenas... pero que no es Finch ni mucho menos, y es otra de esas cosas que me hace pensar que iban con prisas (en Liga de la Justicia hicieron algo parecido, ya lo he comentado).
En fin, una etapa completamente prescindible de la historia de la Liga de la Justicia, de la historia de los superhéroes y del cómic en general.
En esta historia, el equipo tiene su bautismo de fuego después de que Green Arrow sea descubierto infiltrado en algo llamado "La Sociedad", lo que les lleva a tener que hacer frente a las creaciones del Profesor Ivo, mientras una especie de caballero inglés comienza a hacer tratos con villanos como el Espantapájaros, a los que libera de prisión a cambio de "un futuro favor".
Y la verdad es que no hay mucho más, la verdad. Con la presentación, las tretas para que Catwoman se infiltre en la Sociedad y el enfrentamiento con los robots de Ivo no hay tiempo para mucho más. Y es todo muy maaaalo. Todo es demasiado badass, demasiado "motherfucker", gracias a dios Stargirl sigue siendo la de siempre, porque el "nuevo" J'onn... tela. En fin, la pinta que tiene esta Liga de la Justicia de América es de haber sido creada a toda prisa para tener una colección con la que cruzar la Liga de la Justicia en el evento que se acercaba, la Guerra de la Trinidad, y no está ni bien guionizada, ni bien dibujada siquiera, y eso que para el dibujo contaron con David Finch, que normalmente me gusta bastante, y se le pueden decir muchas cosas pero no que no sea espectacular... y sin embargo, aquí está como sucio, como demasiado apresurado. Y por cierto, en el último número lo reemplazaron a lo bruto por Brett Booth, que tiene sus cosas buenas... pero que no es Finch ni mucho menos, y es otra de esas cosas que me hace pensar que iban con prisas (en Liga de la Justicia hicieron algo parecido, ya lo he comentado).
En fin, una etapa completamente prescindible de la historia de la Liga de la Justicia, de la historia de los superhéroes y del cómic en general.
April 11, 2019
FR
Moins attirée par ce tome puisqu'on ne voit pas les membres de la Justice League d'origine ! Intéressant tout de même !
Un petit truc qui m'agace : le fait que les personnages répètent sans cesse le nom des autres quand ils leur parlent !! Je ne trouve pas ça très naturel !
EN
Less attracted by this volume since we don't get to see the original Justice League members! Still interesting!
A little thing that annoys me: the characters keep repeating the others' names when they talk!! It doesn't sound natural!
Moins attirée par ce tome puisqu'on ne voit pas les membres de la Justice League d'origine ! Intéressant tout de même !
Un petit truc qui m'agace : le fait que les personnages répètent sans cesse le nom des autres quand ils leur parlent !! Je ne trouve pas ça très naturel !
EN
Less attracted by this volume since we don't get to see the original Justice League members! Still interesting!
A little thing that annoys me: the characters keep repeating the others' names when they talk!! It doesn't sound natural!
February 23, 2017
Since I'm reading these New 52 series in volumes instead of single issues, I had no idea which volume and which series to start on with the Justice League titles since all 3 series are part of a crossover event called "Trinity War". I decided to go with Justice League Dark volume 4 before getting around to this book. I was reading the digital volume of that series on my phone before the phone up and decided to revert back to the original factory setting wiping out every app, picture, phone number, and anything else on both my phone and memory card. Luckily, I had read the first 2 issues in that Justice League Dark book. Those issues just happen to be the 2 issues of that series involved in the crossover. They didn't make a lot of sense on their own, but they started forming a complete picture when added to this book.
Geoff Johns is the writer of the main story for this series. He has Amanda Waller form a new Justice League that she believes will be able to take down the original Justice League should they ever go rogue. She just adds the words "of America" to the end of her League's title. Even though this is the New 52, Amanda Waller is up to her same old manipulative tricks. Steve Trevor is contacted by Waller to oversee this team. He doesn't want to be involved, but after Waller uses some dirty tricks on him, Steve agrees. The team is originally going to comprised of Vibe, Stargirl, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Simon Baz, who is the newest Green Lantern, Katana, and Green Arrow. Trevor doesn't want Green Arrow on the team and gets Catwoman involved instead. If I made a list of my top 25 favorite DC heroes, Stargirl is the only person on this team that would make the cut. Even though there aren't any characters that I really love, there aren't any I hate either. Johns' writing would make me care about the series even if I hated all of the characters.
After Trevor finds out who is going to be part of his team, a wounded Green Arrow is found on the outskirts of a forest in England. He's been undercover for a while because Steve Trevor asked him to infiltrate this secret society that's aptly called "The Secret Society". Arrow is too injured to tell Col. Trevor what happened, so Trevor gets Manhunter to read his mind. Arrow regains consciousness and finds out about Trevor sending his knew team to take down the Secret Society, but learns that Trevor doesn't want him on the team. Waller and Trevor have hid Catwoman's involvement with the team from the public, and intend to set up a fake public arrest for her hoping that the Secret Society will take the bait and come free her. Arrow sees the chase to capture Catwoman and figures out that she is really part of the team. So, he blackmails them into letting him join.
The Secret Society set into motion the events that trigger "Trinity War". This pits the members of the Justice League, Justice League Dark, and Justice League of America all against each other. Members of each team are all torn between allegiance to their team and following which party they believe to be in the right during the event. Even after reading the crossover issues here and in Justice League Dark, I still haven't seen the whole picture, or how the situation turns out. Because of that, I can't really judge the writing since it's incomplete in this book. From what I have seen, I'd say the crossover event and the rest of the JLA volume is worth 4.5 stars, but since it is incomplete, I'm deducting a full star from the writing. 3.5 stars.
There are also some Martian Manhunter back-up stories in the volume that started running in the individual issues during issue #2. These stories tie into the main story a little, but mainly act as origin story for Martian Manhunter since he hasn't had a solo series yet at this point in the New 52. Matt Kindt is the writer for the back-ups and Manuel Garcia provides the art. These back-ups don't feel out of place since they tie into certain points of the main story. The writing and art are both higher quality than some of the New 52 back-up stories have been. Writing and art are both about 4 star quality.
The illustrations in the main story are divided almost equally between Davis Finch, Brett Booth, and Doug Mahnke. All 3 of these guys are elite comic artists. There isn't a single bad panel drawn in their issues. Each has their own style so the issues look a little different from each other, but all the art is amazing. The art gets 5 stars.
As this book stands on it's own, you only get a partial picture of a much bigger story. You'll have to read this book along with several other to truly grasp what is going on. Still, this is a promising start to a new series. 4. 25 stars is my overall rating for the book. If you like any of the main characters in this book, this is well worth picking up. Even if you were only reading one of the other JL titles, this is worth reading to get the whole story. The series is also only 2 books long. So, picking up this whole series and the others that tie into it won't set you back monetarily and you'll get a nice complete story. I can't wait to read volume 2.
Geoff Johns is the writer of the main story for this series. He has Amanda Waller form a new Justice League that she believes will be able to take down the original Justice League should they ever go rogue. She just adds the words "of America" to the end of her League's title. Even though this is the New 52, Amanda Waller is up to her same old manipulative tricks. Steve Trevor is contacted by Waller to oversee this team. He doesn't want to be involved, but after Waller uses some dirty tricks on him, Steve agrees. The team is originally going to comprised of Vibe, Stargirl, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Simon Baz, who is the newest Green Lantern, Katana, and Green Arrow. Trevor doesn't want Green Arrow on the team and gets Catwoman involved instead. If I made a list of my top 25 favorite DC heroes, Stargirl is the only person on this team that would make the cut. Even though there aren't any characters that I really love, there aren't any I hate either. Johns' writing would make me care about the series even if I hated all of the characters.
After Trevor finds out who is going to be part of his team, a wounded Green Arrow is found on the outskirts of a forest in England. He's been undercover for a while because Steve Trevor asked him to infiltrate this secret society that's aptly called "The Secret Society". Arrow is too injured to tell Col. Trevor what happened, so Trevor gets Manhunter to read his mind. Arrow regains consciousness and finds out about Trevor sending his knew team to take down the Secret Society, but learns that Trevor doesn't want him on the team. Waller and Trevor have hid Catwoman's involvement with the team from the public, and intend to set up a fake public arrest for her hoping that the Secret Society will take the bait and come free her. Arrow sees the chase to capture Catwoman and figures out that she is really part of the team. So, he blackmails them into letting him join.
The Secret Society set into motion the events that trigger "Trinity War". This pits the members of the Justice League, Justice League Dark, and Justice League of America all against each other. Members of each team are all torn between allegiance to their team and following which party they believe to be in the right during the event. Even after reading the crossover issues here and in Justice League Dark, I still haven't seen the whole picture, or how the situation turns out. Because of that, I can't really judge the writing since it's incomplete in this book. From what I have seen, I'd say the crossover event and the rest of the JLA volume is worth 4.5 stars, but since it is incomplete, I'm deducting a full star from the writing. 3.5 stars.
There are also some Martian Manhunter back-up stories in the volume that started running in the individual issues during issue #2. These stories tie into the main story a little, but mainly act as origin story for Martian Manhunter since he hasn't had a solo series yet at this point in the New 52. Matt Kindt is the writer for the back-ups and Manuel Garcia provides the art. These back-ups don't feel out of place since they tie into certain points of the main story. The writing and art are both higher quality than some of the New 52 back-up stories have been. Writing and art are both about 4 star quality.
The illustrations in the main story are divided almost equally between Davis Finch, Brett Booth, and Doug Mahnke. All 3 of these guys are elite comic artists. There isn't a single bad panel drawn in their issues. Each has their own style so the issues look a little different from each other, but all the art is amazing. The art gets 5 stars.
As this book stands on it's own, you only get a partial picture of a much bigger story. You'll have to read this book along with several other to truly grasp what is going on. Still, this is a promising start to a new series. 4. 25 stars is my overall rating for the book. If you like any of the main characters in this book, this is well worth picking up. Even if you were only reading one of the other JL titles, this is worth reading to get the whole story. The series is also only 2 books long. So, picking up this whole series and the others that tie into it won't set you back monetarily and you'll get a nice complete story. I can't wait to read volume 2.
May 27, 2016
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The premise here is one that we are all accustomed to by this point in comics (even more so now that both "Batman v Superman" and "Captain America: Civil War" have hit the theaters): Should the world's most powerful beings be allowed to police themselves (and us), or should they be subjects of the people's governments? It's a tried and true storyline in the comics world and I think it works in the many instances I've read/seen/heard/watched/viewed it, including this book.
In this book, the Justice League of America is a team that is being assembled by the U.S. government's secret agency A.R.G.U.S. (Advanced Research Group Uniting Superhumans), led by Amanda Waller (who is soon to be portrayed onscreen by Oscar-nominated actress Viola Davis in "Suicide Squad"). Each member's true identity is known to the government and they are being put together to address the threat that superhumans, either ill- or good-intentioned, might pose to humanity. What the recruits of the new JLA team don't know, however, is that each has been hand-picked to be the foil of one particular member of the Justice League, just in case that original superteam -- based in their Mount Olympus-like Watchtower in orbit around Earth -- ever runs amok.
The recruits are well-picked for the most part: Martian Manhunter vs Superman (are you a Manhunter doubter? read on...), Vibe vs Flash, Green Lantern vs Green Lantern (i.e., one member of the Corps vs another), Catwoman vs Batman, etc. There are a few that don't seem plausible, however, like Katana vs Wonder Woman -- how could that ever work? Maybe a Katana reader/fan out there can explain that one to me. I've never read any of Katana's stories. On that note, the more you are familiar with any of these characters the more you will probably enjoy this story.
By the way, don't get your hopes up too much that you'll see all of these match-ups fighting each other just yet. For the full battle royale, stay tuned for Justice League: Trinity War, for which this book is really just starting to lay the groundwork.
One criticism I've read of this book from other reviewers is that Steve Trevor is a boring hero for this story. I'd like to address that point by saying: Steve Trevor is not the hero of this story! Trevor may be the "non-superhuman" counterpart and government-appointed organizer of the superteam (and, by extension, the readers' liaison into the story), but the hero of this story is definitely Martian Manhunter. In my reading of the story, every important scene in this book centers around Manhunter.
Furthermore, as a backup feature, we are treated to a powerful and touching origin story for Martian Manhunter. His origin here is similar to previous versions I've read, in which Manhunter is a not-so-fictional "peaceful native (albeit of Mars) whose population is wiped out by invaders that bring their germs with them". I felt this version of his origin story ups the ante even more than usual by emphasizing the extraordinarily harmonious way in which the Martians co-existed with each other and their planet. It's something we could aspire more to here on Earth, and it's inadvertently wiped out by... you guessed it... those damn neighbors on Earth (how? It involves a telepathic poisoning -- read the story).
If you're a fan of Martian Manhunter (as I am) I think you'll like this book. By the way, if you think Superman is the most overpowered super alien in comics, then you haven't met Martian Manhunter yet. Imagine Superman, but take away the ice breath and laser eyes, and instead give him the ability to shapeshift into anything(!) he wants, become incorporeal(!) at will (so he's basically untouchable), and give him the telepathic ability to read and modify people's minds, and you have Martian Manhunter. He's ridiculously overpowered. They make up for this somewhat by giving him a weakness (which is really a mental phobia that manifests itself as a physical limitation) to something extremely common: fire.
Add to all of this a humorous 2-page backup at the end of each issue that features a faux-24-hour-news channel reporting on the activities of superhumans. It's a tongue-in-cheek "what if" concerning how the media would react if superhumans were real, coupled with a parody of modern sensationalist TV media reporting. I always enjoy it when the mainstream media is parodied.
In summary, if you like stories that question whether/how super-beings should be policed, and/or you like Martian Manhunter, and/or you like parodies of the mainstream media, (or all three if you're like me), then I think you'll really enjoy this book.
In this book, the Justice League of America is a team that is being assembled by the U.S. government's secret agency A.R.G.U.S. (Advanced Research Group Uniting Superhumans), led by Amanda Waller (who is soon to be portrayed onscreen by Oscar-nominated actress Viola Davis in "Suicide Squad"). Each member's true identity is known to the government and they are being put together to address the threat that superhumans, either ill- or good-intentioned, might pose to humanity. What the recruits of the new JLA team don't know, however, is that each has been hand-picked to be the foil of one particular member of the Justice League, just in case that original superteam -- based in their Mount Olympus-like Watchtower in orbit around Earth -- ever runs amok.
The recruits are well-picked for the most part: Martian Manhunter vs Superman (are you a Manhunter doubter? read on...), Vibe vs Flash, Green Lantern vs Green Lantern (i.e., one member of the Corps vs another), Catwoman vs Batman, etc. There are a few that don't seem plausible, however, like Katana vs Wonder Woman -- how could that ever work? Maybe a Katana reader/fan out there can explain that one to me. I've never read any of Katana's stories. On that note, the more you are familiar with any of these characters the more you will probably enjoy this story.
By the way, don't get your hopes up too much that you'll see all of these match-ups fighting each other just yet. For the full battle royale, stay tuned for Justice League: Trinity War, for which this book is really just starting to lay the groundwork.
One criticism I've read of this book from other reviewers is that Steve Trevor is a boring hero for this story. I'd like to address that point by saying: Steve Trevor is not the hero of this story! Trevor may be the "non-superhuman" counterpart and government-appointed organizer of the superteam (and, by extension, the readers' liaison into the story), but the hero of this story is definitely Martian Manhunter. In my reading of the story, every important scene in this book centers around Manhunter.
Furthermore, as a backup feature, we are treated to a powerful and touching origin story for Martian Manhunter. His origin here is similar to previous versions I've read, in which Manhunter is a not-so-fictional "peaceful native (albeit of Mars) whose population is wiped out by invaders that bring their germs with them". I felt this version of his origin story ups the ante even more than usual by emphasizing the extraordinarily harmonious way in which the Martians co-existed with each other and their planet. It's something we could aspire more to here on Earth, and it's inadvertently wiped out by... you guessed it... those damn neighbors on Earth (how? It involves a telepathic poisoning -- read the story).
If you're a fan of Martian Manhunter (as I am) I think you'll like this book. By the way, if you think Superman is the most overpowered super alien in comics, then you haven't met Martian Manhunter yet. Imagine Superman, but take away the ice breath and laser eyes, and instead give him the ability to shapeshift into anything(!) he wants, become incorporeal(!) at will (so he's basically untouchable), and give him the telepathic ability to read and modify people's minds, and you have Martian Manhunter. He's ridiculously overpowered. They make up for this somewhat by giving him a weakness (which is really a mental phobia that manifests itself as a physical limitation) to something extremely common: fire.
Add to all of this a humorous 2-page backup at the end of each issue that features a faux-24-hour-news channel reporting on the activities of superhumans. It's a tongue-in-cheek "what if" concerning how the media would react if superhumans were real, coupled with a parody of modern sensationalist TV media reporting. I always enjoy it when the mainstream media is parodied.
In summary, if you like stories that question whether/how super-beings should be policed, and/or you like Martian Manhunter, and/or you like parodies of the mainstream media, (or all three if you're like me), then I think you'll really enjoy this book.
August 18, 2013
ARC provided by NetGalley
A new Justice League is needed, one that is separate from the team located 22,000 miles above the Earth....and one organized by Amanda Waller. One that can help America when they need it...and perhaps even protect them from the other heroes if it comes to it. Col. Steve Travor, the man who brought Wonder Woman into their lives, is leading and mentoring the group. Joining him are Catwoman, Katanna, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Star Girl, and Vibe. Will this new Justice League of America be able to function together? And what will they find when they start investigating the world around them?
I'll have to admit, I have no idea what happened in the previous Justice League, but you have Green Lantern and Green Arrow in it? and I'm going to read it. And even though these aren't the versions of the characters I'm familiar with, I still love the idea behind them. Even though I like Geoff as a writer, some of the story is a bit awkward with how the characters relate to each other, especially in the first issue. I know there's supposed to be awkwardness when people first meet, but these guys it's like watching a play where the actors skip lines. You're able to kinda of follow, but at times you wonder what the heck is going on.
In the second half of the book, Jeff Lemire joins up as a writer and the story flows a bit better. I've always liked Jeff's writing and he really shines here with a great story line with Superman, that I won't mention more about because it's a major spoiler. But trust me...you won't walk away from this one with the same view of Superman anymore.
The artwork isn't my favorite thing in the world. I much prefer the old school approach of the 90's as these comics just....to me they just feel like they have too much computer generated aspects in them. I mean it's ok, but something just doesn't sit well about the figures with me. It might be the colors are a bit off, to clean in a way. By the second half of the book though the art has grown on me. I don't know if it's a new artist or colorist, or maybe I've just gotten used to it, but the characters are cleaner and more like the old. I particularly like the expressions on their faces, although I would hope they would smile once in a while. All in all not bad.
If you're a fan of the Justice League you'll want to read this book. And if you've never read them before this is a great place to start as its a completely new team and this is their first time together. Overall I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
A new Justice League is needed, one that is separate from the team located 22,000 miles above the Earth....and one organized by Amanda Waller. One that can help America when they need it...and perhaps even protect them from the other heroes if it comes to it. Col. Steve Travor, the man who brought Wonder Woman into their lives, is leading and mentoring the group. Joining him are Catwoman, Katanna, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Star Girl, and Vibe. Will this new Justice League of America be able to function together? And what will they find when they start investigating the world around them?
I'll have to admit, I have no idea what happened in the previous Justice League, but you have Green Lantern and Green Arrow in it? and I'm going to read it. And even though these aren't the versions of the characters I'm familiar with, I still love the idea behind them. Even though I like Geoff as a writer, some of the story is a bit awkward with how the characters relate to each other, especially in the first issue. I know there's supposed to be awkwardness when people first meet, but these guys it's like watching a play where the actors skip lines. You're able to kinda of follow, but at times you wonder what the heck is going on.
In the second half of the book, Jeff Lemire joins up as a writer and the story flows a bit better. I've always liked Jeff's writing and he really shines here with a great story line with Superman, that I won't mention more about because it's a major spoiler. But trust me...you won't walk away from this one with the same view of Superman anymore.
The artwork isn't my favorite thing in the world. I much prefer the old school approach of the 90's as these comics just....to me they just feel like they have too much computer generated aspects in them. I mean it's ok, but something just doesn't sit well about the figures with me. It might be the colors are a bit off, to clean in a way. By the second half of the book though the art has grown on me. I don't know if it's a new artist or colorist, or maybe I've just gotten used to it, but the characters are cleaner and more like the old. I particularly like the expressions on their faces, although I would hope they would smile once in a while. All in all not bad.
If you're a fan of the Justice League you'll want to read this book. And if you've never read them before this is a great place to start as its a completely new team and this is their first time together. Overall I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
November 21, 2013
First of all, I want to say that this review is for this particular volume and the particular issues included. This seems like an obvious thing to say, but the rest of the review will make this statement make more sense. Looking at "Justice League of America, Volume 1: World's Most Dangerous" on paper, it sounds like a great idea. Bring together some of the lesser known heroes to serve as a B-Team/foil to the main Justice League and have Geoff Johns write it. For chunks of the book, this is exactly what it is and it works. However, for the other parts of this book, it's kind of a mess.
This introductory volume almost feels like two distinct stories. The first couple issues and the last issue are the story of the Justice League of America's forming and subsequent troubles they encounter with the Secret Society, a sort of cliche group of super villains who have a secret lair that moves. Despite the cliches (the aforementioned secret society, the "pose as a bad guy" storyline to get caught on purpose, etc.) in this story line, it is still rather solid. There are some good character moments and callbacks to old DC continuity along with new 52 introductions.
The second block of the book are tie-in issues to the Trinity War event. I have not had a chance to read the event in other books, so it was very confusing to come across these in this book. I understand collecting them in this book since they are regular issues, but they might have worked better being left out and collected as part of a "Trinity War" trade.
Overall, there is promise in the JLA premise, but this book as a whole is dragged down by the inclusion of the Trinity War tie-ins. They basically kill any momentum gained in the early issues. It's clear that events in Trinity War branch off of what happens in JLA, but collected here without the other parts makes it very confusing.
Note: I received a free digital copy through NetGalley.
This introductory volume almost feels like two distinct stories. The first couple issues and the last issue are the story of the Justice League of America's forming and subsequent troubles they encounter with the Secret Society, a sort of cliche group of super villains who have a secret lair that moves. Despite the cliches (the aforementioned secret society, the "pose as a bad guy" storyline to get caught on purpose, etc.) in this story line, it is still rather solid. There are some good character moments and callbacks to old DC continuity along with new 52 introductions.
The second block of the book are tie-in issues to the Trinity War event. I have not had a chance to read the event in other books, so it was very confusing to come across these in this book. I understand collecting them in this book since they are regular issues, but they might have worked better being left out and collected as part of a "Trinity War" trade.
Overall, there is promise in the JLA premise, but this book as a whole is dragged down by the inclusion of the Trinity War tie-ins. They basically kill any momentum gained in the early issues. It's clear that events in Trinity War branch off of what happens in JLA, but collected here without the other parts makes it very confusing.
Note: I received a free digital copy through NetGalley.
October 11, 2014
I was really excited for this but it was kind of a let down. The story was alright but the art was pretty bad. I thought I liked Finch better than this, but it had a very 90s feel to it.
It's another Trinity War tie-in, but first it sets up the new League and the Secret Society. The narrative is pretty compelling. There's a big cliffhanger at one point that has a big letdown with its payoff. I mean, it was good news, but a big backpedal. Unfortunately the Trinity War piece suffers from crossover fragmentation. The event as a whole can't make sense with just these issues. It's still interesting, but these aren't the plot points that matter.
Some of the dialogue is a little awkward and clunky. Some of the characters don't really help matters. I don't like Catwoman or Katana or Vibe very much. They're all weird and awkward. I don't even like Steve Trevor in this. Honestly, I picked it up for Martian Manhunter and Green Arrow. I'm going to keep up with it to see where things go, but I'm really just holding out for it to flip over to Justice League United.
It's another Trinity War tie-in, but first it sets up the new League and the Secret Society. The narrative is pretty compelling. There's a big cliffhanger at one point that has a big letdown with its payoff. I mean, it was good news, but a big backpedal. Unfortunately the Trinity War piece suffers from crossover fragmentation. The event as a whole can't make sense with just these issues. It's still interesting, but these aren't the plot points that matter.
Some of the dialogue is a little awkward and clunky. Some of the characters don't really help matters. I don't like Catwoman or Katana or Vibe very much. They're all weird and awkward. I don't even like Steve Trevor in this. Honestly, I picked it up for Martian Manhunter and Green Arrow. I'm going to keep up with it to see where things go, but I'm really just holding out for it to flip over to Justice League United.
March 4, 2015
What I didn't love:
1) this new Amanda Waller. She just doesn't cut it. No matter how much they try to write in a backstory to toughen her up, she just isn't believable. She simply doesn't look the part. They changed a good thing way too much.
2) why is Steve Trevor so significant in the new 52? Why?
3) this ARGUS definitely feels like a SHIELD ripoff.
What I didn't hate:
1) the forgotten-about characters they brought back into the fold, like Vibe, Stargirl and Dr. Light.
2) Catwoman brings a nice dynamic to the team. But seriously, Finch needs to correct his approach to drawing women's torsos.
3) the story is pretty awesome. Obviously there is something big a-brewin', and I'm liking the prelude quite a bit. The seeds being planted for the "Secret Society" plus the tie-in to the Trinity War makes it feel like the stakes are being raised for the next crossover.
So, I didn't hate it, but I also didn't love it.
3.5/5
1) this new Amanda Waller. She just doesn't cut it. No matter how much they try to write in a backstory to toughen her up, she just isn't believable. She simply doesn't look the part. They changed a good thing way too much.
2) why is Steve Trevor so significant in the new 52? Why?
3) this ARGUS definitely feels like a SHIELD ripoff.
What I didn't hate:
1) the forgotten-about characters they brought back into the fold, like Vibe, Stargirl and Dr. Light.
2) Catwoman brings a nice dynamic to the team. But seriously, Finch needs to correct his approach to drawing women's torsos.
3) the story is pretty awesome. Obviously there is something big a-brewin', and I'm liking the prelude quite a bit. The seeds being planted for the "Secret Society" plus the tie-in to the Trinity War makes it feel like the stakes are being raised for the next crossover.
So, I didn't hate it, but I also didn't love it.
3.5/5
December 2, 2013
Okay I will say it. Geoff Johns is one of the best writers DC comics has but this series is not as great as the Regular Justice league book. I really wanted to like this team as much as the main Justice League we know and love but the character development here needs work. The plot of this volume is incredible and I really enjoyed the "Trinity War" stuff here as well. My biggest complaint here is that there is too much going on. I mean there is a lot for the reader to take in. But the good news here is that the artwork was pretty good and you do care about the conflicts the heroes have to face. I just hope Geoff digs into the motivations of this team as well as there pasts. This was a pretty good start to this series, its just not as good as the other JL book.
September 3, 2015
I am ok having waited to have read this. It is nice to have Geoff Johns writing Star Girl, pretty much his creation. I like the Martian Manhunter taking a lead role here. I don't like current portrayals of Green Arrow and Hawkman, but I am over 50. I do like current incarnations of Katana and Vibe. The art is just ok. The heroes are overshadowed by plot and crossovers with other Justice League titles. Another example: the new Green Lantern, another Geoff Johns creation, gets little attention or development. Catwoman, a great character, is partially successful here.
Oh, well.
Oh, well.
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