What do you think?
Rate this book
JLA: The Deluxe Edition
JLA: The Deluxe Edition, Vol. 5
In this latest trade paperback collecting JLA 47-60 - JLA Heaven's Ladder 1, the JLA has always been a team of superheroes that have relied on each other to defeat insurmountable odds. But with Batman's betrayal and expulsion from the group, suddenly the team has become divided amongst themselves. Dealing with dangerous issues of trust, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Aquaman, Martiam Manhunter, and Plastic Man must try and unite to face off against the twisted fairy-tale nightmare of the Queen of Fables and the world-altering abilities of Dr. Destiny. But even if they defeat these formidable foes, the JLA may be shattered by their loss of faith in one another.
448 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2000
8 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Mark Waid
3,192 books1,275 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 27, 2021
This is one of the most uneven books I've read in some time. There's parts I LOVE and parts I had no clue what the hell Waid was trying to do with some of these storylines.
So these adventures range from stopping white Martians, to figuring out how to Forgive Batman for what he has done, to facing off against their alter egos (So like Bruce for Batman, Wally for Flash, and so on.) And it feels a bit jumbled and weird if I'm being honest. There's also a Random Emperor Joker issue we could of used without.
But really it comes down to this. When it's just members talking to each other, relying on one another, being truthful, or even bantering, Waid does a great job. I especially love the issue of Superman and Batman just chatting while we see the League falling apart. Really well done and great emotion sendoff.
I liked the high energy action too a lot of this has and the pacing is quick which is nice.
But some of these stories feel like they're trying to be overly complicated. ALmost like waid is trying to channel his inner Morrison who came before him instead of just doing his own thing.
Overall, it's good but not great. Worth it to see Waid write so many iconic characters and some really well but could be solid with better plotting. A 3 out of 5.
So these adventures range from stopping white Martians, to figuring out how to Forgive Batman for what he has done, to facing off against their alter egos (So like Bruce for Batman, Wally for Flash, and so on.) And it feels a bit jumbled and weird if I'm being honest. There's also a Random Emperor Joker issue we could of used without.
But really it comes down to this. When it's just members talking to each other, relying on one another, being truthful, or even bantering, Waid does a great job. I especially love the issue of Superman and Batman just chatting while we see the League falling apart. Really well done and great emotion sendoff.
I liked the high energy action too a lot of this has and the pacing is quick which is nice.
But some of these stories feel like they're trying to be overly complicated. ALmost like waid is trying to channel his inner Morrison who came before him instead of just doing his own thing.
Overall, it's good but not great. Worth it to see Waid write so many iconic characters and some really well but could be solid with better plotting. A 3 out of 5.
April 12, 2018
Very Gardner Fox-influenced, in most stories, by Mark Waid: with great art by Brian Hitch, in most stories.
Plastic Man is a JLA member during this sequence, which is OK, if, like me, you like Plastic Man. I'm partial to the Christmas story, JLA #60, I think, guest-starring Santa Claus vs. villain Neron (!); illustrated by Cliff Rathburn.
Plastic Man is a JLA member during this sequence, which is OK, if, like me, you like Plastic Man. I'm partial to the Christmas story, JLA #60, I think, guest-starring Santa Claus vs. villain Neron (!); illustrated by Cliff Rathburn.
November 6, 2021
Some of this was fun but it was very uneven.
February 10, 2016
I had stopped reading JLA a few issues after the end of Morrison's run, and spent an afternoon with library copies to see what Waid had done with the book. Not bad. Not as good as Morrison's defining turn on the series, and he was clearly picking up where Morrison had left off, but these were by and large solid to above average Justice League tales.
Read
March 4, 2020Waid’s run started in the last volume with “Tower of Babel.” This book collects the rest of it, dealing with the fallout from “Babel” and delivering Silver Agey stories mostly drawn by Bryan Hitch. Waid is a good writer and these stories certainly have entertainment value, especially the first one which is my favorite. That scene with Aquaman and Wonder Woman is too good.
Now, I love Hitch’s art, but I think his widescreen, realistic style is an awkward fit for the Silver Age tone of these stories. Waid’s storytelling is obviously more nuanced and modern than 60’s JLA comics, though the stories themselves have enough silliness so that all those epic splash pages and perfectly framed action shots seem out of place (barring “Heaven’s Ladder”). Another negative: Waid steals one of the most memorable lines from Morrison’s run at the end of issue 58. That’s basically the line he goes out on, too, as 59 is a Joker’s Last Laugh tie-in written by Chuck Dixon and 60 is a one-and-done Christmas special*. It left a slightly bitter taste in my mouth.
Still, this is a fine JLA book. Waid excels at characterization and team dynamics, and the stories are fun. He had a lot to live up coming after Morrison and he gives it his best shot.
*Incidentally, it’s one of the best issues in the book.
Now, I love Hitch’s art, but I think his widescreen, realistic style is an awkward fit for the Silver Age tone of these stories. Waid’s storytelling is obviously more nuanced and modern than 60’s JLA comics, though the stories themselves have enough silliness so that all those epic splash pages and perfectly framed action shots seem out of place (barring “Heaven’s Ladder”). Another negative: Waid steals one of the most memorable lines from Morrison’s run at the end of issue 58. That’s basically the line he goes out on, too, as 59 is a Joker’s Last Laugh tie-in written by Chuck Dixon and 60 is a one-and-done Christmas special*. It left a slightly bitter taste in my mouth.
Still, this is a fine JLA book. Waid excels at characterization and team dynamics, and the stories are fun. He had a lot to live up coming after Morrison and he gives it his best shot.
*Incidentally, it’s one of the best issues in the book.
May 1, 2022
(9/10): Okay I can now officially say that I love Mark Waid's run of JLA more than Grant Morrison's run. This is largely because, although the overall plots aren't as dense and creative as Morrison's, the character work shines through and through. His run starts out with Tower of Babel, which sets a dense blanket of mistrust around the Justice League after his contingency plans are leaked. The fallout of that was interesting to see overall, especially during the iD Conflict which was easily my favorite arc of the run as the League came face to face with their inner selves. My favorite moment in JLA is after the White Martian Revenge arc where Batman reminds J'onn that he is not alone, it is a moment that got to me and is honestly something I needed to hear right now in my life. As for the other arcs, the Queen of Fables arc was alright and the Heaven's ladder arc was ambitious. Overall, I really loved the character work in this run and it was a much easier read compared to the previous run (I will admit it took me some time to get through Queen of Fables). So yeah, Mark Waid is really great.
August 23, 2020
Mark Waid’s run is fantastic!
There was something about Morrison’s run that just kept nagging at me. On further thought, I think it felt too random and scattered with no real stakes. It felt like one crazy event after another that had no relationship to each other. It also never felt like there was much heart to the story.
Waid’s story across the arcs in this book were outstanding. Still not my favorite thing in the world (maybe just JLA can only be so profound) but wow, loved a number of the arcs and some of the beats really stuck with me. Of course, Tower of Babylon was fascinating though shoutout to the ID and Martians storylines.
There was something about Morrison’s run that just kept nagging at me. On further thought, I think it felt too random and scattered with no real stakes. It felt like one crazy event after another that had no relationship to each other. It also never felt like there was much heart to the story.
Waid’s story across the arcs in this book were outstanding. Still not my favorite thing in the world (maybe just JLA can only be so profound) but wow, loved a number of the arcs and some of the beats really stuck with me. Of course, Tower of Babylon was fascinating though shoutout to the ID and Martians storylines.
July 23, 2018
It's weird because it skips JLA, Vol. 7: Tower of Babel . So if you just read the "Deluxe Editions," you miss out. ANd most of the first third or so of this book seems to be a reaction to Divided We Fall.
The rest of it is fine. It's kind of like Grant Morrison's but less cosmic/spiritual (after the first story which is more cosmic/spiritual and actually makes more sense) and seemingly with less of an overall plan.
The rest of it is fine. It's kind of like Grant Morrison's but less cosmic/spiritual (after the first story which is more cosmic/spiritual and actually makes more sense) and seemingly with less of an overall plan.
January 2, 2025
The golden age of this JLA run is over with the previous volume. Some of these stories feel like they are trying to copy Grant Morrison's style (Heaven's Ladder and the "ID" story) and doing a so-so job. Some stories I didn't really care about at all (the fairy tale story comes to mind) and overall this was just a mixed bag that made me wonder if I even wanted to continue with these volumes.
December 7, 2019
Historias que prometen no cumplen y las infiltradas cumplen con sobras contar algo original.
Como que Waid desperdició la chance de hacer algo mejor.
Por parte de los dibujos, Bryan Hitch en un gran momento se encarga de la mayor parte del tomo.
Como que Waid desperdició la chance de hacer algo mejor.
Por parte de los dibujos, Bryan Hitch en un gran momento se encarga de la mayor parte del tomo.
February 13, 2023
Really funny
This volume takes a more relaxed approach to the JLA series from Grant Morrison and deals with the consequences of batman "supposed" betrayal, and it does it quite good.
This volume takes a more relaxed approach to the JLA series from Grant Morrison and deals with the consequences of batman "supposed" betrayal, and it does it quite good.
September 17, 2017
Man, the art goes downhill when Hitch leaves and then Waid is gone for an issue and the writing suffers.
The rest is good.
The rest is good.
September 30, 2015
Now, one thing I want to make clear first is that Mark Waid is a great writer - Daredevil, Fantastic Four, the Flash = great stuff - but this is not of that calibre. Hell, it pales in comparison to the Grant Morrison run that came before (there were some shorter Mark Waid penned stories interspersed Morrison’s arc which were also have a much higher quality [like that Martian Manhunter / Adam Strange scene on the moon].) That’s not to say that they’re bad comics, its just that, forever whatever reason, they fall flat. One of the big things that might be a part of it is the art. Bryan Hitch seems like a natural fit for a big team book like JLA (heck, the big team book, or at least it should be), but it’s at the opposite end of the spectrum to Howard Porter’s. Porter is a lot more fluid and dynamic, Hitch rigid and iconic. Hitch is the perfect guy for big superhero punch-ups (see: The Authority), because that dude can draw rubble, but that’s not really what these stories call for. The threats that Waid pits the team against are defeated by the team using their brains rather than their brawn. That’s not to say that there’s no value in superhero comics where the hero thinks rather than punches their way out of a problem, but that doesn’t really play to the artist’s strengths.
Another problem is that the stories in this feel formulaic, their structure borrowing heavily from Silver-Age JLA stuff. Weird stuff is happening all around the globe, the team breaks off into pairs, and then they call come together at the end and beat the bad guys. Waid tries to tall altogether with ongoing character stuff, mostly revolving around the fallout from Batman’s expulsion then subsequent return to the team, but with so many characters to focus on, there isn’t really much time for the small, character focused stuff you find in his other stuff. And we get it - Martian Manhunter misses Mars. It’s easy to remember, it’s alliterative, we don’t need to keep going over it.
Mark Waid shows that he can write big superhero stuff, but of course he can, he’s Mark Waid. Unfortunately, with the lack of character stuff, and the disconnect with the art, I can’t really recommend.
Another problem is that the stories in this feel formulaic, their structure borrowing heavily from Silver-Age JLA stuff. Weird stuff is happening all around the globe, the team breaks off into pairs, and then they call come together at the end and beat the bad guys. Waid tries to tall altogether with ongoing character stuff, mostly revolving around the fallout from Batman’s expulsion then subsequent return to the team, but with so many characters to focus on, there isn’t really much time for the small, character focused stuff you find in his other stuff. And we get it - Martian Manhunter misses Mars. It’s easy to remember, it’s alliterative, we don’t need to keep going over it.
Mark Waid shows that he can write big superhero stuff, but of course he can, he’s Mark Waid. Unfortunately, with the lack of character stuff, and the disconnect with the art, I can’t really recommend.
March 20, 2019
You know it's pretty difficult to follow a tenure such as Morrison's on this book and I'm sure Waid, while being an pro and veteran to the field, must have felt that pressure. But because he is a pro and veteran, he rises to the occasion.
This volume brings a lot of action, a lot of great character moments, and some terrific plots and twists that fit the JLA tone that Morrison set down in his previous stories.
The volume begins with a story that is a bit uneven. It has to do with a queen that has control over all fictional characters and who has mistaken Wonder Woman for Snow White. It's a decent enough story, but what resonated most were the moments where the team brings up Batman and more specifically, his absence. At the end of the last volume, we saw Batman voted out, so we get the natural progression of this with the team split between if they made the right choice or not.
What really shines with these character moments, as Waid has a solid handle on the characterization of each team member. So the dynamic of them just talking was a fascinating read.
But the real highlight is the white martians story line. At first I was like, wow, these guys again?!?! But Waid uses them to great effect. He makes them cunning and very vicious, much like the first martians from the first story line way back in vol 1. The martians almost win, but with some clever teamwork and ingenuity, mostly by Martian Manhunter, the JLA prevail. This really gives me more of a appreciation for the Manhunter as he was willing to sacrifice himself for the good of mankind. And Batman's speech at the end of the story really humanizes Batman and solidifies the bonds that the JLA share.
Great volume from the Great Mark Waid. Looking forward to vol 6!
This volume brings a lot of action, a lot of great character moments, and some terrific plots and twists that fit the JLA tone that Morrison set down in his previous stories.
The volume begins with a story that is a bit uneven. It has to do with a queen that has control over all fictional characters and who has mistaken Wonder Woman for Snow White. It's a decent enough story, but what resonated most were the moments where the team brings up Batman and more specifically, his absence. At the end of the last volume, we saw Batman voted out, so we get the natural progression of this with the team split between if they made the right choice or not.
What really shines with these character moments, as Waid has a solid handle on the characterization of each team member. So the dynamic of them just talking was a fascinating read.
But the real highlight is the white martians story line. At first I was like, wow, these guys again?!?! But Waid uses them to great effect. He makes them cunning and very vicious, much like the first martians from the first story line way back in vol 1. The martians almost win, but with some clever teamwork and ingenuity, mostly by Martian Manhunter, the JLA prevail. This really gives me more of a appreciation for the Manhunter as he was willing to sacrifice himself for the good of mankind. And Batman's speech at the end of the story really humanizes Batman and solidifies the bonds that the JLA share.
Great volume from the Great Mark Waid. Looking forward to vol 6!
November 15, 2015
Surprisingly the smaller group really worked for me, even if that meant basically removing steel, oracle and cutting down on Wonder Woman. Heavens Ladder was confusing but truly beautiful and positive. That is the key word here- positive, accessible (mostly) stories that are not extremely long and continuity heavy. Mark Waid is so good here- white Martians, the queen of fables, id splitting their secret identities from heir hero identities...lots of smart stuff on here. Doesn't always make sense but is very entertaining and VERY well executed. This is likely my favorite trade of JLA yet. And JLA 60 is SO GOOD. a Christmas story heavy o plastic man (as a lot of these issues are) and ultimately just excellent. A four star book- not transcendent but utterly happy and exciting stories about the worlds finest...and plastic man.
March 20, 2016
This is a collection of stories from the
much loved creative team of
Mark Waid
Bryan Hitch
&
Paul Neary
It's truly hard to say what the true star of these comics was.
Waids clever story telling
or the amazing art team of Hitch & Neary
The JLA always fights to protect the Earth from
whatever menace presents itself
Planet absconding aliens
Invaders from another dimension
Monsters from Faerie Stories
The Justice League
Always stands firm
Not always given the respect this premier super team
deserves by those who care for it
but this creative team brought
The League back to glory pushing it
to new heights
much loved creative team of
Mark Waid
Bryan Hitch
&
Paul Neary
It's truly hard to say what the true star of these comics was.
Waids clever story telling
or the amazing art team of Hitch & Neary
The JLA always fights to protect the Earth from
whatever menace presents itself
Planet absconding aliens
Invaders from another dimension
Monsters from Faerie Stories
The Justice League
Always stands firm
Not always given the respect this premier super team
deserves by those who care for it
but this creative team brought
The League back to glory pushing it
to new heights
August 24, 2014
Disappointing collection. The stories are more complicated than they need to be and are largely missing the 'fun' element. Bryan Hitch's story telling is not what you would hope for either from his rep.
July 17, 2014
This is one of my favorite eras of the Justice League, and DC Comics in general, with great art from Bryan Hitch. Continues admirably from Grant Morrison's run with the JLA covering larger than life threats that no other superteam would be able to handle.
May 31, 2015
Waid writes an excellent volume here, dealing primarily with the results of Batman's ouster in the previous volume. Great effective character work here, and an interesting examination of the dynamics of the team. good comics.
April 17, 2016
An interesting compendium of the JLA's struggle to reunite in the wake of voting Batman off the preverbal island. A little to goofy and unfocused in general, but it has some genuinely beautiful moments.
December 22, 2014
A star for the fantastic Bryan Hitch artwork.
December 26, 2015
This one jumped around a bit
December 25, 2016
Bland and a slog to get through
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews