What do you think?
Rate this book
Justice League International #4
Justice League International Vol. 4 (Justice League of America
The 1980s adventures of the Justice League of America continues with this new, fourth volume of off-the-wall adventures.
In this volume, the team works on a captured alien spacecraft, unaware that the new Injustice League is pursuing them in their own stolen ship from Thanagar, Hawkman's homeworld. And then, while Booster Gold and Blue Beetle are hired to track a vampire, the team's promoter, Maxwell Lord, learns that he may have super-powers of his own. Plus: The Joker puts in an appearance, threatening the team through their private lives. This volume collects Justice League International #23-25 and Justice League America #26-30.
In this volume, the team works on a captured alien spacecraft, unaware that the new Injustice League is pursuing them in their own stolen ship from Thanagar, Hawkman's homeworld. And then, while Booster Gold and Blue Beetle are hired to track a vampire, the team's promoter, Maxwell Lord, learns that he may have super-powers of his own. Plus: The Joker puts in an appearance, threatening the team through their private lives. This volume collects Justice League International #23-25 and Justice League America #26-30.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1989
16 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Keith Giffen
1,944 books217 followersKeith Ian Giffen was an American comic book illustrator and writer. He is possibly best-known for his long runs illustrating, and later writing the Legion of Super-Heroes title in the 1980s and 1990s. He also created the alien mercenary character Lobo (with Roger Slifer), and the irreverent "want-to-be" hero, Ambush Bug. Giffen is known for having an unorthodox writing style, often using characters in ways not seen before. His dialogue is usually characterized by a biting wit that is seen as much less zany than dialogue provided by longtime collaborators DeMatteis and Robert Loren Fleming. That approach has brought him both criticism and admiration, as perhaps best illustrated by the mixed (although commercially successful) response to his work in DC Comics' Justice League International (1987-1992). He also plotted and was breakdown artist for an Aquaman limited series and one-shot special in 1989 with writer Robert Loren Fleming and artist Curt Swan for DC Comics.
Giffen's first published work was "The Sword and The Star", a black-and-white series featured in Marvel Preview, with writer Bill Mantlo. He has worked on titles (owned by several different companies) including Woodgod, All Star Comics, Doctor Fate, Drax the Destroyer, Heckler, Nick Fury's Howling Commandos, Reign of the Zodiac, Suicide Squad, Trencher (to be re-released in a collected edition by Boom! Studios)., T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, and Vext. He was also responsible for the English adaptation of the Battle Royale and Ikki Tousen manga, as well as creating "I Luv Halloween" for Tokyopop. He also worked for Dark Horse from 1994-95 on their Comics Greatest World/Dark Horse Heroes line, as the writer of two short lived series, Division 13 and co-author, with Lovern Kindzierski, of Agents of Law. For Valiant Comics, Giffen wrote XO-Manowar, Magnus, Robot Fighter, Punx and the final issue of Solar, Man of the Atom.
He took a break from the comic industry for several years, working on storyboards for television and film, including shows such as The Real Ghostbusters and Ed, Edd 'n' Eddy.
He is also the lead writer for Marvel Comics's Annihilation event, having written the one-shot prologue, the lead-in stories in Thanos and Drax, the Silver Surfer as well as the main six issues mini-series. He also wrote the Star-Lord mini-series for the follow-up story Annihilation: Conquest. He currently writes Doom Patrol for DC, and is also completing an abandoned Grant Morrison plot in The Authority: the Lost Year for Wildstorm.
Giffen's first published work was "The Sword and The Star", a black-and-white series featured in Marvel Preview, with writer Bill Mantlo. He has worked on titles (owned by several different companies) including Woodgod, All Star Comics, Doctor Fate, Drax the Destroyer, Heckler, Nick Fury's Howling Commandos, Reign of the Zodiac, Suicide Squad, Trencher (to be re-released in a collected edition by Boom! Studios)., T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, and Vext. He was also responsible for the English adaptation of the Battle Royale and Ikki Tousen manga, as well as creating "I Luv Halloween" for Tokyopop. He also worked for Dark Horse from 1994-95 on their Comics Greatest World/Dark Horse Heroes line, as the writer of two short lived series, Division 13 and co-author, with Lovern Kindzierski, of Agents of Law. For Valiant Comics, Giffen wrote XO-Manowar, Magnus, Robot Fighter, Punx and the final issue of Solar, Man of the Atom.
He took a break from the comic industry for several years, working on storyboards for television and film, including shows such as The Real Ghostbusters and Ed, Edd 'n' Eddy.
He is also the lead writer for Marvel Comics's Annihilation event, having written the one-shot prologue, the lead-in stories in Thanos and Drax, the Silver Surfer as well as the main six issues mini-series. He also wrote the Star-Lord mini-series for the follow-up story Annihilation: Conquest. He currently writes Doom Patrol for DC, and is also completing an abandoned Grant Morrison plot in The Authority: the Lost Year for Wildstorm.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 10, 2016
I'll start this with a quote from Sesana's review - "New readers just won't be able to see Maxwell Lord's discovery that he can influence the thoughts and actions of others without getting a chill."
True, that.
Anyway, in a time (the 80s) when comic writers were trying very hard to make the graphic medium more serious and edgy there was no way this particular series was supposed to be successful. But it was. Perhaps because it didn't take itself too seriously. Who knows? Yes, it is showing it's age, but it's just so much fun to read. I'm not always objective when it comes to this kind of thing (I've always liked the lesser-known characters and I am a sucker for nostalgia), but this volume does actually include two very, very good sequences that I would like to at least point out. The first is the single issue Justice League International #25 (Apr '89) titled "Repossessions". This issue deals with Booster Gold and Blue Beetle hunting a Vampire, but, bantering aside, it's actually a fairly poignant look at perception. The second is the sequence dealing with the theft of Barda's Mega-Rod (Justice League America #29 - 30, August and September '89 respectively). This sequence is quite violent, which sets it as a bit of a contrast against the rest of the story, which is better known for it's quirky humour et al. Good stuff all round.
Now, if you're entirely new to the graphic medium, this may not be the greatest place to start. I also have no idea what graphic novel elitists and connoisseurs have to say about the 80's JLI run. Me, I like it a lot.
3.5 - 4 stars
True, that.
Anyway, in a time (the 80s) when comic writers were trying very hard to make the graphic medium more serious and edgy there was no way this particular series was supposed to be successful. But it was. Perhaps because it didn't take itself too seriously. Who knows? Yes, it is showing it's age, but it's just so much fun to read. I'm not always objective when it comes to this kind of thing (I've always liked the lesser-known characters and I am a sucker for nostalgia), but this volume does actually include two very, very good sequences that I would like to at least point out. The first is the single issue Justice League International #25 (Apr '89) titled "Repossessions". This issue deals with Booster Gold and Blue Beetle hunting a Vampire, but, bantering aside, it's actually a fairly poignant look at perception. The second is the sequence dealing with the theft of Barda's Mega-Rod (Justice League America #29 - 30, August and September '89 respectively). This sequence is quite violent, which sets it as a bit of a contrast against the rest of the story, which is better known for it's quirky humour et al. Good stuff all round.
Now, if you're entirely new to the graphic medium, this may not be the greatest place to start. I also have no idea what graphic novel elitists and connoisseurs have to say about the 80's JLI run. Me, I like it a lot.
3.5 - 4 stars
July 1, 2022
This one gets a little darker...
Blue Beetle suffers the worst here with getting taken over by the "queen" in his mind. When that happens he begins to attack his teammates with a knife. It's a brutal couple of pages that actually does some great character development for multiple characters. There's still plenty of laughs, mostly with Guy or Batman or even Fire or Ice. This team feels messy and never really works well together but always highly entertaining. There's one funny issue with Beetle and Booster that's funny as heck, but then gets real somber by the end. A real nice turn around. The final issue with the Rod was okay but the rest was really enjoyable and Max's true self is coming out.
Another 4 out of 5.
Blue Beetle suffers the worst here with getting taken over by the "queen" in his mind. When that happens he begins to attack his teammates with a knife. It's a brutal couple of pages that actually does some great character development for multiple characters. There's still plenty of laughs, mostly with Guy or Batman or even Fire or Ice. This team feels messy and never really works well together but always highly entertaining. There's one funny issue with Beetle and Booster that's funny as heck, but then gets real somber by the end. A real nice turn around. The final issue with the Rod was okay but the rest was really enjoyable and Max's true self is coming out.
Another 4 out of 5.
June 11, 2016
A fun, consistent read. Better than volume 1, but inferior to volume 3. The 'humor' is starting to get schtick-y and tiresome. Of note in this collection: Maxwell Lord first discovering his mind control abilities, and the (apparent*) first appearance of the Huntress, with a dreadful costume, light years away from her outfit in Batman: Hush. Also appearing in this collection: Black Hand, as a... porn cinema proprietor?? When did this happen?
Since multiple artists supplied the art, there are some inconsistencies. For example, at the end of one issue, Barda is in 'civilian' clothes, unconscious on the ground. Next issue begins (with a different artist, natch), and there she is, unconscious, but also in full costume.
Collects issues #23-30, with #24 being a double-length issue.
* Batman didn't know who she was (and Batman seems to know everything, so...)
Since multiple artists supplied the art, there are some inconsistencies. For example, at the end of one issue, Barda is in 'civilian' clothes, unconscious on the ground. Next issue begins (with a different artist, natch), and there she is, unconscious, but also in full costume.
Collects issues #23-30, with #24 being a double-length issue.
* Batman didn't know who she was (and Batman seems to know everything, so...)
November 30, 2019
It feels like this is the volume of JLI that goes full super-opera, somewhat to its deficit. Oh, we have the milestone issue #24, marking the end of JLI's second year, complete with a return to Max Lord's origins and the introduction of the JLE team. But most of the rest of the volume stumbles through largely individual adventures, without any larger arc.
Oh, there's good stuff here, and it continues to be funny and well characterized. The first date between Guy and Ice is amusing, the Manchurianization of Beetle is shocking, the introduction of Huntress to the League is enjoyable, and the revamping of Fire's character post-Invasion! is interesting. But, there's also just-OK stories like the theft of Barda's Mega-Rod and dull ones, like when Booster and Beetle go do some mercenary job ...
So, JLI is somewhat weakened, especially as it enters its third year, but still enjoyable to read.
Oh, there's good stuff here, and it continues to be funny and well characterized. The first date between Guy and Ice is amusing, the Manchurianization of Beetle is shocking, the introduction of Huntress to the League is enjoyable, and the revamping of Fire's character post-Invasion! is interesting. But, there's also just-OK stories like the theft of Barda's Mega-Rod and dull ones, like when Booster and Beetle go do some mercenary job ...
So, JLI is somewhat weakened, especially as it enters its third year, but still enjoyable to read.
October 22, 2012
New readers just won't be able to see Maxwell Lord's discovery that he can influence the thoughts and actions of others without getting a chill. I honestly can't tell if it was meant to be read that way, or if I'm bringing too much baggage from later events to the book.
August 5, 2025
“Well, that’s ONE building that won’t be a front for dope-sellers and flesh-peddlers anymore! Now that Reagan ain’t president SOMEBODY’S gotta be America’s conscience!”
Listen, it’s like…
I remember this comic being funny. I remember this comic being weird. I absolutely did NOT remember just how much bedrock Detective Comics Comics bullshit gets established here.
Fire and Ice’s new powers. LORD’S POWERS. The Huntress. Wally taking over as Flash. Black Hand! Kent Nelson! It’s just…man that’s REALLY, really cool to see so much stuff I love in its first months.
And that this book is still like REALLY swinging for the fences in terms of characterization and set ups. It’s just candy from cover to cover. I’m still having such a blast reading this. I can’t wait to see where else it goes.
Listen, it’s like…
I remember this comic being funny. I remember this comic being weird. I absolutely did NOT remember just how much bedrock Detective Comics Comics bullshit gets established here.
Fire and Ice’s new powers. LORD’S POWERS. The Huntress. Wally taking over as Flash. Black Hand! Kent Nelson! It’s just…man that’s REALLY, really cool to see so much stuff I love in its first months.
And that this book is still like REALLY swinging for the fences in terms of characterization and set ups. It’s just candy from cover to cover. I’m still having such a blast reading this. I can’t wait to see where else it goes.
April 11, 2017
I'd forgotten how good of an artist Ty Templeton was. He's the primary artist in this book with a couple of issues from Kevin Maguire. I miss these brighter days of the DCU. There's no reason why a book can't both be full of action and funny. In this book, the Justice League gets a spinoff in Justice League Europe. Fire and Max deal with the effects of the gene bomb from Invasion and some repercussions from Bialya make themselves known. Plus, the Injustice League. The scene with the return of the mini-Khunds makes it worth the price of the book alone.
December 31, 2019
I've been reading this all year to go along a really fun podcast from the Fire and Water network, JLI: Bwah-Ha-Ha. It's fun to revisit these issues and then listen to what Shagg and his guests have to say. Yes, it sounds fairly niche, but it works for me and would work for you too, if you have any interest.
April 27, 2024
I can see why people love this era. Another 5💫 volume
January 29, 2017
Podríamos decir que este tomo es el más serio del título hasta ahora. A pesar de que parte con el humor habitual estamos ante un momento de transición: por un lado, la Liga vuelve de los eventos sucedidos durante la miniserie Invasión para luego adentrarnos en el secreto celosamente guardado por Maxwell Lord y las gestiones para dar inicio a la división europea, que será el título paralelo a la JLI y que se llevará a algunos de sus miembros a París. Además, tenemos las consecuencias de la primera misión de la Liga en Bialya.
Lo más débil del tomo es la rotación de dibujantes (aunque Maguire dibuja los dos primeros números y es responsable de la mayoría de las portadas) destacando el trabajo de Ty Templeton.
Lo más débil del tomo es la rotación de dibujantes (aunque Maguire dibuja los dos primeros números y es responsable de la mayoría de las portadas) destacando el trabajo de Ty Templeton.
May 2, 2010
DC Comics has been reprinting this comic series from the late 80's and early 90's and since it may actually be my favorite comic run of all time, I have been buying them. Some of the early volumes in the reprints had problems with the color quality, but with this volume they did an amazing job of re-coloring and touching up the art for the reprint and the book looks amazing. It also collects some hilarious issues, including Guy and Ice's first date. I'm hoping they keep these reprints coming. I want to see Justice League Europe get this treatment too.
March 9, 2010
Not quite as good as the other JLI volumes, but still a lot of fun, especially the Beetle/Booster parts. And Big Barda. And Fire. And... well, you know :)
March 9, 2023
This volume collects Justice League International #23-25 and Justice League America #26-30. Why DC made the title change is not addressed. Internally, the team is referred to as Justice League International throughout. The stories are more hit and miss than some of the previous volumes, without a strong narrative arc to carry it along. Perhaps this is partly due to a change in artists, with Ty Templeton doing most of the work and Kevin Maguire relegated to only a couple of issues (not that Templeton is bad--far from it--but it doesn't have Maguire's familiar touch). Several of the characters go through transformations of one sort or another, including a somewhat puzzling one by Max Lord (puzzling if you missed the "Invasion" crossover event). There are some nice cameos, too, by the likes of Dr. Fate and an early appearance by The Huntress. The scripting by J.M. DeMatteis continues to favor witty banter between characters, which sometimes hits and sometimes misses.
March 27, 2023
Další nášup snad nejzábavnější superhrdinské týmovky. Tohle volumko krom klasických srand a zábavných dialogů obsahuje i dva poměrně vážněji laděné sešity kde jeden i přes zábavné hlášky Boostera s Beetlem nabízí poměrně temné příběh a druhá o přeprogramování Beetla byla taky velice zajímavá, škoda že to pak prakticky vyšumělo v komediální taškařici s DR.Fatem, ale neříkám nic, zasmál jsem se. Třešničkou na oříšku pak je sešit kdy Guy Gardener jde na rande a postaví se proti Mafiánovi co má phobii ze superhrdinů :D Prostě klasika. Navíc už v tomto volume jsou opravdu silně vytvořené vztahy mezi charaktery a různé runing gagy (Manhunter a jeho Orea) či vývoje postav tu opravdu dopadají na úrodnou půdu a vy se opravdu cítíte že ten tým je živelný a svůj a ne jen fabrikát. Snad se jednoho dne dočkáme nějaké minisérie o comebacku této partičky, sice jsme dostali Blue and Gold, ale to nestačí.
January 14, 2020
At some point, it felt like the main Justice League International book (now named Justice League America), was losing steam as the Justice League Europe title was being launched. But soon enough, it caught up.
This hilarious run continues being a delight. And now that I'm reading this book intertwined with its European counterpart, it is real nice to see how carefully their connections were kept.
The maturing of the Bialya plot was also nicely put. I love when some plots are allowed to grow slowly until they blossom.
I also read the annuals in between these issues, but there was something about these specials that was not right... But since they weren't included in the trade, I'm so not counting them.
It's a solid 4.5, but I had to up it just because.
This hilarious run continues being a delight. And now that I'm reading this book intertwined with its European counterpart, it is real nice to see how carefully their connections were kept.
The maturing of the Bialya plot was also nicely put. I love when some plots are allowed to grow slowly until they blossom.
I also read the annuals in between these issues, but there was something about these specials that was not right... But since they weren't included in the trade, I'm so not counting them.
It's a solid 4.5, but I had to up it just because.
February 16, 2023
Decidedly less funny than the preceding volumes and more indebted to their contemporaries in that there’s more of costumed people punching each other and less humorous dialogue (Though there are still some genuine laughs to be had).
The hardest strike against this volume (and of I were to indulge in guessing, possibly even the reason for the other changes for the worse) though, is Kevin Maguire leaving art duties, first replaced to decent results by Ty Templeton and then to horrible results by Bill Willingham, who apparently single handedly eliminates any fun from the last story in this collection.
Interested to see how the series progresses now that one of it’s biggest strengths, Maguire’s facial expressions, is gone.
The hardest strike against this volume (and of I were to indulge in guessing, possibly even the reason for the other changes for the worse) though, is Kevin Maguire leaving art duties, first replaced to decent results by Ty Templeton and then to horrible results by Bill Willingham, who apparently single handedly eliminates any fun from the last story in this collection.
Interested to see how the series progresses now that one of it’s biggest strengths, Maguire’s facial expressions, is gone.
March 23, 2024
While this volume of JLI retains the sitcom style humour that made this series such a stand-out work, it also incorporates darker and more heartbreakkng elements with great effectiveness. While there's a fun story where The Joker tries attacking the individual members only to find his every attempt thwarted, there is also a poignant issue where Booster and Beetle find their perceptions challenged in haunting ways. Beetle also goes through the wringer as he fights mind-control, while Barda fights against somebody who has been used as a puppet for Apokolips technology. This is easily the best volume since the first, tremendously balancing tones while never forgetting what made this series work, and giving the various mainstays a chance to shine.
April 2, 2018
Supposedly, DC's not publishing any more JLI hardcover, which is very, very disappointing to me. The series hasn't lost a step!
This volume collects from the aftermath of Invasion! to Barda, Scott, Fire and Huntress's confrontation with a gang member wielding Barda's megarod. I love the megarod issue just for its creepy look into the power and corruption of Apokolips. Guy and Ice's first date is here, as well as Amanda Waller and Kent Nelson/Nabu's attempts to de-brainwash Blue Beetle.
Seriously, the Justice League will never be this good again. This book is great, fun superheroics at their finest.
This volume collects from the aftermath of Invasion! to Barda, Scott, Fire and Huntress's confrontation with a gang member wielding Barda's megarod. I love the megarod issue just for its creepy look into the power and corruption of Apokolips. Guy and Ice's first date is here, as well as Amanda Waller and Kent Nelson/Nabu's attempts to de-brainwash Blue Beetle.
Seriously, the Justice League will never be this good again. This book is great, fun superheroics at their finest.
April 22, 2024
Justice League International Vol. 4
As the Justice League expands, Maxwell Lord tries to come to terms with discovering he is a latent metahuman. Blue Beetle is hypnotised into attacking Lord and when Amanda Waller tries to reprogram him, she puts Ted in a coma. Barda becomes furious when some teenagers steal her car because she has left her megarod in the boot.
The stories are still mainly light, with some shadows growing, but the artwork is still bright, clear and the action flows well.
As the Justice League expands, Maxwell Lord tries to come to terms with discovering he is a latent metahuman. Blue Beetle is hypnotised into attacking Lord and when Amanda Waller tries to reprogram him, she puts Ted in a coma. Barda becomes furious when some teenagers steal her car because she has left her megarod in the boot.
The stories are still mainly light, with some shadows growing, but the artwork is still bright, clear and the action flows well.
January 22, 2024
FIRE ON
This story line starts showing us someone of the effected and outcomes from the invasion story line and the best part is the power upgrade for fire..who no longer just shoots a foot of green flame from her mouth she now is green flame and is a power house just what the team needs
This story line starts showing us someone of the effected and outcomes from the invasion story line and the best part is the power upgrade for fire..who no longer just shoots a foot of green flame from her mouth she now is green flame and is a power house just what the team needs
May 21, 2025
Looks like I read vol. 4 instead of vol. 1 because they have almost identical covers. Oh well.
The art is all over the place. The first couple issues are masterpieces and the middle few are so bland and mediocre that I kinda stopped caring. The stories are good, though, and I like some of the character work.
The art is all over the place. The first couple issues are masterpieces and the middle few are so bland and mediocre that I kinda stopped caring. The stories are good, though, and I like some of the character work.
Read
May 11, 2024Miss the old guys. Or the new guys. Or... any Justice League that isn't this one. Manhunter was the best dude present, I'm hoping Guy has better days, but at least the Huntress was an interesting character.
September 10, 2025
Continues to be good work by the core creative team. I have to say in retrospect, Ty Templeton had a tough act to follow and he does some incredible work. He has a great eye for layout and his subtle work really shines.
March 24, 2022
The Joker’s appearance really makes this volume, along with Beetle and Booster’s new lil side gig.
June 18, 2023
Not the strongest volume in this series but still good.
Oh, the description says that the Joker special was in this volume, tho I read it several volumes ago. VERY fun annual.
Oh, the description says that the Joker special was in this volume, tho I read it several volumes ago. VERY fun annual.
June 22, 2024
Awful book, could barely read a few pages. Awful dialogue, boring plot and annoying characters. Would not recommend at all.
October 10, 2024
I love when comics don’t take themselves seriously! Every issue was a banger. I'm so excited for the next volume!!!
October 17, 2024
These are some of the best comics of the era. Actual laugh out loud suprehero comics.
April 16, 2011
I guess I don't have a lot to say about this volume. It continues the JLI trend of the humorous superhero approach. If you liked those, you'll probably like this one too. I know it's a classic, but some times I feel a little silly reading this title. It was written over 20 years ago and doesn't really seem to be in line with today's comic book continuity. But then I come across a little nugget that still resonates with modern comics. (For instance, this is the volume in which Max Lord first learns he can "push" other people's minds... It's almost cooler reading this 20 years later and knowing how that entire sage plays out.) Plus, no matter how old these are, they're still a lot of fun. These stories feature some classic comic pairings: Blue Beetle and Booster Gold, Miracle Man and Big Barda, Batman and...Guy Gardner? Anyway, it's good stuff. Now on to volume 5!
July 21, 2012
I know that putting this on an actual "book" list is strecthing a bit, but what the hell? It's got a hard cover and runs over 200 pages. The best part of this collection is probably seeing the different renditions of Guy Gardner's bowl cut. Even being written in the 1980's, there's no excuse for such horrendous hair. Seeing that when I was a kid made me a strict Marvel-only fan. Now I can view it with some sort of nostagic irony, I guess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews