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JLA: The Deluxe Edition
JLA: The Deluxe Edition, Vol. 8
The Justice League of America is the ultimate dream team made up of the greatest heroes the world has ever known: Superman, the Flash, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter. A coven of vampires has set their sights on increasing their power base. With the League under attack from these mysterious beings, it is surely only a matter of time before one of them will fall. The celebrated fan-favorite team of Chris Claremont (X-Men, Fantastic Four), John Byrne (Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, X-Men) and Jerry Ordway (JLA, Superman, Wonder Woman) pits the JLA against the next generation of villainy. Collects JLA #94-106.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
5 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Joe Kelly
1,004 books205 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 16, 2017
It's the JLA saving the world again but this time around they suffer emotionally when others are harmed and are actually haunted by it. As a result the grade goes higher even though the dialogue states the obvious.
OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus.
OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus.
May 22, 2021
The first storyline in this paperback is The Tenth Circle written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by John Byrne. I was severely underwhelmed by this storyline and it drags down the entire volume. It is probably a ⭐️⭐️ story.
Next is Joe Kelly returning for issue 100 and JLA secret files. This is a tie in to the JLA/Elite series that ran around the same time and so it feels incomplete being placed here. ⭐️⭐️
The final storyline is The Pain of the Gods by Chuck Austen and illustrated by Ron Garney. This brilliantly dealt with the mental anguish and problems the league has whenever they aren’t able to be there and save a civilian. In this story arc each member suffers a certain loss while performing their duties and the repercussions and how the league helps deal with these issue was a great way to cap off this volume. Seeing how the JL not only stops threats together, but are essentially therapists and listening ears to each other is such a nice thing to see once in a while in a superhero comic. All in all this saved the volume from being a one star volume and gets a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on its own.
Overall not a volume worth running out and buying, but if you’re able to read the Pain of the Gods story arc, it is a nice quick read that deals with superhero mental issues.
Next is Joe Kelly returning for issue 100 and JLA secret files. This is a tie in to the JLA/Elite series that ran around the same time and so it feels incomplete being placed here. ⭐️⭐️
The final storyline is The Pain of the Gods by Chuck Austen and illustrated by Ron Garney. This brilliantly dealt with the mental anguish and problems the league has whenever they aren’t able to be there and save a civilian. In this story arc each member suffers a certain loss while performing their duties and the repercussions and how the league helps deal with these issue was a great way to cap off this volume. Seeing how the JL not only stops threats together, but are essentially therapists and listening ears to each other is such a nice thing to see once in a while in a superhero comic. All in all this saved the volume from being a one star volume and gets a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on its own.
Overall not a volume worth running out and buying, but if you’re able to read the Pain of the Gods story arc, it is a nice quick read that deals with superhero mental issues.
February 7, 2024
The first two story arcs get a 2.5/5 rating.
The first story in this collection gives us Chris Claremont and John Byrne reunited since their X-Men days. I always love seeing Byrne's arr, but Claremont's writing feels like it's coming from the 70s, not the early 00s. Still, I can appreciate older comics, so I still had fun with it.
The middle stories are from Joe Kelly and were a chore to get through.
The final arc written by Chuck Austen is phenomenal. 4.5/5
The Pain of the Gods (as it's titled) gives us a view into a much neglected side of the JLA: how they emotionally respond to all the crazy things that happen to them. Particularly involving civilian deaths.
It's both emotional and informative to witness a side of these characters I've rarely seen. There are some excellent interactions between the core JLA members as well. Also, I can't forget the Ron Garney art, I absolutely loved it. I need to find more Chuck Austen and Ron Garney comics.
The first story in this collection gives us Chris Claremont and John Byrne reunited since their X-Men days. I always love seeing Byrne's arr, but Claremont's writing feels like it's coming from the 70s, not the early 00s. Still, I can appreciate older comics, so I still had fun with it.
The middle stories are from Joe Kelly and were a chore to get through.
The final arc written by Chuck Austen is phenomenal. 4.5/5
The Pain of the Gods (as it's titled) gives us a view into a much neglected side of the JLA: how they emotionally respond to all the crazy things that happen to them. Particularly involving civilian deaths.
It's both emotional and informative to witness a side of these characters I've rarely seen. There are some excellent interactions between the core JLA members as well. Also, I can't forget the Ron Garney art, I absolutely loved it. I need to find more Chuck Austen and Ron Garney comics.
September 30, 2020
2.5 stars
March 20, 2019
This book is comprised of 3 stories, the first of which is written by the masters: Chris Claremont and John Byrne! Claremont and Byrne are legends who did some amazing work that will always be regarded as some of the best EVER as far as comic books are concerned.
However, when you try to "recreate the magic", you run the real risk of having it fall completely flat. And while this wasn't completely horrible, it just didn't have anything to really stand out. The story reads like late 80's mid 90's comics, and I don't mean that in a flattering way. Again, its not bad, I just think that the time for this type of writing has passed, or at least lessened as of late, so for me, this didn't resonate at all.
The second story follows up on the classic "whats so funny about truth, justice , and the american way" story line. And while it was cool to see Kelley and Manhke back again, this felt like a Kelley just retreading his story line once again. It felt unnecessary and the resolution is very unrealistic. Its the type of ending where it will never be mentioned again even though this should be a HUGE shift in the way we conduct ourselves as an overall species.
And the last story line has to do with the emotional repercussion and emotional trauma that the heroes sustain when "failing" at their jobs. I actually like this quite a bit and that Austen did a great job of conveying not only what the characters were feeling, but the reactions of the league around said character. A good angle on an often overlooked part of vigilante justice.
Overall I would say this is my least favorite JLA volume as of yet. However I look forward to the next volume with Busiek as the writer.
However, when you try to "recreate the magic", you run the real risk of having it fall completely flat. And while this wasn't completely horrible, it just didn't have anything to really stand out. The story reads like late 80's mid 90's comics, and I don't mean that in a flattering way. Again, its not bad, I just think that the time for this type of writing has passed, or at least lessened as of late, so for me, this didn't resonate at all.
The second story follows up on the classic "whats so funny about truth, justice , and the american way" story line. And while it was cool to see Kelley and Manhke back again, this felt like a Kelley just retreading his story line once again. It felt unnecessary and the resolution is very unrealistic. Its the type of ending where it will never be mentioned again even though this should be a HUGE shift in the way we conduct ourselves as an overall species.
And the last story line has to do with the emotional repercussion and emotional trauma that the heroes sustain when "failing" at their jobs. I actually like this quite a bit and that Austen did a great job of conveying not only what the characters were feeling, but the reactions of the league around said character. A good angle on an often overlooked part of vigilante justice.
Overall I would say this is my least favorite JLA volume as of yet. However I look forward to the next volume with Busiek as the writer.
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March 7, 2020JLA has gotten progressively worse since Morrison. Waid’s run was decent Silver Agey fun, Kelly’s had only one or two good storylines, and now this. I’m sure Chris Claremont and John Byrne coming on the series was big news at the time, but people should have known better. Byrne’s art isn’t the problem; his style is somewhat dated, sure, but I like his classic approach. The issue is Claremont, who writes like it’s still 1982. Characters have few distinguishable personalities and his storytelling is full of exposition and thought bubbles. Were this written in the 80’s I would have minded less, but it’s not so I can’t forgive the clunkiness. Times change, comics writing collectively improves, and Claremont didn’t adapt. Beyond that, it’s a weak story about a secret vampire order wreaking havoc. Blah.
Next comes Joe Kelly’s return for a brief storyline involving The Elite from his Action Comics 775. It’s not as good as that issue and feels incomplete, though it does have solid art from Byrne and Doug Mahnke (whose style I’ve grown to love with this series). Finishing up the collection is Chuck Austen’s “Pain of the Gods.” This is the best part of the book. It’s six issues, each focused on a different hero failing at saving someone from death. The issues are interconnected and nice breaks from all the huge fighting, not to mention a welcome, grounded look at superhero depression. They’re predictable one after another, but well-written and often powerful.
Next comes Joe Kelly’s return for a brief storyline involving The Elite from his Action Comics 775. It’s not as good as that issue and feels incomplete, though it does have solid art from Byrne and Doug Mahnke (whose style I’ve grown to love with this series). Finishing up the collection is Chuck Austen’s “Pain of the Gods.” This is the best part of the book. It’s six issues, each focused on a different hero failing at saving someone from death. The issues are interconnected and nice breaks from all the huge fighting, not to mention a welcome, grounded look at superhero depression. They’re predictable one after another, but well-written and often powerful.
April 24, 2025
JLA Vol 8 (2016) 3.5/5
JLA #94-99 The Tenth Circle calificación 3/5 estrellas.
Vampiros y su culto dirigido por Crucifer, como Claremont había usado vampiros como Drácula en su carrera de The Uncanny X-Men en dos ocasiones pense qué fue su idea, pero la historia era de John Byrne según declaró en Byrne Robotics, el metió al vampiro Crucifer, pensé como una burla y también el control mental sobre los personajes, esto es un cliché de Claremont ejemplo Havok. Pero parece que a Byrne le gustaba Angel el spin off de Buffy y hizo algunos comics.
Así los fans pensaron que era trama de Claremont que siempre se llevó los créditos sobre Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, Louise Simonson, Frank Miller, Ann Nocenti etc
Así que toda la historia y el arte fue de John Byrne, qué enemistado por el trato que tuvo en su carrera de The Uncanny X-Men con Claremont, no tuvo contacto con Chris Claremont, este solo se encargó de los diálogos.
Creo que Byrne con Mi-Sun Kwon/Nudge y el gorila de cuatro brazos, su relación era lo que tenía en mente con Kitty Pryde y Caliban antes de su partida de The Uncanny X-Men.
JLA #100 lo mejor del issue es ver a Vera Lynn Black, Chester Manchester Black y la Elite. Flash siendo parte de dos equipos.
Los siguientes números eran como de relleno y de contenido muy sentimental.
JLA #94-99 The Tenth Circle calificación 3/5 estrellas.
Vampiros y su culto dirigido por Crucifer, como Claremont había usado vampiros como Drácula en su carrera de The Uncanny X-Men en dos ocasiones pense qué fue su idea, pero la historia era de John Byrne según declaró en Byrne Robotics, el metió al vampiro Crucifer, pensé como una burla y también el control mental sobre los personajes, esto es un cliché de Claremont ejemplo Havok. Pero parece que a Byrne le gustaba Angel el spin off de Buffy y hizo algunos comics.
Así los fans pensaron que era trama de Claremont que siempre se llevó los créditos sobre Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, Louise Simonson, Frank Miller, Ann Nocenti etc
Así que toda la historia y el arte fue de John Byrne, qué enemistado por el trato que tuvo en su carrera de The Uncanny X-Men con Claremont, no tuvo contacto con Chris Claremont, este solo se encargó de los diálogos.
Creo que Byrne con Mi-Sun Kwon/Nudge y el gorila de cuatro brazos, su relación era lo que tenía en mente con Kitty Pryde y Caliban antes de su partida de The Uncanny X-Men.
JLA #100 lo mejor del issue es ver a Vera Lynn Black, Chester Manchester Black y la Elite. Flash siendo parte de dos equipos.
Los siguientes números eran como de relleno y de contenido muy sentimental.
August 6, 2020
This book contains three arcs.
The first is a big tease. Claremont and Byrne write a story where there's a powerful psychic on the loose, where the villain leaves an "X" symbol (dubiously after the Roman 10), and where we see a close up of a man in a chair with a giant helmet, a woman, and a man with one red glowing eye.
When you learn what it really is, it's clear that the joke is on the reader and it's not a cool revisit like Priest later did with JLA vs. Red Wolf.
The second story is a lead-in to the JLA Elite books which were just fine.
The last story should have been two issues rather than however many it was. Had it been shorter, it would have been an excellent story. People say Chuck Austen can't write. Here, he comes awfully close to a home run.
The first is a big tease. Claremont and Byrne write a story where there's a powerful psychic on the loose, where the villain leaves an "X" symbol (dubiously after the Roman 10), and where we see a close up of a man in a chair with a giant helmet, a woman, and a man with one red glowing eye.
When you learn what it really is, it's clear that the joke is on the reader and it's not a cool revisit like Priest later did with JLA vs. Red Wolf.
The second story is a lead-in to the JLA Elite books which were just fine.
The last story should have been two issues rather than however many it was. Had it been shorter, it would have been an excellent story. People say Chuck Austen can't write. Here, he comes awfully close to a home run.
February 27, 2024
The Tenth Circle storyline is downright mid and pretty underwhelming. Maybe it’s Chris Claremont writing a story that is common in 1970s/1980s superhero comics or what but it doesn’t really add something new.
On the other hand, I was surprised with The Pain of the Gods, which showed each League member facing their own struggles in trying to make the world a better place by saving everyone. It’s fast paced and gets right into things in a span of six issues.
On the other hand, I was surprised with The Pain of the Gods, which showed each League member facing their own struggles in trying to make the world a better place by saving everyone. It’s fast paced and gets right into things in a span of six issues.
March 2, 2019
Claremont! Byrne!! JLA!!! What could go wrong?!?!? Um...sadly, everything. "The Tenth Circle" was a literary trainwreck. These creators are legends but this will not be remembered fondly. Overwritten and filled with plotholes. The art was good, the only thing keeping it away from a lower score. Same with the following arc involving Austen and Garney. Overall, a huge disappointment.
February 8, 2024
halfway
This book has two runs in it. The Claremont run is a snooze fest that has no heart. Austin’s run is quite good and touches on emotional aspects of being in the JLA and the effects it has on the characters. Worth a read just for these stories.
This book has two runs in it. The Claremont run is a snooze fest that has no heart. Austin’s run is quite good and touches on emotional aspects of being in the JLA and the effects it has on the characters. Worth a read just for these stories.
February 19, 2018
3.5/5 but not as bad as I expected. Chuck Austen wasn’t terrible, y’all! Chris Claremont didn’t bore me! It’s crazy.
May 2, 2024
Quick read, great art, missed JLA
June 30, 2020
This book is a who's who of people who were sitting in a meeting next to Grant Morrison in the early 2001s, and is interesting mostly as a historical curiosity. Is it sacrilegious to say that the Chuck Austen / Ron Garney arc is better than the Chris Claremont / John Byrne arc here? The dream team reunites at last to spend six issues launching Byrne's new Doom Patrol, with a forgettable and bizarrely extended "JLA vs. Vampires" story as the ostensible A-plot. Joe Kelly gamely contributes a fill-in issue which I have already forgotten, then Austen spends six issues doing a cool concept (heroes dealing with their trauma) six times, one for each core JLA member, with almost the exact same story beats for each one. Like all of Austen's work, the characterization is off, but at least the core story is a good one, drawn from the only topics Austen has ever written well.
If you were wondering why Claremont and Byrne never got the band back together to stun comics the way they did on X-Men, here's your answer. They're famous enough that no one can tell them their idea to get Superman bitten by a vampire is dumb.
If you were wondering why Claremont and Byrne never got the band back together to stun comics the way they did on X-Men, here's your answer. They're famous enough that no one can tell them their idea to get Superman bitten by a vampire is dumb.
May 13, 2016
3.5 really
June 1, 2016
This one was a bit discombobulated but it touched on some things that these books haven't until now.
March 30, 2017
The tail end of the JLA series is definitely not as good as the first few volumes. As the series had multiple creative teams heading it up, it felt less coherent than when it started.
The writing is textbook Claremont style, exposition heavy in the first few issues. You could time yourself and it would probably take you more time to read the Claremont stuff than it does all the other issues together even though he only wrote a third of the issues collected here. It's also a wonderful call back bringing the Doom Patrol in to the world, if only to feature in one storyline. The rest of the issues focused on single moments where the heroes couldn't do enough, and how each member of the Justice League grieves, comforts, and accepts that they can't save everyone.
For all the changes behind the scenes, the art doesn't suffer at all. They're simpler stories that are being told than the ones in previous volumes so no real chance to truly showcase anything extraordinary but there's no decline in the quality of the art either.
Overall, an enjoyable read. Nothing too complex but as the story winds down and the end of the JLA approaches, its nice to get these, for lack of a better word, 'quiet' issues at the end of volume 7.
The writing is textbook Claremont style, exposition heavy in the first few issues. You could time yourself and it would probably take you more time to read the Claremont stuff than it does all the other issues together even though he only wrote a third of the issues collected here. It's also a wonderful call back bringing the Doom Patrol in to the world, if only to feature in one storyline. The rest of the issues focused on single moments where the heroes couldn't do enough, and how each member of the Justice League grieves, comforts, and accepts that they can't save everyone.
For all the changes behind the scenes, the art doesn't suffer at all. They're simpler stories that are being told than the ones in previous volumes so no real chance to truly showcase anything extraordinary but there's no decline in the quality of the art either.
Overall, an enjoyable read. Nothing too complex but as the story winds down and the end of the JLA approaches, its nice to get these, for lack of a better word, 'quiet' issues at the end of volume 7.
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