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JLA (Original Trades)
JLA, Vol. 11: The Obsidian Age, Vol. 1
A 160-page trade paperback collecting the first half of the "Obsidian Age: The Hunt for Aquaman" saga from JLA #66-71! BOOK ONE introduces Faith and the enigmatic Manitou Raven and the threat of the Ancients. Plus, a new cover by Mahnke and a sketchbook section that shows how Kelly and Mahnke designed the Ancients.
160 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2003
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290 people want to read
About the author
Joe Kelly
1,014 books210 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 20, 2019
Reprints JLA (1) #66-71 (July 2002-November 2002). The JLA learn that Aquaman may still be alive as they make a desperate attempt to head into the past of the newly risen Atlantis. Unfortunately, the JLA might become the problem when a mystic shaman appears reporting that the JLA could be the downfall of the world. Meanwhile, with the JLA missing and presumed dead, Nightwing must lead a new team of members to try to protect the Earth and gain the respect of the people.
Written by Joe Kelly, JLA Volume 11: The Obsidian Age—Book 1 is a DC Comics superhero team book. Following JLA Volume 10: Golden Perfect, the collection features art by Doug Mahnke and Yvel Guichet. The issues in this volume were also collected as part of JLA—Volume 6.
I really enjoyed Grant Morrison’s run on JLA. It was a nice blend of better than average comic book writing and a good team. Joe Kelly and those who followed Morrison had tough shoes to fill since Morrison brought a lot of attention to JLA. While Kelly does some stuff I do like, a lot of the volume is a bit “over written”.
Kelly makes the storyline too complex. The bottom line is that the JLA is headed into the past to be a potential self-fulfilling prophecy. The whole set-up with the Atlantis above water, Manitou Raven, the Destroyers, etc. could have still been included but toned down and scaled back for it to read better. It is a simpler story on paper than what appeared in the comic, and Kelly should have kept it simple.
What I do like about this volume is the introduction of a new JLA. The new JLA (made up of Nightwing, Green Arrow, Major Destruction, Firestorm, Hawkgirl, Atom, Jason Blood, and Faith) is interesting. I like that it is a bit like the second line-up of Avengers where you have some sketchy characters like Blood and Major Destruction, mixed with rookies like Faith, and people finally getting their due like Nightwing, Atom, and Firestorm…it has a lot of potential for interesting storylines.
JLA continues to be one of the DC better team books. The JLA has always seemed to be oddly second tier to me in comparison to Marvel’s team books, and it feels with the characters, the power, and even the Super Friends! behind it that it should soar even higher. The Obsidian Age continues in JLA 12: The Obsidian Age—Book 2
Written by Joe Kelly, JLA Volume 11: The Obsidian Age—Book 1 is a DC Comics superhero team book. Following JLA Volume 10: Golden Perfect, the collection features art by Doug Mahnke and Yvel Guichet. The issues in this volume were also collected as part of JLA—Volume 6.
I really enjoyed Grant Morrison’s run on JLA. It was a nice blend of better than average comic book writing and a good team. Joe Kelly and those who followed Morrison had tough shoes to fill since Morrison brought a lot of attention to JLA. While Kelly does some stuff I do like, a lot of the volume is a bit “over written”.
Kelly makes the storyline too complex. The bottom line is that the JLA is headed into the past to be a potential self-fulfilling prophecy. The whole set-up with the Atlantis above water, Manitou Raven, the Destroyers, etc. could have still been included but toned down and scaled back for it to read better. It is a simpler story on paper than what appeared in the comic, and Kelly should have kept it simple.
What I do like about this volume is the introduction of a new JLA. The new JLA (made up of Nightwing, Green Arrow, Major Destruction, Firestorm, Hawkgirl, Atom, Jason Blood, and Faith) is interesting. I like that it is a bit like the second line-up of Avengers where you have some sketchy characters like Blood and Major Destruction, mixed with rookies like Faith, and people finally getting their due like Nightwing, Atom, and Firestorm…it has a lot of potential for interesting storylines.
JLA continues to be one of the DC better team books. The JLA has always seemed to be oddly second tier to me in comparison to Marvel’s team books, and it feels with the characters, the power, and even the Super Friends! behind it that it should soar even higher. The Obsidian Age continues in JLA 12: The Obsidian Age—Book 2
February 11, 2018
"The Obsidian Age" book 1 starts out weird, wild and big from the first page. Joe Kelly writes a fantastical story about the search for Aquaman, whom Superman believes is alive following the Imperiex invasion. However, two mysteries travelers: a shaman Indian and Tzeumak, an Aztec warrior, arrive to destroy the JLA and (in their minds) save the world.
Their coming is seen in visions by Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, who then becomes increasingly cautious when he continually sees visions of his JLA teammates dead. The JLA win the battle, but the shaman invokes magic from the past and resurrects the city of Atlantic from the depths of the sea, in complete ruins. An "SOS" is inscribed on the runs by Aquaman, and Superman believes that he may have been hurled 3000 years back in time.
The various magic-practitioners of the JLA including Doctor Fate and Zatanna open a portal to the past, and the JLA head in to save Aquaman. However, they become lost in time. Due to Batman's crazy-preparedness, a new JLA team is set up which includes Jason Blood/Etrigan, Major Disaster, Faith, Green Arrow, Hawkgirl, the Atom, Firestorm and Nightwing, who leads the team.
It's not the easiest plot to get through but it's hugely entertaining. Joe Kelly is a good writer, and really captures the personalities of the JLA including Green Arrow's liberal cynicism and Firestorm's adolescent awkwardness.
Highly recommended, along with Parts 2 and 3 of the story.
Their coming is seen in visions by Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, who then becomes increasingly cautious when he continually sees visions of his JLA teammates dead. The JLA win the battle, but the shaman invokes magic from the past and resurrects the city of Atlantic from the depths of the sea, in complete ruins. An "SOS" is inscribed on the runs by Aquaman, and Superman believes that he may have been hurled 3000 years back in time.
The various magic-practitioners of the JLA including Doctor Fate and Zatanna open a portal to the past, and the JLA head in to save Aquaman. However, they become lost in time. Due to Batman's crazy-preparedness, a new JLA team is set up which includes Jason Blood/Etrigan, Major Disaster, Faith, Green Arrow, Hawkgirl, the Atom, Firestorm and Nightwing, who leads the team.
It's not the easiest plot to get through but it's hugely entertaining. Joe Kelly is a good writer, and really captures the personalities of the JLA including Green Arrow's liberal cynicism and Firestorm's adolescent awkwardness.
Highly recommended, along with Parts 2 and 3 of the story.
May 9, 2025
"I KNOW THAT ONE. THE KID FROM BOONDOCKS GETS INTO ANDY CAPP'S BEER AND EVERYONE LEARNS A LESSON IN TOLERANCE."
- Plastic Man "interpreting" a magical rune drawn in the sand while annoying no one.
I didn't know what to expect from this one, but I'm pleasantly surprised.
I've had little experience with Joe Kelly's writing. I liked this. That's enough for me so far.
Doug Mahnke's skill and talent are undeniable. I don't enjoy his mouths (something I never thought I'd express out loud). His rendering of lips and smiles, a trademark of his work, are seldom to my liking. His mouths aren't done poorly, they merely provoke my tism. Otherwise, it's easy to appreciate his work.
Too big for one volume. Ready for the second. Good story. Unique. Three stars.
- Plastic Man "interpreting" a magical rune drawn in the sand while annoying no one.
I didn't know what to expect from this one, but I'm pleasantly surprised.
I've had little experience with Joe Kelly's writing. I liked this. That's enough for me so far.
Doug Mahnke's skill and talent are undeniable. I don't enjoy his mouths (something I never thought I'd express out loud). His rendering of lips and smiles, a trademark of his work, are seldom to my liking. His mouths aren't done poorly, they merely provoke my tism. Otherwise, it's easy to appreciate his work.
Too big for one volume. Ready for the second. Good story. Unique. Three stars.
July 8, 2018
Joe Kelly’s “The Obsidian Age” arc was disappointing. Trust me, I really wanted to like it but I didn’t. There was so much going on and I was confused with the plot most of the time. I had to rely on the DC Database/Wikia to follow the plot in each issue. The whole past/present story format was also very confusing.
A lot of new characters were also introduced and there was not enough time to handle them all. I hate it when there’s too many characters in a story. It’s hard to keep track of who’s who and it’s hard to care for the new characters when they’re just going to disappearing in the next arc anyway.
A lot of new characters were also introduced and there was not enough time to handle them all. I hate it when there’s too many characters in a story. It’s hard to keep track of who’s who and it’s hard to care for the new characters when they’re just going to disappearing in the next arc anyway.
January 15, 2023
Se amplía la trama de los primeros números. Surge Atlantis, la JLA desaparece. Un nuevo grupo de héroes o elegidos para defender Atlantis de la antigüedad. Una nueva formación de la Liga. Todo eso pasa acá. Kelly venía armando esto y Mahnke y Guichet lo plasman de la mejor manera. Cómo hacérsela pasar mal a los héroes sería otra forma de verlo. Continúa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2013
Meh, I don't know that this deserves only 2 stars for quality (the art is fine and the story has potential (an ancient JLA?!)) but I really had to trudge through it and it didn't really wow me. I'm so-so at being a JLA fan, enjoyed the cartoon but felt no complulsion to watch it regularly and very rarely bother to read any comics though I understand they're DC's biggest title.
I like some characters in this book and don't know others at all and I don't feel very connected to any (even my beloved Nightwing) other than some annoyance at not knowing some more. I didn't like the opening scene (Superman smoking a cigar with his costume sleeves rolled up as he lounges on a couch just struck me as wrong) and this library copy had the next 4 pages ripped out do I didn't get off to a good start. I am curious to know what happens next so I'll look for it in the library but if it's not there I won't consider buying it or anything.
Someone recommended this to me as a good showcase of Nightwing's leadership skills but maybe that comes later in the series. This book introduced the issues but left with quite a cliffhanger of things unexplained. The Aztec guy was cool and I'd like to know more about the ancient (evil?) JLA in Atlantis.
I like some characters in this book and don't know others at all and I don't feel very connected to any (even my beloved Nightwing) other than some annoyance at not knowing some more. I didn't like the opening scene (Superman smoking a cigar with his costume sleeves rolled up as he lounges on a couch just struck me as wrong) and this library copy had the next 4 pages ripped out do I didn't get off to a good start. I am curious to know what happens next so I'll look for it in the library but if it's not there I won't consider buying it or anything.
Someone recommended this to me as a good showcase of Nightwing's leadership skills but maybe that comes later in the series. This book introduced the issues but left with quite a cliffhanger of things unexplained. The Aztec guy was cool and I'd like to know more about the ancient (evil?) JLA in Atlantis.
August 28, 2011
While this was no where near the worst comic book or trade that I have ever read, it was not the best either. Let's start with the bad and end with the good. What became a two volume "saga" could have done with a little editing. Five to six issues tops could have summed this arc up perfectly (maybe even less). Also, the big reveal of what was going on was lackluster and not extremely original in some aspects. Too much talk and not enough action sums it up rather well. Now for what I liked, Batman's back-up plan was perfect. It was exactly what the character would do and in a way paved the way for events during the OMAC, Infinite Crisis, etc. storylines. The "new" JLA was an interesting mix and in ways even more interesting than the "original" team. And last but not least "Inyuk-chuk", 'nuff said. All in all you could do better, maybe see what the Marvel U has to offer. LOL
September 3, 2012
This volume sets up an epic tale for the JLA. Two super-powered metas attack the Justice League calling them The Hydra. They fail and escape back to the past, the Obsidian Age. The JLA follows them because they find a message for help sent by Aquaman, who did not perish in the Imperiex War.
The JLA goes back in time to find their fallen comrade and the 1000's of Atlanteans who have disappeared in the past.
The best part is when the JLA disappears, Batman hand picks a new JLA to take care of present day Earth and they get to interact. Its lots of fun, seeing the new members trying to trust each other to take on remaining threats.
It leaves it off with a cliffhanger however, but a decent start to an epic story.
The JLA goes back in time to find their fallen comrade and the 1000's of Atlanteans who have disappeared in the past.
The best part is when the JLA disappears, Batman hand picks a new JLA to take care of present day Earth and they get to interact. Its lots of fun, seeing the new members trying to trust each other to take on remaining threats.
It leaves it off with a cliffhanger however, but a decent start to an epic story.
February 23, 2009
The first half of Joe Kelly and Doug Mahnke's second story arc on JLA.
Read this last night.
It's been a little while since I read "Golden Perfect", but I'd say Kelly has a more comfortable (if not slightly better) handle on the characters here.
Still nowhere near the heights the team would reach with "Trial By Fire" (http://hiptoday.blogspot.com/2008/02/...), but you can see that they're a good creative pairing.
Read this last night.
It's been a little while since I read "Golden Perfect", but I'd say Kelly has a more comfortable (if not slightly better) handle on the characters here.
Still nowhere near the heights the team would reach with "Trial By Fire" (http://hiptoday.blogspot.com/2008/02/...), but you can see that they're a good creative pairing.
April 26, 2015
Kelly prova una saga ad ampio respiro della JLA, riprendendo in modo confuso alcune idee del suo primo ciclo.
Aquaman sembra morto, e Atlantide è scomparsa. La JLA è attaccata da avversari dal passato, avversari molto pericolosi. C'è un mistero, un viaggio nel tempo, e il piano d'emergenza di Batman che scatta e raduna una JLA di sostituti.
Il fatto è che le premesse sono buone ma è tutto molto confuso, e Mahnke è sempre pessimo nella resa dei personaggi, degli sfondi e anche degli scontri.
Aquaman sembra morto, e Atlantide è scomparsa. La JLA è attaccata da avversari dal passato, avversari molto pericolosi. C'è un mistero, un viaggio nel tempo, e il piano d'emergenza di Batman che scatta e raduna una JLA di sostituti.
Il fatto è che le premesse sono buone ma è tutto molto confuso, e Mahnke è sempre pessimo nella resa dei personaggi, degli sfondi e anche degli scontri.
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June 6, 2022Tom Nguyen does NOT draw women OR curls well. I put his lamentable artwork down as HALF of why I didn't like this collection. The other half is what he was asked to draw - a splash page with a hero torn in half on is NOT what any fan needs to see. Yick, I say, YICK. Let him go back to drawing young boys, which appear to be the ONLY characters he CAN draw well.
June 14, 2009
This was really cool - time travel, ancient super-heroes, a new JLA with Nightwing in charge... funny, exciting and just the way it should be. Really good. (And lots of nice Batman and Nightwing moments, oh yes.)
December 16, 2009
Old league disappearing into the past was good, but I particularly enjoyed the new league dealing with not having Batman and Superman to rely on. If the whole book had been about them, it would have gotten an extra star.
August 19, 2020
One of my favorite JLA story arcs. The way Joe Kelly expresses the Batman is brilliant. All of the traits Batman is known for plus Kelly throws in the right amount of humor. Also the possibility of a love connection between Wonder Woman and Batman. Who knew!!
May 1, 2008
Read both parts in one sitting and wow, what an epic! I can seriously geek out over this one but I'll refrain...
September 21, 2008
I can't wait to read book 2. This one leaves you hanging! Argh!!!
August 4, 2009
One of my favorite JLA storylines of all time. Of course, it does have Nightwing in it, so that was a given. ;)
January 21, 2010
An intersting look at the JLA, with the original members going back in time and a new band under Nightwing fighting to save the world. The art was spotty.
June 16, 2011
Cool, fun, funny.
October 6, 2011
An intriguing start to the story. The JLA fight an old evil, while GL has flashes of doom. I like the idea of the replacement league, and how they cope with the aftermath that the JLA were fighting.
December 30, 2011
I always have a soft spot for the justice league.
Want to read
September 13, 2016Primera edición española de esta saga. Más de diez años después se reeditaría en castellano dentro de la colección "JLA Élites" de ECC Ediciones.
February 4, 2023
Overly long and not always very interesting, but I do like the work Kelly does with the characters. It still feels like a JLA action comic but also feels like very much its own thing.
July 28, 2016
Better than anything Morrison wrote during his tenure on this book. Absolutely brilliant. Nothing more to say.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews