Review: 'Justice League of America' #1

[Captain Comics]

Justice League of America #1

DC Comics, $2.99, color, 40 pages

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: David Finch

It's only the first issue, so I won't pass judgment. But I'm having trouble with the central conceit of the series.

You've seen the house ads. The new JLofA is Catwoman, Green Arrow, Green Lantern (Simon Baz), Hawkman, Katana, Martian Manhunter, Stargirl and Vibe. There are some other familiar faces, too: Amanda Waller's behind the group, with Steve Trevor as her liaison with the team. Their purpose? To be in place to take down the Justice League if the need arises.

And it's very well done. Obviously, Geoff Johns knows how to write a team book, and leaves a few mysteries to solve. For example, each of these characters is promised something for their cooperation, and we learn what that is for a few of them -- but not all of them. And David Finch's art is very nice. It's really very well done.

... Except for the avowed purpose. Each of these characters (except Green Arrow) was picked specifically to match up with and take down a Justice Leaguer. And, sure, I believe that Martian Manhunter could give Superman a tussle, and in The New 52 might actually win. But Katana vs. Wonder Woman? Hawkman vs. Aquaman? Seriously? You can figure out the other match-ups yourself, but it won't change the power imbalance between the Justice League and the Justice League of America. Which is so lopsided that I find it hard to entertain the idea that the JLofA could win, even if they cheated.

Well, Johns has surprised me pleasantly before. I'll try not to think about it while he puts his pieces into position.

But, really, Vibe vs. Flash? Seriously?

[Randy Jackson]

I miss heroes fighting villains. I really miss heroes fighting villains.  These days, the heroes are no different than the villains.

[Wandering Sensei: Moderator Man]

After Superman/J'onn J'onnz, I thought the rest of the match-ups were pretty weak.

Still, I thought the writing on this one at least seems to have a direction, unlike Justice League. Hopefully next issue we'll see some real action.

[Figserello]

Maybe this "Justice League of America" won't be afraid to get down and dirty, which will give them the edge?  Although I don't know how 'pragmatic' this new Justice League (not of America) might be.  With the eye-stabbing and all.

On a more general note, I have to say that I see a direct line between that JLofA cover and this quote:

Americans “have fallen prey to militarism, manifesting itself in a romanticized view of soldiers, a tendency to see military power as the truest measure of national greatness, and outsized expectations regarding the efficacy of force. To a degree without precedent in U.S. history, Americans have come to define the nation’s strength and well-being in terms of military preparedness, military action, and the fostering of (or nostalgia for) military ideals.”

From here.

[Philip Portelli]

My very first comic was Justice League of America #103 which I read until its last issue (#261). I enjoyed Justice League, Justice League International, Justice League America and Justice League Europe. When I stopped reading comics, JLA brought me back.  I've been reading Justice League comics since I was eight.

Never before has a Justice League title made me feel so uneasy. I do not like the direction the DCnU is going. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Mark S. Ogilvie]

I have a feeling it is both the individuals and the weapons Waller can give them, Weapons probably designed specifically to take down each individual.

[John Moret]

I am of two minds here. First, the story, at least this first chapter, is more interesting than Justice League has been thus far. That being said, this series is less a JLA story and more Suicide Squad the way it was when Ostrander wrote it complete with the Wall. They just changed Rick Flag's name to Steve Trevor and they are using mostly second string guys instead of villains. And with this series they are offered individual things instead of time commuted off a prison sentence. That is not a shot at the characters but compared to Supes, Bats, Barry and the rest, they aren't the prime team but they do have reputations all their own. The first issue had a good cliffhanger to boot so I plan to be back for issue # 2.

[Jason Marconnet (Pint sized mod)]

I read this. It wasn't the greatest thing ever but the ending did make it interesting enough for me to check out issue two. This does seem to have more focus than Justice League. I really did enjoy the first arc of JL in the DCnU even though it was extremely decompressed. After that it had no focus to me and I dropped it.

[Randy Jackson]

I think for me part of it is that I feel like I've seen this particular story a million times in that last 40 years or so, and it's become shopworn.

Maybe it would be more interesting if were some other country putting together a mercenary group of supers, or even aliens from another planet putting together their own group of superheroes to protect them.  This to me is just the same stuff all over again--and I agree with John Moret about the parallels with Suicide Squad.  Seriously, if these were unlettered pages, I'd think that was Rick Flag and not Steve Trevor.

Another interesting potential twist would be if the group was actually being put together to invade other countries and take over the world.  That would make conflict with  the Justice League so much more believable and interesting.

[Mark S. Ogilvie]

I think the newest part is that Waller is planning ahead -way ahead- in case Superman and Wonder Woman have a baby together.

[Emerkeith Davyjack]

...Okay , I haven't had time to read the rest of this yet .

  I didn't know that there was a Steve Trevor now in the DCU (or an Etta Candy - glad in oth cases ) , or that he was involved - fruitlessly - with WW , and that he is more " butch " now - Or that S.T.R.I.P.E. was Stripegirl , or whatever is is !!!!!!!!!

  That is Steve in the back of the cover shot , BTW ???