Justice League of America #1 Review

| February 20, 2013 | Comics | 1 Comment

Writer:  Geoff Johns
Artist:  David Finch
Colorist:  Sonia Oback with Jeromy Cox
Letterer:  Rob Leigh

*THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS*

Justice League of America #1 begins DC Comics’ march towards their Trinity War event.  The government doesn’t like having the Justice League hovering over us in the stars, outside their jurisdiction.  The decision is made to have a government-sanctioned team of the world’s finest heroes at their disposal.  Amanda Waller tasks Steve Trevor with leading this public team.  Who will be chosen as a member of the new Justice League of America?  And can all of them be trusted?

What I Liked

Geoff Johns did a nice job introducing each member of the team.  Though the team is not fully formed to begin with, we get a sense of the type of character they are.  David Finch’s art is powerful.  The colors seem to set the series as being more dark and in the shadows, despite this being a public team.

I was surprised to see that each member of Justice League of America was chosen to counteract a member of the Justice League.  Waller has really done her homework to make sure the JLA will be able to take down the JL should the need ever arise.  Also, since Steve Trevor will be the field leader, does that make him a member?

It’s also funny that the sight of Superman and Wonder Woman kissing can strike such fear in the government.  They do not like the idea of the world’s strongest individuals joining forces, or the fallout of a potential breakup in the future.

What I Didn’t Like

Once again, my small knowledge of the DC universe comes back to bite me.  I am assuming that the wardrobe Green Arrow has on is a reference to another character.  Who or what that is, I do not know.

If Waller and Trevor wanted someone who knows Batman inside and out, couldn’t there be better candidates than Catwoman?  Especially since she’s a criminal and they admit that she will have to be kept a secret from the public?  I assume that they choose Catwoman because they can hold leverage over her.  The JLA also does not have the star power of the JL.  JL has the advantage with iconic figures and power levels.

Besides that, there was not much for me to dislike in this issue.

Summary

Justice League of America #1 has me excited for issue two and for the eventual confrontation between the Justice League’s.  Johns is taking a huge gamble including lesser-known heroes like Vibe and Katana.  Thankfully he is known for rehabilitating characters.  One only has to look at what he has done for Green Lantern and Aquaman.  The Justice League franchise continues its expansion.

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE

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  • Well done, Tim.  I thought this was a good review.  It was interesting to see that the government is basically forming a team that can basically take down the Justice League.  I agreed on the Catwoman pick originally but the JLA needs someone who is not entirely a part of the Batman family that can take him out.