Reviewed By: Emma Coverdale
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Jim Lee
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Inker: Scott Williams
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $4.99 USA (Digital Copy included)
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now
It’s official … The New 52 was not only a success in terms of sales but also as a major turning point for the entire DC Universe and its iconic list of characters. Among all of the impressive titles that were given a reboot, it is the Justice League series that must assemble the big guns that include Superman and Wonder Woman in a new beginning that started off interesting enough. Justice League #2 re-introduces us to a familiar hero who is not very happy to meet the Dark Knight and his new friend called the Green Lantern.
The entire DC Universe has changed in a dramatic way that in the first issue of Justice League, the Green Lantern wasn’t even sure if Batman was real. As the Green Lantern finds Batman, he’s in the middle of pursing an alien intruder while evading the bullets of Gotham City’s finest who do not see him as a hero. Banding together to face off against the alien in the sewers, it perishes during the confrontation leaving only a mystery in the form of a strange cube and a name … Darkseid.
Figuring the only person who might know anything about alien business is an alien who made the city of Metropolis his home, the Green Lantern and Batman head to the City of Tomorrow only to find that the Man of Steel is in no mood for visitors. In fact, he attacks them the minute they step foot in Metropolis. Meanwhile, not too far away, a rising football star named Vic Stone is disappointed that his father didn’t make it to one of the biggest games of his life.
As we can see from Justice League #2, though, Batman and the Green Lantern have their hands full with an enraged Superman who will not even listen to reason. Batman has already used just about every device on his utility belt to calm him down while the Green Lantern was sent flying after being hit by Superman. It seems that Superman was attacked by a similar alien. On top of that, both heroes are carrying around a similar cube so the Man of Steel assumes they are with the aliens.
Seeing no other choice, Hal Jordan dials a very familiar face from Central City to lend a hand. It’s very clear – judging by their lively banter – that both Hal and Barry Allen (better know to us as The Flash) having not just met in person but has developed a friendship. Barry still works in the crime lab and is good at what he does but – with the entire crime lab unit focusing its attention on The Flash – he feels that the department is losing track of what is actually more important. Since super humans are still considered a threat, the Green Lantern made Central City aware of The Flash’s existence.
The Flash’s arrival on the scene turns the tables on the one-sided fight as he zips around Superman but it’s certainly not enough. However, they finally manage to calm Superman down enough that the Man of Steel is comfortable enough to take them to his base of operation that isn’t what it seems. As they wonder what to do about the alien cube it activates.
Meanwhile, Vic Stone, having visited his father in his lab, is given a not so warm reception from his father who purposely did not show up at his son’s game. Despite the fact that he knows his father thinks football is a waste of time, he wanted his father there for obvious reasons but Doctor Stone is not one to win Father of the Year. Then, something happens that will change everything for Vic Stone. For those who have been wondering how he will be transformed into our favorite Cyborg, baby, this is but the beginning.
Geoff Johns and Jim Lee continues to make the story flow flawlessly whether it’s Lee’s gorgeous artwork of Johns’ great storytelling style. I love the friendly camaraderie between Hal Jordan and Barry Allen … both who recognize that Bruce Wayne is a tool and Superman is actually something of a jerk who has yet to know his true role.
Justice League #2 takes its time building up the formation of a team of heroes but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy a great story that just keeps getting better. With Superman and The Flash finally joining Batman and The Green Lantern, this story is just getting started and you can bet we will definitely keep an eye on even more so when this issue hints at the existence of Wonder Woman.
COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN
STORY: A-
The Green Lantern and Batman finally find Superman but the Man of Steel is enraged after a visit from the alien invaders and attacks both heroes. Seeing no other choice but to call for back-up, the Green Lantern calls none other than The Flash to help them out. Meanwhile, Vic Stone visits his father in the lab when the alien cubes Doctor Stone was studying changes his son’s life forever.
ART: A+
Once again, Jim Lee does not fail to make his work stand out and – thanks to Alex Sinclair and Scott Williams – each panel look awesome. The cover for this second issue is definitive proof of that. The Sketchbook section at the end is also a wonderful addition, especially since this is a new beginning with updated costumes.
OVERALL: A-
While the series has yet to kick into high gear, Justice League #2 still continues to make the introduction and formation of the Justice League just as enticing as the first issue. So Superman and Batman don’t come off as too likeable, Geoff Johns does make them interesting enough to gives us a very different beginning to what will surely be a Justice League worth watching.
Review copy provided by DC Comics
