Reviewed By: Evelyn Finch
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Jim Lee, Carlos D’Anda (Epilogue Artist)
Colorist: Alex Sinclair, Gabe Eltaeb, Tony Avina & Hi-FI
Genre: Graphic Novel (Hardcover)
MSRP: $24.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now
I like to think that I’ve seen it all when it comes to comics but there’s always a graphic novel or a comic book event that pulls the rug from right under my feet leaving me flat on my back very surprised but with a smile on my face, nonetheless. The New 52 was one of those events that took comic book fans everywhere by surprise and did not disappoint in the very least and even more so for fans of the DC Universe’s most impressive superhero team called the Justice League. Volume 1 Origin covers the first six issues of this epic reboot and believe me when I say that if you weren’t a fan of the Justice League then you most definitely will be after picking up this hardcover collection.
The Flashpoint event has changed the world in ways that have made heroes like Batman and Superman something of a myth rather than a reality. In fact, you will find that the cast is somewhat younger than when we last saw them. In the opening of the book, the city of Gotham and its law enforcement know that Batman is real and there is no place for a costumed vigilante like him, which is why they are hunting him. Meanwhile, Batman is doing some hunting of his own as he chases after a being that certainly doesn’t look like he belongs to this planet let alone his city.
It is then that he meets another hero who Batman has heard about and who people in his own city know as The Green Lantern. It’s something of a surprise to Hal Jordan that Batman does exist and the pair team up to try to stop the alien who utters a single name before he is vaporized by an alien artifact … Darkseid. Since their opponent was clearly from another planet, the pair turn to the only extraterrestrial our planet is aware of that that being is none other than Superman in Metropolis.
Unfortunately for both heroes, Superman isn’t very welcoming and especially after seeing Batman carrying the alien cube. It seems that the Man of Steel was attacked by a similar foe and he is not in the best of moods. Oh yeah, this Superman means business and gives Batman and the Green Lantern a fight they’ll remember. In fact, the Green Lantern has to call a friend of his from Central City named Barry Allen or, as that city knows him, The Flash. It takes a few seconds for the Flash to arrive and slightly give Superman something of a challenge.
However, when more alien invaders arrive, Superman realizes that the trio really doesn’t have anything to do with this and takes them to his hideout, which certainly does not resemble his Fortress of Solitude. Meanwhile, a young man football phenom named Victor Stone who happens to be the son of Doctor Silas Stone who is making a breakthrough study. Upset that his father wasn’t there in the biggest game of his life, Vic goes to S.T.A.R. Labs when the alien cube they were studying opens a portal that lets in more of the same alien invaders. One even shoots Vic Stone, changing the young man’s life in a bizarre way.
Not too far away, a military liaison is searching his charge, the Amazon princess known as Wonder Woman who wandered outside with sword in hand looking to fight one of the aliens reported in the area. She finds a battle, all right, and joins the other heroes in battle. Fighting near the ocean, another familiar face shows up as we meet Aquaman. Back in S.T.A.R. Labs, Doctor Stone is determined to save his son whose injuries are extreme. He injects his son with nanites as well as fits him with armored limbs turning him into a Cyborg who is successfully activated and online. Vic, in his new state, comes to a realization about the enemy and sets off to stop them only to find himself fighting alongside the very super humans his father studies.
Suddenly, this band of heroes are fighting as a team despite the fact that Aquaman is trying to push his way into a leader role and the Green Lantern is not a team player. Still, thanks to Batman’s direction, they begin to fight as a group. Then the leader of the alien invaders arrives and it is none other than Darkseid who turns out to be a formidable foe.
Geoff Johns certainly had quite a task in re-introducing the world to a team of familiar faces that are younger, brasher and totally entertaining to watch. He spins a good story with memorable scenes between each character whether it’s Green Lantern calling Batman a tool or Flash calling dibs on Wonder Woman. This is a younger team with a different kind of energy that makes even Aquaman badass.
Then there’s Jim Lee’s artwork that pretty much makes this series not only look amazing but is the perfect choice to handle a series this big. The new costumes really work, although I agree with Green Lantern that Aquaman’s necklace has got to go but other than that everyone looks good in action and you will not be disappointed by Jim Lee’s pencils, perfect coloring and inking that make up the overall art.
Justice League, Volume 1 Origins is everything you can ask for in a new beginning and it is – without a doubt – an unforgettable comic book reading experience. Geoff Johns and Jim Lee are the perfect team to bring us this new re-introduction to a league of heroes that are refreshingly younger and way too much fun that you won’t be able to take your eyes off of them. If you missed it the first time around, this hardcover collection NEEDS to be in your library.
COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN
STORY: A+
In the middle of chasing a mysterious foe on the rooftops of Gotham, Batman encounters another hero who is known as the Green Lantern. Joined by The Flash, Batman and Green Lantern find themselves trying to unravel the mystery of these invaders with the aid of the one called Superman. Suddenly, the are joined by other heroes they’ve never met including Wonder Woman, Aquaman and a young man trying to make sense of his new cyborg body.
ART: A+
Without a doubt, Jim Lee is a brilliant choice to usher in a new beginning for the Justice League as we can see from everything from the great covers to his amazing-looking action scenes. Backed up by talented colorists like Alex Sinclair and inking by Scott Williams, Jim Lee makes the younger cast of superheroes look damn good.
OVERALL: A+
The New 52 is one of the best things to happen to comics in a long time and Justice League is proof of that as it reintroduces us to familiar heroes in a way that will not fail to take your breath away. It’s no easy feat crafting a new legend but Geoff Johns and Jim Lee pull it off flawlessly and in a way that if you weren’t a Justice League fan before you certainly will be after picking up this hardcover collection. No comic book fans should be without this one, believe me.
Review copy provided by DC Comics
Comic Revolution 