Justice League #1 Review

Justice League #1

The New 52

The Plot: 5 years ago, Batman is shown being hunted down by Gotham Police while he is chasing a seemingly Extra-Terrestrial menace. Narration tells that at this point in the past, people are not yet welcoming of “superheroes”. Batman is shot at by the Police from a helicopter. A blinding green light appears, revealing the Green Lantern. Batman tells him to turn down his light. Green Lantern tells that his ring alerted him to the alien presence in Gotham. They are both shot at, and the Green Lantern uses a shield to protect Batman and himself. It is shown that the creature can release fire, and that several fires around the city are still going. Green Lantern says he’s “taken care of it”. They chase the creature to the sewers, and it seems to plant and arm a cube-shaped bomb, and yells, “For Darkseid!” Green Lantern realizes this as the bomb explodes, enveloping the creature, and protects himself and Batman. In this new continuity, the entire public is aware that Superman is an alien, so the pair decides to find him and ask if he knows about the menace they just battled. Green Lantern flies Batman and himself to Superman’s location (According to his ring). There is a quick scene introducing the alter ego of Cyborg. They find what is basically a cave. GL tells Batman to stay outside while he handles Superman. He is quickly rammed out of the cave by a streak of red and blue. Batman is surprised, and Superman is shown, in a full-page splash, wearing his new Kryptonian armor. He says, “So… What can you do?” There is a caption that reads, “Next: Batman Vs. Superman!”

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this first issue very much. I felt it was the perfect beginning to the New 52 era, especially with the powerhouse team of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee. Johns added a humor to the whole story that made it very light and enjoyable, even though a good amount of the book took place in Gotham. I laughed when Green Lantern said, “How were you going to get us here? Talk in a deep voice?” Jim Lee’s art was amazing. The splash page with Superman in his new Kryptonian armor was masterfully done. The Superman reveal was fun, exciting, and very cool.

The introduction of Cyborg was interesting, and I don’t know much about the character, so I’m interested to see where it goes. I think that the concept of this arc taking place 5 years ago where people are less than cozy having people with super powers living among them is great. I’m looking forward to seeing the Justice League change society’s mind.

Darkseid, huh? Yep, he’s back. That makes me shudder. Darkseid is a DC villain favorite of mine, so when I read the word balloon “For Darkseid!” I let out a squeal of excitement. If I were writing this arc (Instead of writing ABOUT it), I would definitely throw in a little Darkseid. Well played, Mr. Johns…

Unfortunately, I have nothing negative to say about this story. Writing: Excellent, Art: Excellent, Action: Excellent.

5/5