Now the real fight begins.
This isn't actually the first issue of DC's new Justice League of America series, but it might as well be. Justice League of America Rebirth #1 was a very formulaic team-building story, which is all the more frustrating given the fact that this issue shows readers everything they need to know about the new JLA in itself. But the good news is that, freed of the need for setup, Justice League of America is already a stronger comic.
This series has two main selling points at this early stage - the quirky team lineup and Ivan Reis' artwork. The more action-oriented focus in this sophomore issue emphasizes both selling points. Reis could hardly have found a better home in his first ongoing DC Rebirth assignment. This is a team comprised of heroes who are physically powerful but much more flawed and human than the regular Justice League. That plays directly to Reis' storytelling strengths. He's able to craft figures that are as vibrant and emotional as they are powerful. This issue features several epic splash images, but often it's the more intimate, close-up panels that stand out the most.
Thankfully, this issue remains pretty consistent despite the fact that Reis' work is inked by three different artists. Reis' work also seems to gel much better with colorist Marcelo Maiolo than it did in the Rebirth issue. Perhaps that's down to experience, or maybe the simple fact that this is a much more colorful and chaotic issue. The rampant flames and scenes of property damage seem to bring out the best in Maiolo's color work.
Despite the heavy focus on action, writer Steve Orlando finds ample room to explore the various character dynamics that make this team tick. It really is a fun and eclectic bunch, with Lobo providing ample comic relief, Black Canary supplanting Batman as the team badass, Vixen emerging as the calm voice of reason, Killer Frost struggling with her ongoing efforts to rebuild her image, and Ray and Atom working to prove themselves alongside their more established comrades. Just about everyone has a clear character arc here. The addition of Lord Havok and the Extremists doesn't hurt either. In addition to providing a pseudo "Marvel vs. DC" conflict, Havok emerges as a conflicted characters with some interesting potential ties to the larger DC Rebirth mystery.
There are some lingering questions I'd like to see addressed going forward. Why is Batman of all characters so concerned with creating a Justice League ordinary people can relate to? Why does he think having Lobo on that team is going to help? And will JLA be able to set itself apart from its sister series in terms of the conflicts involved? Justice League pretty much has the "evil villains invading from another world" angle covered, so it would be ideal if Orlando can find ways of thinking outside the box with this unusual cast of characters. But for now, the strong cast and the gorgeous art are enough.
The Verdict
Justice League of America #1 is a stronger read than its predecessor. Without the need to focus on setup, this issue can dive right into the action and explore the various character dynamics in greater depth. JLA isn't quite as deep as it needs to be given the team's mission statement, but the cast and the art both help establish this series as a solid addition to the Rebirth lineup.
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