When it came to DC Comic‘s New 52, Justice League was the pillar of this new universe. This series unites the titans of this world. The heavy hitters of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern and Cyborg. The first story arc set up these characters and was the origin of their teaming up. It presented a villain that seemed like a challenge to them in a story that was more action than substance.

Justice League Vol. 2: The Villain’s Journey collects the second story arc, issues #7-12 of the series. Hitting shelves today this 176 page book retails for $24.99. But, how do you follow up the initial story arc? Where do you go from there?

Shifting to the present day (the first story arc was about 5 years in the past), the story arc introduces an eager Green Arrow who wants to join the team as well as a villain who lurks in the shadows. His goal is to bring these seemingly all-powerful beings down to human levels and that’s the focus of writer Geoff Johns.

This second volume focuses on the team dynamic and their interaction. While the first volume was a Michael Bay movie with lots of flash and not much depth, this second volume attempts to add that. And it does a good job. The volume has the characters finding their place on a team and in the world, including how they’re interacting with a world that both puts them on pedestals and at the same time fears them. The team isn’t all that smooth either. Years have passed since their their formation, but there’s still friction, there’s still arguing, there’s still tension in everyone’s roles.

And there’s a set up and premise that’s intriguing. Though they clearly do good, they also destroy in the process, so not everything is as rosy as it seems. This leads to the villain which I’ll leave to play out for those who haven’t read this yet. Overall, not a bad bad guy, but coming after Darkseid, there was something missing for me. But, that bad guy isn’t the focus here, it’s the characters as well as how this world is reacting to super powered beings existing.

The art is provided by a a few different artists, all of it solid and complimenting Johns’ writing. The action explodes from the pages, keeping up the excitement established in the first story arc.

DC has brought excitement to the Justice League, updating it with a new vibe that feels more with modern times.  It’s a great way for new reader to join the growing DC universe. If you’re still looking to dive in, this is a pretty good place to start.

Story: Geoff Johns Art: Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Gene Ha, Carlos D’Anda, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review