Justice League of America #1

When I think of “Justice League” I think of a flagship title for the DC Comics universe. Justice League of America might be the “B” team of characters, but its first issue shows off an “A” class series. Made up of underdogs like Green Arrow, Katana, Martian Manhunter, Simon Baz, Stargirl, Vibe, Hawkman and Catwoman. Most are well known characters, some not so much. This is the team that has everything to prove.

This first issue could go so many different ways in how the team comes together. We get the somewhat stereotypical government agency having dossiers and discussing what each team member brings, but it’s so entertaining. The breakdown as to what each team member brings is awesome. The team is headed up by Amanda Waller and Steve Trevor, so you know that’ll be interesting.

There’s lots of set up. We get the team gathering, but also some hints as to what to expect in the future. The Justice League of America has a goal, and that’s to not just stand up to evil, but also prepare for the threat a rogue Justice League represents. That’s some clear foreshadowing….

Solid writing is backed up by David Finch’s art which is top not. It’s just one issue in, but Justice League of America quickly jumps up as to one of the better launches of the new DC 52.

Story: Geoff Johns Art: David Finch

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Justice League of America’s Vibe #1

Vibe, yeah I know nothing about the character at all. The first issue to me has a goal, to introduce us to the character and then also get me interested in enough to come back for a second issue. And, this first issue pulls both off and pulls them off well.

First there’s that origin. We find out how Vibe got his powers, which gives him so motivations, some faults, something he needs to rage about basically. We get a sense of what his power is and then there’s some twists in there later on. It’s all solid stuff as we learn about the character as both a superhero, but also his personal life.

And then there’s the coming back part. The final panel should do that alone but the story leading up to that point, it’s solid as well. There’s some action, but we also get a lot of quiet moments of a hero trying to learn about his powers and also his role in the world.

This is the classic young kid given powers and having to decide what he’s going to do with them, and to how to even use them. It’s a solid first issue, more than enough that I’ll come back for the second.

Story: Geoff Johns and Andrew Kreisberg Art: Pete Woods

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

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review