JUSTICE LEAGUE #7

[ BUY THIS COMIC ] 

So now that the origin has been told. Who's currently in the brave and the bold? Superman's still around - and Batman's just frowned - and Green Lantern does whatever he is told. NOT! Honest to God, just ask Writer: Geoff Jones; Artists: Gene Ha and Gary Frank; with Publisher: DC Comics in April 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

This issue of the 'Justice League' presents us with its new format. The main section of the book is a tale of 'the Leagues' current incarnation. And the back-up feature is pure magic.

THE MAIN FEATURE:

Now you would have thought that Justice League liaison, Steve Trevor, would really enjoy his role as 'middle-man' for these so-called 'Super Friends'. But, all in all, it is a somewhat bi-polar affair I have to say.

On the one hand, he gets to see them pummel a bad guy who stole the ancient artifact, called 'The Orb of Ra'. Whilst, on the other hand, the press abate his every move, political factions ply him with inane orders, and the League in itself treat him like a puppet on a string.

Oh! And he has a crush on Wonder Woman too. I know this because that's what he tells his new aide, Etta Candy. So na-nah-nah-na-naaaa!

THE BACK-UP FEATURE:

Strange happenings are going on in the world of man. Willy-nilly, a mad Wizard is abducting strangers off of the street, in search for 'the one' he needs. Weird, is it not? Doctor Sivana thinks so, especially after reading the ancient tale of 'Black Adam'. As for young orphan, Billy Batson, though, he doesn't give a toss. He just wants to bide his time in the orphanage, until he can leave this place of care. 

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

Now there was a lot to like about both half's of this issue. In the Justice League segment, I liked it when Hal said 'I hate being saved by Wonder Woman', as well as him trying to 'pick up' that lady he was saving. And as for the back-up feature? 'Shazam' - do I have to say any more than that?

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

There is so much to like about this issue that it has almost given me stomach cramps. Such as: (1) I really enjoyed the back-up feature; particularly Billy's new yet old attitude. (2) The whole ethical dilemma that Steve Trevor has been placed in; because the concept of 'the League' running 'America' does sound like an interesting concept to explore. (3) Steve's crush on Wonder Woman. Well, he's only human, right?  

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

I only have two little gripes with this comic book really. Cosmetically I am not that keen about how Doctor Sivana looks like Lex Luthor all of a sudden. And where personality is concerned, I found Batman's comments about the 'JLI' to be rather strange in retrospect. Considering that they have just been handed their collective asses, and he is part of the team as well. Though I am not too sure if he is now!

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: Both tales were a real treat I can tell you. The Justice League story had that nice 'day in the life' feel about it, and segwayed into this aspect in a very original and non-abrupt manner.

And the 'Shazam' story has really got my blood pumping, mainly due to the fact that it appears to be taking pre-DCnU continuity, and giving it that extra spin (such as the Wizard nabbing people off of the street).

ART: I can not fault the art in this issue at all. Gene Ha is a great 'guest artist' on the Leagues part of the issue, and has that real earthy and grounded sense of both composition and tone. Whereas Gary Frank was made to draw Captain Marvel no questions asked. Like Gene, he has that nice 'retro take' that makes what was once old new again.

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

THE FLOPPY HAIRED JOURNALIST: It's him, isn't it? Who else out there has a look of a wannabe thespian and the mouth to match? Damn you British talk-show host, Jonathan Ross, you got your cameo somehow! 

STEVE TREVOR: Is it just me, or does this 'put-upon' hero liaison look like George Eades from 'CSI' to you? OK, so he may need to dye his hair blond or something. Still, it could work.

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

Love Makes You Do Some Very Strange Things At Times. Like Working With Politicians.

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

As a lad, I used to love sucking on these sweets called 'Extra Hot Jaw Breakers'. They had a hard exterior, a fiery interior, and a taste that really suited by pallet down to the ground. OK, so how does this confectionary compare to this comic? Simple really. The art has 'hardly' any flaws to it. The story brought tears to my eyes. And I liked the taste.

Too corny? Tough.

FINAL thoughts...

There is one thing that I avoided mentioning in my review, 'The Orb of Ra'. And that's because this mystical artefact is associated with the creation of Metamorpho, The Wizard Shazam, and could quite possibly be one of the items in Stormwatch's purview. Ohhh! Interesting prospects on the horizon for this book, don't you think? It's going to be goooood! 

MARKS out of 10? 9