JUSTICE LEAGUE #9

[ SUPER DISCOUNT ] 

So the villains have stared to travel. I could tell by the sound of foot on gravel. First comes' the clump. Then comes' the dump. Plus to top it all off comes' the dead celebrity Jimmy Saville. Or maybe it's these live celebs? Writer: Geoff Johns; Artist: Gary Frank and Jim Lee; with Publisher: DC Comics in April 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

In this first part of 'The Villains Journey', I am sorry to say that our gang of colourful heroes just don't know what they are getting themselves into.

• Batman, Superman, and Cyborg, are puzzled as to why the Key has broken the inmates out of Arkham Asylum.
• Whilst Green Lantern, the Flash, and Wonder Woman, try to come to grips with why Weapons Master has smashed up Iron Heights penitentiary.
• Regretfully though, poor love-stuck Steve Trevor knows first hand what is really going on. Especially when he is currently being tortured by some depressive wacko called Graves, who instigated these two events from behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, in the 'Shazam' back-up feature, we get a glimpse of Billy and his new foster family's disastrous first day at Fawcett High School. Also, how Doctor Sivana sees magic in a Baghdad cave. 

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

There were a two pieces of dialogue for both of the stories in this book that I liked quite a bit.

In the Shazam tale it was when Sivana said 'I can see magic' - that was very foreboding I thought.

Whereas in the Justice League tale, it was the scene where Hal and Barry were arguing with each other about who was going to play the good cop and who was going to play the bad cop. "I'm going to get very... upset", ha! That Barry! What a straight laced guy.

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

In the past I felt that Steve Trevor was a character that has always been ignored by DC. He was an army man. He was 'Mister Wonder Woman'. And he was a git. But now it appears that this 'League Liaison' is starting to turn into their new 'Snapper Carr', just with a dash more relevance and an erstwhile manner. Intriguing where Jones and Lee will go with this, huh? 

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

Now the majority of this issue was really good all in all. And if I did have a small gripe about it, it would be because I am puzzled why DC Comics are charging so much for this comic. $3.99 is a bit steep in this globally defunct time, and by increasing the price they are obviously decreasing the readership as well. Shame. Because these people are missing out on a great story.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: Although it does not appear to have any relevance on the story as of yet, I did find it original how the 'mini-flashbacks' gave each member of the team some pathos. Very nice. And not in an intrusive way.

ART: Both Gary Frank and Jim Lee convey 'character' very well in this issue. As ever, Gary made what could have been a rather mundane story into a bold slice of life. Whilst Jim excelled himself when he conveys melancholy and cruelty in the more darker and harsher scenes. Posters all the way.

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

DOCTOR WHITE: It is just me, or does this quickly killed doctor look a lot like stand-up comic, Martin Mull, from the eighties movie 'Clue'? His middle names 'Eugene' don't you know.

MR BRYER: When this rich prick first showed his face in the Shazam part of the book, straight away I thought to myself "Jeff Bridges has the same beard as he does!". SHAZAM!!!

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

Liaising For A Bunch Of Super Powers Heroes Can Cause Harm. Please Take Precautions For Chapped Hands.

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

Conceptually this story involves a bunch of characters that have been thrust together by an unknown hand, and are now beginning to figure out who this person might be. Well, you know what? As I have mentioned this film already in this review. I might as well mention it again, huh? 'Clue : The Movie' involving a bunch of characters that have been thrust together by an unknown hand.

FINAL thoughts...

OK, I know that I have mentioned this previously in my missive, but I am sorry to see DC Comics charge so much for this book. It is a great book. And one that is getting better and better by the arc.

Granted, their excuse for this price-hike at the moment is blamed on the 'Shazam' back-up feature. So why not have two versions of this book then?  One with Shazam and one without? That way the fans of the League can get to see this great take on their heroes. Simple, huh?

MARKS out of 10? 9