JUSTICE LEAGUE #18

[ TECH FOR SALE ] 

Is Cyborg truly 'off the grid'? Or is he playing backgammon with my mate, Sid? Batman couldn't care less. Wonder Woman's gone off to buy a dress. Leaving the Flash on ebay with a tight, closing bid. Yeah! It's about $3.99, and exactly the same price as this comic book created by the Writer: Geoff Johns; the Artists: Jesus Saiz and Gary Frank; plus the Publisher: DC Comics, in April 2013.

Using GENERAL terms, answer the following 5 questions about this STORY entitled 'The Grid'.

• WHAT'S THE MAIN THRUST OF THIS TALE: Using Cyborgs cybernetic savvy, the Justice League attempt to hold a recruitment drive, so they can recruit new team members.
• ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED: In a manner of speaking -- yes - yes they are!
• ANYTHING ELSE HAPPEN: Platinum, one of the wannabe hopefuls, goes a bit gaga. And I don't mean of the 'lady' variety.
• HOW DOES THIS STORY END: With the revelation that someone is playing the League at their own game.
• WHAT'S THE BACK-UP FEATURE ABOUT: After a confrontation at the Vasquez residence, their foster children go in search for Billy, because Black Adam comes a knocking at their door.

All in all, what is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

In the Shazam back-up feature, I did snigger to myself during the 'Vasquez confrontation' scene, because when Mr Bryder threatened to revoke a policeman's Christmas holiday if he didn't 'sort out' Batson, the officer in question then replied back to him by stating...

'Actually, I'm Jewish'.

Ha! Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Bryder! You can't mess with the Hebrew clan. 

What are the BEST bits about this issue?

(+) Although the overall 'recruitment drive' premise was rather lapse in content, I'm happy to say that it's 'eclectic assemble' more than made up for this 'conceptual' pitfall. Granted, it was rather overt in execution. But that is not to say it wasn't fun-fun-fun at the same time.

(+) As per usual, the Shazam back-up feature was chock full of action and excitement. Honestly, it was so great; I would have liked to have seen and awful lot more, hint-hint!

(+) Without giving too much away, I'm chuffed about the new additions to this team, and am positive they can all add something new to this series that wasn't there before -- some much needed 'grounded perspective'.

(+) Jesus Saiz artwork was just amazing. Whenever DC get off of there collective asses and decide to hire a regular penciller on this title, I hope that his name is firmly high up on their list.

(+) Was it just me, or did the cliff-hanger read like 'Doctor Destiny' to you? 

What are the WORST bits about this issue?

(-) My one slight gripe with this story is that I felt I've read it already. Well, let's face it: what Justice League fan hasn't read a 'recruitment drive' issue? It's been done in the JLI, the JLA, a previous installment of this series, etcetera-etcetera-etcetera. And I'm sorry to say that the only thing different about it this time round, was the twist at the end of it.

Choose TWO CHARACTERS out of this comic book, and then compare them to two REAL LIFE PEOPLE.

JENNIFER ANISTON AS PLANTINUM: Did you know that in real life Jen is actually one-half robot and one-half nude? Admittedly, I may be mistaken slightly in the robot department. Yet I'm fairly certain I've seen her in the nuddy!

RYAN LOCHTE AS AQUAMAN: Alright. I know that it looks like Ryan's been hit by every single branch from the ugly tree, and that his hair was styled by Edward Scizzorhand as well. Still, he's a very good Olympic swimmer!

What QUOTE would be appropriate to sum-up this story?

'Bill Gates is a very rich man today. And do you want to know why? The answer is one word: versions' -- Dave Barry

What SONG, THEME-TUNE, or MELODY, would complement this tale, as well as add and extra dimension to it by default?

'I WANT YOU' By MARVIN GAYE: This song and this story both share two very appropriate qualities. Firstly, they're about someone wanting someone else. And secondly, they're very enjoyable to relax too, baby.

ANYTHING Else?

Now if I had to use one single word to define this particular episode of 'Justice League', the word I'd use would have to be 'alright'.

Not 'amazing'. Not 'superb'. Not 'on point'. Just 'alright'. Because... well... that's what it was.

Granted, I did like seeing all of the extra characters in this issue -- that's always nice to see. Furthermore, I did like the twist at the end of it too -- for very similar reasons. Apart from that though, this was your fairly standard 'recruitment drive' story, yet garnished with a bit more 'New 52' type panache.

If you agree, folks, do drop me a spam, OK? It's always good to hear from you.  

GIVE IT, IT'S DUES: If This Comic Book Was A Recruitment Poster, It Would Be Andy Warhol's Depiction of That One with Uncle Sam In. Straight Forward, Yet Slightly Eclectic.