JUSTICE LEAGUE #2

[ I FOUND THE GREEN CHAIN FIRST ] 

The problem with hero’s in ‘year one’. Is that none of them know how to have fun. But do not dismay, because eventually one day, someone will kick them all up the bum. This silliness was brought to you care of Writer: Geoff Jones; Artist: Jim Lee; and Publisher: DC Comics in November 2011.


So what’s the story morning glory?

This second instalment of ‘Justice League’ is a continuation of lasts issue cliffhanger, where Batman and Green Lantern were having a confrontation with Superman.

Now, uncharacteristically, Superman is more relentless in this battle than usual, and he only seems to calm down when: (1) The Flash arrives to delay him. (2) Batman talks to him about the ‘cosmic box’ that they both have knowledge of. And (3) The police arrive, prompting this quartet to escape into a underground bunker.

Meanwhile, in Star Labs, Victor Stone is having ab argument with his Dad, whist he is experimenting on an identical ‘cosmic box’ than ‘the League’ has.

But suddenly, both of these ‘comic box’s’ burst into life – and the League find themselves facing a hoard of Darkseids minions – and Victor finds himself on flames. 

What is the most memorable sentence spoken in this issue?

When Green Lantern says to the Flash “I say we ditch Black and Blue [Referring to Batman and Superman respectively], and figure this out for ourselves. Batman is a pain in the ass, and Superman does not know what this us [notably, the ‘cosmic box’]”.

Was the story any good?

This was not a bad issue of Justice League. For a start, it continued from where the previous one left off. Then, it evolved both the ‘Leagues’ and ‘Victors’ plot threads a touch in the right direction. And on top of that, it introduced to the ‘team’, everyone’s second favourite fastest man alive, the Flash (bless you Wally).  Granted, it was not a fully evolved issue as a story goes, and the ‘Darkseid’ teaser should tease no more. But it was enjoyable none the less, as it had a nice and light tone to it.

Was the art any good?

Well – its Jim Lee – what can I say that is bad about Jim Lee? Err – that he is a git, ha! Just kidding. Actually, his artwork on this issue – like the previous issue – is very cinematic in tone and content. Moreover, his line work is quite detailed, and his landscapes are better than his kinetic scenes – too flat in comparison.

What is the best thing about this issue?

Now I have to admit, that I do enjoy the evolving and fresh take on the ‘origin’ of the Justice League. Well, it is nice to see these guys meet for the first time – again – as well as how they seem to be interacting on an awkward and un-personable level. On top of that, Jim Lee’s Batman is a blast – he looks like a guy who can stand up to people with powers – no holds bard. Also, I enjoyed the notion that these heroes are ‘wanted’ by the authorities, and that somehow they will manage to prove their worth (Darkseid anyone?).

What is the worst thing about this issue?

Superman’s costume sucks! He looks like he is wearing his Granddad’s pyjamas. And in addition to this, Superman’s character is kind of confusing too – because his relentless attack does seem ‘out of character’ in the scheme of things.

Now why is that I wonder? Am I missing something here because I do not read Superman's solo exploits? Or is there some part of the story that has not been explained yet?

If you know – spam me.

If you could sum up this issue in a phrase or saying, what would that phrase or saying be?

“Get on with it!”

If this issue were a movie, an object, or a piece of music, what would that be and why? 

I like to think of this issue as a nice slice of Cheesecake – its pleasant to eat – it has a bitter after-taste – and it leaves you wanting more.

What do you think would have made this issue better than it was?

More – more – more – and this is only were the story is concerned. The splash pages – even though nice to watch – do dilute ‘story time’, and makes the whole experience more superficial than rewarding.

Final thoughts...

Overall, this was a nice installment of the Justice League. The art was great – the story, even though fleeting, did progress slightly – the interaction was very enjoyable – and the complete package is well polished too.

Kudos Lee and Jones – not bad at all.

Marks out of 10? 8