DC Comics is branching out their Justice League team books with Justice League of America and #2 hit the stands today. The first issue was a major letdown when it came to pacing and story, but let’s all give issue #2 a fair shake and ask the simple question, is it good?
Justice League of America (2013-) #2 (DC Comics)
It’s very rare that a second issue ends up being stronger than the first. There are multiple reasons for this, but the main culprit in most cases is that the writer has dumped all the intrigue into the first issue to draw readers interest. Issue #2 then spends its time hashing out the boring stuff before the characters can move on with the story. It seems writer Geoff Johns has flipped that convention in this series however, as the first issue was jam-packed with boring details and very little plot. The second issue doesn’t progress the plot much, but it’s filled with so many good character moments I’d suggest any comic fan to give this a look.
Interesting take on Scarecrow.
An overused plot device.
The issue opens with a bad guy talking to a strapped down Scarecrow. He wants him working on his side. So far there’s no telling how he connects to the main story yet, but development in this area is about as far as the plot goes this issue. The team is asked to band together on their first mission after Green Arrow was taken in last issue with severe injuries. Problem is, they have no training as a team and some of these heroes haven’t even seen real combat. It’s a cliched kick-start to the story we’ve seen a thousand times. The team goes out green which allows the writer to get away with them going rogue, making mistakes and getting some on the job training. Luckily the enemy they’re facing is presented with so much mystery you won’t even notice.
Yeah, like she isn’t asking for people to look?
It’s pretty clear from this issue that Johns has a great handle on Martian Manhunter and Hawkman. Both characters aren’t from our world and have a not-so-heroic take on moral choices. Whenever they pop up in the issue you’ll either laugh or be intrigued by just how weird they can be. The other characters are also strongly written and it’s already clear how they’ll fit in the team. With so many interesting personalities being forced to interact, dare I say this might end up being the best team book on the market when all is said and done.
Hilarious.
Scary!
David Finch continues to draw a very moody book which helps set the tone apart from the main Justice League book. At times it can be a little too muddy, although this might be due to the color palette being used. His work is usually heavy on the inks, but with such drab colors on display it looks even more dirty.
Seriously how does she pull that jacket off?
- Great character tinges
- Impressive art
- Not enough plot
I had some severe reservations for this issue based on how slow and ill-plotted the first issue was. That said, the characters weren’t interacting in that issue and that’s what makes this issue so much fun. When it comes to team books it’s all about how the characters get along, the stories between them and their specific voices not being drowned out by each other. Based on this issue all of those ideals are met and I could see this team chemistry being the strongest of any team book on the shelf.
Is It Good?
Yes. Come for the characters but wait a little longer for a story to emerge.
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