Comic Book Review: Justice League of America #49

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: James Robinson

Penciller: Pow Rodrix, & Robson Rocha

Inker: Christian Alamy, John Dell, Julio Ferreira, Sandra Hope, Keith Champagne, Rodney Ramos, Don Ho, Tom Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs

Colorist: Rod Reis

Letterer: Rob Leigh

Cover Art: Mark Bagley

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the greatest show on Earth!  On our left we have writer James Robinson!  And to the right, Mr. Pow Rodrix with the aid of Robson Rocha on penciling duties!  And taking the center ring…a hell of a lot of inkers!

Can we say “Holy ink-a-mania Batman?”  I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a regularly scheduled monthly comic book that has no major ties to a big event manifest just under ten inkers!  It’s not that big of a deal, really.  Ink artists typically stay so consistent with one another that it’s hard to tell the difference from one style to the next, but it does make me raise an eyebrow.  Why was this many inkers needed in the first place?

Ok, with this very minor detail aside, overall JLA # 49 is a lot of fun.  The Dark Things event which brought together both of the Justice Teams in fighting Earth’s oldest Green Lantern was quite disappointing and way over dramatized.  So it’s nice to see Robinson take a moment to break away from the chaos and focus in on a smaller, yet very intense, side story starring Donna Troy and Jade. 

Donna has always felt a little too dry of a character to me and has always had trouble “fitting in” within the DCU.  Apart from the fact that she has no vigilante alias, her personality has always been very fleeting and flat; finally, Robinson was able to give Donna that extra umpf in how she dealt with her past horror involving the Boogeyman.  This was the ultimate “breaking out” issue for Donna as she shows her enemy just what type of Amazonian blood and heritage she comes from.  (Plus, it was really awesome to have Donna swear!)

The art is pleasantly consistent with Rodrix (POW!) getting some assistance from Rocha.  I do miss getting my monthly diet of Bagley’s art, but Rodrix is a nice replacement.  The Boogeyman, while I’m not very familiar with his character, looked as creepy as I’ve ever seen him, and the Teen Titans going after Donna looked just as terrifying.

I do wonder how many times the JLA is going to be visited by other superhero teams.  This title has seen more crossovers than I’ve seen my white trash neighbors get into intense arguments for never listening to one another.  (“you never listen me!!!”)  This comic was, in and of itself fun to read, but I want to see this title move past bringing in another team of heroes to make a story work.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

While the issue is fun, it’s far from outstanding.  I like how Robinson sets up Donna Troy as a much stronger and more Wonder Woman-like female whose confidence and strength grows further than ever I’ve ever seen it.  Make way world, Donna’s come at ya!

Rating: 8 out of 8 stars

Writing: 8

Art: 8

Themes: 8

Comic Book Review: Justice League #45

Book Information

Written by James Robinson

Penciled by Mark Bagley

Colored by Ulises Arreola

Inked by Rob Hunter, Norm Rapmund

Lettered by Rob Leigh

Cover by Bagley & Hunter

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

From what I can tell, Robinson has deviated from his established league and gone back to the uncertainty with who should and shouldn’t be members of the JLA.  I’m certain he’s having issues with the story he wants to create vs. what the DC head-honchos want to have incorporated.  What ever the case may be, the League, two months ago, had finally reached a level of confidence that gave me hope Robinson had finally found his stride.  But now the League, once again, seems to be in a state of limbo, unsure of itself and what its purpose is.  This has gone on far too long and either Robinson or DC needs to put a lot more focus into the future of the JLA.

Some light is shed on the mystery of Jade and Alan Scott.  The ancient, mystical energy permeating from the star heart has become the central focus behind Jade’s resurrection, and Alan Scott dissension.  The back story was nice as I was really unclear of Scott’s relationship to the Green Lantern power since he never held allegiance to the Corps but maintained that his powers come from the same source. 

The editors and writers for DC really are attempting to push all the stories towards the “Kingdom Come” plane of reality.  The last panel of Alan Scott and his new “threads” definitely resemble the Alex Ross world of Earth-22.  I appreciate the fact that DC is trying to keep continuity rolling, but at the same time I’m in a constant state of wonder.  Which Universe are we in?  Earth Prime, or Earth-22?  Maybe I’m over thinking it, but it’s cool none-the-less!

Mark Bagley really outdid himself with this issue.  The green color theme was brilliantly done, which credit should go to Ulises Arreola more than Bagley, but Bagley’s creative artistry should not be overshadowed.  The energy aura that was steaming off of her body really stuck out at me; it was a nice touch that made Jade significantly different from the rest of her peers.  I enjoyed the full expressions on everyone’s face and the good use of the piercing light and shadows.

You also have to admit, the picture to the right is pretty darn cool!-------->

I did find myself wondering if this was a Justice League book or a Justice Society book, but it didn’t distract me enough to detract from the story itself.  However, I couldn’t help but think back to when Supergirl and Power Girl went tooth and nail a few years back.  I’m sure Robinson wanted this sequel to the epic brawl and has good reason for it, but did anyone else think the exact same thing I was when the two super heroines duked it out?  Again, it’s not a huge deal, just a nit-picky aspect of the story.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

A good issue…nothing to write home about, but good; the art is what I got excited about, with the story being secondary.  I just might stick Bagley in the top ten artists list for 2010.

Ratings

Writing: 5

Themes: 6

Art: 10

Overall: 7 out of 10

Comic Book Review: Justice League of America #44

Book Information

Written by James Robinson

Art by Mark Bagely

Colored by Ulises Arreola

Inked by Rob Hunter, Norm Rapmund

Lettered by Rob Leigh

Cover by Mark Bagely

My All-Inspiring Opinion

No doubt this is the worst transitioning point the League has ever seen, especially with its 12+ month time span.  Issue #42 began to portray a new league, one that could work together as a cohesive unit and communicate well.  The following month in #43, the established League had already lost a chunk of its members, once again leaving the League in a state of uncertainty and confusion.  In a desperate attempt to reestablish his current line-up, Robinson selects four individuals to focus on, Batman, Donna Troy, Congorilla Bill, and Starman. 

The battle with Etrigan was fierce, full of drama and humor.  I wonder if Bill will in fact be stuck with a running gag of “Send Bill in first to soften them up.”   But most importantly, Robinson was able to bring the League (or at least part of it) together to successfully bring down one of the universes most powerful beings.  I quite appreciated having both Starman and Bill in on this battle as many people wonder if Congorilla Bill was a good choice for the league as well as Starman.  But no doubt, these four are clearly the more focused and driven out of everyone on the League and their establishment as such will only help the future of this title. 

I can’t be certain, but it seems like every title James Robinson is on, the more predominant the two page spread becomes throughout each book.  Superman, World of New Krypton, and now Justice League are all contaminated with the two page spread layout where the first page spills over into the next.  There is nothing completely wrong with this approach, but when overdone, the repetitive nature with almost every page turn every month can become meaningless, which I think it has.

Mark Bagely is nothing if not a brilliant artist whose talents have been put on the same level with the big boys.  There isn’t a page in this book that isn’t gorgeously done.  His ability to create wonderfully penciled artwork is only enhanced by the newly added colorist, Ulises Arreola.  Together they present one of the most colorful and explosive pieces of art I’ve seen in a while.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

While this issue isn’t the greatest JLA installment to date, the work put into it can not be denied.  Robinson is trying so hard to make his League work for readers despite the random and odd heroes within.

Ratings

Writing: 8

Themes: 8

Art: 10

Overall: 8.67

Comic Book Review: Justice League #43

Book Information

Written by James Robinson

Art by Mark Bagley

Plot

Questions arise in each JLA members mind as to how the team is doing as a whole, and individually.  The newly appointed Justice League find themselves in a state of uncertainty while a new found menace confronts the team and challenges them on a whole new level.  Can the League come to terms with their inner demons with time enough to save an old ally?

My Thoughts

As Cry for Justice came to a close, Mr. Robinson was put in between a rock and a hard place.  First he has to deal with the fact that Green Arrow has fallen victim to uncertainty and feels his place might not be with the League, and second, we have Starfire who decided to leave rather suddenly and without explanation.  Two characters of which I’m sure was not of Robinson choosing to have leave the league.  With that being said, the quality of this particular issue was less than satisfying.

Writing

Like most writers, Robinson’s ability to use poetic language is quite good.  In fact, you could say this about most writers in the industry; they have the natural ability to write beautiful dialogue, a poetic prose, and emotional highlights in a story.  But one thing you have to do in making a story at least somewhat interesting to your readers is at least know what is going on in your own story.

I understand the connection between the different events going on, but the transitions make the story seem more confusing than it actually is.  While the team is still under going some uncertainty within the ranks, the heroes seem to jump from one battle to the next without any concrete reason why.  Plus, the constant toggle between one inner monologue to the next is a bit jolting.  I’m never sure who the protagonist is; whether it is Green Arrow, Donna Troy, Batman, etc., it is unclear who our central focus should be on.  And as we learned from the Tim Burtonized and Joel Schumacherized Batman films, having one too many character focused plots in one story can cause MAJOR problems.

I’m not entirely clear as to why The JSA was brought into the story on that very last page, huddling around a dying Alan Scott, especially since he’s died in an issue of JSA already.  Another reason why this issue didn’t make any sense from start to finish, continuity is key.

And can anyone tell me why Red Tornado is still in the pages of the JLA?  Over half of his time has been spent in pieces!

Rating: 2

Themes

While the writing of the overarching story was severely lacking, the thematic scenery was a tad more enjoyable.  The title of the arc, ‘Team History,’ gives a hint that their will be a nostalgic approach in the telling of this story.  The first three pages give us a nicely faded ‘in the past’ tint.  The past is painted as a much happier time for the League due to the smiling and smirking heroes as they bring down their foe, which quickly turns into a green, yellow, and violet light show as an indicator that we have moved into the present.  It’s obvious through Green Arrow’s face that something doesn’t feel quite right; that or he’s still conflicted with the devastating event that occurred in his home town of Star City weeks ago.  Either way, the connection should be made that he currently doesn’t feel right.

The cover is actually quite interesting.  The spilt down the middle, showing two contrasting, yet comparable images of the past and present League, is a clear depiction of the story contained within.  I rather enjoy it when the cover forces readers to call upon their analytical skills to deduce what a story might be about.

As stated above, the heroes’ inner monologues continually jog to us from one person to the next faster than the Road Runner in Looney Tunes.  Batman questions if Bruce Wayne would have approved of this new Leagues crime fighting methods, Donna Troy is satisfied and enjoying how things are going but conflicted with Starfire’s sudden departure, Starman can’t seem to decide what he’s feeling, and Congorilla Bill is allowing his emotions to get the better of him.  An interesting take, despite its unfocused literary organization.

Rating: 6

Art

Once again, Mark Bagley produces some amazing art.  I did feel a bit jolted by the extreme overdose on color, but then again, Ivan Reis’ art in Blackest Night was quite enjoyable for me, so I don’t see why I should be distracted by this similar approach.  I think the chaotic intervals between panels is what got to me the most.  Bagley is amazing, but I feel he went a little too far with the visuals...in essence, he was TOO good.

Despite that, he did present some really great pin-up worthy images.  My favorite would most definitely have to be of Starfire flaming out of the old JLA headquarters orbiting Earth.  In and of itself, the art is amazing, it just didn’t integrate well into the story as it should have.

Rating: 6

Overall

If Robinson had written a better story, this issue could have received an above average rating, but his script truly did kill the story.  That is a pity too; last month was so good that I was ecstatic for this one.

Rating: 4.67 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming April 21, 2010

A BRIGHTEST DAY tie-in! Following the events of BLACKEST NIGHT, the brand new Justice League of America enters into BRIGHTEST DAY with an arc featuring the Justice Society of America. The epic team-up begins with a character from the end of BLACKEST NIGHT joining the JLA. But when the storyline's over, what mysterious villain will be revealed – and which hero will switch teams?

Comic Book Review: Justice League of America #42

Book Information

Written by James Robinson

Art by Mark Bagely

Plot

The JLA is back in full force with a brand new line up.  What is their first task?  Apart from learning how to work as a team, Dr. Impossible has decided to attack with a new assembly of super villains.  The JLA go after Congorilla Bill’s attackers, while three of the other super villains lurk into the empty JLA headquarters.  Have the JLA been successfully lured away, or is there a back up plan these three trespassers have seemed to neglect?

My Thoughts

James Robinson has found a way to give a fresh, new start to the JLA that was sorely needed.  With a plethora of new villains that I’ve never seen before that have the semblance of Darksied’s evil henchmen gods, the book bursts open with a surge of energy has been missing from the JLA title for almost a year.

The story begins with a narration toggle, going from inner monologue to inner monologue.  Four JLA members, Batman (Grayson), Donna Troy, Starfire and Green Lantern have brawl with the powerful Atlas.  It’s interesting as these four have never worked together on the same team, yet nothing but positive thinking floods each individuals mind.  Robinson is taking full advantage of the line up he has created as this will most definitely be, at least for a little while, a book about new and old heroes working through the differences in experience and approaches to fighting crime.  Something the veteran Justice Society had failed to do.

I was, of course, skeptical about the line up.  Not being a huge fan of the Titans, I wasn’t to hip on making half of the team Titan based.  This is where I fall into the trap of wanting heavy hitters to join the ranks of the title that got me into comics in the first place.  “Give me the well established Heroes” is what I constantly tell myself, which causes me to forget that it’s not the heroes that matter, but the story that goes along with it.  Robinson seems to know what he’s doing, so I’ll trust him as long as things run smoothly.

I would have liked to know who these new villains are, but lack of an introduction didn’t necessarily turn me off of the book.  They are integrated and used in the story well enough and I’m sure we will learn who they are soon.  I’m guessing they are from apocalypse based on the technology being used, but you never can be to certain.

I enjoyed the flashbacks to the old days of Uncle Sam, the Metal Men, and the other Quality Comics characters.  Being a very nostalgic person myself, having flashbacks as part of the main story is always fun for me and a great way to introduce a pivotal part of a storyline. 

Bringing the book its finalizations aspects, Mark Bagley’s artwork is a sight to see.  Especially during the sepia toned flashback sequences, Bagley creates some epic scenes containing action, suspense and moments of contemplation.  Black Canary looked especially depressed when Green Arrow was a no show to the first official JLA meeting.  Along with this, Bagley’s attention to detail is quite impressive.  Plastic Man, during the flash backs, definitely looked younger, almost kid-like.  Mark Bagley is slowly proving to me that he has what it takes to be one of the better artists in comics.

Overall

To be honest, I can’t complain.  This actually felt like a Justice League story, so props goes to Mr. Robinson!  I have no doubt that he can continue this; the momentum is too great for it not to continually progress for the better.  I’m looking forward to the months ahead for the JLA.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming March 31, 2010

Following the decision that occurred in JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE and the events of JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE RISE AND FALL SPECIAL #1, the World's Greatest Heroes must come to terms with who they are and what they represent. Meanwhile, an all-new danger threatens the existence of everything past and present in the exciting finale of "Team History."

Comic Book Review: Justice League #40

Book Information
Written by James Robinson

Art by Mark Bagely & Rob Hunter

Plot

Dr. Light, Vixen, Gypsy and Zatanna face their past which comes to them as risen Black Lanterns.  With hope down and the Black Lanterns taking them on at full force, The four women must now find their strength within themselves to counter the attack before they fall at the zombies hands.  But how can they defeat those who are already dead?

My Thoughts
James Robinson throws me for a loop all the time.  I cannot for the life of me keep up with him.  50% of the time he writes awfully planed stories, and the other 50% is top quality writing.  There is no real set pattern with Robinson; he’s up and down with me all the time and I find myself unsure how to rate him in my mind.  This recent issue of Justice League was a vast improvement from last few months.  It’s not perfect, however, but is still very entertainment and enjoyable to read.

The emotional strain on the Dr. Light, Vixen, Gypsy and Zatanna is very interesting.  Granted, it took the Black Lantern threatening each of them with something very personal, but this trend is beginning to show up a lot in the Blackest Night tie-ins.  The heroes are starting to become a little fed up with all of the emotional attacks and are firing back with a vengeance.  In the case of Dr. Light, the Black Lantern Dr. Light threatens her children, in which case she severs the connection the black ring had with a burst of white light, defeating the risen Lantern.  The Black Lanterns seem to be able to handle a few emotions coming from one person, but when a full array of emotions are coming from one person, the Black Lanterns are easily defeated.  The ending of Blackest Night might not come down to combining the different lights in the emotional spectrum; rather harnessing the power of the emotional spectrum into a single force that Nekron won’t be able to counter.

Mark Bagely is really growing on me as of late.  When I first started seeing his artwork, I wasn’t sure what to think.  But now that he’s consistently doing more stuff in comics, I’m becoming a real fan of his style.  The fight scenes between each of the Black Lanterns were amazingly detailed and full of color.  Dr. Light’s powerfully destructive white light beam was almost blinding it was so real.  I’m not too familiar to with Rob Turner’s art work but he seems to compliment Bagely very well.  At times the panels seem cluttered with chaos, but it serves this issue and its purpose quite well.

I am worried about Robinson completely wiping out the league and starting fresh with a whole new cast.  Vixen has been one of my favorite league members and to not have her on the team is a huge disappointment for me.  However, it looks like the new line-up will be starting next month, but I don’t feel the transition into the new league will be smooth enough to work.  I can only keep my fingers crossed.

Overall
A very enjoyable installment of the Justice League title.  I worry about the coming issues seeing as how Robinson is not consistent enough for me to trust him to always deliver, but I will still anxiously await the formation of the new League.

Rating:  8.5 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming January 27th, 2010

Be here for the start of a new Justice League era! The JLA have been getting a pounding in the last couple of months, but NO MORE! The team regroups with a new roster that will transcend time and space! Make way for the World's Greatest Heroes – Batman, Green Lantern, the Atom, Green Arrow, Donna Troy, the Guardian, Cyborg, Mon-El, Starfire, Dr. Light and, yes, Congorilla! 

This issue features two covers by Mark Bagley which are separately orderable. Cover a features Green Lantern and Green Arrow; Cover B features Batman and Mon-El. The cover images will be revealed online before the issue's Final Order Cutoff date.