Comic Book Review: Justice League Of America #37

Written by Len Wein
Pencil art by Tom Derenick
Cover by Joe Prado
Plot: The Royal Flush Gang is everywhere! The Hearts, Spades, Diamonds, and Clubs are scattered everywhere robbing bank after bank. The Justice League splits up into teams of two to fight off each suit and bring them too Justice. Vixen is doing all she can to uphold the promise she made to Superman to keep the League going strong while Plastic Man and Dr. Light get past their differences and learn to work as a team. Amos and Roulette are discovered by the ingenuity of Red Tornado, but successfully evade capture. Knowing that Amos and Roulette will be back soon, the Justice League dialogue about how to prepare for another confrontation the two criminals.

My Thoughts: As a filler before James Robinson takes over for the JLA title, this mini story arc wasn’t bad at all. There isn’t a lot of depth within this story, but it is entertaining. The Royal Flush Gang has always seemed to me as a “throw away” gang of criminals when DC wasn’t sure what to do next. Wein gave this team of villains some depth and much needed personality.

Now the cover suggests that Superman is in this issue, and he is. However, he does not appear in the present, rather he appears in Vixen’s memory which is visualized to the readers to show her determination not to let Superman down. Now I for one am annoyed by this. Why are they giving Superman a spotlight on the front cover when his part within this story is virtually non-existent? By doing this, DC is sending out the message that Superman is a vital part of the League and that the League can’t function without him. I personally feel that doing this was a big mistake and will send the wrong message to readers, especially new ones.

I loved the line for “Wein’s” league. All the characters are strong and easy to connect with from a reader’s standpoint. I’m actually having a difficult time coping with the fact that we will have heroes like Mon-El, Donna Troy and Cyborg joining the ranks of the JLA, but taking Vixen out of the League. I feel she is a strong character and was portrayed very well in this issue by Wein.

Overall: A good issue, a lot of fun and exciting. However, I’m wondering what Wein could have done with the League if he was hired to stay on for a full twelve issues. He seems to have a good handle on what would make a good Justice League book. Oh well, let’s just hope Robinson can bring us some great stories next month.
3.5 out of 5 stars.

Next Month: Justice League of America #38

A new era begins for the World's Greatest Heroes as superstars James Robinson (STARMAN, SUPERMAN) and Mark Bagley (TRINITY, Ultimate Spider-Man) take over! It all begins as a one-time member of the JLA falls before he can warn the team of looming peril while what's left of the JLA journeys to the heart of their past to decide if the team has any future at all.

Of course, that means this is the best time for a savage villain from the team's past to attack the demoralized heroes! The team will have to muster enough will to win not only today, but in the harrowing months to come. It's the start of a spanking new odyssey for the JLA that will lead in the coming months to a fresh line-up for DC's flagship team. Get onboard now for the next epic chapter of the Justice League's legacy!