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by guest columnist Bruce Bachand
We need to give this guy
credit where it's deserved. He took over the writing duties for this staple
DC superhero franchise, started it with an issue #1, gave it the name
JLA, and *voila* we have the best-selling title that JLA
is to this day. Now mind you, I liked some stories that Jurgens did on
the Justice League of America but I thought the team seriously
lacked the glory that it formerly nailed in the early 80's and then again
in the late 80's. Thank-you Grant Morrison for reviving this team and
bringing the "big seven" back on board. I am firmly optimistic
that Mark Waid will bring fire and enthusiasm to the title when he takes
over.
Issue #36. "World
War III". So begins the end. We see Metron, Wonder Woman, and Big
Barda (any woman that loves "big" in front of her name definitely
has guts in my book) arrive at a decimated Wonderworld, home to
the greatest super champions the universe knows… er, former home, that
is. Everyone is dead. Almost everyone. Meanwhile, Mr. Miracle
is giving the other JLA'ers a briefing at the Watchtower about Urgund,
Old Gods, Spacetime, and someone\thing named Mageddon (sounding
suspiciously like the Armageddon from the Book of Revelations of
the Christian scriptures). Everyone is told that the "doomsday
machine" has been released. While everyone then changes their
underwear (just kiddin'), Superman instructs Oracle to call in every Leaguer,
past or present. Period.
The rest of the issue
sees the re-introduction of Aztek into the DC limelight, the reformation
of the Injustice Gang (featuring Lex Luthor, Prometheus, the Queen
Bee, and the Shaggy Man/General Eiling), Plastic Man and Azrael doing
Watchtower housekeeping (minus the Pledge), the discovery of a Martian
mothership, and a major kick-arse assault (YET AGAIN!) on the Watchtower.
You want action, you got action! And plenty of set-ups for the other four
issues, too. I really like this
issue! It has great dialogue, tidbits of information here and there
that set us up for future confrontaions, fantastic character interaction
(the scene between Aquaman and Orion is hilarious!), and the greatest
team of heroes in the world about to have their corporate butts booted
like never before. That is, unless they all just die in the next four
issues. We are also going to see
many guest stars in the next few months. That's very cool. Here are a
couple of less flattering observations: the beginning of this issue just
assumes that you know why Wonder Woman, Metron, and Big Barda are all
at Wonderworld (oh, what a lame name). That was a kinda strange way to
begin an issue. Plus we have Batman mention "Know Man" but that
is all that is said of the guy. Oracle is taken out by (presumably) Prometheus…
though, again it isn't really certain. The issue has a couple of rough
transitions here and there. But the story and action hold your attention
nonetheless. Porter's art? Well, I
admit that the guy has obvious talent and all…but to be honest, I think
he is tired. Some of his people stuff just look plain stiff or boxy. He
does a pretty decent job (there are many titles out there that would benefit
if they had Porter on them) but I am looking forward to the team from
THE AUTHORITY that will be coming over with Waid to do JLA in about four
months from now (and YES, I realize I am the thousandth person to say
this in the past two months!). Get this issue. It is
solid entertainment from a man who knows his stuff. It isn't likely to
be the best issue in the "World War III" tale but it isn't a
poor read by any means. Read it for yourself and see what you think. I
guarantee it will take you by surprise. And, man, am I sad that the
Watchtower appears to be completely in the past as a result of being obliterated!
9 out of 10 stars.
All characters are ™ DC Comics
All scanned artwork is ™ DC Comics. This article is © 1999 by Bruce Bachand.
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This
is it. Morrison's final saga on his run with JLA. It is a five-part
tale that will basically shatter what Morrison has established over the
past three years with the Justice League of America.