Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
Posted on 18-04-2007 21:43
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #8
Writer by Brad Meltzer
Art by Ed Benes and Sandra Hope
Cover A by Michael Turner
Cover B by Phil Jimenez
Edited by Eddie Berganza
PLOT:
Beginning the long awaited, epic crossover between the new Justice League and the new Justice Society, uniting the combined writing talents of best-selling author Brad Meltzer and comics mega-star Geoff Johns for the ultimate team-up! "The Lightning Saga" 5-parter begins with the mystery of who Trident is, and how his identity crisis will change everything!
REVIEW:
If there is one thing about the top two DCU teams of the Justice League of America and the Justice Society of America is their well known team ups. Granted, one was on one earth and one was on another with both having a Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, but the stories were really cool. Then when the universes merged into one following Crisis on Infinite Earths, the team-ups changed into the current team with the old team. So a while, the JLA/JSA team ups halted and many fans wanted to see those two again. Now witht he first arcs of both JLA & JSA done, the team up was promised and we got it.
With this issue, the second part of the JLA series and in turn the JSA series begins. Its pretty obivious that both titles of this team up will be collected in one trade paperback. As a second part to both, we are treated with scenes that are directly from the first arcs of both teams. And we're revealed to two, lets say three, continuity tweeks to our post-IC DCU. Now, I read this issue after I read an article about the changes in continuity by Kurt Busiek. Something I figured out on my own, but others didn't. For one thing, Stargirl meets Wonder Woman for the first time, which would mean either she is retcon from the JLA/JSA: Vice and Virtue or that storyline nevered happened now. Secondly, Superman knows about the Legion of Superheroes (who become players with the JLA/JSA team up as five of them are in this arc) which would mean his team up(s) with them happened when he was a teen or sometime after he started his Superman carear. And third, is that most of the JLA never knew about the Legion. Now I don't know if that was actually the case anyways, but I'll list that.
At first this was going to be a small review, but another thing that was seen in this issue was a somewhat connection between Starman and future Legion of Superheroes. The Starman in JSA, from alex Ross' well known Kingdom Come, is a character of mystery but we did get something here. Starman is revealed to be a grown up version of the Legion's Star Boy. The version of Star Boy that appeared in 1961 and lasted under the 2004 Legion of Superheroes reboot. Since he is from the, or a, Kingdom Come universe, the mystery of wheather he is connected to the new Star Boy or if he is proof of a new multiverse remains to be seen.
Overall, this was still a good issue. We got a start up for the team up here, so nothing beyond the teams meeting or, again, the setup. Black Canary and Power Girl are chairwomen of their teams, somethign I missed and not included in my reviews, was a great idea as it gave Power Girl an enlarged (no pun intended) role and Black Canary a connection to her monther in the JSA. There was some jokes like Wildcat, Red Arrow and Geo-Force (who is now part of the JLA, officially or not) trying to get the flag and not get caught by Hawkgirl. I can't wait to see part 2 as even the scene where the two teams are joined gave me joy.
RATING: 3.5/5
NOTE: Starting with comics/issues that are new arcs, my rating has and will change from a 10 scale to a 5 scale. Making it easy for me. But it applies to arcs that are beginning now. Already exisiting arcs will stay with the 10 scale until they are done.
Next Issue: Part 2 occurs in JSA #5, where the teams SPLIT into teams and goes to both Arkham Asylum and the Fortress of Solitude.
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
Posted on 27-04-2007 10:27
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #5
Written by Geoff John
Art by Fernando Pasarin
Cover by by Alex Ross
Variant cover by Eaglesham
Edited by Eddie Berganza
PLOT:
Batman and Starman break into the depths of Arkham Asylum in search of the one person who may be able to reconcile Starman's past. Plus, within the Fortress of Solitude reveals the key to it all, especially the members of the team!
REVIEW:
Despite that there wasn't anything "big" about the first part, The Lightning Saga Part 1 in Justice League of America of the long waited JLA/JSA team up was still a good issue. And as many others, we were all set for the next issues. One of the things that made fans not wait for the next issue wasn't about the JSA (except Starman) nor the JLA, but the third team of the Legion of Superheroes. To be specific, the return of the more old version of the team. Without further ado, here is part 2 in JSA this time.
The goodness that was starting with the first part continues here, including a battle. Despite what the solicit said (not the one above), there was only one battle. But even that was enough, and cool to see. The battle I'm talking about is when Batman, Starman, Geo-Force and Sandy go to Arkham and Doctor Destiny uses his powers and Legionaire Dream Girl's powers to make the four heroes fight off what makes Arkham go afraid: that is, Batman. And several versions of Batman and his costume appear around him. With a shot of the real Batman slamming one of the fake Batmen through a wall. So this was good.
We did get some nice interaction with members of both the JLA & JSA. One particular is Cyclone meeting Red Tornado and talking to him, since she's the granddaughter of the first Red Tornado. They do know each other, which I do not know if that was the case before. Most likely not, since JSA #1 was her first appearance. But their connection ends up having a similar between the two teams, as it was the same with Black Canary and her connections to the JSA & JLA. And in the Arkham sequence, there were some funny moments from Starman like him saying to Geo-Force that he "smelled like mud" and also some sad parts where he would think he was looking at Dream Girl through a TV but the TV wasn't on, going back to his mental state. But Starman and Dream Girl reunited in the end, so there was some happiness. But these are comic books, happiness won't last. I'm saying a spoiler, I'm pointing out a fact.
As I have mentioned time and again, I don't know the range of my knowledge of the DCU. I know enough, I'll give you that, of certain characters: Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman. And those in the JLA. Basically I know enough. But when it comes to Legion of Superheroes, it’s limited as because it wasn't in my knowledge range. I do watch the show, as I review that, but have not gotten the comics which include alot more that the show doesn't have yet. But the well known thing about them, which anyone long time fan will talk about, is their team up with Superboy. That is well known. And that has been revealed, if it hasn't already, that the young Clark teaming up the Legion is back in continuity. But we also see in the Fortress, I believe they are robots or statues or something, of the Legionaires Clark had met when he was younger. Along with, robots or not, of Jimmy Olsen, Superman (looks like the Earth 2 one), Power Girl and Nightwing. And he also has his old flight ring. Also, there is a bit of a blooper that you might see. The other Legionaire that’s in the Fortress is Wildfire and Stargirl mentions that were there two Wildfires with the Legion robots/statues. What bothered me is that since this is Superman, how could he miss two of the same guy? A bit of a goof.
Overall, we got some action and inturn the story still moves forward for the third part of the saga. So it was good. There were funny moments with Starman, a very cool action sequence with him, Batman, Geof-Force and Sandy, and got bit of what was now, in case those didn't know, of young Clark's time in the revised continuity. So this issue was good. Can't wait for part 3.
RATING: 3.5/5
Next Issue: Part 3 occurs in JLA #9 where both teams go from Gorilla City to Thanagar in search of something…or someone.
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
Posted on 19-05-2007 15:44
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA 9
Writer by Brad Meltzer
Art by Ed Benes and Sandra Hope
Cover A by Michael Turner
Cover B by Phil Jimenez
Edited by Eddie Berganza
PLOT:
"The Lightning Saga" continues as members of both teams scour the DCU from Gorilla City to Thanagar in search of something…or someone.
REVIEW:
While part 1 wasn't big, part 2 gave us some action and moved the story. Even with one action scene, it paid off in the end as that fight scene was with the team fighting alot of Batmen. So you know die-hard fans did look at each of the Batmen and went "that...THAT'S DKR!" and so on. Plus interaction scenes that with Cyclone and Red Torando and Superman talking about his time with the Legion. And plus, funny moments all from Starman. So let's get it on part in JLA #9.
After reading this issue, I think I've figured out the plan. This five-part JLA/JSA crossover will have Meltzer on the odd numbered parts setting up everything for Geoff's even-numbered parts which would have the delivering of action. So its set it up>>>action>>>set it up>>>action. Because in this part 3, it's all just setup. Little bit of in-jokes, little bit of character focus, little shot of whom the villains are, but the main one which takes the entire issue is getting the Legion together and some insight of what's going on with them in the present. So that's what this issue is. It was still good, as I found nothing wrong. So it wasn't bad, it just wasn't great. So you could say it was good, still.
What happened in this issue was that we saw Gorilla City, which Vixen was so happy to see. And when we see the city, they are celebrating the coming of Nzame, which is the white gorilla. It is here where they see and get Timber Wolf. Who, as again I've been watching the Legion of Superheroes show, is human here whereas he's a man wolf in the show. Then there's Power Girl, Red Arrow, Hawkman & Hawkgirl in Thanagar. One of the things I'm keeping in mind here is Red Arrow telling Power Girl how in the past, someone came from the future and they always fought them first in a misunderstanding, then worked together. In this cause with the Legion, they are allies which means they could fight later. It sorta connects it to what was revealed from the Legion, which I will get to later, but it does bring up the question of what the last two parts of this crossover will show. Although, we got a funny tidbit that if that were to happen (JSA/JLA vs. LSH) then Power Girl wants to take on Dream Girl. But we did get a "fighting to hide their love for each other" scene with Hawkgirl and Red Arrow. Which Power Girl gives a bit of advice to him, since she and Hawkman had a thing. But anyway, it's in Thanagar that they get Dawnstar.
Overall, this issue wasn't great, but wasn't bad. The way this part was written to set up the next issues was needed and when you read it, you'll understand why. So in this part, most of the Legionaires that that make up the Legion of Superheroes for this story appeared here: Starman (the same from JSA), Karate Kid, Dream Girl, Timber Wolf, Wildfire, and Dawnstar. And it has been revealed that they are here, voluntarily, on a suicide mission to bring someone back. I might've forgotten if that someone was revealed, but there are two more Legionaires coming to make the five into seven. Now with part 3 done, let's gear up for part 4 in JSA.
RATING: 3/5
Next Issue: Part 4 is in JSA #6 as Wonder Woman leads the League and the Society deep into the mysterious Suicide Swamp.
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Author
RE: JLA (8-10) & JSA (5-6) Team-up: The Lightning Saga
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
Posted on 04-06-2007 14:07
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #6
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham and Ruy José
Cover by Alex Ross
Variant cover by Phil Jimenez and Andy Lanning
Edited by Eddie Berganza
PLOT:
Wonder Woman leads Damage and a squad of League and Society members deep into the recesses of the mysterious Suicide Swamp! What horrible evil will rise that will plague the world for a thousand years, and how will the combined might of the Justice League and the Justice Society stop it?
REVIEW:
JLA #9 wasn't great, but wasn't bad either. It was a set up for the rest. That wasn't to say it wasn't important. Most of the Legionaires that that make up the Legion of Superheroes for this story appeared, and we were revealed why they came which was a suicide mission to bring one of them back. So let's continue with JSA #6 for Part 4.
My reaction to this is I would say is still good, or good enough. I can point out what I liked, but I also have one big argument over this that has me worried over the final part in JLA #10. But let's wait before I get to that. What this issue had was it had a big fight with all three teams, girl talk between Liberty Belle and Wonder Woman where Liberty Belle tries to figure out who would be perfect for Wonder Woman to date and even mentions Superman (fan reference) and considering Mr. America. And an emotional character point on Damage, who brings up that he dropped from a Physics Class because the teacher made fun of him since his power was what they were learning about. There is character interaction between the Legion of Superheroes, and for Superfriends fans, the big fight happens inside and out of the Hall of Doom. This, in the issue, says that there is no Legion of Doom, just the Secret Society and the Hall was the original headquarters.
The next Legionaire that appears in this issue that the others get was a trick. At first, it was thought to be Triplicate Girl, whom I love from the Legion of Superheroes animated series. But it turned out to be really Sensor Girl. Whom I don't know. And I didn't feel bad that Triplicate Girl wasn't really there, because the trick was something that came out of no where. And I was surprised, which is what the writers obvious want. If there is one thing that is important from this, it would have to be Superman and the Legion of Superheroes. Superman states that the last time he saw the team he was with since his childhood, was in the first Crisis. And he does remember some things he saw and experience, even though his memories are not complete. But as time goes by in this crossover, he will remember more and more. But one other thing here was what Dawnstar says, that something happened to Superman's name. What is it? We don't know. But it has us thinking.
Overall, this was good enough. I know that there are some problems people might have with this issue, which leads to what I'm afraid now with the final part coming up. The big argument I have with this issue is that the villains behind this aren't revealed at all. Now the solicits for the final part after this say it will, but maybe I was expecting the reveal at the end to gear up for the finale. Another thing; in JLA #9, Despero, Ultra Humanite, and Degaton appeared in an page. Now if they're the villains behind this, why didn't they appear here? Do they actually have a purpose? This crossover might become a disappointment if the final part doesn't have something that makes you look back and go "this was neat, despite some flaws". I can't wait to see how this wraps up, and I have had no problem with it's pacing, but if part 5 doesn't deliver in the end, then the long-awaited JLA/JSA crossover we wanted to see will become that of a disappointment.
RATING: 3/5
Next Issue: The final chapter to the JLA/JSA team-up of The Lightning Saga!
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Author
RE: JLA (8-10) & JSA (5-6) Team-up: The Lightning Saga
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
Posted on 20-06-2007 14:09
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #10
Written by Brad Meltzer
Art by Ed Benes and Sandra Hope
Cover by Michael Turner
Variant cover by Phil Jimenez and Andy Lanning
Edited by Eddie Berganza
PLOT:
The finale to the five part JLA/JSA crossover where the villains are revealed and something shocking at the end.
REVIEW:
The first four issues of the crossover of the JLA & JSA were something. Part 1 was a great set up and part 2 was a good action beginning for the crossover. But then, parts 3 & 4 were still good but only good enough, and seemed to lack certain elements. That was then I feared for the final part. If this was going to continue, then the final part was going to be lackluster. Many feared that. And we were hoping that wasn't the case. Let's see.
Boy, was I wrong. Meltzer delivered in the final issue. There wasn't action, but he adds something else: suspense. The part where the JLA try to stop the Legion and they can't, and the buildup on if someone is going to die, who will die, and what will happen once that person dies, it was like any suspense film. And the fact it was a comic book, I was trying to read it without just passing through the pages to see what was going to happen. And it worked. Also, there was a surprise for many readers. The person the Legion brought back was not a Legionaire at all. It was Wally West! Oh yes. Wally West is back!
Okay, from that part of the issue, it happens to connect to another title that has hit the news on comic boards in the past weekend prior to this issue's release. The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive ended its whole series, cancelled, with #13 and in that issue, and sorry if this is a spoiler to those who don't know, Bart Allen died. Now, let me get this out: I DO NOT hate Jay Garrick, I DO NOT hate Barry Allen, I DO NOT hate Wally West, and I DO NOT hate Bart Allen. I DO hate killing off a character all because there were problems with him/her. It reminds me of Jason Todd's death in "A Death in a Family". If there were problems with Bart, why couldn't DC just fix the problems instead of killing him off? I don't get that.
But anyway, the Legion went back through time to bring back Wally West. And not just him, but his wife Linda and their twins, which are now grown up as kids. So the four, who disappeared in Infinite Crisis #4, have returned nearly two years later. The fact that the Legion came back just to do this was surprising, all because we all thought it was a Legionaire, and that being Lightning Lad, they were going to bring back. Maybe not surprising, but does connect to the Countdown weekly series, Val the Karate Kid stays in the present time and no Legionaire died. So in the end of it all, we were surprised.
Overall, this issue delivered. No action mind you, but in its place was suspense with the JLA and the Legion and their plans. Wally West, his wife and kids are back and that will make Flash fans happy. And in more ways to make them happy, Wally is the newest member of the JLA. I don't like the idea of Bart being killed off in the now cancelled Flash: Fastest Man Alive though. And you know what, in the end of all this, I can say that this JLA/JSA team up was good and came out well. Yes, its one of those stories where you have to read the whole thing together, but if it works, why complain? So this was good, and the whole team up together was good.
RATING: 4/5
Next Issue: Red Arrow and Vixen are buried alive! How will they survive?
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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