I realize we’re only three issues into this new Justice League series, but this has been a series that was a success the second it hit comic store shelves. The first issue sold faster than they could be handed out and went into at least three reprintings. As a comic book fan and reviewer, I have been anxious every month for each new installment. This latest issue was well worth the wait.
The heroes have settled their differences long enough to join together in combating their common enemy. The horde of savage aliens continues their attack. Oddly enough they aren’t killing but are taking hostage, helpless civilians.
Public opinion may prove to be their worst enemy. People are frightened by the sudden appearance of all the super humans and one in particular is Wonder Woman. In addition to her outwardly outlandish appearance, she is a newcomer to our modern civilization. Her government handler, Major Steve Trevor seems unable to control or contain Wonder Woman or Diana as she prefers to be called.
A curious stroll through the city turns quickly into a fight, which Diana more than welcomes. The aliens attack, attempting to take civilians. Wonder Woman leaps into action to help save the people so seem to be so afraid and distrusting of her.
Meanwhile, Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and Flash are barely holding their own against the never ending mob of aliens. Only Superman is able to keep the aliens at bay while Batman and the other attempt to figure out what they are after; but there are too many even for the Man of Steel. Suddenly Wonder Woman appears to help turn the tide of the battle.
That’s only a taste of what this issue had in store. If you want to find out more, I suggest you pick up a copy of Justice League #3 before it sells out. This was probably the best issue yet in my opinion and with the league’s roster nearly complete; Wonder Woman isn’t the only new addition to the team in this issue. We also get to witness the somewhat disturbing and tragic birth of another young hero as the story progresses.
The comic dream team of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee make this the standout issue of the week perhaps even the month. Amid the ocean of great and positive things I have for this issue, I had but only one criticism: the introduction of Steve Trevor was a pleasant surprise, but Lee’s characterization of him makes him look more like the old 1960’s G.I. Joe action figure with the short, stubby life-like hair, and less like the character we’re use to.
This new take on Justice League is a fresh and somewhat welcome change to the characters we’ve come to know. Superman’s complete change of character to include an arrogance that is almost Batman-like; a far cry from the boy scout we’ve seen for years. Diana’s child-like innocence and hunger for battle makes her somehow more likeable to me. Hal Jordan’s cockiness and swagger humbled by the knowledge Superman is more powerful than him. Flash being an all around smart ass are all combined to make up a more likeable and realistic team. It will be fun to see these new characters grow into the heroes they are destined to become. The fourth issue promises even more surprises and action as we count down to the reveal of the team’s true enemy, the all powerful Darkseid.
The big three are there now Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman the series has moved very slow to this point. With Darkseid coming maybe it will get interesting now. It is great to see them discovering each other in the New 52.