Comic Related - If It's Comic Related, You'll Find It Here!

The long awaited, much debated first issue of the "new" Justice League has finally arrived and as anticipated, it was well worth the wait. James Robinson crafts the beginnings of an epic story that shows how a group of disparate heroes are gathering behind one simple rallying principle-Justice. First we see Hal Jordan, seemingly channeling the anger usually reserved for Hawkman, as he argues that the losses the heroes have suffered of late are too much and that the fight must be taken to them. Hal finally remembers that he has authority beyond the League and threatens to use it. Of course, most of the rest of the League opposes this idea and Hal, with the backing of old buddy Green Arrow, leave the satellite in a rather impractical ring created force bubble. The hard traveling heroes have started down their road. Next we find a tale of two Atoms and we find that Ray Palmer's time away from the regular DCU and his experiences out in the 52 Earths have changed him. He is more direct and more apt to inflict a little pain on the hapless Killer Moth to get the information he needs. Next we find Mikaal Tomas, last seen in the pages of Robinson's seminal Starman series, grieving over the loss of his lover and his grief and determination for justice is a violent one. Death also visits Congo Bill aka Congorilla who has come across not only the slaughter of his ape clan and his murdered human body, thus trapping him in the form of an immortal golden ape forever, but also witnesses the death of his dear friend and fellow African hero, the Freedom Beast. A savage rage builds in Bill and he too, cries for justice.

Robinson brings to this work the skill set that makes all his work shine, his ability to create believable characters who the audience immediately embrace. Even if you don't know who Congorilla is or have no clue about what ray Palmer has gone through, you become invested in the characters, in their struggles and want to see what will become of them. Robinson also knows what to show and what to imply. The slaughter of Congorilla's tribe happens off screen, we do not see Starman (Mikaal) until the last panel of his scene, what Ray is doing to Killer Moth is described by the new Atom and we only see the effect. Robinson is a master of the subtle action and that is very evident here.

What we can see in this issue is an absolute delight. The art of Mauro Cascioli gives us characters that are at once familiar and brand new. It has fluidity and solidity that is often unseen in the four color world. His work harkens to a more painterly style, matching the strength of acrylics with the fluidness of water colors. The backgrounds are strong and yet somehow stark. The characters dominating their space and yet seemingly always in motion. There is an anxious quiet to the work which in its own way, mirrors that of Robinson's writing. I not only look forward to each issue but the art makes me long for the graphic novel, so I can have it all in my hand at once.

The final treats of this issue come in an origin of Congorilla by the great Len Wein and a long letter by Robinson, detailing his thought processes behind the creation of this new chapter in League history. He promises more with each issue and I for one can't wait. I have questioned the intelligence of a proactive League before in other articles and why I am not completely sold on the concept; I can say that this story definitely has me happily flying along for the ride.

Written by: James Robinson
Art & Cover by: Mauro Cascioli

What brings a team together? Justice! Batman and Martian Manhunter have been slaughtered. But he's not the only hero to fall at the hands of villains. The murder has to stop, and it's time to take the fight to the bad guys! Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Supergirl, Atom, Shazam, Congorilla and Starman unite in a cry for justice!

This 6-part miniseries from James Robinson (STARMAN, SUPERMAN) and rising star artist Mauro Cascioli (TRIALS OF SHAZAM) pushes our heroes to the brink and beyond as evil can no longer be tolerated to win. But when Prometheus plans his revenge on not only the heroes, but on the very places they call home, will this new team be ready to pay the cost for the justice they seek? This time it's personal - and it'll only get more bloody before it's over!


PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: July 1, 2009