The official JUSTICE discussion thread

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This thread deals with the hot JUSTICE series by the great Alex Ross.

To begin this topic, here is my reviews for the first two issues:

JUSTICE #1

REVIEW:
I was planning to buy this series once it was collected in a Hardcover or a Trade Paperback. But once I found out it was bi-monthly, I thought it would be hard to remember it when it came out. Then one day in a comic shop, I saw the 3rd printing of Issue #1. One left. I thought what the hell and got it.

First of all, its good they used this cover. The 1st printing's cover wasn't all that great in my mind, I don't know why but it just wasn't settling on my side. The 2nd printing's wasn't bad nor wasn't it good, let's say it was too "white". The 3rd print was finally golden. Why? Well the cover of the top seven looking at the far distance fits perfectly for a comic called JUSTICE and its focuses on a JUSTICE League of America. Get it?

Anyway, the story starts out with what we saw in a preview partly in Wizard magazine then the other few pages on sites like Newsarama. The coming of the end of the world that the JLA can not stop. Luckily its all a dream, sadly its shared by every supervillian of the world. Later, Aquaman goes to investigate a huge black dome in the water. Its belongs to Lex Luthor and his Legion of Doom...

I always loved Alex Ross' artwork after reading Batman: War on Crime, then Kingdom Come, and The World's Greatest Super-Heroes (collecting the six Dini/Ross books). It doesn't matter who the writer is, he always does great stories because he is the one who comes up with it, he just needs someone to write it out or like it is here, he might need someone else to throw ideas around.

Anyway, the first issue here, from its artwork and the return of the old roots of many characters is brillant. Even at a standard page length for comic book issues, you get a feeling of "OMG, this is great. Can't wait for the next!". The story is obiviously about the JLA vs. Legion of Doom. If I didn't see those JLU episodes airing at the UK (as of 2/8/06), I would think both the show and the story were going to be similar. Good thing it ain't because that gives us two different stories and not just one being rehashed in tw different universes.

RATING: 10/10

JUSTICE #2

REVIEW:
I had gotten Issue 3 but had to wait for Issue 2 so I couldn't wait for the third issue. All because I wanted to wait for the collection. Anyway, I got the new printing of Issue 2 with the Batman cover on it from a new comic book store. Let's get started.

Just like my review for Issue 1 and its 3rd cover, I want to talk first about the cover here: Batman. Now the first printing's cover was fine. But it had Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman, whom didn't appear here. So the second printing's fit this story since its about Batman, its a comic tale on him.

As I've said, its a Batman tale in this issue. The story is about The Riddler stealing data on on EVERYTHING on the JLA, including who they really are. While Batman chases him down and they fight on the streets, to a club called the "Batcave", to the graveyard, the search goes on for Aquaman.

I don't know what to say except that the quality that was in the first issue contrineus here. Batman had more of a Keaton look to him. You have this feeling of his voice beign the great Kevin Conroy when he talks in the issue. Also, the Riddler appears and looks great. Nothing like all of his incarnations. You also get the John Glover voice of the BTAS/TNBA Riddler when you read this too.

It was great seeing the Batmobile and more of Alex Ross' Gotham City and Arkham Asylum. And Ross seems to be playing the changing Batcaves as it happened in the previous Batman film series as this version of the Batcave is very different from the one previously in War on Crime and Liberty and Justice. But hey, I still love it.

RATING: 10/10

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#3 REVIEW:
The second issue was a Batman tale of the whole story. Still, it was needed. The third issue continues ont eh whole storylien that is JLA/Legion.

The storyline is like this: Jonn, like others, are looking for Aquaman. While Brainiac gets his experiments ready for Aquaman, Gorilla Grodd notices Jonn inside the Legion HQ; The Hall of Doom. As Cheetah does her spell and gets ready to attack Wonder Woman, every villain gets into place as they finally get the gold mine of the JLA.

This issue is like the other ones; perfect. The art, storyline, all good. As you may know, I didn't do the comparsion of covers because...well, theres only one and that shows what this issue has. No bother to mention.

The main plotline moves forward in this issue. Now we go center stage with the plans Luthor and the rest have in store that is directly from that nightmare they had. I don't know but...I never read or know....ANYTHING of the pre-crisis Wonder Woman comics or stuff but she in JUSTICE is exactly what she is now (until IC changes things). I don't know if that's what it was also back in the '70s times but...it wasn't, right? I don't mind either way, its who she is. Why fight it, AT ALL?

Overall, great and perfect. Even the villians look nice. That's Alex Ross for you. Can't wait til Issue 4, where the adventure continues.....

RATING: 10/10

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#4 REVIEW:
The Legion's speech, the fights of Wonder Woman & Cheetah including Superman and Bizarro. The dark turning of villians overtaking the heroes and Superman's cry "Help Me!"

By this issue, the series starts to hit its dark side. And I would have to agree with everyone, this is the best issue yet. For anyone who has been second guessing about it, start getting it again. By this issue, you're mssing alot.

As I already explained on the story (first paragraph), the storyline starts going. Bizzaro, Parasite, Grundy, & Metallo go after Superman as he is still Clark Kent. Dinah & Oliver is hit with fear by Scarecrow, Mirror Master attacks Flash's wife, Hawkman and Hawkgirl are attacked by Toyman, and so on.

I don't know if this was because of the relaism of the art, but I found myself being scared & sad. I know this is Issue 4 but the JLA is being taken down and they can't stop it and fight back. They know their identities, and because of their strongpoint has been hit by their enemies, they're losing.

On the hightlights here was the speech. Somehow, Luthor is right. The JLA saves us from meteors, aliens, and criminals. But they don't go and do the same to save others from disease, world hunger, and medicial problems. That's what Legion is doing. Even if they're villians and attacking the JLA, what they say and what they've been doing since Issue 1 proves their point. So if the villians are helping and doing stuff that JLA could but didn't do, then do we still need the super-powered heroes?

Another hightlight; Luthor mentions Superman's attempt and failed mission against world hunger from Superman: Peace on Earth. So I was right; JUSTICE is a sequel to THE WORLD'S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES. I wonder if this is also a prequel or a bridge leading to KINGDOM COME...

Overall, Issue 4 kicks things up and I can't wait for Issue 5. Damn the bi-monthly plan.

RATING: 10/10

[ThatBlockoGuy]

This book is great because it's an out of continuity stand alone title. It's the Challenge of the Superfriends all grown up. I love the interaction between Aquaman and Mera in the 1st issue. this is a beautiful series. even if you haven't picked up a comic in 20 years, you can still get into this. Great reviews Blinker.

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#5 REVIEW:
Brainiac and Luthor, while working together, know each will betray the other. Captian Marvel saves Superman and takes him to the Batcave. Superman realizes Batman, Alfred are being controlled by worms, even himself. There's only one way to get rid of them from himself...

Issue 5: perfect art, story reaching its high levels, its a good series. I thought with Batman smart, he would make sure nothing would happen to him thats happening to the Leaguers. This is proven wrong. But it could be argued that since Superman was attacked, he could be going nuts but I doubt anyone would think that.

Speaking of Batman, his Batcave is shown. Now this may not be connected to THE WORLD'S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES or KINGDOM COME, hopwever Luthor's mention of what Superman said in SUPERMAN: PEACE ON EARTH makes me think otherwise. But it seems that they're pulling what the previous Batman movie series and what BTAS did to their batcaves, always a different one everytime. This one is simipler, smaller. No need to be bigger and spread everything throughout. I like it.

In villian alliances, no one is friends. Luthor is plotting against Brainiac and Brainiac is doing the same before anything has happened. Plus, I'm wondering what those black balls are for. Also, in what Luthor is saying when he throws those in the water, it seems what he's planning isn't just about the heroes but anyone who is alien. I think he wants Earth to just have human beings and anyone else who is alien to GET OFF!

Overall, the series gets better. More mysteries are coming out and we keep wondering: what's gonna happen next?

REVIEW: 8.5/10

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Sorry for being so late.

#6 REVIEW:
Captain Marvel escorts Superman to the sun and throws him in to burn the worms in his body. While Ray Palmer’s life is on the line with an attack by Gigantia, everyone around the world is losing faith in their heroes and moving their truth toward the villains. But the tide starts turning as a twist is revealed by both Hawkman and Hawkgirl and hope is in sights for the League even with The Metal Men in the game.

Issue 6: Throughout the whole series, the art, storyline remains so great that I don’t see anything wrong that is or might appear in this series. That’s how good it is.

It is now confirmed that the woman that tried to kill The Atom is Gigantia. I thought it was because a red headed woman connected to the Legion would have to be her and her only. She tries again while Ray is in the hospital but failure is still on her side. But this is one question I have: in the mainstream comics and even in shows like JLU, Gigantia is a beautiful woman normal sized or large and in charge. I don’t know if it was because she was growing but when she grew in this issue, she looked nasty. I hope it was because she was growing (she was changing size during the scene so maybe) otherwise not only will this idea in Justice be so different from the main comic books, but I don’t know if I’ll stand looking at her when she’s big. So here’s for hope.

“Cheers”

It was great seeing a replica of Coast City from the Lantern ring as Hal goes back and wonders why he was chosen to wear the ring and why he was given a power to be like a god. This is coming from the fact that he is in a place where there is no way out and his ring is losing power. The replica and his scenes makes me wonder if he is the only one who can end the whole storyline. Sometimes you can tell if the person that is in a lesser situation (or a big situation but nothing else going on in it) may have something to do with the finale of the comic series.

We have some developments here: Wonder Woman came into the Batcave and saved Batman from the control of Ivy and has subdued her. With Batman’s brain and the only top member of the Legion in their custody, they are sure to get answers from her and the plans for whats next. Superman, after going thru the sun, has gotten all the worms off his body and is back fully powered (since the sun gives him and charges up his powers). Red Tornado’s remains were found by The Metal Men so their introduction has lead them into the series. And finally, we have a twist: Hawkman and Hawkgirl have found out that Toyman’s warehouse is a factory building lots and lots of Brainiacs. Now that’s something that will be explored in the series’ last six issues.

Overall with Issue 6, the series’ first half is over and now its time to start the second half. What has happened and what has been revealed has led me to get excited for the next issues to conclude the series. I wish it wasn’t bi-monthly, I REALLY wish it wasn’t.

REVIEW: 8/10

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JUSTICE #7

REVIEW:
Martian Manhunter & Zatanna find Aquaman and take him to the Doom Patrol for medical reasons. Grodd and Brainiac sent their agents to attack more heroes as Wonder Woman & Batman reach the Fortress of Solitude. After Captain Marvel and Superman free The Flash from his speeding trouble, they return to the Fortress where most of the JLA are and enter...

I don't know how many times to say this but again: the art is great and fits this storyline.

With half, or maybe most, of the JLA together again, we can see the finale starting to come. Hawkgirl is right when she says there is a conspiracy. There is three. The big one is who gave the villians the nightmares to begin with, what are the plans the villians have for the humans and what is Brainiac's and Luthor's plan against one another.

One of the highlights is that we're introduced to Alex Ross' Fortress of Solitude. While it did appear in Kingdom Come, we didn't see much more than what we saw. We have seen Alex Ross' Batcaves (since there are four versions of them) but the Fortress in detail. The Fortress seen in JUSTICE is from the Silver Age, just like the Fortress in All Star Superman. Another similarity between them is the interior, JUSTICE's Fortress has the dinosaur and the actual size Titanic replica that the All Star one also has. The only difference is that there are no "moden day touch ups" in the JUSTICE one than the All Star one. The key is still the huge one pointing straight to the Fortress' door (something Batman jokes at). On the design, the Fortress' design in JUSTICE is the one seen in Action Comics #241. You may also remember it from both Whatever happened to the Man of Tomoorow and the end of Crisis on Infinite Earths.

Overall, this was another nice issue. With the plot moving forward and five more issues to go, and new places like the Fortress and more characters entering the scene like the Doom Patrol, Dick Grayson (aka Robin), Freddy Freeman & Mary Batson (Captain Marvel Jr. & Mary Marvel), the first steps toward the finale has been taken.

RATING: 8/10