The Official Justice League of America thread

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From Newsarama:









This thread will be for the discussion of the new JLA series. People have sent questions to be answered by Brad Meltzer at newsarama so once the answers are up there, I'll post them here.

Also, don't forget, the week of 7/19/06 will be the relase of Justice League of America #0. Grab it there and then.

[Spidey2007]

im really looking forward to this, but i need to finish gaps in infinite crisis etc... i just want it cause turner is on covers

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#0 is said to be about the JLA and what they been thru. So thats obivious IC will be there too.

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Part 1 of Brad Meltzer's questions answered from Newsarama:



Q: What kind of threats are we gonna see this new team have to join forces to deal with? Classic League villains or brand-new earth-shattering menaces? And if it's the classics, any hints as to how many and which ones?

Many old. And a few new, including the relative of a former Leaguer...
</B>
Q: If you added up the numbers of ALL the previous Justice League series, the next issue would have been #500. Why did you choose not to take this route? Was it ever a consideration?

I so wanted to do this. I loved it. Just like I loved it when Marvel did it. But if we just copied it, we might as well’ve called it JLA: Disassembled. That was their great idea. We have to find our own.
</B>
Q: Are you going to use the series to raise the status of any new or dusty characters? Especially Legacy characters, since that's one of the strongest and most interesting aspects of the DCU.

I’ll certainly try my best. There're 5 characters that I've really fallen in love with.
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Q: Will the location of the JLA's new HQ be on Earth, on the moon or floating in space?

Issue 7.
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Q: Is this team based on the TV show, Justice League Unlimited, or any other previous line-up?

All of them -- that's the best way the team works -- to build on what's come before.
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Q: Also, is any of the members characters who never been in the JLA before?

Yes.
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Q: And lastly, is Ambush Bug a part of the team?

Nope. Love the bug. And Polar Boy.
</B>
Q: When's your new novel coming out? And are you touring?

September 5th. The Book of Fate. Check out www.bradmeltzer.com or myspace.com/bradmeltzer for tour details, which’ll come soon. And yes, I'll sign comics on the tour for all those who have been emailing me.
</B>
Q: You plant that question?

Like a farmer plants rutabagas.

</B>
Q: Would you mind explaining what it is about these characters that appeals to you so much that you want to write about them in particular? With the success you had with Identity Crisis, I'd imagine you'd be able to write almost any characters you had an inclination to.... so why the JLA? Is it the particular characters involved, or the context, or the interactions, or your familiarity with them... or is it something else entirely?

I sat here for a bit thinking about this. The decision to write the book was a primal one – one I leapt to without even thinking because I wanted it that bad. So, to truly pull it apart and see where the gears and levers are: I think it’s the interactions between the characters…which are so familiar…which in turn bring me so instantly back to my fondest moments of childhood. That’s the mix in the pot. When I was little, the JLA was the greatest ideal out there (even better than the ideals of Superman). The JLA ideal was simple: that if everything went wrong, if it all fell apart, there’d be friends who would help me, be there for me, hold me up – no matter what – when I needed them. I wish for that ideal today as much as I did when I was eight. It’s what every single one of my novels is about: the trust of your friends and loved ones. And the JLA was where it started.

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Q: The real question is Donna or Diana, who will it be?

Allan will kill me. You'll see.
</B>
Q: And can you clear up fan’s confusion on that matter?

Read Wonder Woman. Allan Heinberg’s incredible.
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Q: Are there any other Bat-family members (besides Batman) on the new team?

You mean, is Nightwing on it? Nice try.
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Q: With DC's recent push to include more diverse characters in its universe, is it safe to say that the new JLA will share this more culturally representative vision of America and the world? And if so, how do you balance that against accusations of tokenism?

Ah, the first of many questions I can’t win. So…when it comes to so-called “token” characters…well, lemme say it like this: All any writer wants is to pick characters they can write the crap outta. In a world of green, yellow, red, black, white, etc people, you really have to pick the characters you like best. If you don’t, that’s when it’ll stand out.
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Q: Why the hate'n on Guy Gardner in Wizard? Some still think of Guy as the idiot from the JLI, but read Crisis, Green Lantern, and GL Corps. Guy is a true leader and is one of the best Green Lanterns around. I understand wanting Hal or another, but why bust chops?

I thought my comment in Wizard was a compliment to Guy. Love him. That's why he's in zero.
</B>
Q: How much love do you have for the Zatanna character?

Tons.
</B>
Q: Will we be seeing her do something other than a cameo in your JLA story (I'm not asking if she's a member)?

You'll see.
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Q: I liked the locker room scene between him and Ollie in Identity Crisis since it's always good to see this underused character. How do you feel about the character of Connor Hawke as a character?

Love him. See The Archer's Quest for proof.
</B>
Q: How many Leaguers will there be in total? I liked the Bronze Age League where there were about 15 members with a different mix for each story.

10, then 11. Then the crossover, when we get real big
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Q: Do you enjoy writing Kyle Rayner or do you not like him?

Love him -- really love him. Felt like his POV was vital to calling the old League out in Identity Crisis.
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Q: Will the book have a Satellite era feel?

And a Morrison feel and a Silver Age feel and ever other great era I can squeeze in there.
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Q: Once you've established the new League and a new Society gets going, will you bring back an annual crossover event between the two teams?

Been working that one out in my head since before Identity Crisis. Done deal. Geoff and I are on it.
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Q: And the $900,000 follow-up: Why or why not?

Because the annual meetings were the best.
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Q: What is the Justice League's function in the DC Universe? Is there a need for both a Justice League and a Justice Society, what do you see as the fundamental difference between the two? Will this be a continuity influenced or more iconically influenced book

Continuity is iconic--they're so the same, especially today. If it's not iconic, it doesn't survive that long. Sad but true. As for function, I think the JSA teaches. And the JLA fights. Hard.
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Q: Since the Shadowpact is around, will the JLA need a magician or deal with supernatural threats?

Everyone needs a magician.
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Q: And what do you think of Zauriel? Can he guest star soon?

Like him, but it's hard to find threats to take on God.
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Q: As a writer, what do you prefer to see - the entire League taking on a cosmic menace, or small groups of Leaguers taking on smaller, more localized issues?

I like smaller groups realizing they need to be larger groups.
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Q: On the cover to Issue 1:
</B></B>Q: 1. Who is the Green Lantern in the back row to the right of Captain Marvel? Not Guy Gardner, the other one?

Nice try.
</B>
Q: 2. Whose hand is holding the membership cards?

Mine.
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Q: 3. How long until we see an Injustice League?

Longer than I'd like.
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Q: At one point during the Morrison run, it looked like the JLA (and the DCU in general) was really promoting the young guns; namely, Kyle, Wally, and Connor. Not only did it create an interesting sub-group within the team that gelled together really well, but it allowed some younger voices on the team that younger readers could perhaps relate to a bit more. With what seems to be the return to the silver-age (i.e. older) team, will there be any thought given to once again having some 20-something-yr-old heroes on the team? Maybe even some completely new faces?

Oh yes.
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Q: Do you see the JLA as a set number and not the way the TV show went which was to take the old Avengers idea that every one is in the League, they just call up those they need for specific missions?

I always liked the idea that there's a set group, but if you need a specialty -- say animals -- you could call Animal Man and he's in for that adventure. Like Metamorpho in the Silver Age stories. Like the Metal Men in Identity Crisis.
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Q: Have to ask, is the fact that Diana doesn't like Nightwing her feelings or Dan DiDios?

She's making a joke. Really. Read it again.
</B>
Q: Will you be featuring any post Crisis era DC characters (Kyle Rayner, Conner Hawke, John Henry Irons, Linda Danvers, etc) in your roster?

You'll see.
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Q: With all of the past incarnations of the League and many of the stars being featured in present books, will there be a chance of seeing some fan favorites as reservists (along the lines of the JSA or Teen Titans books)?

I like to think there's some favorites on the actual team.
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Q: So is Kate (Manhunter) Spencer More likely to show up in Justice League or Justice Society?

I can only speak for one of them. (see how I did that?)
</B>
Q: Also, since Batman is all about second chances now (himself, Dent, and Bullock) think he might be willing to give Huntress a second crack at the League, I think she has more than proven herself.

I agree.
</B>
Q: There are a lot of new versions of old Leaguers in the DCU right now (Atom, Firestorm, Flash, Blue Beetle, etc.). Will this League have the opportunity to work with any of the new faces anytime soon, and if so, how would they react to those "rookies"?

The League is about chances, but it's also about stepping up and proving yourself.
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Q: Do you like the Question?

Love him with all my man love.
</B>
Q: What are the odds we'll see Connor Hawke or Roy Harper?

Pretty good -- especially if Ollie's on the team.
</B>
Q: From what I read in that 3-page preview, it could be inferred that there are going to be three Justice League teams, each one run by a different general from the DC Trinity. Is this possible?

Possible. In fact, my first pitch for the book was to have two teams—one of them a Legion Espionage Squad.
</B>
Q: We're seeing a lot of new heroes that are a bit too old to be in the Teen Titans but too green to be in the JLA. Will there be a training league like the Teen Titans but more akin to the Justice League Task Force?

Training in issue 8.
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Q: How does one distinguish between a JLA member and a JSA member? Is it based solely on legacy and origins?

It’s like defining pornography. You know it when you see it.
</B>
Q: Why the emphasis on America? Will we see countries besides China develop their own leagues?

That's a nice idea.
</B>
Q: I really enjoyed your run on Green Arrow and, of course, Identity Crisis. Will your approach to JLA be more similar in tone to G.A. (which was more light-hearted and fun) or I.C. (which was, definitely, the most 'hard-core' I've ever seen the core DCU characters)?

I see no difference in tone between the two. Both put the characters through their worst and best moments. The biggest battles in life aren't always fistfights.
</B>
Q: Initial reports seem to show no Flash in this incarnation of the team. How long before we get a speedster joining?

Not too long.
</B>
Q: If you had to pick, which prior era of the Justice League would your run most feel like in tone?

Satellite for character arcs...Silver Age and Morrison in adventure...plus something new.
</B>
Q: How many issues are you committed for on this title?

13.
</B>
Q: Will the cosmic egg left over from the JLA/Avengers cross over show up any time soon?

I wish. I pitched that already too.
</B>
Q: Will there be "Reserve" members, or are you concentrating on a set team?

Set team.
</B>
Q: Will you reveal how many members yet?

10, then 11.
</B>
Q: With the formation of an all-new League; will there be a "core" table of members, or will everyone be considered equals-including opinions?

That's what the first arc is about.
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Q: Will you be including any reactions from heroes that are not asked to join the new League? Especially those heroes who may have been a member of previous rosters?

Yes.
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Q: Why do you hate J’onn?

I never said I hated him. I said I love him – but I think he’s a hard character for me to step into.
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Q: Will membership simply be a "key" to league headquarters, or will members actually work and train together for more efficient teamwork?

Train, live, work. It's an army. It’s a family.
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Q: Any chance the mutual attraction between Diana and Bruce will be addressed in JLA since Bruce's personality is a little "softer" OYL?

Love can bloom.
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Q: "My father tried to save the world by himself. He failed."
</B></B>Q: Is Superman referring to Jor-El, or Kal-L?
'twould explain how he's been around since 1938...

Jor-El.
</B>
Q: Do you see the Justice League more as an elite group of superheroes (meaning, membership should be limited), or more like a club that many may join?

An elite club that can be joined by many. (see how lawyers work?)
</B>
Q: Will there be only one artist on your entire JLA run, Ed Benes, or will we see a few different artists during your run???

Depends how fast Ed is. Go, Ed, go!
</B>
Q: Will you re-design, re-imagine, bring back any old Justice League villains that just seem outdated or just have not been seen in a long, long time???

Yes-- but they don't need reimagining. Just some respecting.
</B>
Q: How long will the initial lineup established in the first arc stay in place? (or phrased another way - will the initial lineup change in the short term?

I hope not.
</B>
Q: What are you favorite issues of the original Justice League of America run and how will those play into your issues?

7 Soldiers. Perez's SSSV story. The brain switch SSSV story. Rock of Ages. Starbreaker. Paragon. One of them is coming back in a new way.
</B>
Q: I remember you mentioning on NPR how difficult it was to write Batman during Identity Crisis. Did you find it easier to write Batman this time around?

I did. Before Identity Crisis, I said I was determined to bring him back to Earth -- to make him less superhuman and more human again. He'd gotten too...dicky. Now he's a bit more accessible as we refind the man inside.
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Q: Some characters are extremely powerful and some are street level. Batman obviously makes up for it by taking the tactician role. How do you handle having more than one street level fighter on a team that also has characters capable of fighting entire armies?

Very carefully. (learned that on LA Law)
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Q: Will we be seeing Zauriel at all?

See above.

</B>Q: The last JLA series was very event-driven for the most part, starting with Grant Morrison's long run on the series. How will your run on the series differ? How will it be similar?

I think event driven is great -- but event driven can also be about someone's life.
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Q: Almost every incarnation of the JLA has been different than the previous version in one way or another, will your JLA be different because of the new/old members interactions with one another or because of the foes and challenges the new JLA will encounter?

As with any story, it's all in the execution. It all has to work together.
</B>
Q: Can you speak to the JLA history retcon, where Diana is now a founder of the Justice League again now? Was this your request? Or DC's?

Mine. And it worked with DC's plan.
</B>
Q: I can understand real world reasons for a writer not to include characters they may not like, like Plastic Man or Martian Manhunter (or put Hal in as the Lantern instead of John Stewart), but will the title address story reasons for some of these absences? Like, will it be explained why J'onn's sitting this one out, or what Plas has going on that's so important he can't stay on the League any more?

Yes.
</B>Q: Will you be inventing new threats? I'm kind of sick of the Key, Starro, Despero, and Kanjar Ro and the like recurring over and over.

I agree. But I also love half of those.
</B>
Q: Is the League going to have a rotating cast a la the cartoon series, Justice League Unlimited? Or will it have - at least for a while - a pretty steady and stagnant cast of heroes?

Steady.
</B>
Q: What are you trying to accomplish on your run of Justice League aside from trying to tell great stories?

To show you these heroes in a way that's totally true to each of their characters.
</B>
Q: Do you see space/cosmic adventures of the team in the near future, or do you prefer more earthbound stories?

Earth. Always prefer Earth. Though we hit space in JLA/JSA.
</B>
Q: Will we see Snapper Carr?

Yes.
</B>
Q: Much like Diana's comment about fixing what they broke, do you feel responsible for bringing back the team after it was your story that was the catalyst for breaking it up?

I feel tremendous guilt in my life over a huge variety of things. But even I don't feel ALL the guilt for that. (Just some of it.)
</B>
Q: One problem that often hits "big" team books like this one, is stuff happening within your book that blatantly contradicts stuff going on in the characters regular books. I know DC explains it by saying not everything is happening at the same time but that explanation can only go so far sometimes... are you taking any measures (e.g. conferencing with the writers of the big three titles at least) to try and keep things consistent.

Geoff, that you?
</B>
Q: Why "...Of America"? Isn't the Justice League supposed to be about protecting the entire planet? Wonder Woman isn't even American. Doesn't the name 'Justice League of America' sound like they put the interests of one country over the others... and doesn't that idea go against what they are supposed to be about? As an example, Green Lanterns by their very job description are supposed to take the larger view.

But that's still what they called the team when they got turned into trees. History must matter for something. I can't -- nor would I want -- to just throw that away.
</B>
Q: Will there be a nuclear man on the team (this doesn't necessarily have to mean the nuclear man who has the phrase "nuclear man" in the title of his series).

Would Captain Atom count for that? Then no.
</B>
Q: How do you see the JLA philosophically? Morrison saw the league as "gods who catch humanity when they fall." Giffen saw the League as an "international peacekeeping force that holds allegiance to the world, and not just America." Kelly saw the League as a group that holds together based on their friendship and their "responsibility to work the job of saving the world on a constant basis."

All three are right -- not a single contradicts another. Plus, I see them as a group and a force bound together by their human and superhuman needs.
</B>
Q: What is your JLA philosophy? Who are these people as a group and how do they deal with the world's problems?

They struggle -- with the problems and with themselves. Just like the rest of us.
</B>
Q: How do you define the world's greatest superheroes?

See above. I love that they're flawed. I love that they're us. And better than us. And worse than us.
</B>
Q: And how is it different from previous definitions of the Justice League of America?

See above.



</B>
Q: Your previous outing with JLA characters, Identity Crisis, was a comic book that many would argue is not all-ages friendly. Is your JLA series going to be aimed at all ages or at adults?

All ages.
</B>
Q: 1. Subplots across arcs, or an ongoing "direction" for the book? (as opposed to disaster-of-the-month stories, like in the JLA's early days)

Both.
</B>
Q: 2. Longer story arcs or shorter arcs? A mix?

Total mix. 7 issue arc, then 5, then 1 and 1 -- but all linked.
</B>
Q: 3. Any stand-alone stories?

Yes. Love stand-alone stories.
</B>
Q: 4. Smaller-scaled team-ups (half the team, sometimes 3-4 Leaguers)? Even stories without one or all of the big 3 (Supes, Bats and Wondy)?

Yes and yes.
</B>
Q: Which character did you most want to include on the team, but could not?

Got who I wanted.
</B>
Q: Is there a big story that you have been brought on board to set up or tell rather than just doing a general run of stories? Should we be looking for clues from the very outset?

Slightly and yes.
</B>
Q: Who is your favorite Justice League member and why?

The new one. And Batman. I just love how they both bounce off of every other character they encounter.
</B>
Q: Taking into account the recent changes resulting in a "nicer", more trusting Batman. Will we see him struggle sometimes to keep from reverting to his old self? Or can we expect him to be fully comfortable in his new mindset?

I'm watching him closely.
</B>
Q: Will this team be built editorially with a nod to a mythical pantheon of gods, and if so, which one?

You'll see on this one.
</B>
Q: You've got 30 words, one lede graf, to convince me this new, team-based series is special enough to buy over anything else the market has been exposed to. And don't try to slip in any clichés or hyperbole -- your editor will chew it up and spit it out. What do you say?

The characters truly live. Wait for issue 6. I put you in the book. There, I did with half the words you asked me to use. There. 30. Smart butt.
</B>
Q: Since the Infinite Crisis has restored Wonder Woman to League founder, how does that affect the status of other retconned members particularly Katar and Shayera Hol?

Call Geoff. He makes me call him Carter.
</B>
Q: Since you are a fan of the Satellite era, do you see these two Hawks being integral to the JLA, the way Wonder Woman was restored to status?

Yes.
</B>
Q: Will there be a roll call at the beginning of each issue?

Love the roll call. One of the first things I did.
Brad also wants you to know that, Anyone who comes to the Brad Meltzer Spotlight Panel at Comic-Con this weekend -- Room 5AB on Saturday -- they'll be a cool free giveaway. so come early. Promise.
End of Part 1. Look for Part 2 Wednedsday morning…

[blinker]

Part 2!

Part 2!


Q: What is Red Tornado's favorite season?

Fall.
</B>
Q: Though the JLA has been close to the JSA in recent times, will more interaction with the Outsiders, Titans, and other age-specific teams of the DCU be shown?

I hope so.
</B>
Q: How long did it take you to decide on the roster you chose?

I had 9 of them since before I wrote Identity Crisis. I debated on two. One made it. One didn't.
</B>
Q: So was the beginning of All New Atom #1 a sneak peek at who will be on the team since it says one hundred days from now?

Now? In a series of one year later books? Please...
</B>
Q: Alrighty, Diana says in the preview that they broke it now they are going to rebuild it. Alls good that ends well, BUT, are we going to see the ramifications of how the other heroes feel about the Trinity?

In large part, yes. (not avoiding the question here -- just don't wanna give it away).
</B>
Q: Batman was pretty harsh to the members of the JLA before and during Infinite Crisis, are there going to be any characters that are asked to be in the league but don't join?

Yes.
</B>
Q: And what about Supergirl? Where do you think she fits in with the other heroes?

Depends what her cousin's vote is.
</B>
Q: Will you treat Superman as vulnerable to magic as any other person; as vulnerable to magic as any other person with his level of power and strength of will; or as critically allergic to magic of all kinds (i.e., more susceptible than most people)?

Love the details in this. He's screwed by magic. Period.
</B>
Q: There have been many differing characterizations of Batman throughout the eras. An easy contrast to make would be between the Batman of Grant Morrison's JLA and the darker noir Batman in Batman Year One and so forth.
While the JLA Batman was a bit more of a transcendental wonder, with gizmos out the wazoo capable of defeating alien threats and the like, we're also used to the bare bones urban legend Batman who disarms common street thugs with Batarangs and is an infinitely more earthbound character in many ways.
How do you plan to balance these somewhat divergent views of the Dark Knight? Or do you clearly favor one perspective over the other?

I don't favor Batman as the dick who everyone hates because he hates everyone. I think that's what a few writers thought Miller was doing in Dark Knight and therefore stretched it to it's worst extreme. The Batman I like is far more human. And internal. And just as dangerous.
</B>
Q: Are the "Big Three" necessary for a successful Justice League?

That's a very good question.
</B>
Q: Do you intend to show us more of the human side of the characters, how they interact with each other when they are not on missions, etc..?

That's my number one goal. No joke.
</B>
Q: Any thoughts or interest in using the CSA?

Love them.
</B>
Q: Will the "New" JLA search for the whereabouts of Ray Palmer?

Who says he's still missing?
</B>
Q: Which DC villains that have never faced the Justice League would you like to see challenge the team?

Dr. Impossible.
</B>
Q: Which team other than the Justice Society would you love to have the Justice League team up with?

Legion, Titans, Outsiders, Challengers, Blackhawks, and the All-Star Squadron.
</B>
Q: Which former JLA creators do you feel deserve more credit for their work on the title?
Gardner Fox, who we've never done a fitting tribute for in the book. Mike Sekowsky -- same reason. Even Len Wein. The point is, we tend to forget the older guys fast. That's why you should donate to A.C.T.O.R. Plus, in the last few decades, Busiek for his old Paragon story. Didn't even realize it was him until recently. The opening page alone...

</B>
Q: I know this question is a long shot but will we ever see Bloodwynd again in the Justice League or how about Amazing Man II?

Not by me on the first. And love Amazing Man.
</B>
Q: You said Kimiyo a.k.a. Dr. Light was one of your all time favs...What are the odds of her joining the team?

She's up for the vote. I promise.
</B>
Q: When forming the new League, do you get "first dibs" on characters in the DCU or are certain characters off limits because of their status in other team books (ex: Star Girl and Mr. Terrific in JSA, Cyborg and Beast Boy in Titans, etc?)?

I got who I wanted. Only one fistfight.
</B>
Q: You said in a recent issue of Wizard, in regards to Roy Harper, that Batman had respect for him. How much respect would Batman really have for someone who's only power is a gun?

Who says he's still using a gun?
</B>
Q: Who was the most unusual character you considered for the roster?

They're on it.
</B>
Q: Are you a fan of the Super Friends version of the JLA? If so, any chance we'll see Apache Chief, Black Vulcan, Rima, or the Legion of Doom in your run? Thanks.

Love the Super Friends -- love them almost unhealthily. But don't think the Chief or Vulcan ever had me convinced they were "real." Legion of Doom though...
</B>
Q: First of all, there seems to be some confusion surrounding statements you gave early on regarding the number of Leaguers you're planning on having on the team. To paraphrase, you said something along the lines of "ten members appear in the Benes picture and one does not?" Does this mean you'll have a team of eleven Leaguers with one of those not pictured in the Benes spread?
Or will there only be ten Leaguers, nine of whom are featured in the Benes spread?

The first way you said it. 11 total when we're done.
</B>
Q: Will your League be reflecting the entire history of the League, with members pulled from the Satellite Era, the Giffen Era, the Detroit League, the Morrison League, and (maybe/hopefully) the JLU cartoon? Or will it be more representational of the Satellite League, which you've said is your favorite?

It's a mix of them all. Yes, I love the Satellite League -- but I have no intention of just recreating that with nothing else. Even I don’t want that.
</B>
Q: How do you feel about the characters from Power Company? Would any of them have a shot of making the Justice League roster?

Love the original Manhunter. Seems like he would be a great informant.
</B>
Q: Will the new JLA run afoul of Checkmate?

Rucka, that you?
</B>
Q: Why do you hate G'nort? He was part of the JLA at one time... sure, it was Justice League Antarctica, everyone knows killer penguins are downright evil.

Killer penguins are evil. So are GLs turned into easy jokes.
</B>
Q: How soon will the JLofA run into trouble with Black Adam?

Can't give away all our villains... You'll see.
</B>
Q: Whatever happened to that kid Red Tornado adopted?

Traya. Issue 1.
</B>
Q: Will there be conflict with the Great Ten in the near future?

Nope.
</B>
Q: Would a Green Arrow and Hawkgirl romance drive Hawkman insane?

Yes.
</B>
Q: Any chance of seeing Firestorm visit the JLofA?

Does visit mean join?
</B>
Q: Captain Atom or Firestorm?

Is this slam book style? Captain Atom - Cute. Firestorm - Wuv.
</B>
Q: Black Canary or Zatana? Or Both?

Slam book style still? Both. I would date both of them.
</B>
Q: Will there be a World War fought between different Countries' super teams?

That’s a nice idea.
</B>
Q: Why did you decide to go with Hawkgirl instead of Hawkman? (spoiled in The All-New Atom #1)

See above. There’s a reason she was in Superman too.
</B>
Q: Why did you decide to go with Hal Jordan instead of Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner, or Guy Gardner? (spoiled in The All-New Atom #1)

And again.
</B>
Q: Why would Captain Marvel be easy to control? He only has a child's mind when he's Billy Batson, otherwise he has an adult mind with the wisdom of Solomon.

He has wisdom -- not necessarily full maturity. That's the battle within. See Judd’s work on First Thunder.
</B>
Q: Why wouldn't Diana want Nightwing on the team?

She's making a joke. Watch her vote.
</B>
Q: I noticed in the gathering of heroes, that the Wonder Twins seem to be missing! Are you holding out for "your big reveal?"

They're doing it with Wendy and Marvin in the Titans Tower. Really.
</B>
Q: Any chance of seeing the Joker in the pages of JLofA?

Insert magic 8-ball joke here...
</B>
Q: Will the all-new League get an all-new mascot?

Nope.
</B>
Q: Or any mascot?

Nope.
</B>
Q: I'm dying to know, how many people stop you on the street and give you their "who they think should be on the new JLA"? What was the strangest if so?

Not even in my comic store. Surprises me actually.
</B>
Q: Can the JLA be a place for introducing new heroes (like Zauriel in Morrison's run, etc.) or should the precious roster spots be reserved for those who have already proven themselves?

Depends on the writer. Zauriel worked. For me, I prefer the established. There's no right answer.
</B>

Q: Any chance we could see an end to all this League of Assassins nonsense and get Batgirl on the JLA? She performed quite well on the Elite while they were sponsored by the League's previous incarnation.

Love Batgirl. And would love to see her on a team...

Q: Which Green Lantern do you enjoy writing more Hal, John, Guy, or Kyle?

Guy's the most fun to write. Ask anyone.

Q: Aside from the big seven, what's your favorite costume among all the former Justice League members?

Firestorm, GA, Atom, Black Canary in her original costume, even Perez's Zatanna one. The highlight of my pathetic geek life is we got an action figure of her in that costume for the Identity Crisis line.

Q: If you could have ANY comic characters in your League, who would you have? This includes Marvel, Image, Star Wars (okay, maybe that's too far).

Hawkeye, Vision, Cap, Beast with the blue fur and old Perez pointy hair. And Daredevil. Just to see him with Batman.

Q: What's your favorite issue of the Giffen/DeMatteis Justice League? (JLI, JLA, JLE, or even JLQ.)

The one punch. Still the best.

Q: I am curious about the interactions with your editors. How much input did they give you in choosing the lineup? Was their any character they "strongly suggested" you put in the lineup or where you given free reign?

Eddie is a prince. How he survives me is unclear. He knows I've been planning this for far longer than is healthy.

Q: After the Justice Society failed and closed down, it wouldn't have made sense to reactivate it as the preeminent superhero organization, so when a new one was formed, it took a new form: the Justice League. (In the same way, the League of Nations was supplanted by the United Nations.) But the Justice League failed and ended much more disastrously. Why would the new team be a Justice League again, instead of coming up with a new structure and a new name to go with it?

See above. History does matter. Just like the populace realized with Teddy Roosevelt. And New Coke.

Q: With all the talk of who's in, is there anybody who's definitely not in? Even someone who people will be surprised to see absent?

Yes and yes.



Q: To my mind, the JLA have been most successful when they're done classic DC style, with the team mostly filled with the big guns and very little of the soap opera drama you get in the most successful runs of the Avengers.

Which do you find yourself leaning towards?

I think even at the height of the most intense "big gun/big fight" scenes, the only reason it worked was because of the character moments throughout. That's why Connor going for that boxing glove arrow worked. That’s why white Martians worked. That's why it all worked. Morrison knew the men and women underneath.

Q: I read the little blurb in Wizard #178 about why Hal Jordan wouldn't be in the JLA due to Batman's feelings about him. Wasn't this covered in the recent Green Lantern # 9 and some kind of burying-the-hatchet made? I could've sworn it was. I'm wondering if the statements in that issue were yours or the Wizard staffers?

The hatchet is buried--but forgiving isn't forgetting.

Q: Do you already have X-number of issues "in the can"?

All of them.

Q: Will we see any former Teen Titans in the JLA? If so, any clues as to whom?

Yes. No.

Q: Do you feel writing the Trinity properly (as being powerful, smart, and highly skilled), hampers the development of the other four members?

Not if the threats are good enough.

Q: Would you prefer to handle characters that you are the only one writing for?

Very fair question. And of course, every pig would say yes. It's so much easier when you don't have to worry about anyone else. But mom and dad take away the toys if you don't share.

Q: Will references to other Brave New World titles be made? E.g. Trials of Shazam, Martian Manhunter (which I feel should be touched upon)?

For J'onn, it will be.

Q: I’ve never collected JLA...why should I start? I mean that in the politest possible way.

Read the first issue. Issue number 1. If you don’t like it, don’t buy issue 2. But I’ll stand behind that issue as one of the things I’m most proud of writing in my life.

Q: whose idea was it to do those 'mysterious' silhouettes on the cover for issue three? We know they're not final art and we can make out all the characters, if we couldn't then actually showing them would be meaningless...

My idea. And my requests to play with some of the shadows.

Q: With all the anti-meta feelings after IC, what is the JLofA going to do to win the people's trust back again, and how important is that to them?

Will the "man on the street" play a large part in your run?

I leave that to Civil War. That’s their game and they’re doing it so well. For us, I think of One Year Later as the time that healed those wounds.

Q: One of the best tools a writer has to flesh out characters is dialogue.It's easier for me to do when writing about characters that I have created in my own stories. How difficult is it to write believable dialogue for a large number of characters, none of which you have created? How important do you see dialogue as a tool to help write the story?

My dialogue is everything to me as a writer. To hear the pit-pats and the ping-ping-pings—that’s the bridge what builds every character toward believability. The hard part is to make them sound different. That’s the magic trick.

Q: Any chances of seeing the following during your run on JLofA:

1. Jack O'Lantern [from Primal Force]? Nope. 2. Starro? Love it. 3. Starbreaker? Love him. 4. Ultraa? Love him. 5. Doctor Destiny? Love him. 6. Manhunter [Mark Shaw]? Nope. 7. Global Guardians? Nope. 8. The Joker? Love. 9. Amazo? Love. 10. Snapper Carr? Love like a valentine.

Q: Anyway, what are the chances of seeing Booster and the new Beetle considered for the League? I don't want them on it per say, would just like to see them appear for the big 3.

You’ll see one of them.

Q: Will the new JLA take advantage of the fact that there are two heroes for every costume, i.e.: Nightwing, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, etc.?

Nope. Sorry.

Q: If you take both covers of issue 1 (Benes) is the final roster a mirror image of each other? Example Captain Atom/Hawkman?

Can’t say. But it’s not that.

Q: Would you ever consider having 2 Green Lanterns in the League at the same time?

I thought about that. Thought long and hard about it.

Q: Will your narrative be first person like Identity Crisis or the standard narrative used in the old JLA stories?

Like Identity Crisis – multiple first-person narrators.

Q: If we didn't like Identity Crisis, will we still enjoy this series?

Mom, that you?

Q: What research, if any, did you do to prepare for your work on Justice League? Have you read Infinite Crisis and all the crossovers?

Sadly, the research is in my head. Still, I reread all the old stories that applied -- and again, the sad part was, I remembered it right.

Q: Were there any limits put on you (regarding the roster or even appearances) due to "52" and the mysteries surrounding the missing year before One Year Later? Did you have ideas for JLofA that had to be altered because of it?

Had one character we had to change a mention of because of the outcome of 52. Otherwise, they let us do our dance.

Q: Which character do you hate to write most in Justice League?

The ones…er…not on the team?

Q: Will we see new conflicts between the Big 3 or other members of the team and if we do, will the new status quo from post-Crisis have an effect on the relationships between the members?

God puts cracks in everything. That’s how the light gets in. (I stole that from a Leonard Cohen song and use it in The Book of Fate).

Q: When your deciding on which characters will and will not be apart of the new team do you look at things from a psychological and interpersonal point of view (i.e. who is more level headed or who gets along or doesn't get along with each other, who is more or less a hot head and not worth dealing with...) or do you look at it from a more military point of view? (i.e.Superman is strong, Green Arrow has range and is low tech, Flash has speed, Elongated Man can slide under doors, Aquaman has advantage over / under water....)

I looked at it slightly from military, but mostly from a character POV – if I put this character in, what will be the reactions of these other characters? The more differences I can find, the more the characters start to find their own views, the more they’ll tell me what to do as a writer. Otherwise, I’m just pushing dead pieces around the board.

Q: When we last saw the so-called Big 3, one had snapped the neck of a person on global TV and the other had built the OMAC network that resulted in hundreds of deaths. Do you think the public and the superhero community might have some trouble accepting this new League at first?

Sure. Everyone has to prove themselves everyday.

Q: Do you plan on covering the reaction of the super-teams that kept the peace while the JLA took a year-long hiatus?

No.

Q: Who is going to be most upset that the so-called Big 3 came back and unilaterally picked the new roster? Aquaman?

YES. Martian Manhunter? YES. Oliver Queen? DOES A FROG BUMP HIS butt A-HOPPIN’?

Q: With a U of M grad writing JLofA, and a MSU grad writing JSofA will there be any interesting "Easter eggs", "winks", "or results of lost bets" making their way into the inevitable first JLofA/JSofA crossover?

Yep. Especially when the League beats their butt.

Q: My older son is a typical superhero loving 3-year old. Wll JLofA be the kind of title he can enjoy at this age or is it more appropriate to kids (& adults) older than him?

3 years old? He’ll like the Big 3 scenes.

Q: Why has the League never set up a true "Kangaroo Court" to deal with internal strife - a way to police themselves in a group instead of individually, like Superman feels he needs to do, or Batman with his Brother Eye. I.E. non-members, former members to sit on this and help with disputes, or problems that arise such as the Doctor Light dilemma?

That’s what the Power Pact vote was. Democracy at work.

Q: How can Hal Jordan be accepted as a JLA member after what he's done as Parallax?

Nice try for the second time.

Q: Same question about WW and the death of Maxwell Lord?

See Wonder Woman.

Q: Once the new team is established, will there be a junior member who will act as the eyes of the reader ala Firestorm years ago?

Yes.

Q: In this post-IC brave new world, is Batman going to be a recognized and (publicly) acknowledged League member, or is he going to continue to skulk in the shadows of his "Urban-Legend" cover?

I don’t see him doing press conferences if that’s the question.

Q: In this ' Brave New World' of the DC Universe, it's become apparent that battle lines are being drawn between the nations of earth's super powers. China's got some bad butt back up, Kandaq is forcing itself into the position of the 'moral' far right, and Russia has an army of soldiers with nuclear reactors strapped to their backs. Will the JLA represent the fighting front of the US, or take the position of referees on high (or in a cave somewhere in Detroit) in the upcoming super power standoff?

Look…Ruth Bader Ginsberg! Next question…

Q: Will the Justice League of America's Headquarters have a support staff or will you have it completely and totally automated so that the superheroes will not have to do the day to day operations such as cleaning the toilet, changing the filters in the life support system, fixing shorted computer panels when someone hits it or is damaged during an attack, etc.?

I love you.

Q: Will you show how the team gets the funding to build a satellite/headquarters/etc?

Yes.

Q: How will the formation of this new Justice League of America be perceived by the 'powers that be' in the DCU? (That is, organizations like Project Cadmus, Checkmate, DEO, the ruling parties of other world governments, etc.)

That’s up to Rucka and the rest of the DCU writers.

Q: What will the predominant color be in the full array of League uniforms?

Seriously, I do love you. When X-Men and Teen Titans crossed over, and they did that big splash where you saw both teams meet, I always loved how the Titans uniforms were so much more multi-colored than the X-Men’s, which were all black and yellows and reds. Do you pity me yet? No? Good, because I did think about it for the League. Didn’t effect anything, but I did think about it. Especially how the League is lined up in issue 7.

Q: Any romance between any of the Leaguers??

Yes. Always.

Q: With so many comics being late nowadays, how far out is Justice League of America planned out? Can we expect an issue every month?

That’s the goal. There are 4 upcoming issues with added pages though, so we’ll cut a few close. And that’s my fault. With each issue, they tell me I have to limit it to 22 pages, then with each issue, I keep turning in stories with 24, 29, 30 pages, and 38 for issue 1. We’re trying to give you all 10 characters and all the space and love and characterization that requires. Thanks to Dan and Eddie for allowing us to keep giving you more.

Q: I couldn't help but notice that on the cover to #1 that Captain Marvel and Green Arrow are the only two not looking at the camera. Is there any reason for this or am I reading too much into this?

Captain Marvel can’t believe he’s there. Ollie is the guy who talks in the back of a funeral.

[Batlaw]

Well I am super excited for this!
Thanks Blinker, but good Lord that is one loong and repetitive interview!

[blinker]

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #0

PLOT:
In this zero issue, the years and moments of what the big three have experienced with the JLA is explained. From good times to questionable times, to even the tough times, we learn and find out that from that, Superman, Batman & Wonder Woman still make it together.

REVIEW:
If anyone of you are going to get this new restarted series starting with Issue 1 (I know many will), before you get that issue, you should get Issue 0. Not only is it important and interesting to see, but from the changes affected from Infinite Crisis, we are shown what changes there are in the Post-IC DCU.

The issue is on the big three. Going over the timeline in this new DCU, we are shown what they faced and how easy to how hard they were on each other. We see how from happy to angry to excited to piss off Batman got from these times. How Wonder Woman was like the heart of the three showing emotion from the other two's actions. And Superman's position of the leader of what he would say and from how much of who he was that meant something to the three.

Now this issue also shows us what changes that have happened due to Infinite Crisis. From the first pages, we are shown to the big three in their Silver Age styles. Its obivious that Superman is now the first superhero to appear. That opens the idea of Clark as Superboy to return (maybe it already has). Plus, Superman & Batman in the beginning were the best of friends. As shown in the formation of the New Earth scene in Infinite Crisis, the heroes with Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter & Aquaman were turned into trees.

After that scene of the beginning of the League, we cut to some time later where the three are now like they were in the '70s. Batman looks Neal Adams, Superman looks what I remember looking back at those comics from the '70s, and Wonder Woman was Diana Prince in her I Ching period costume. So she was that in the new DCU.

After the wedding of Hal Jordan and the wedding of Donna Troy, we get a big change in the Superman mythos: Pa Kent is dead. (I can't really tell but I don't know if Pre-IC; Ma Kent knew Bruce was Batman or if the three visited, which occurs here). We are shown that Batman was so excited and felt he was alive again when Jason Todd came into his life, and despite the return of any things Silver Age, the Death of Superman still occured, which Batman felt so sad for.

Another big thing that is in the new DCU is that Flash discovering Earth 2. So that would mean the JSA on Earth now is from Earth 2. The last of the pages focuses on what the three went through leading to Infinite Crisis and their welcomed return today. There, they discuss who they want in the new JLA.

So in the end, we are shown what the new DCU has. From the old Superman being superhero #1 to him and Batman beign best friends, Wonder Woman beign in her I Ching period, Earth 1 JLA and Earth 2 JSA. To the new and modern Death of Superman, and the events of Infinite Crisis intacted.

On the issue itself, the art was good. It was great having a cast of artists doing these pages to present a timeline storyline, like a history overview, of the DCU from the big three's point of view. That is the same with the writing.

Overall, this was great to have. My advice to you: GET IT!

REVIEW: 9/10

[Jack-Ups]

[glow=red,2,300]Thank's Blinker I may look into it!
Although Im getting tired of all the history changes!Just keep them how they were!That was the best!At at least the other bat titles havent really done this!


[/glow]

[reideen1313]

batlaw said:

Well I am super excited for this!
Thanks Blinker, but good Lord that is one loong and repetitive interview!

I've found most Newsarama interviews tend to be that way for some reason. Almost as if the interviewer asks questions and then throws a bunch of forum member questions in at the end.

[blinker]

Thats right. Newsarama had people to e-mail their questions to them to be answered by Meltzer. So the interview is a combo of their questions and the fans.

[crazyhatter]

DC's website has the cover for issue #2 of the JLA. Take a look and get an idea of who the new JLA is. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman (although not sure who WW is now) are visible. In the shadows in the background you have Green Arrow, a Green Lantern (probably Hal by the look of the hair) Hawkman or Hawkgirl (can't tell) and Red Tornado. There are 3 other characters on the cover that I can't tell who they are. One could possibly be Captain Atom. What are some thoughts?...

www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=5902

[blinker]

Diana is Wonder Woman.

[crazyhatter]

Regardless, Nightwing was left off of the team which in my opinion is a big disappointment...

[blinker]

I don't have the link but another chance to ask questions to Meltzer before Issue 1 of JLA is at Newsarama.

Its still on its main oage here:
www.newsarama.com

[blinker]

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1

PLOT:
Superman, Batman & Wonder Woman are in the Batacve selecting and voting on whom they want to be in the new League. As they discuss, the heroes who seem to be in the league are in their own problems and Red Torando becaomes human, but without a price...

REVIEW:
After the delay for one week, I was mad. I would've been REALLY mad if they pulled what they always do and delayed this for weeks and weeks then months and months. Luckily that wasn't the case. After the zero issue, which I loved, its time to start the show.

On the Bid Three's side, its basically them choosing the new members. You still get their feelings when they discuss or pick their choices. Batman wants Captain Marvel, but Wonder Woman (its Diana) thinks that he's still a child. Batman still feels negetive about Hal Jordan and theres a joke (WW-reference) about maybe a contest between Hal and Kyle. While Diana said yes, neither Superman nor Batman want Supergirl. While they're questionable on Bart Allen/Flash, they all vote yes for Power Girl. Its 50/50 on Mr. Terrific since he's JSA, while they point out so was Captain Marvel, its also 50/50 on the Atom & Vixen. The last one is the question of who's "the tank"? Superman wants Hawkman but Batman wants Red Torando. Speaking of Red Torando, lets go to the next paragraph.

Other than the choosign of the team, the arc is about Red Torando. His wife Kathy is by the robot's side along with Platinum from the Metal Men (yes, that team is back in the DCU, if you want to know how, read 52). Deadman offers Red Torando a chance to give up being a superhero and be human for his wife and daughter again. Using an unnamed body, Red Torando becomes his old self again. But the twist is this wasn't Deadman, but Felix Faust. With the Red Torando andriod remaining, the arc's plot starts up.

Might as well discuss who is in the new team. Hal Jordan is back and is Black Canary. However, Green Arrow isn't on the team but his old sidekick Arsenal. However, look at the cover and you'll see he's in a makeshift Green Arrow costuem which means he maybe Red Arrow, a connection to Kingdom Come. I don't know why Green Arrow wasn't picked but I guess it might be due to him being mayor of his city in his book. Vixen seems lile she's in, going by the Turner cover. I know people have problems or concerns with the new roaster but the fact is, we haven't seen them in action yet so I'll wait til when they are in action or when the arc is over. Either way, maybe there is no problem.

Overall, Brad Metlzer's wriitng is worth checking this book out. I never got any JLA books before this one (unless you count Identity Crisis which was JLA story) and with me starting on this, I made a good choice. Also from this issue, we get a preview to chapter one of Brad Metlzer's "Book of Fate". So if you want to, its in the book, check that out to read another work by him.

RATING: 8/10

[HUSH]

I read Justice League #0, and thoroughly enjoyed the reading the history of the League and the big 3. The many different artists doing the different scenes was a really cool way to do it. I might point out that a lot of these scenes are "possible future scenes"; they haven't happened, and any of them may or may not occur in the future. The past scenes say "Yesterday" at the beginning, and the possible future scenes say "Tomorrow." For instance, Pa Kent is not dead as of now, but it is possible that it may happen in the future. Likewise, Batman is most certainly not dead, but there is a really cool scene showing Superman and WW talking about his death(in a Wizard interview Meltzer said it's "his ending to Dark Knight Returns." From what Supes and WW say in it, it certainly sounds like this scene occurs after events similar to those in DKR have occured). Anyway, it's a pretty touching scene. I will be very interested if any of these scenes really do occur in the future. I'd especially like to know who Luthor is referring to as he beats the crap out of the big 3("He was my SON!")

On to JL #1!