Category: DC Comics

Written by John Ostrander

Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; John Kalisz; Heroic Age; & Ken Lopez

Cover Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; & John Kalisz — in homage to Justice League of America # 9

Role Call: Batman (Bruce Wayne); Wonder Woman; Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz); Plastic Man; Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner); Flash (Wally West); Superman (Clark Kent); & Aquaman [plus lots of brief cameos].

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for December 2001, the 40-page finale of this seven-part mini-series is entitled “Inspiration.”  With Earth destroying itself, the League must incur a rematch vs. the Appellaxian invaders from JLA: Year One. 

With the team’s reserves staying behind, the main team breaches an interdimensional doorway to confront the alien invaders on their home turf.  An ongoing insurrection amongst the Appellaxians impacts the outnumbered League’s strategy.  Meanwhile, back on Earth, super-hero journalist Tully Reed’s ongoing storyline concludes with a déjà vu experience with death and an encounter with a mythical goddess. 

Note: This series’ continuity builds off 1998’s Justice League: Year One twelve-part mini-series.

REVIEW:

Though Issue # 7 sports Incarnations’ most formulaic and probably least-compelling plot, writer John Ostrander still deftly lands a satisfying-enough finish. In essence, it’s very much resembles the kind of plotting that Grant Morrison did for JLA. 

For instance, Ostrander replicates a Morrison device by smarting inserting the vast number of reserves into background cameos without surrendering much screen time.  Further, the team chemistry and corresponding dialogue solidly continues the work Morrison did with this particular League.  Ostrander, in that sense, doubles up what DC was already doing at that time vs. the glowing nostalgia he imbues Issues # 1-6 with. 

Completing Ostrander’s seven-issue gauntlet, the art team’s top-caliber visuals don’t ever disappoint.  Case in point: the parallel evolution of supporting character Tully Reed’s aging over the years subtly depicts the emotional toll reporting the League’s exploits has had on him.

As of this writing, this mini-series inexplicably hasn’t been collected by DC Comics as a trade paperback.  Should it ever become one, consider such a book a fan’s treasure.  From start to finish, JLA: Incarnations conjures up reliable DC Comics magic that readers of all ages can duly appreciate. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Retitled “Justice for All,” the letters-and-answers column offers fan commentary on this series.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 7 Stars

Written by John Ostrander

Lead Story Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; John Kalisz; Heroic Age; & Ken Lopez

Cover Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; John Kalisz; & Heroic Age

Role Call: Batman (Bruce Wayne); Captain Atom; Fire; Ice; Oberon; Guy Gardner; Maxwell Lord; Booster Gold; Blue Beetle II (Ted Kord); Maxima; Amazing Man II; Wonder Woman; Superman (Clark Kent) ; & Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz).

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for December 2001, the lead story for the 40-page penultimate installment of this seven-part mini-series is entitled “Buddies.”  Proving ‘crime really does pay,’ the tropical island of Bialya (in the Caribbean? Central America? South America?) is being illicitly marketed as a super-villain’s paradise.  Among its dubious services is a ‘Laundro-Bank’ where costumes and dirty money are freshly laundered.  Unable to extradite the fugitive bad guys or even legally enter Bialya, Maxwell Lord vetoes Batman’s order to send Justice League International in.  Going rogue, Booster Gold & Blue Beetle take it upon themselves to infiltrate Bialya for some Ocean’s 11-style action.  In this 22-page caper, it’s up to Batman and the JLI to make the inevitable save and somehow turn the tables on Bialya’s reeking corruption.      

“Authority” (12 pages). Writer: John Ostrander.  Art: Eric Battle; Keith Champagne; Ken Lopez; John Kalisz; & Heroic Age. 

Partially narrated by Captain Atom, his origin leads into the rise and apparent fall of the League’s spin-off group, Extreme Justice.  A second intrusion into Bialya’s new brand of evil has dire ramifications on the entire League.  In this tale, team leader Wonder Woman finally makes an  appearance in JLA: Incarnations.

Note: This series’ continuity builds off 1998’s Justice League: Year One twelve-part mini-series.

REVIEW:

Capably blending action, humor, and, later on, some appropriate shades of darkness, writer John Ostrander devises an excellent transition of tone between two generations – in spite of some membership overlap.  Ingeniously, he even sets up a prologue for the present-day, or perhaps more accurately, Grant Morrison’s Y2K-era League.  As with the previous five issues, Ostrander’s classy storytelling is nothing short of magic. 

This same compliment applies to the art squad, as their visuals are consistently high-caliber (case in point: the tongue-in-cheek cover image).  As of this writing, this mini-series inexplicably hasn’t been collected by DC Comics as a trade paperback.  It’s a shame, as undeniably entertaining reads like JLA: Incarnations # 6 deserve re-discovery. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  It’s the only issue in this series without a “JLA Mail Room” column.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8½ Stars

Written by John Ostrander

Lead Story Art by Val Semeiks; Kevin Conrad; Prentis Rollins; John Kalisz; Heroic Age; & Ken Lopez

Cover Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; John Kalisz; & Heroic Age

Role Call: Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz); Zatanna Zatara; Elongated Man; Vixen; Steel I; Gypsy; Vibe; & Aquaman.

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for November 2001, the 40-page fifth installment of this seven-part mini-series divides into three stories.  First is the 23-page tale simply entitled “Crisis.”  After Aquaman abruptly quits the League for personal reasons, Martian Manhunter steps up as its new commander.  Overcoming growing pains, doubt, and a sense of redundancy (when compared to DC’s other super-teams), Justice League ‘Detroit’ valiantly fights in the 12-issue Crisis on Infinite Earths saga (most of this tale are off-screen sequences during Crisis # 3-6).

The back-up tales are:   

“Changes” (8 pages). Writer: John Ostrander.  Art: Norm Breyfogle; Joe Rubinstein; Ken Lopez; John Kalisz; & Heroic Age. 

Paralleling the climax of Crisis on Infinite Earths # 8, Barry Allen’s Flash poignantly reflects on his life and legacy, as he runs one last race against time to thwart the Anti-Monitor’s anti-matter cannon.

“Doubt” (7 pages). Writer: John Ostrander.  Art: Eric Battle; Keith Champagne; Ken Lopez; John Kalisz; & Heroic Age. 

Grieving journalist Tully Reed is left disillusioned by super-heroes in the wake of the concluding Crisis # 12.  As Darkseid’s secret field operative, Glorious Godfrey exploits Reed’s influential lapse in judgment.  The story alludes to both the 1986 Legends mini-series and the tragic demise of Justice League ‘Detroit.’

Note: This series’ continuity builds off 1998’s Justice League: Year One twelve-part mini-series.

REVIEW:

The creative team seamlessly delivers a Crisis homage well worth re-discovery.  In addition to some plausible in-fighting and skepticism re: the team’s inexperienced rookies, writer John Ostrander retroactively gives Justice League ‘Detroit’ a solid boost during major moments from the first half of Crisis.  In particular, Ostrander gives Vibe, Gypsy, and Vixen some deserved screen time as the League’s ‘new’ generation.  His two other tales, especially the Barry Allen Flash’s goodbye, should be deemed storytelling gems.  Meeting the challenge of replicating visuals from Crisis, the art squad deserves kudos.  Including the extra stories, suffice to say, an abundance of classy artwork is delivered in triplicate for Issue # 5.  

As of this writing, this mini-series inexplicably hasn’t been collected by DC Comics as a trade paperback.  Still, if one wants a rewarding supplement to the Crisis saga, JLA: Incarnations # 5 is definitely recommended. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Reviving the “JLA Mail Room” column, correspondence from industry names Paul Levitz, Julius Schwartz, Mark Waid, Fabian Nicieza, and Tom Breevort reveal their favorite JLA issues.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            9 Stars

Written by John Ostrander

Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; John Kalisz; Heroic Age; & Ken Lopez

Cover Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; John Kalisz; & Heroic Age

Role Call: Green Lantern (Hal Jordan); Black Canary (Dinah Laurel Lance); Aquaman (Arthur Curry); Flash (Barry Allen); Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz); Batman (Bruce Wayne); Superman (Clark Kent); Zatanna Zatara; Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond / Professor Martin Stein); Red Tornado; & Elongated Man (Ralph Dibny).

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for October 2001, the 40-page fourth installment of this seven-part mini-series is entitled “Balance.”  After Aquaman & Zatanna thwart some zany pirates, the League’s implosion begins with Batman’s bitter departure.  Awaiting an opportune time, by using stealth technology, the alien Debris is in position to destroy the JLA’s satellite HQ before conquering Earth. 

In Atlantis, it’s up to Aquaman, Zatanna, Green Lantern, and Elongated Man (along with Martian Manhunter) to quickly devise a counter-strike to save the planet.  The League’s uncertain future hangs in the balance, as founding member Aquaman resorts to a bombshell decision that changes everything. 

Note: This series’ continuity builds off 1998’s Justice League: Year One twelve-part mini-series, so Wonder Woman hasn’t yet joined.

REVIEW:

If anything, writer John Ostrander’s storyline cohesion re: this series is a major asset.  Per a comment from Black Canary, it is indicated that five or six years have lapsed since JLA: Year One.  By smartly pointing out the League’s evolving personal lives: i.e. the Flash’s murder trial, Aquaman’s new secret identity, Black Canary’s loss of her mother, etc., Ostrander reminds readers that most Leaguers aren’t full-time heroes.  He also does smooth work setting up a plausible transition from the pre-Crisis era to Issue # 5’s Crisis/Legends era.

Keeping up with Ostrander’s inspired storytelling, the art squad enhances his work with likely some of the best DC visuals from that time.  This creative team clearly cares about ensuring that this series merits top-caliber attention, and Issue # 4 is no exception.  As of this writing, this mini-series inexplicably hasn’t been collected by DC Comics as a trade paperback.  If one wants proof positive of why there should be one, JLA: Incarnations # 4 (not to mention, the first three issues) makes a most convincing case.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Reviving the “JLA Mail Room” column, the last page offers more fan correspondence for JLA: Incarnations # 1.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                9 Stars

Written by John Ostrander

Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; John Kalisz; Heroic Age; & Ken Lopez

Cover Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; & John Kalisz

Role Call: Green Lantern (Hal Jordan); Black Canary (Dinah Laurel Lance); Green Arrow (Oliver Queen); Atom (Ray Palmer); Aquaman; Flash (Barry Allen); Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz); Hawkman (Carter Hall); Batman (Bruce Wayne); Superman (Clark Kent); Zatanna Zatara; & Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond / Professor Martin Stein).

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 2001, the 40-page third installment of this seven-part mini-series is entitled “Like a Tombstone in the Sky.”  Even as the League busily finishes constructing their secret satellite HQ hovering above Earth, they make time to rout Kobra’s latest scheme.  Green Arrow controversially takes his League gripes public.  Using space technology from Lex Luthor, Kobra and his remaining forces attack the vulnerable satellite and take Black Canary as an expendable hostage.  The League must devise a means of storming their own base to save Black Canary in time.

Note: This series’ continuity builds off 1998’s Justice League: Year One twelve-part mini-series, so Wonder Woman hasn’t yet joined.

REVIEW:

The hits keep on coming with this series, as writer John Ostrander further ups his game.  Impressively juggling the League’s expanded roster, Ostrander devises a well-played nod to the launch of the ‘JLA Satellite’ era.  His storyline, particularly the romantic chemistry between Black Canary and Green Arrow, deserves top marks.  Ostrander also delivers multiple cool scenes to make this Kobra caper well worth reading – among them are spot-on exchanges between Green Arrow and Superman and then later Green Arrow and Green Lantern confiding in one other.  Ostrander’s ongoing sub-plot re: TV news journalist Tully Reed (which parallels the team’s evolution) is also a nice touch.      

Much like Ostrander, the art squad somehow kicks up their fantastic efforts up an extra notch, as this issue turns into a complete JLA entertainment package.  As of this writing, this mini-series inexplicably hasn’t been collected by DC Comics as a trade paperback.  Yet, even without the complete mini-series, JLA: Incarnations # 3 is definitely worth re-discovery.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Reviving the “JLA Mail Room” column, the last page offers fan correspondence for JLA: Incarnations # 1.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              9 Stars

Written by John Ostrander

Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; John Kalisz; Heroic Age; & Ken Lopez

Cover Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; & John Kalisz

Role Call: Green Lantern (Hal Jordan); Black Canary (Dinah Laurel Lance); Green Arrow (Oliver Queen); Atom (Ray Palmer); Aquaman; Flash (Barry Allen); Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz); Hawkman (Carter Hall); Batman (Bruce Wayne); & Superman (Clark Kent).

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for August 2001, the 40-page second issue of this seven-part mini-series is entitled “Belonging.”  Narrated in part by Batman, this series’ continuity extends from 1998’s Justice League: Year One twelve-part maxi-series.  Batman & Superman aid the League against ‘Fire-Eye:’ a dragon/dinosaur invading from another dimension.  The League ponders if either of them, particularly Batman, fit well on a team. 

Alfred Pennyworth is optimistic that a lonely Bruce Wayne has found some ideal playmates.  Then, Gorilla Grodd and his monkey minions forcibly enslave Washington, D.C.   With Batman coordinating their game plan, the same League contingent strikes back.  Taking surprising sides, Batman and the Man of Steel dispute the values of trust and teamwork. 

REVIEW:

This creative team impressively provides the Silver Age Justice League a much-needed makeover re: contemporary storytelling.  Courtesy of writer John Ostrander, the character personalities, especially Batman, come off well-defined, making this League caper a treat to read. 

Batman unsurprisingly dominates (leaving minimal screen time for the rest of the JLA), but the contrasting senses in team spirit between Superman and Batman makes for a compelling read.  Consistent with the first issue, the art squad is in excellent form, making the League come vividly to life (i.e. the cover image).  As of this writing, this mini-series inexplicably hasn’t been collected by DC Comics as a trade paperback.  Yet, JLA: Incarnations # 2 is evidence that giving fans a chance to re-discover this series should be a priority on DC Comics’ to-do list.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Promoting this series, the last page is a message to Justice League fans from DC Comics Assistant Editor Steve Wacker. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            8½ Stars

Written by John Ostrander

Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; John Kalisz; Heroic Age; & Ken Lopez

Cover Art by Val Semeiks; Prentis Rollins; & John Kalisz

Role Call: Green Lantern (Hal Jordan); Black Canary (Dinah Laurel Lance); Green Arrow (Oliver Queen); Atom (Ray Palmer); Aquaman; Flash (Barry Allen); & Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz).

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for July 2001, the 40-page opener for this seven-part mini-series is entitled “The Justice League is Dead!”  Narrated in part by TV news journalist, Tully Reed, the series’ continuity extends from 1998’s Justice League: Year One twelve-part maxi-series.  It’s publicly revealed by Reed that the still-rookie Justice League (JLA) was evidently killed in action by the Justice Society’s (JSA) old foe, Wotan, in a lethal test of their heroism. 

Yet, the League’s narrow escape is scorned by the veteran JSA for some impetuous decision-making. There’s also brewing animosity between mother-and-daughter Black Canaries. Covertly egging both sides on, the mind-warping Wotan gladly pits the JLA vs. the JSA on an isolated Caribbean island where its volcanic destruction is imminent.

Note: Included is a retroactive explanation re: how the Golden Age Hawkman & Hawkgirl joined the JLA.

REVIEW:

Considering the creative talent assembled, unsurprisingly, it’s a stellar effort.  Capably deploying his large cast, writer John Ostrander devises an enticing storyline that pits one resentful generation vs. another, including mother vs. daughter Black Canaries.  Well-played dialogue exchanges between the JLA and JSA plausibly depict these Silver Age icons expressing  human nature rather than merely serving as talking cardboard.  Ostrander also throws in some logical plot twists, so not everything is left a foregone conclusion. 

Most effectively, the art squad delivers high-caliber work (including a spot-on cover image).  As of this writing, this mini-series inexplicably hasn’t been collected by DC Comics as a trade paperback.  Yet, JLA: Incarnations # 1 alone proves this intriguing series is definitely worth re-discovery.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The last page is a promo message to Justice League fans from DC Comics Assistant Editor Steve Wacker.  Included are black-and-white sneak peeks at the covers for JLA: Incarnations # 2 and # 3.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:        8½ Stars

Written by Chris Claremont

Art by Joshua Hood; Sean Parsons; Jack Morelli; & Guy Major

Cover Art by Art Adams & Guy Major

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for October 2003, the finale of this six-part mini-series is entitled “Legacy.”  Batman, Plastic Man, and Kishana Lewis face a demonically-corrupted Wonder Woman, now a pawn of the invaders.  An exhausted Jade & Flash (Wally West) defiantly mount a last stand in the resort’s basement.  A missing-in-action Batman and a now-corrupted Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner) may be the invasion’s next victims.  Martian Manhunter & Superman join Plastic Man and Kishana’s fight vs. the wrath of an evil Wonder Woman. 

Kishana’s true nature is revealed, as it appears that this demonic invasion is a war now just begun.  

REVIEW:

Concluding his Stephen King / Dean Koontz-like plot, writer Chris Claremont’s storyline comes off generally well-played.  Primarily, far too few repercussions re: a solar inferno impacting Earth must be weighed against the plot’s entertainment value.  Despite instances of convenient implausibility and a lack of genuine surprises, Claremont compensates by still making his finale very much a worthwhile read — particularly, as threads for a sequel are readily available.  As a point of comparison, this six-issue run proves an admirable prelude to the type of self-contained, multi-part tales later featured in the ongoing JLA: Classified series launched in January 2005.    

Completing the gauntlet with Claremont is the same art squad, and, suffice to say, their classy visuals win the challenge every time.  In recognition of the stellar effort put forth by this creative team, it’s unfathomable why (as of this writing) DC Comics hasn’t released JLA: Scary Monsters as a compilation hardcover/trade paperback.  Holding up well years later, Claremont’s inspired six-parter merits re-discovery.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Written by a supposed ‘mole,’ the “DC in Demand” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for: JLA: Liberty and Justice; Flash # 201; Doctor Fate # 1; Superman/Batman # 1; and Batman: Death and the Maidens # 1.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              7½ Stars