Written by Adam Beechen and Art by Carlo Barberi; Ethen Beavers; Walden Wong; Heroic Age; Phil Balsman; Pat Brosseau; & Nick J. Napolitano
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics in 2005, this digest-sized, 102-page trade paperback reprints Justice League Unlimited # 1-5 from 2004-2005. The five stories consist of:
- “Divide & Conquer” (Issue # 1). Written by Adam Beechen; Art by Carlo Barbieri; Inks by Walden Wong; and Letters by Nick J. Napolitano.
- Heroes: Batman; Wonder Woman; Superman; Zatanna Zatara; Hawkgirl; Captain Atom; and Flash.
At the Watchtower, the team ponders Wonder Woman’s inexplicably ‘berserk’ battle vs. Zatanna & Captain Atom (who had previously suffered the same strange ailment). Worse yet, Superman succumbs to the same ailment. Though Zatanna is evidently the common denominator, Batman ponders if there’s something more sinister in play. Superman, Wonder Woman, & Captain Atom reluctantly depart the team, leaving a short-handed JLU vs. two familiar foes.
- “Poker Face” (Issue # 2). Written by Adam Beechen; Art by Ethen Beavers; and Letters by Nick J. Napolitano.
- Heroes: Booster Gold; Flash; Superman; Huntress; and Steel.
A novice Superman inexplicably wins the team’s Poker Night (without even using his x-ray vision) almost too often. Tangling with the Royal Flush Gang, Booster Gold gets some team insight re: why the Man of Steel is so lucky with cards.
- “Small Time” (Issue # 3). Written by Adam Beechen; Pencils by Carlos Barberi; Inks by Walden Wong; and Letters by Pat Brosseau.
- Heroes: Wonder Woman; Firestorm; Atom; and Ice.
The JLU has a microscopic adventure tackling octopus-like, alien invaders from another dimension.
- “Local Hero” (Issue # 4). Written by Adam Beechen; Pencils by Carlos Barberi; Inks by Walden Wong; and Letters by Nick J. Napolitano.
- Heroes: Adam & Alanna Strange; Superman; Batman; Martian Manhunter; & Elongated Man.
The team visits Adam & Alanna Strange on the planet Rann. Adam’s glory-seeking rival, Salaan, unleashes arch-enemy Kanjar Ro, who quickly puts Superman out of commission. It’s up to Adam to teach Salaan why compassion is a hero’s greatest power.
- “Monitor Duty” (Issue # 5). Written by Adam Beechen; Art by Carlo Barbieri; Inks by Walden Wong; and Letters by Phil Balsman.
- Heroes: Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) & Green Lantern (John Stewart), with cameos by Flash; Superman; Black Canary; and Batman.
On overnight Watchtower monitor duty, a bored Blue Beetle faces the monstrous General’s unexpected arrival from deep space. With his sole hope instantly neutralized, it’s up to the Beetle to prove his ingenuity just to stay alive.
REVIEW:
Providing stand-alone original stories and terrific artwork mimicking the TV series’ animation, this compilation offers some of the JLU’s adventures between episodes. United They Stand is both entertaining and undemanding, as it offers welcome face time for Zatanna Zatara, Booster Gold, Adam Strange, & Blue Beetle.
It also reminds readers that the League isn’t all about the biggest names. “Divide & Conquer” and “Small Time” provide vintage heroics while “Poker Face” and “Monitor Duty” are two of the best Justice League comedies in recent memory. Only “Local Hero” drags due to its predictability, despite still being a decent read. A potential drawback is the smaller digest format, which doesn’t impact enjoyment too much. Ultimately, Justice League Unlimited: United They Stand is a pleasant diversion for all ages.
Note: This book shares the same cover as Vol. 4: The Ties That Bind (which reprints issues # 16-22).
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None. It’s frankly a cheat that the covers aren’t provided
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
