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 May 2003, the standard-length opener for this six-part mini-series is simply entitled “Scary Monsters.” In the prologue, an Old West flashback to 1877 through the journal of U.S. Army 6th Cavalry soldier Abel Carmody. Carmody reveals that the cavalry’s tragic annihilation of a Native American tribe is a precursor to a terrifying supernatural incursion seemingly from Hell itself.
In present-day 2003, the Justice League’s members quietly attend to their personal lives. At the posh and secluded Spirit Lake resort, a vacationing Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), Jade (Jenny-Lynn Hayden), Flash (Wally West), and Linda Park-West initially enjoy couples time, though it’s odd that the resort is virtually deserted. An unexpected crisis sends in Flash and Green Lantern to rescue a group of Forest Service smokejumpers from a demonic inferno threatened to engulf them.
REVIEW:
Well-played! Writer Chris Claremont brings his X-Men storytelling magic to the Justice League, and this opener brims with intriguing potential. In particular, Claremont demonstrates a likable take on the character personalities, such as the Kyle-Jenny/Wally-Linda double-date. The same applies to Wally & Kyle’s chemistry in their Flash and Green Lantern personas. Even better are the excellent visuals (i.e. the cover image) start to finish from the art squad. Suffice to say, this creative team’s JLA: Scary Monsters # 1 is a convincing advertisement to seek out the complete mini-series.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Written by a supposed ‘mole,’ the “DC in Demand” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for Smallville # 1; H-E-R-O # 2; and JSA # 46.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
