Written by Gardner Fox
Art by Mike Sekowsky; Bernard Sachs; Joe Giella; Murphy Anderson; & Gaspar Saladino
Cover Art by Mike Sekowsky; Murphy Anderson; & Jack Adler
Note: The credits are based upon the original issue.
SUMMARY:
Released in 2017 by DC Comics, this ‘loot crate’ edition exactly replicates the Justice League’s debut in The Brave and the Bold # 28 – clear down to the obligatory ads – from March 1960. Already a fledging team, the roster consists of Wonder Woman; Green Lantern (Hal Jordan); Flash (Barry Allen); Martian Manhunter; Aquaman, and, in cameo appearances, Superman & Batman.
Against the giant alien starfish, Starro, and three duplicates it has created, the League divides its forces. Green Lantern faces a Starro clone in the Rocky Mountains, with a stolen atomic bomb at stake. Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter confront another Starro clone, while Flash contends with the third clone. Along with help from hip teenager Snapper Carr, the team re-assembles to face off vs. the real Starro.
REVIEW:
Loaded with innocent nostalgia (including a glimpse of Wonder Woman’s romance with Steve Trevor), it’s a bit ironic that the story’s cardboard storytelling might cause contemporary readers to nod off. Still, its abundance of good intentions is admirable. Writer Gardner Fox makes this first Justice League tale a genuinely kid-friendly caper — including some real-life science as to the use of deploying lime for starfish infestations. The equally legendary art team doesn’t let Fox down by conjuring up visuals that spell out the Silver Age’s undeniable magic.
Even better is that this reprint completely refreshes this classic issue, appearing in mint condition as it would have sixty years ago. In that sense, this comic is a gem to read, even if its monetary value is sadly non-existent compared to a real Brave and the Bold # 28.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
A single-page science section illustrates varieties of starfish. There’s also a full-page excerpt from an undated transcript discussing faster-than-light space travel. It’s apparently from a roundtable discussion by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Science and Astronautics.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
