Written by Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis
Art by Mike McKone; Bob Smith; Bob Lappan; & Gene D’Angelo
Cover Art by Kevin Maguire & Joe Rubinstein
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for 1990, this 64-page annual doubles as the ‘Justice League Antarctica’ one-shot. Hitting rock bottom at the unemployment line, a reformed Injustice League (Major Disaster, Clock King, Multi Man, Big Sir, & Cluemaster) desperately accepts a life-line to serve as the Justice League’s new Antarctic branch (as far away as real trouble as possible). This new branch also recruits the alien Scarlet Skier and the dog-like Gnort the Green Lantern. In proximity to the team’s dull HQ, a South Pole bio-genetics lab crisis forces the other Justice Leagues to investigate. Repelling man-eating invaders, this incident ends up one of the League’s most embarrassing cases ever.
Notes: The Justice League Europe/International is represented by Martian Manhunter; Blue Beetle (Ted Kord); Guy Gardner; Flash (Wally West); Elongated Man; Fire; Captain Atom; Metamorpho; & Power Girl. Related guest stars are Sue Dibny, Oberon; Catherine Cobert, and Max Lord.
REVIEW:
Despite their work fading after thirty years, the art squad consistently delivers above-average visuals. In that sense, everyone on this creative team scores the necessary points. For instance, by going for straight-up laughs, co-writers Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis devise perhaps the best Justice League sitcom ever. With Martian Manhunter and a super-single Flash (briefly making a pass at an uninterested Fire) as this tale’s only legitimate A-listers, Giffen & DeMatteis manage to hilariously deploy the most hapless super-villain/super-hero wanna-bes imaginable. Incredulous reaction scenes (primarily, from Martian Manhunter and Captain Atom) add to the fun, though this particular gag is relied upon too often.
The scripting (perhaps faintly inspired by 1982’s The Thing film) proves mostly terrific, including Max Lord’s amusing post-case epilogue re: Justice League Antarctica’s immediate ‘future.’ Aside from a gag hinting Gnort once unknowingly hired an escort/prostitute and a few carnivorous inferences, the wacky humor is equally accessible to adults and teens. For what Justice League Annual # 4 is meant for, it’s a DC comedy gem well worth re-discovery.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
