Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Chuck Patton; Dick Giordano; John Costanza; ‘Klein;’ & Gene D’Angelo
Cover Art by Chuck Patton & Dick Giordano
SUMMARY:
Entitled “The Supremacy Factor,” it was published by DC Comics for March 1984. This issue’s League line-up consists of Superman; Green Lantern; Firestorm; Wonder Woman; Black Canary; Red Tornado; & Green Arrow. En route in Star City to meet up with Ollie Queen, Hal Jordan, and Clark Kent for lunch, Dinah Lance (Black Canary) is overwhelmed in a back alley skirmish against the masked Paragon.
Even after her friends make the save, Paragon stuns them with his awesome powers and escapes. Discreetly investigating, Firestorm, Green Arrow, and Black Canary find that Paragon can mimic their powers (within proximity) and gains a superior edge over each of them in raw power. The arrival of Red Tornado, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Superman makes it a 7-to-1 League advantage, but they still can’t thwart Paragon. Only Black Canary’s intuitive ‘divide & conquer’ strategy may find their adversary’s weakness.
REVIEW:
Well-played! Though Paragon is hardly a memorable villain, writer Kurt Busiek maximizes the character’s ultra- arrogant presence as a would-be world conqueror to make him a plausible JLA threat. Not only is the League’s chemistry spot-on, Busiek ensures that their selfless teamwork in battle is a fun experience.
In particular, Black Canary is the issue’s MVP, as she is seen on the last page giving Paragon some fitting payback. Busiek’s vintage tale also gets capable support from the art team. At any rate, Justice League of America # 224 is worth re-discovery for any JLA fan looking for an entertaining read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In addition to Dick Giordano’s “Meanwhile …” column, there is a “JLA Mail Room” letters-and-answers column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
