Written by Gerry Conway & Chuck Patton
Art by Mike Machlin; John Costanza; & Gene D’Angelo
Cover Art by Chuck Patton & Dick Giordano
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Rebirth, Part Three: Heavy Metal,” this issue was published by DC Comics for February 1985. At their Detroit bunker, Gypsy secretly observes the League’s mixed reaction to Vixen’s solo raid at the city jail. Telepathically reprimanding a team rookie, Aquaman’s aloof leadership doesn’t sit well with the League veterans.
Outside the bunker, Gypsy & Steel are attacked by the Cadre’s Fastball, on behalf of his boss, the Overmaster. At the M’Changan Embassy in New York City, Vixen faces off against the vicious General Mustapha Maksai, who wants her mystical Tantu Totem. Rescuing a wounded Vixen, Aquaman defies the police. 20-year old Steel confides his origin to a sympathetic (and horrified) Zatanna Zatara. The League abruptly meets o Overmaster’s sinister Cadre.
REVIEW:
In fairness, this issue’s so-so cover image doesn’t inspire confidence. Yet, despite all the flack that DC Comics endured for their controversial mid-80’s JLA reboot, this issue ages fairly well. Co-writers Gerry Conway and Chuck Patton generate an intriguing dynamic of a hard-nosed Aquaman vs. the hotshot rookies (Steel, Vixen, & Vibe), as Zatanna, Elongated Man, and Martian Manhunter hold this makeshift team together.
More impressively, Conway & Patton ensure that this League plausibly displays individual personalities to build character depth. The art team’s visuals further bolster DC’s equivalent to Marvel’s vintage Avengers quartet of Captain America, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, & Quicksilver. Justice League of America # 235 isn’t a must-have, but it offers a refreshing read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The “JLA Mail Room” letters-and-answers column offers a three-page sampling of fan reactions to the much-debated JLA Annual introducing its new members.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
