Written by Gerry Conway
Art by Luke McDonnell; Mike Machlan; & Albert De Guzman
Cover Art by Luke McDonnell & Bill Wray
SUMMARY:
Entitled “The Long Road Home,” this issue was published by DC Comics for December 1985. It reveals Steel’s predicament after vanishing in battle on a frozen Earth-S during Crisis on Infinite Earths # 9. On a desolate Earth, a ravaged Steel (Hank Heywood III) repels an attack by mutated cockroaches. He then finds himself himself the guest of a mysterious woman and her elderly wizard-like father residing in 1,000,000,000 A.D.
Upon his recovery, Steel opts to aid his rescuers against the ominous Six’s killer-bots to regain the powerful Chrono-Cube. Meanwhile, at the Justice League’s Detroit bunker, Hank’s recuperating grandfather (Commander Steel of the All-Star Squadron) regrets Hank’s inhumane origin as his bionic successor.
REVIEW:
Showcasing Hank Heywood III’s brief incarnation of Steel, writer Gerry Conway nicely weaves this one-shot tale by anchoring it to a familiar villain from the League’s past. Including a terrific cover image, the art team’s excellent visuals provide the necessary support to keep Steel’s solo adventure engaging.
Even it doesn’t accomplish much, Justice League of America # 245 is really more a decent reminder of DC’s commendable mid-80’s quality control. Boosted by Conway’s quick flashbacks to help out readers just tuning in, this Crisis on Infinite Earths tie-in should appeal to fans of all ages.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a two-page “JLA Mail Room” letters-and-answers column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
