Opening Segment & Finale Written by Rex Ogle
Opening Segment & Finale Art by Mahmud Asrar; Rob Hunter; Pete Pantazis; & Rob Cark Jr.
Cover Art by Jay Anacieto
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for November 2009, the one-shot “Wrinkles in Time” initially occurs at the League’s Cave HQ at Happy Harbor, Rhode Island. Now possessing teleportation powers, Snapper Carr & his semi-girlfriend, Cheetah (Barbara Minerva), witness the time-warping Epoch strands the JLA in duos throughout the past. Each duo subsequently meets a DC hero of that era. The team’s only hope for return lies with Epoch’s rival, the Time Commander. Yet, can they trust their perennial foe?
Broken into short stories, the adventures are:
*The segment occurs over two months.
Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) & Red Arrow: When Justice Comes to Town. Writer: JT Krul & Art by: Ardian Syaf; Ulises Arreola; John Dell; & Rob Clark Jr. In 1866 Utah, it’s up to Roy Harper and guest-star Cinnamon to save a ring-less Hal from an Old West lynching by a corrupt sheriff’s thugs.
Vixen & Green Lantern (John Stewart): Days of Chivalry. Writer : Rich Fogel & Art by: Eric J.; Felix Serrano; & Rob Clark Jr. In medieval Camelot, Vixen & John Stewart go undercover to aid The Shining Knight in combat vs. Morgaine Le Fey’s nefarious forces.
Zatanna Zatara & Black Canary (Dinah Lance): Fishnet Femme Fatales. Writer: Joss Williamson & Art by: BIT & Rob Clark Jr. In 1939 New York City, noir-style, Zatanna & Black Canary help the Golden Age Crimson Avenger rescue an abducted actress from the local mob. Also present is someone vital to Dinah’s existence.
*Firestorm (Jason Rusch/Gehenna) & Green Arrow (Oliver Queen): The Bride Who Loved Me. Writer: Chuck Kim & Art by: Justin Norman; Gabriel Bautista; & Steve Wands. On a remote island (possibly in the South Pacific) in 1942, Firestorm & the four-armed Bride try thwarting her ex-husband’s (Ra’s Al Ghul) forces from claiming a Lazarus Pit. Meanwhile, Ollie duels against Ra’s himself.
*Wonder Woman & Steel (John Henry Irons): Last Voyage of the Pirate Princess. Writer/Inker: Derek Fridolfs & Art by: Jon Buran; Bill Crabtree; & Steve Wands. In 1574, off the Isthmus of Panama, an undercover Diana temporarily commands a pirate ship, as she & Steel battle Starro the Conqueror at sea. Among her crew is the masked Black Pirate.
Superman & Doctor Light (Dr. Kimiyo Hoshi): Samurai. Writer: Amanda McMurry & Art by: Daxiong and Sal Cipriano. In 1223 Japan, Doctor Light and the Man of Steel interfere with history to save innocent lives, as a new hero rises.
Note: The Zatanna/Black Canary segment homages the dawn of DC’s Golden Age. Per DC’s ever-shifting continuity, it’s now indicated that Dinah’s mother hasn’t even born yet at the onset of World War II. Yet, the original Black Canary has long been established as a member of the wartime Justice Society. Go figure.
REVIEW:
Well-played! Two elements are readily apparent: 1. The JLA’s immense star power doesn’t always require Batman’s presence, as he doesn’t appear in this glorified annual; and 2. This one-shot is an even more entertaining read than 2011’s 80-page tale where the JLA literally goes to Hell. Though the shifting art styles can be distracting, this issue’s formulaic storyline (in a style reminiscent of classic Justice League adventures) is an entertaining middle ground for adults and younger readers.
The dialogue is consistently good across the board, as everything syncs to set up a slyly enigmatic finish. Standing out in terrific outings are Firestorm (in a welcome change, Jason Rusch comes off much more like Ronnie Raymond’s version) and Doctor Light’s friendship with Superman. Also, kudos are in order for Zatanna & Black Canary’s reliable team-up chemistry, along with a rookie Crimson Avenger and a delightful Bride (think a commando Bride of Frankenstein … with four arms!).
Though the amusing Firestorm/Green Arrow segment takes a few swipes at marital strife, Justice League of America 80-Page Giant # 1 (2009) is a fun read worth adding to any DC fan’s pre-New 52 stockpile.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In the “DC Nation” column, Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler hypes the animated Superman/Batman: Public Enemies film.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
