Written by Gerry Conway
Art by Dick Dillin; Frank McLaughlin; Ben Oda; & Jerry Serpe
Cover Art by Dick Dillin
SUMMARY:
Entitled “The Last Great Switcheroo,” DC Comics released this issue for July 1979. The League’s roster consists of: Batman; Superman; Wonder Woman: Zatanna Zatara; Black Canary II; Green Arrow; Red Tornado; Hawkman; Flash; & the Elongated Man.
Having mind-swapped with five of the JLA’s mightiest heroes, the Secret Society of Super-Villains press their advantage by sending their biggest threats (trapped in the villains’ bodies) seemingly out of the universe forever.
Green Arrow is the first Leaguer to suspect a rat, as Superman insists the entire team guard the formidable Nova jewels at a museum. Even if the remaining Leaguers finally confirm this deadly ruse, what chance do they stand against desperate villains possessing the powers of Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Batman, & Zatanna? The only glimmer of hope may be Red Tornado’s encounter with an injured Star Sapphire.
Note: DC Comics relied upon this storyline as partial backstory for 2004’s Identity Crisis and 2005’s JLA: Crisis of Conscience.
REVIEW:
Reminiscent of the JLA’s best Silver Age epics, writer Gerry Conway conjures up an entertaining adventure giving most of nearly a dozen Leaguers something meaningful to do. The only ones seemingly left out are Wonder Woman & Batman, but Conway’s scripting of the second-tier members easily makes up that difference. Bolstered by the art squad’s competent visuals, Justice League of America # 168 proves a relic worth re-discovery.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a single-page “JLA Mail Room” column, as well as a “Daily Planet” news-and-notes column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
