Written by Mike Friedrich
Art by Dick Dillin & Joe Giella
Cover Art by Neal Adams
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Batman .. King of the World,” DC Comics released this issue for February 1971. Including guest star Zatanna Zatara, the League’s roster consists of Superman; Batman; Flash; Green Lantern; Hawkman; & the Atom.
Batman & Hawkman have ominously fallen to a towering robotic menace. Along with Flash, Zatanna, Green Lantern & the Atom, Superman is lured into a ruse by their metallic adversary in Peru. Batman’s strange behavior precedes his command for the mysterious Corporation’s robot to destroy his fellow Leaguers.
Only improvised teamwork might save the team from a deadly fate and the Earth from imminent plunder. Journeying to the planet known as Cam-Nam-Lao, Green Lantern, Flash, Atom, & Zatanna face alien opposition they never encountered before. Ultimately, realizing the fallacy of war will be sparked by one hero’s compassion.
Note: The issue presents the obscure debut of the Champions of Angor: Jack B. Quick; Blue Jay; Silver Sorceress; & Wandjina – an analogue to Marvel’s Avengers.
REVIEW:
No matter this issue’s simplicity, Justice League of America # 87 is a welcome treat, as compared to some of the glorified trash the comics industry has peddled in the 21st Century. Writer Mike Friedrich smartly deploys formulaic JLA storytelling where the team members all contribute something meaningful. Even better is that Friedrich allots the story’s best twist to one of the issue’s guest stars.
Bolstered by the art squad’s likable visuals, this issue delivers all-ages DC entertainment worth keeping. If anything, this issue’s conclusion offers a welcome message to children.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The “JLA Mail Room” column allots two full pages. There’s a checklist of other DC issues released in December 1970. Also included is a single of random scientific facts entitled “It’s Hard to Believe, But ..”
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
