Justice League Of America #1 Review - Batman's New Squad Shows Promise

02/22/2017 09:15 am EST

Supergroups aren't exactly an extinct species these days, and the DC universe has more than its fair share of them. From the JLA and Teen Titans to the Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey, it seems all the avenues are covered. There does seem to be room for one more, though, and the Justice League of America #1 makes a compelling argument for consideration of that spot.

Spoilers incoming for Justice League of America #1, so if you haven't read the issue yet you've been warned.

After an equally successful one shot Rebirth issue, Justice League of America #1 doesn't waste time on a slow burn. The team doesn't even have much time to enjoy their new digs before getting an alert, and that brings out one of the most interesting parts of the book.

This book happens to have one of the most interesting team combinations in recent memory, and not just in regard to power sets. The constant bluster of Lobo is juxtaposed with the uneasy anxiety of Ryan Choi, while Black Canary's unwavering confidence brushes up against The Ray's first real action in the deep end of the pool. The team is full of personality clashes, providing plenty of unique character moments that can't be found in the regular Justice League series, including that delightful communications sequence midway through the book.

While the group is guided by the experienced hand of Batman, an early MVP of the series is turning out to be Vixen. Writer Steve Orlando has already shown an early grasp on what makes her tick, and she shines in every panel she's in, even when that panel shows her standing alongside someone like Batman. Like when Black Canary ascended the ladder to the next rung in Brad Meltzer's Justice League of America series, Vixen seems to be following a similar path.

Speaking of Vixen, the duo of Joe Prado and Ivan Reis do a phenomenal job on the art side of things and deliver some lovely versions of Vixen, Lobo, and Batman. This includes that excellent splash page of the entire group, and hopefully, this is just the beginning for the tandem.

Making a case for a new team is a hard sell these days, but Justice League of America #1 makes a convincing argument. As long as the book focuses on the divergent personalities that make up the team first and foremost, this book has the chance to stick around for some time.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars.

Justice League Of America #1 is written by Steve Orlando with art by Joe Prado and Ivan Reis. The issue's official description can be found below.

Meet the Extremists—self-proclaimed saviors from another Earth, they thirst for peace, prosperity and total submission to the will of their leader, Lord Havok! How can the newly assembled JLA stop this group of misguided maniacs before the Extremists unleash their own unique—not to mention dangerous!—brand of law and order on our chaotic world?

Justice League Of America #1 is in stores today.

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