Review: JLA - Volume 1

When a group of mysterious aliens known as the Hyperclan settle on Earth, they begin righting the many wrongs that have befallen Earth’s inhabitants. However, their help comes at a great price. After uncovering the nefarious intentions behind the Hyperclans actions, Earth’s greatest heroes – Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter – band together to defeat this alien menace as the new Justice League of America.

Then, before they can even begin to settle in as a team unit, they must combat the fallen angel Asmodel and long-time foe the Key.

JLA Volume 1 collects JLA #1-9 and Secret Files and Origins #1, written by Grant Morrison with art by Howard Porter and Oscar Jimenez.

The Justice League is arguably the most iconic superhero team in existence and perhaps no incarnation is more beloved or celebrated than Grant Morrison’s late-‘90s take. Teaming up with Howard Porter and John Dell, Morrison re-introduced the Justice League in the best-selling series JLA with a pared down roster and with a distinct focus on global threats. The introductory arc is classic in and of itself, with Morrison and Porter crafting a tried-and-true alien invasion story featuring the enigmatic Hyperclan. This four issue storyline is every bit as epic as it was intended to be and even features a rather clever twist during its climax, one which helps to further develop the oft-forgotten Martian Manhunter. The action is spectacular and the enemies powerful enough to be genuine threats to the God-like members of the Justice League. Morrison even appears to reference the narrative structure of the early stories from Justice League of America by having the heroes split up to divide and conquer over the course of the narrative. The four-part opener is then followed up with a single issue storyline involving a character named Tomorrow Woman, an android whose inventors were responsible for creation of Amazo and Red Tornado. It’s a satisfactory and breezy read that plugs into the theme of free will within an electronic mind. This collection is then capped off by two two-parters, the first detailing the League’s fight against Asmodel and the second involving them being trapped in a sort of virtual reality by the Key. The latter storyline is particularly interesting, as Morrison offers up alternative takes on the main cast. For instance, he presents Superman as a Green Lantern, references Wonder Woman’s iconic mod era and then explores a potential future where Batman marries Catwoman.

As a whole, JLA is an action-first book and delivers this type of storytelling in spades. Porter is well-suited to this task as well, drawing detailed and well-choreographed sequences that emphasize the high octane nature of Morrison’s narrative. While character development is not at the forefront or even a priority in JLA, it is through these scenes that we see the glimmering hints of the personalities behind the characters. Green Lantern and Wonder Woman especially shine during fights, with the former creating constructs that emphasize his youth and interests while the latter is shown to be a formidable fighter whose presence in the battlefield is awe-inspiring. Morrison further supplements the action with dialogue that seeks to counteract the missing component of character development. An example of this would be the contrast between the youthful Green Lantern and veteran heroes like the Flash. He’s portrayed as far more flippant and this implies what the others are like by comparison. It goes without saying that Green Lantern is the most colourful and memorable character in this set of stories.

There are a few shortcomings to this collection. For one, it highlights the rushed nature of JLA as it breezes through its first nine issues with a hectic pace that provides no room for defining the overall team dynamic. The prime example for this being that by issue five the League are already in the process of expanding membership, which shouldn’t be done until the reader has adjusted to the current line-up. Yes these heroes are iconic and six of them had their own comics at the time, but their roles and personalities within the team needed to be established first. The other major failing in JLA is that it is forced to accept and run with the changes made in the characters’ individual books. For instance, the blue Superman is thrown at the readers without any explanation and it’s especially jarring for those who are reading the book in retrospect. Another personal gripe of mine would by how Porter illustrates the John Byrne redesigned Wonder Woman costume. It looks dreadfully dated in most shots, drawn with ridiculously high cut briefs, and she appears to be spilling out of the bodice in far too many panels. Porter illustrates her with a beautiful face and an impressive muscular physique, but she looks uncomfortable and out of place standing next to her Justice League cohorts.

JLA Volume 1 is an entertaining collection of stories that offer a glimpse into what made JLA DC Comics’ best-selling series during the 1990s. It’s an action-packed trade that proves why the Justice League is as legendary as they are by giving them incredibly powerful enemies. The stories themselves are quite memorable, while the dialogue and art gives the reader just enough glimpses at the personalities of the characters. It then goes without saying that this is an important trade for any DC Comics fan, especially those who grew up on and were fans of the Justice League cartoon.

RATING: B