Archive for the ‘Jim Lee’ Category

Justice League #9 Review

Posted: May 17, 2012 in Comics, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Justice League Of America
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Written by: Geoff Johns
Pencilled by: Gary Frank, Jim Lee
Cover Color by: Alex Sinclair
Lettered by: DC Lettering

Hold on a sec…the Weapon’s Master is back???  I guess the DC reboot hasn’t forgotten everything that made the Dan Jurgens run of the Justice League so good!  In fact, it was issue #61 of the Justice League that featured the Weapon’s Master from April of 1992 that birthed my love of comic books.

Much to my dismay however, the Weapon’s Master is neglected the spotlight and used more as a comic relief, along with Flash and Green Lantern’s bantering over who plays who in the old “good cop-bad cop” routine.  But Wonder Woman never misses a beat with her ever-so-subtle entrances to help calm the storm.

Meanwhile, Supes, Bats, and Cyborg take on a riot at Arkham Asylum, seemingly started by the notorious villain, “The Key.”  Apart from Bruce Wayne’s text to Clark Kent about his dinner plans, this a much more angst driven fight, filled with the kind of gothic sensibilities that follow Batman like a plague.

However, hovering in the shadows is the crippled author, David Graves who mysteriously disappeared and now walks with a super powered metal suit (so it would seem) attacking Colonel Steve Trevor and forcing him to reveal the secrets of the JL Satellite base.  From author to potential arch villain?  From respected JL fan to revenge driven old man?  This I gotta see!!!

There’s an interesting juxtapose coming out of #9; Graves is shown being an expert on the Justice League, having written multiple books on them and other super-powered phenomenons, and the book continually (and randomly) flashes back to each League member’s past, showing very stressful times in their lives that directly connected to their current situation as superheroes. Unlike last month’s installment, this issue is working on almost every level, providing us with some very cool story building elements.  I’m going to make the educated guess that these flashbacks are both memories which haunt the League but also have to do with the knowledge Grave’s has in which he will use against the League within an issue or two.  I wonder why Aquaman wasn’t included in the festivities though?  Hhhhmmmmm…

One of the most terrifying moments in the book is when Graves shoots his doctor.  It doesn’t matter that superheroes and villains have died of much more devastating causes due to supernatural, explosive, or cataclysmic events, the visual of a bullet to the chest and blood flowing out on the carpet seems to have a different and much more emotional impact.  Would you agree?

I love Jim Lee, but am I the only one who sees his work as…unchanging?  Comic books, especially the much more main stream ones, have gotten to a point where even their BEST artists follow a similar format when it comes to penciling. With Jim Lee, so many of the poses and stances each character has in THIS issue can be found in almost every issue Jim Lee has ever drawn.  I love his work, don’t get me wrong, but due to its unevolving nature, I find myself enjoying the artwork of Amanda Conner, Francis Manapul, and others that tend to keep their style fresh and unique.

And of course, a secondary storyline involving Billy Batson and company comes to us right after Steve Trevor ends the Justice League section of the book, being forced to do something that Wondy will, most likely, whoop his butt for!  Billy is having to endure being apart of a family he never wanted in the first place, a school that seems to be against him, and anger issues he should probably seek therapy for.  But it’s all part of the plan for the upcoming change destined for little Batson.  I’m enjoying the slow pace, I just wish it wasn’t in the Justice League book!  I appriciate not feeling compelled to buy another title, but unless there’s an eventual connection Captain Marvel will have with the League, (Possibly replacing the uninteresting Cyborg???? pleaseohpleasohpleaseohplease…) I’d really like the Cap to have his own solo book.

And there we have it, issue #9!  It’s a great read and an undeniably fantastic improvement on an already fun title.  Three more issue to go before we hit the one year mark, and things are just starting to boil!

9 out of 10 stars

Justice League #7 Review

Posted: March 24, 2012 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Gene Ha, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee
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Written by: Geoff Johns
Pencilled by: Gary Frank, Gene Ha
Inked by: Gary Frank, Gene Ha
Cover Color by: Alex Sinclair
Lettered by: DC Lettering

Pay no attention to the creative quartet, all bearing the letter “G” in their first name. Although it is amusing!  (Sorry, These are the things I notice that should be passed over.)

Five years after the Justice League was officially recognized by the government, the team is still operating as a band of unorganized individuals who are unable to function as a unit…at least not from the reader’s standpoint.

Within this comic book world that the Justice League protects, the government is trying to maintain its ability to “govern” while the rest of the world hopes to kick it’s elected officials out and allow the heroes to take over and run the country.  It’s a pity the country doesn’t truly know how poorly the League cooperates with each other…but I guess that wouldn’t be too different from the real world.  We can always consult Colonel Steve Trevor as to how the League is functioning of course, but even he would uphold an unbiased position.  (right?)

Yes, I was just as perplexed as I’m sure you were, Steve Trevor has made his appearance in the new DC Universe, and it seems that men high up in the ranks are not free from political scrutiny when it comes to relationships.  If any of you were wondering about the future between Clark and Lois, put those inquiries on hold and focus more on the future of Colonel Trevor and Wonder Woman.  Instead of developing this couple in her own title, the two have been forced to explore their relationship across the universe.  It seems clear, though, that the two care for each other, even if Diana seemingly rejected Steve’s confession of love.

Despite Steve’s love for the princess, it doesn’t distract him from his duties as liaison between the Government and the League.  He seems to be doing his job well, even if his bosses wonder about his involvement with Wonder Woman.  If only they could see how they League behaves behind closed doors in their satellite watchtower.  Not only do they bicker, fight and focus more on enjoying their time in space, they also like to take advantage of getting free meals, bedding, and anything else that room and board includes.

Wonder Woman seems to be holding up her role as the intelligent female with the only sensible head on her shoulders, while the others have too many muscles and powers for them to be concerned with “thinking” and “working as a team.”  I was certainly surprised by Batman’s comment about the Justice League: International, but maybe he’s just frustrated with organized crime fighting units in general, more importantly…his own.

Now don’t think this issue is ONLY about a hopeless romantic disguised as a military official, or even the strange mutated subplot – there’s a mysterious villain hiding in the background sizing up the League and their abilities.  What his (or her) motives are is unclear, but I’m guessing it’s going to be a way to give Green Arrow a REASON for even being in the new DC Universe.  (Probably the worst fad that came out of the series Smallville…stupid sunglasses.)

I would have preferred that Captain Marvel stayed out of the League’s book, but the short, introductory story was at least entertaining.  I won’t be skipping over this secondary story like I do with most other comics.

I couldn’t be happier with Gene Ha’s penciling skills.  I do miss Jim Lee taking the charge, but I would be perfectly happy if Gene Ha takes over permanently.

If I were to take a guess, Geoff Johns is setting up  a more realistic viewpoint of the League.  These aren’t perfect heroes who hold to the same sense of Justice and honor the ones we knew before the reboot did.  Rather this is a group of Heroes have a lot to learn…and that promises for some fine reading material!

10 out of 10 stars

Justice League #6 Review

Posted: March 6, 2012 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Justice League Of America
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Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JIM LEE
Inked by SCOTT WILLIAM, SANDRA HOPE, BATT & MARK IRWIN
Colored by ALEX SINCLAIR with TONY AVINA
Lettered by PAT BROSSEAU
Variant cover by ADAM HUGHES
B&W Variant cover by JIM LEE

As my “Heretical Biography” states, my introduction into comics was with issue #61 of Justice League: America.  Just under two decades since then and I’m still as loyal to the said title as I was in 1992…even more so.  When the title was terrible, I stuck with it.  When the title was amazing, my nerdgasms were that much better!

That being said, there’s really nothing exceptional about the rebooted title other than the art.  Geoff Johns is an amazing storyteller, don’t get me wrong, but anything and everything has already been done with every Justice League origin story. There’s not much left to do that’s fresh and new.  Thankfully, Johns found a way to make sure THIS origin story had a bit of originality to it, with a rough edge.

The first five issues gave us a decent display of each of the hero’s powers, with exception to Cyborg since he really has no control over his techo-implants. (Or at least he simply hasn’t learned to use them.) But now we’ve come to issue number six and all of the introductions to each hero’s super powers were forgotten, ending this story arc in a free-for-all.  No Amazonian awesomeness, ring slinging fun, nor any splashing moments for the king of the seas.  I try to give the writer the benefit of the doubt for a severe lack in power displaying, but with how the previous five issues set it all up, I assumed that meant it would all come together in one powerful conglomeration of super powered team-ups.

There was a semblance of teamwork however; each member providing something interesting that became the defeat of Darkseid.  However, I didn’t feel there was anything to latch onto.  In fact, Darkseid’s arrival might be one of the biggest let downs with this Justice League origin.  The heroes dog pile on top of him, he’s able to get a few good punches in here and there, but nothing about Darkseid’s entrance felt worthy of the amount of build up the previous issues gave him.  Is he really going to be some brute, all brawn and no brains?

Thankfully some intelligence emerges with Wonder Woman and Aquaman jabbing at Darkseid’s most powerful asset…his eyeballs.  Being the responsible employee I am, I left my issue of JLA #6 at home so I wouldn’t be distracted by it.  (But blogging while working is ok!) Because of that, however, I am unable to use it as a reference, but I seem to recall no omega beams in sight.  It’s a shame, but only a minor complaint.

Currently, the only members of the League that are impressing me thus far are Wonder Woman and Aquaman.  Superman, being the most powerful is unsurprisingly subdued in a light shows of shackles, and the other more powerful members of the League can’t seem to shake off the ruler of Apocalypse.  Leave it to an Amazon and a man with scales (both of which only have one title with their name on it) to use the gifts given to them to defeat the bad guy!

I won’t say anything about Cyborg.  Pure cop out if you ask me…

Lots of negativity, I know.  To be honest, however, I still enjoyed this issue; the art is great, and it’s still fun to see all of the characters back together on the same team.  The ending of this issue, though, is what makes it all worth it.

The team stands in front of the world at the capital accepting recognition from the President.  While the cheers and hoopla are thrown their way however, the League wonders where they go from here.  They aren’t a team, they don’t really like each other, and feel much more drawn towards their personal responsibilities rather than the the assumed collective responsibilities as the League.  However, they can’t refuse the acceptance as it’s a free ticket into the hearts of the people.  Thus will follow the fantastic potential of great character building stories and team building adventures!  I’ll definitely be coming back for more to see how Johns builds this team into somethings bold and daring!

7 out of 10 stars

Justice League #5 Review

Posted: January 26, 2012 in Alex Sinclair, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee
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Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Colored by ALEX SINCLAIR
Lettered by  PATRICK BROSSEAU
Variant cover by ERIC BASALDUA
B&W Variant cover by JIM LEE
Edited by DARREN SHAN & BRIAN CUNNINGHAM

I know, I know, It’s been a while, a little over a week in fact since my last review or posting, but life is back on track and I’m ready to nerd out once again!

Here at Heretical Jargon I try and always face the facts…hardly anyone reads my blog!  Or, at least, no one important reads it…I think we can all agree to that.  But I like to dream of the probability that someday, somewhere, someone worth while will read my blog and recognize that I have something important to say.

My dreams linger on, but right now Darkseid is on the rampage, Omega beams and all, and beginning his “Hell on Earth” campaign.  The League (are they an official “League” yet?) begins the task of setting aside their differences and working as a team to take down the alien invader before the streets are flowing with lava, and the skies are filled with steampunk-like monkeys from the Wizard of Oz.  For the sake of the world, get your act together caped crusaders!

You know what I think? I think everyone is having trouble accepting the “Justice League” feel to this title because there’s nothing new about.  Granted, a reboot does merit “newness” and “freshness,” but that doesn’t mean this title DOESN’T feel like a Justice League book right?  There are so many similarities between this and Meltzer’s series start up that I find it difficult to believe people just don’t see it.  The story isn’t great or original, but it’s definitely a League-tailored plot.

I take issue with many of the characterizations however; Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman were clearly defined as a trinity whose buffer and constant theme of morality and love was culminated within Wondy’s loins.  Now Johns has made her out to be this head strong “kill first, ask questions later” type of woman.  Wonder Woman’s own title does her greater justice than the League’s.  Why would Johns negate so much of what makes Wonder Woman so awesome and make her as dumb as Superman?  Is Batman the only one who kept his intellect transitioning into the reboot?

Of course, we can always expect Hal Jordan to be a bit on the idiotic side, and his reaction to Batman’s unmasking is one of the funnier moments in comics I’ve seen in a while.  The exchange between Bats and GL, however, was odd, and I began to wonder what type of after school special this was panning out to be; especially with Hal suddenly developing this driven sense of leadership after being so defiant and full of rage moments after Bats ran off.

I echo Mike Campbell in his thoughts over at Where Monster’s Dwell that Geoff Johns has written immensely better story lines.  This might just be the title to drop if you’re looking to do that.  However, this title is far from bad.  it takes a lot to completely destroy a Justice League book for me…just ask James Robinson!  but this is the worst issue of the series by far.  Cyborg gets a feature on the cover?  He doesn’t even get a good fives lines in the whole book, much less serving a real purpose.

Darkseid seems to be an aimless character so far.  Surely things will develop further with him, as well as giving the League something more to go off of than constantly bickering at each other.

6 out of 10 Stars

Justice League #4 Review

Posted: December 22, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Justice League Of America
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Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: Jim Lee
Inker: Scott Willaims
Colorists: Alex Sinclair with Gabe Eltaeb
Letterer: Patrick Brosseau
Cover: Lee, Willaims, Sinclair
Editors: Darren Shan, Brian Cunningham

The only thing that was missing from that last splash page of Justice League #4 was Darkseid shouting “SAFETY!!”

I joke…or do I?

Most of this issue focuses around the same thing the previous three issues have been…introduce more heroes and cause even more egos to explode.  ”I want to lead!” “You aren’t leadership material!” “My power ring is bigger than your power ring!” It’s all one big shouting match between the guys, and they all want to be in charge.  Even Batman has an inferiority complex going for him.  The only one’s not going after the captain’s spot are Supes and Wondy.

Now I’m not trying to say this is a bad thing, don’t get me wrong.  Geoff Johns is great at making overused material feel fresh and new.  (James Robinson was the one with that problem.)  With this title taking us back five years into the past where superheroes are a fairly new landmark in human history, and each hero having minimal knowledge of each other, Geoff John’s approach makes perfect sense.  However, the biggest question to consider is this…is anything NEW being learned?

For us veteran comic book readers, the answer is NO.  For the newbies, it’s a whole world of YES!  So as a reviewer, do I review this issue with my experienced knowledge of the Justice League and comic book folklore, or do I set aside my preconceived notions about what the Justice League SHOULD be like and review it as if I were a newbie?

Click To Enlarge

As stated above, right now the Justice League is nothing more than a prick waving contest between the guys for the leader spot, Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth showed us that much.  Green Lantern, backed by the Flash for the most part, sizes Aquaman up by way of getting in his face and waving his questioning finger in front of him.  Aquaman quickly answers Green Lantern’s challenge with a fleet of hungry sharks and a Triton to a baddies jaw, as well as his resume as King of Atlantis.  Batman is able to get his two cents in about his leadership qualifications.  All the while Superman remains silent in his jockish way and Wonder Woman tries to maintain peace among the (yet to be established) League.

Cyborg’s story is getting interesting, but I’m still convinced he’ll be the weak link within the League.  DC has got to stop trying so hard to bring Cyborg into the League.  I’ll give them to benefit of the doubt for now, but I think the attempts have failed more than they’ve succeeded.

I can see how this entire set up for the league with the bigger oncoming fight against Darkseid can be fun for new readers, and it’s fun for me as well.  There’s something about origin stories that always makes me excited, even if there’s nothing new happening.  But juxtaposed with the whole Universe reboot, I think the whole “newness” of it is helping dictate my feelings towards the new Justice League.  Let’s be honest, this Justice League may be new within the reboot, but this is a story that has been told over and over again with every incarnation of the League.

Jim Lee = awesome!  I could simply end with that and I suspect all of you reading this would agree.  So let’s leave it at that!

Even though there’s nothing new being brought to the League as of yet, I still feel as if I can give #4 a high rating.  When Brad Meltzer took over the League a few years ago, I remember calling it “the best Justice League origin story in comics history.”  But now we are at the reboot where an origin story has been presented for a new set of readers.  What a powerful way to get newbies excited for comics on a monthly basis!

8 out of 10 stars

Justice League #3 Review

Posted: November 17, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Justice League Of America
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Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: Jim Lee 
Inker: Scott Williams
Colorists: Alex Sinclair w/ Hi-Fi & Gabe Eltaeb
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Cover: Lee, Williams, Sinclair
Editors: Darren Shan & Brian Cunningham

Wonder Woman is a United States newbie, wandering around looking for trouble while at the same time displays her gentle, more loving side.  Victor Stone suffers some fatal 1st degree burns, (or is it 2nd degree?  I didn’t learn anything in fire training apparently) and in true Sith style, is saved by fusing his body with mechanical external and internal implants.  The League shows their experience in using their powers, while also showing their LACK of experience in working as a team.  And another sea bound rapscallion makes his debut on the pages of the Justice League, just itchin’ for a fight!

Oh, and Darkseid is pushing is onslaught forward too!  Just FYI…

This issue is pretty hefty!  The best so far me thinks.  This title is running under a flashback mentality, dating back five years ago.  Super heroes are a fairly new concept, and they just keep coming!  As no OFFICIAL League has been formed yet, the heroes are trying to stop the other-worldly baddies without any semblance of a plan.

Not only that, but we are given a sample of each hero’s advantage and disadvantage with their super powers.  Superman is stronger than any hero on the planet, but he’s certainly more of a bronze over brains kind of guy.  Flash needs to stop and think things through a little instead of doing as much as possible before he gets whacked unconscious. Green Lantern may wield the most powerful weapon in the universe, but like the old saying goes, “It’s not the size that counts, but how you use it!,” and Hal definitely needs to learn focus.  But, of course, Batman is…well, he’s Batman…I don’t dare attempt at correcting his behavior.

The introduction of Wonder Woman into the book was a fantastic integration, combined with honor, humor, and maintaining a sexy, intimidating persona.  Although, I wonder, is Wonder Woman going to be too distracting for the guys?  Certainly the Flash and Green Lantern had a moment of incompetence while oogling the woman in the silver, red and blue suit, slinging the sword around.  Even Superman seemed very taken by Wondy…in which case Diana reciprocated Superman’s “flirtatious” moment.  C’mon DC, give Supes and Wonder Woman some romance, PU IT IN THE PLAN!!!

Has anyone ever wondered why Wonder Woman never had multiple comic book series’s where Bats and Supes have HUNDREDS!?!?!  Johns and Lee seem to have made this BIG DEAL of Wonder Woman’s entrance, yet she constantly seems underrated within the DC ranks.  It’s very disappointing and sad to me.  However, it’s nice to see Johns giving Wondy a full spectrum of likes fans can dig into.  She is ready for battle, displaying her warrior ways, and also given some hilarious moments and bits of dialog; eating ice cream and asking everyone if they had seen a Harpy.  Clearly, the rebooted Wonder Woman is going to be a fine addition to the team.

With Aquaman now having entered into the picture on the last page, the only real hero introduction remaining is Cyborg’s.  I’ve never been a fan of Cyborg, but Johns has certainly been building up his back story with the greatest of ease…and I find myself very anxious to see how it all works out.  Was it a precognitive sense Cyborg inherited, or do the cybernetic implants somehow give Victor an ability to see into other dimensions?

Whatever the case may be, Darkseid is certainly coming in full throttle and without mercy…and the team couldn’t be LESS prepared.  Much like what Dwayne McDuffie and James Robinson tried to do with the League before the reboot, (and failed) Johns and Lee are bringing a team together and allowing them to grow as a unit.  There’ll be punches thrown, and obviously leadership issues, but this is going to turn into something truly great and memorable!

10 out of 10 stars.

Justice League #2 Review

Posted: October 22, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Justice League Of America
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Written By: Geoff Johns
Penciled By: Jim Lee
Inked By: Scott Williams
Colors By: Alex Sinclair
Letters By: Patrick Brosseau
Cover By: Lee, Williams, & Sinclair

It’s Not Easy Being In The League…
The Justice League has undergone so many incarnations that I can’t keep track of them all.  They typically consist of three key players, (And I’m sure you can guess who those three are) but almost always, every member of every version of the League knew each other prior to joining.  Now, with the reboot, issue #2 emphasizes an already known fact that the League is undergoing one of the most challenging and dangerous tasks they’ve ever faced…not knowing each other.

We pick up where we left off last month, with Superman duking it out with Bats and Green Lantern: Hal Jordan.  Realizing they were fighting a losing battle, Green Lantern calls in his buddy Flash to even the odds. The fighting continues until the four of them discover they all share a common enemy, and then there’s a pause in the fighting while the hostility still lingered.  Then Darkseid’s forces burst in via Boom Tube and turn an already tense situation into a cataclysmic event from Hell.

So What’s New About This?
Maybe I’m being too anal about the reboot providing something new and fresh for me in every title I pick up, but I find there isn’t a whole lot of “newness” going on with the League right now.  Sure, the new personalities and characterizations of each hero is being brought into the League, but nothing about how the League is forming is particularly new.  I think Brad Meltzer’s run on the JLA would have been a more appropriate starting point rather than what Johns is giving us.

On the other hand, Johns IS DOING a good job at expanding on each hero’s personalities and mixing them in with one another.  The future Cyborg definitely got a bigger spotlight in this issue than last month, diving into the somewhat distant relationship Vic has with his father…not that Vic hasn’t tried.  But the Flash and GL are certainly going to be bound at the hips, with Supes and Bats keeping to their own “I work alone” zone.  This group of heroes certainly has a lot of work to do if they want to work as a team, and I’m intrigued as to what will happen next…and Wonder Woman and Aquaman haven’t even entered into the story yet!

Jim Lee, as great as he is, really hasn’t changed much in the last few years.  I love his style and how define his characters are, but it’s hard to continually enjoy something as much as you did when there isn’t anything new occurring in the style.  Jim Lee will always be the master of his craft, but it seems that Lee has reached his peak of greatness…I hope he never loses it.

The story is quite predictable as we already know what the outcome of this arc will be…don’t make us wait Darkseid, get your butt out here!  I’m still enjoying the series thus far, but I can definitely see a predictable pattern emerging out of the plot from only two issues, which is kind of disappointing.  I would love to see something come out of this arc that really makes it stick out, even if it’s a small deviation from the regular storyline.  The emergence of Swamp Thing was all that Brightest Day needed to get that miniseries off its feet and into an exciting light.

I’m not trying to say Johns and Lee are awful, I love their work, but I feel their styles haven’t really gotten into the “new” feel of the rebooted DC Universe.  Johns’ writing is “safe,” but not spectacular, with Jim Lee’s style lingering in that “safe” zone with Johns.  Maybe things will pick up once my favorite hero of all time, Wonder Woman, joins the fun.

6 out of 10