The New 52: Justice League

      It had to happen eventually. Over a year of released issues and I’m finally devoting an article to DC’s The New 52, and what better comic series to begin with then Justice League. Written by the legendary Geoff Johns (Green Lantern, Flashpoint) and illustrated by the equally legendary Jim Lee (Batman: Hush), Justice League kicked off the New 52 with a bang! (Minor spoilers follow).

      So basically, The New 52 is set in a universe that is made up of three separate universes, which were accidentally fused together during the Flashpoint mini-series. The New 52 has replaced all other previous series, starting all the DC comics back at #1 and changing some elements of the characters themselves. I can go on and on about the specific changes made throughout the relaunch, but ill just stick with Justice League for now. The first story arc called “Origin” takes place “five years ago”, where only heroes like Batman and Flash have been operating as “heroes” for some time. The story revolves around the meeting of these characters. Superman, Wonderwoman and Green Lantern have only just started out as crime fighters and Cyborg’s origin is revealed in this arc. After getting into disputes amongst each other, they soon have to put aside their differences to stop an alien invasion from Darkseid and his minions from Apokolpis (told you it started out with a bang).

      Each of the League’s characters have their own titles in the relaunch, except for Cyborg, where their full origins are displayed in further detail. JL kept it simple, fast-paced, and easy on the eyes thanks to terrific artwork by Mr. Lee. Lee was also responsible for the many character design changes such as Cyborg resembling “a walking tank”, or Superman no longer in red tights, to Batman and pretty much every other characters wearing more detailed costumes, almost resembling armor. I must say that I was very impressed with the look of the heroes and the series in general. After a year of publishing it is clear that JL is one of the more popular and dominant of the New 52, thanks to Lee and Johns.

      Justice League Vol.1: Origin is now available in hardcover, collecting the first six issues of the series, and JL # 13 will hit the stands on October 17th. I know you’re all just as excited as I am.