Justice League Meets It's Match
Justice League of America #2 Review
The first issue of the Justice League of America was the set-up, issue two is the knock-out with enough mystery, fun and action to make this one of the most well-rounded books out now. Writer Geoff Johns has not only taken on a group of what most would consider secondary characters and put out a spin-off book but given these characters real purpose and true depth.
The story kicks off with Scarecrow being recruited by the Secret Society, and as Johns does best, gives us insight into Professor Crane which details and clarifies his underlying need and motivation for terrifying his victims. This makes Scarecrow an even stronger and darker villain. This is followed by the first gathering of the Justice League of America and a few panels that draws a distinct line between well worn heroes like Hawkman and newly minted ones such as Vibe. From the beginning Catwoman was an addition I thought was an odd choice but in one page Johns connects the dots between her and Steve Trevor in a sequence that is touching and sincere. Once again Johns understands how to weave a connection that as I reader I never saw.
The JLA is introduced by the President to the world, Green Arrow’s mystery from issue one is clarified and the team begins their hunt for the Secret Society. This issue has so much going on but it never feels overwhelming or watered down and the pace was brisk but never rushed. David Finch’s artwork is spot on and his attention to detail matches Johns story-telling skill perfectly. The back-up story is a brilliant telling of how Martian Manhunter’s special skills convinces a skeptical President that the Justice League of America is a team the world needs and it’s presented with grit and determination from writer Matt Kindt and artist Scott Clark. This is as close to the perfect pitch of what makes Martian Manhunter such a great character and one deserving his share of the spotlight.
While this may seem as a dark and serious turn for the overall series there is still plenty of fun to be had with the dynamics between the members that it strikes a near perfect balance. The Justice League of America is what a team book should be. Not just a spin-off but a group that stands on it’s own and carves it’s own path. Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman and the rest of the Justice League may have finally met their match.
5/5
