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Justice League of America (2006)
Justice League of America, Vol. 1: The Tornado's Path
New York Times best-selling novelist Brad Meltzer teams with artist Ed Benes to redefine the Justice League for today...and tomorrow! After the darkest hour in the DC Universe, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman meet to once again choose who among Earth's greatest heroes will comprise the new Justice League of America. But while they meet in secret to decide the fate of the team, dark forces move against their friends and allies.
207 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2008
59 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
321 books7,209 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
February 22, 2019
This is another Justice League #1, so it’s yet another re-launch of the group.
Remember when an issue #1 meant something? Nostalgia and Ka-ching?
I do.
Vaguely.
The big three (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman) are trying to come up with the brand spanking new roster for the team.
In the meantime, poor android Red Tornado, wants to be a real boy…
…so he can do more than just hug his human girlfriend.
Daww!
As the big three bicker…
Red Tornado, with the help of Deadman, tries to become not-dead.
Yet evil doesn’t take a snow day or observe any holy days or take Batusi lessons and they’re jonesing to start trouble.
So it’s audition for the team…
…defeat evil in a bad ass way…
…and get a certificate your mama can put on the fridge…
…and watch Green Arrow get kicked to the curb. Sorry, one arrow-y guy per team, Pops.
The art: Artists tend to have things they like to take great pains in drawing – here, its Black Canary’s rear end, which gets prominently featured in a number of panels.
Come on, dude, go find yourself a girlfriend! If Red Tornado can do it, so can you!
Wait, Jeff, don’t you own this comic?
Shaddup!!
Bottom Line - In the long line of creators for this group, Meltzer’s work holds up – the pacing is quick, the storyline is smart and he gives enough moments to the players to hold the reader’s interest and it's, well, fun. My only quibble would be the fact that the line of duplicity and villainy isn’t easy to follow.
Remember when an issue #1 meant something? Nostalgia and Ka-ching?
I do.
Vaguely.
The big three (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman) are trying to come up with the brand spanking new roster for the team.
In the meantime, poor android Red Tornado, wants to be a real boy…
…so he can do more than just hug his human girlfriend.
Daww!
As the big three bicker…
Red Tornado, with the help of Deadman, tries to become not-dead.
Yet evil doesn’t take a snow day or observe any holy days or take Batusi lessons and they’re jonesing to start trouble.
So it’s audition for the team…
…defeat evil in a bad ass way…
…and get a certificate your mama can put on the fridge…
…and watch Green Arrow get kicked to the curb. Sorry, one arrow-y guy per team, Pops.
The art: Artists tend to have things they like to take great pains in drawing – here, its Black Canary’s rear end, which gets prominently featured in a number of panels.
Come on, dude, go find yourself a girlfriend! If Red Tornado can do it, so can you!
Wait, Jeff, don’t you own this comic?
Shaddup!!
Bottom Line - In the long line of creators for this group, Meltzer’s work holds up – the pacing is quick, the storyline is smart and he gives enough moments to the players to hold the reader’s interest and it's, well, fun. My only quibble would be the fact that the line of duplicity and villainy isn’t easy to follow.
March 20, 2020
Ed Benes draws a purty superhero book. And Brad Meltzer typically writes a pretty gripping yarn. So, what happened here?
It’s not bad, by any means; it’s just also not, I don’t know, genital grabbing (and I don’t mean in the unasked for manner of presidents). There are pieces of the story that are delightful—Supes, WW, and Bats debating who to invite to join the newly reformed JLA, for example—but there are also a lot of deep DC continuity references that will be lost on people who are not Mark Waid, which sometimes pulls you out of the story.
Still, a solid way to spend an hour if you’re in need of a JLA hit.
It’s not bad, by any means; it’s just also not, I don’t know, genital grabbing (and I don’t mean in the unasked for manner of presidents). There are pieces of the story that are delightful—Supes, WW, and Bats debating who to invite to join the newly reformed JLA, for example—but there are also a lot of deep DC continuity references that will be lost on people who are not Mark Waid, which sometimes pulls you out of the story.
Still, a solid way to spend an hour if you’re in need of a JLA hit.
August 22, 2017
I really like Brad Meltzer writing. I know some people hate Identity Crisis but I REALLY enjoyed it. So then this is like the follow-up and once again I believe Brad creatures believable dialog with strong character motives. He also has the ability to give B list and C list characters depth that makes you care about them.
This story mostly focuses on Justice League rebuilding. Batman, Supes, and Wonder are all just chilling talking about recruiting. As they're doing that we see Red Tornado dealing with his switch into a real human body. It's touching and the time we get to the part with his family rejoicing over his new body you have the emotions you need to get attached. Then of course, without spoilers, shit goes down.
What I liked: The dialog is very solid and everyone sounds REAL. huge plus. The art is very good and no complaints from me. Red Tornado's story is both filled with hope and sadness. Loved every moment with him. The ending is touching and sweet yet you still feel that the risk these characters go through is very very scary.
What I didn't like: Okay, to be honest, the whole Vex storyline and black lighting were kind of boring. They're only 1/5th of the story but they are there, and it slows down the pace a lot.
Overall this is another solid comic by Meltzer. So sad that this is about all he's done in the comic realm. I'd love to read more from him. Well least he made two great DC comics I'll always remember fondly of.
This story mostly focuses on Justice League rebuilding. Batman, Supes, and Wonder are all just chilling talking about recruiting. As they're doing that we see Red Tornado dealing with his switch into a real human body. It's touching and the time we get to the part with his family rejoicing over his new body you have the emotions you need to get attached. Then of course, without spoilers, shit goes down.
What I liked: The dialog is very solid and everyone sounds REAL. huge plus. The art is very good and no complaints from me. Red Tornado's story is both filled with hope and sadness. Loved every moment with him. The ending is touching and sweet yet you still feel that the risk these characters go through is very very scary.
What I didn't like: Okay, to be honest, the whole Vex storyline and black lighting were kind of boring. They're only 1/5th of the story but they are there, and it slows down the pace a lot.
Overall this is another solid comic by Meltzer. So sad that this is about all he's done in the comic realm. I'd love to read more from him. Well least he made two great DC comics I'll always remember fondly of.
August 7, 2020
You can instantly tell that Brad Meltzer has read the Justice League for decades. There are so many odes to older runs (like the membership drives where members look at pictures of heroes and decide who to invite). In this story the Trinity do that while the rest of what becomes the team get involved with the Red Tornado's return. I've always been a fan of Reddy's and I'm glad to see him back where he belongs. Roy Harper also gets a real chance to shine in this. It's really nice considering how much shit he's been put through since this was written. Jim Lee clone Ed Benes provides some banging art even if he focuses on Black Canary's butt too often. I really like Meltzer's attention to past Leagues without getting overly nostalgic.
August 19, 2014
MINI REVIEW: it's nice to see the Big Three getting along and rebuilding the JLA. Old feelings arise as various superheroes are considered. Of course there is a crisis or two or three along the way. What did you expect? Tea with superheroes? This is the JLA!
This tale focuses mostly upon Red Tornado, a variety of themes including one spin on heroism and why the JLA trains so much together (see the supervillain they must defeat this time around).
Nice homage to JLA artwork in the back of this volume. Awesome artwork by Ed Benes. He killed it. Bonus for doing Wonder Woman in a feminine yet strong fashion.
ARTWORK: A minus to A;
STORY/PLOTTING: B plus to A minus;
CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: A minus to A;
ACTION SCENES: B plus;
DC MYTHOLOGY: A minus;
OVERALL GRADE: A minus;
WHEN READ: early April 2014.
This tale focuses mostly upon Red Tornado, a variety of themes including one spin on heroism and why the JLA trains so much together (see the supervillain they must defeat this time around).
Nice homage to JLA artwork in the back of this volume. Awesome artwork by Ed Benes. He killed it. Bonus for doing Wonder Woman in a feminine yet strong fashion.
ARTWORK: A minus to A;
STORY/PLOTTING: B plus to A minus;
CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: A minus to A;
ACTION SCENES: B plus;
DC MYTHOLOGY: A minus;
OVERALL GRADE: A minus;
WHEN READ: early April 2014.
December 29, 2017
This follow-up to Identity Crisis was a good read. Brad Meltzer concocting an entertaining story with Ed Benes providing some amazing artwork. I can't say I've ever been a huge fan of Red Tornado, but now I actually like him and his whole story. Of course, it probably isn't the current DC Canon anymore. . .
February 15, 2021
I tend to like Brad Meltzer's comics. Thus, I was quite interested in this volume. While it is a good story, overall, it does have some issues.
The first 25% of the story is a little odd since it seems to act as a history of the JLA from the early days. This rather long history is condensed into the first section of the story and that makes for some confusing chronology. I am going to assume it takes into account various story arcs including the Crisis ones. It is also the story of how the JLA chose who was to become members.
But once that confusing bit is over and done with, the story picks up. It is the story of Red Tornado and his trying to become human. Leaving his android body aside, he is given a human body. But all is not well and enemies of the JLA have some nefarious plans for Tornado's old android body. It really is about what does it mean to be human (Marvel did very similar concepts with the Vision). This part of the story is good, but nothing great. I did enjoy seeing an intelligent Solomon Grundy, which was a nice change.
Overall? A good story that has a rough start. The artwork is good throughout. While not the best of Meltzer's work, it is still a pretty good volume.
The first 25% of the story is a little odd since it seems to act as a history of the JLA from the early days. This rather long history is condensed into the first section of the story and that makes for some confusing chronology. I am going to assume it takes into account various story arcs including the Crisis ones. It is also the story of how the JLA chose who was to become members.
But once that confusing bit is over and done with, the story picks up. It is the story of Red Tornado and his trying to become human. Leaving his android body aside, he is given a human body. But all is not well and enemies of the JLA have some nefarious plans for Tornado's old android body. It really is about what does it mean to be human (Marvel did very similar concepts with the Vision). This part of the story is good, but nothing great. I did enjoy seeing an intelligent Solomon Grundy, which was a nice change.
Overall? A good story that has a rough start. The artwork is good throughout. While not the best of Meltzer's work, it is still a pretty good volume.
October 13, 2021
This was just epic!
It starts with the formation of a new team after Infinite crisis but when Red tornado who becomes human now, when his old body is taken by someone some members investigate that and we deal with multiple POV's like the trinity making the roster and then things with Black Lightning and all but its Hal, Roy and Dinah who we follow and its an epic journey as they fight Ivo and turns out his body is being used to make Amazo and also Grundy is there, so this new league has to come together to fight Amazo and save their friend and will they be able to save it and if yes then at what cost?!
Its an epic story and I love the way they flesh out Red tornado and make you feel for him and his ending was just too hurtful but then again the android and wanting to be human ..those sort of stories continue here and I love his relationship with Kathy. Its perfect the way its done and I love the way they explore this team and make them come together. Its perfect and also the art is just too good, just perfect. One of the better relaunches and team formation, its a must read!
It starts with the formation of a new team after Infinite crisis but when Red tornado who becomes human now, when his old body is taken by someone some members investigate that and we deal with multiple POV's like the trinity making the roster and then things with Black Lightning and all but its Hal, Roy and Dinah who we follow and its an epic journey as they fight Ivo and turns out his body is being used to make Amazo and also Grundy is there, so this new league has to come together to fight Amazo and save their friend and will they be able to save it and if yes then at what cost?!
Its an epic story and I love the way they flesh out Red tornado and make you feel for him and his ending was just too hurtful but then again the android and wanting to be human ..those sort of stories continue here and I love his relationship with Kathy. Its perfect the way its done and I love the way they explore this team and make them come together. Its perfect and also the art is just too good, just perfect. One of the better relaunches and team formation, its a must read!
August 7, 2020
According to my reading diary, I’ve read this once before. But it all felt new to me, which doesn't speak well of my memory, and/or the story’s memorable qualities.
Red Tornado gets a chance to become fully human, but it's part of a plot to … but that would be telling. Suffice to say, it doesn't go as planned. Add to this deliberations between Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman on proposed new Justice League members; stir in plenty of guest stars, and we’ve got the makings of a pretty good JLA reboot.
This is author Brad Meltzer’s second outing with the characters, the first being the (in)famous Identity Crisis. I actually like this book better than that one. Much of IC’s story seemed geared for shock value, “This is not your father's Justice League,” and all that. The Tornado’s Path is more settled and nuanced. Meltzer displays a fanboy’s knowledge of DC universe minutiae with a novelist’s ear for emotion and motivation. My reaction to Identity Crisis was along the lines of, “Holy cow! They did not just go there!” My reaction to this was more like, “Wow! That is so cool!” Recommended!
Red Tornado gets a chance to become fully human, but it's part of a plot to … but that would be telling. Suffice to say, it doesn't go as planned. Add to this deliberations between Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman on proposed new Justice League members; stir in plenty of guest stars, and we’ve got the makings of a pretty good JLA reboot.
This is author Brad Meltzer’s second outing with the characters, the first being the (in)famous Identity Crisis. I actually like this book better than that one. Much of IC’s story seemed geared for shock value, “This is not your father's Justice League,” and all that. The Tornado’s Path is more settled and nuanced. Meltzer displays a fanboy’s knowledge of DC universe minutiae with a novelist’s ear for emotion and motivation. My reaction to Identity Crisis was along the lines of, “Holy cow! They did not just go there!” My reaction to this was more like, “Wow! That is so cool!” Recommended!
July 18, 2014
Rating - 4 stars. I WANT MOAR.
How can you not love a story about a robot(?) trying to find his humanity?
Plus, Black Canary kicks butt.
Various reactions:
The plot:
The tough ladies:
The art:
Solomon Grundy:
The ending:
P.S. Mr. Benes, your art rocks. Even if the busts are slightly on the ample side.
How can you not love a story about a robot(?) trying to find his humanity?
Plus, Black Canary kicks butt.
Various reactions:
The plot:
The tough ladies:
The art:
Solomon Grundy:
The ending:
P.S. Mr. Benes, your art rocks. Even if the busts are slightly on the ample side.
February 5, 2016
I have always enjoyed the JLA, in all it's various incarnations through the decades. This new modern JLA is a very enjoyable read. Great art and plot make this JLA a great read for an older fan or a perfect place for a new fan. Very recommended
February 18, 2009
Good structure and interesting story, nice to see some focus on minor characters.
June 10, 2020
Aside from some unnecessary ass shots... this was quite possibly the only Justice League story I've read that actually used women well? I am utterly shocked considering women were barely in Identity Crisis, and when they were, they weren't used well.
This is a story that takes Dinah Lance, Diana Prince, Mari McCabe, Kendra Saunders and used their abilities well. Red Tornado's wife Kathy is here for a short while and she even has some really great moments. I've read New 52's Justice League (regretfully), a volume of Rebirth's Justice League of America (regretfully), Waid's Justice League books, a classic volume of JLA and a few other issues here or there and the women are never used well. Even Diana has such a small role compared to the men and I'm never sure why. Her abilities are incredibly versatile yet she's usually regulated to exposition or, even worse, being rescued. The other female members of the team are also usually not used that often, or all that well.
Considering my chief gripe with Identity Crisis was the lack of great representation of women, imagine my shock when the same writer managed to use these female characters better than I've ever seen them used in a JLA book. Wonder Woman is treated just as importantly as Bruce and Clark in building the new team. Mari's abilities are used quite diversely, she doesn't get rescued when she's in peril, she saves herself and the end scene with the little girl seeing her as a role model for her work stopping Amazo was perfect! Dinah is shown as a brilliant fighter, incredibly smart in battle and her love and support of Roy during his lowest point comes back in a really big way. Hawkgirl isn't as present as the others but, for the little that she's here, she's shown as a fierce warrior that is greatly respected for her skill in battle.
Also - Hawkgirl! New love of my life! <3
Sorry to say so much on that and so little on everything else but that really meant a lot to me. When reading team books, I usually just resign myself to not seeing female characters aside from cheap T&A shots that make me regret reading the books at all. This was a pleasant surprise (y'know, aside from the unnecessary ass shot of Wonder Woman during what was supposed to be a brutal fight scene).
Anyway, the story itself was great. I never cared all that much about Red Tornado but this story made his plight and his love for his family a compelling plot. I loved the stuff with Roy Harper. He's one of my favorite characters and I liked that this featured how much Hal, Dinah and Ollie want to do right by him and also acknowledges that Ollie treated him like shit. It also managed to show how great of a father Roy is -which is always a plus for me.
I liked seeing Jefferson Pierce here. I enjoyed the bits at the beginning with Clark and Bruce demonstrating how much they trust each other. I thought all of the interpersonal relationships were done really well in this book.
So, yeah, 4.5 stars. Definitely a recommend from me.
This is a story that takes Dinah Lance, Diana Prince, Mari McCabe, Kendra Saunders and used their abilities well. Red Tornado's wife Kathy is here for a short while and she even has some really great moments. I've read New 52's Justice League (regretfully), a volume of Rebirth's Justice League of America (regretfully), Waid's Justice League books, a classic volume of JLA and a few other issues here or there and the women are never used well. Even Diana has such a small role compared to the men and I'm never sure why. Her abilities are incredibly versatile yet she's usually regulated to exposition or, even worse, being rescued. The other female members of the team are also usually not used that often, or all that well.
Considering my chief gripe with Identity Crisis was the lack of great representation of women, imagine my shock when the same writer managed to use these female characters better than I've ever seen them used in a JLA book. Wonder Woman is treated just as importantly as Bruce and Clark in building the new team. Mari's abilities are used quite diversely, she doesn't get rescued when she's in peril, she saves herself and the end scene with the little girl seeing her as a role model for her work stopping Amazo was perfect! Dinah is shown as a brilliant fighter, incredibly smart in battle and her love and support of Roy during his lowest point comes back in a really big way. Hawkgirl isn't as present as the others but, for the little that she's here, she's shown as a fierce warrior that is greatly respected for her skill in battle.
Also - Hawkgirl! New love of my life! <3
Sorry to say so much on that and so little on everything else but that really meant a lot to me. When reading team books, I usually just resign myself to not seeing female characters aside from cheap T&A shots that make me regret reading the books at all. This was a pleasant surprise (y'know, aside from the unnecessary ass shot of Wonder Woman during what was supposed to be a brutal fight scene).
Anyway, the story itself was great. I never cared all that much about Red Tornado but this story made his plight and his love for his family a compelling plot. I loved the stuff with Roy Harper. He's one of my favorite characters and I liked that this featured how much Hal, Dinah and Ollie want to do right by him and also acknowledges that Ollie treated him like shit. It also managed to show how great of a father Roy is -which is always a plus for me.
I liked seeing Jefferson Pierce here. I enjoyed the bits at the beginning with Clark and Bruce demonstrating how much they trust each other. I thought all of the interpersonal relationships were done really well in this book.
So, yeah, 4.5 stars. Definitely a recommend from me.
April 20, 2016
Absolutely loved Ed Benes' art in this. He draws his characters big and in your face. The colouring was also well done. Meltzer as a comics writer, for me, is hit-and-miss. I really liked Green Arrow, Vol. 3: The Archer's Quest, but I simply cannot understand the big deal about Identity Crisis.
I really don't care about Red Tornado (RT) or his quest to be/become human - by the way, dude: be careful what you wish for!
My favourite part of the plot is that, for once, Solomon Grundy comes back to life as a super smart villain and not the usual brain-dead automaton we're so used to. Now this smart Grundy will go to any lengths to stay alive so that he can remain smart (if he's killed, no one knows just how smart he'll be next time he comes back to life - probably as smart as a bag of nails). So his master plan is to transfer his consciousness into RT's body*, but before he can do that, he must first move the android's consciousness out to another body, so he arranges for RT to become 'human' and - most importantly - mortal. Evil!
* And that's not all: Grundy is 'upgrading' RT's robot shell with a number of things, not least of which are parts of Amazo and the Parasite! Fearsome!
Here's one dude you don't wanna F* with!
I really don't care about Red Tornado (RT) or his quest to be/become human - by the way, dude: be careful what you wish for!
My favourite part of the plot is that, for once, Solomon Grundy comes back to life as a super smart villain and not the usual brain-dead automaton we're so used to. Now this smart Grundy will go to any lengths to stay alive so that he can remain smart (if he's killed, no one knows just how smart he'll be next time he comes back to life - probably as smart as a bag of nails). So his master plan is to transfer his consciousness into RT's body*, but before he can do that, he must first move the android's consciousness out to another body, so he arranges for RT to become 'human' and - most importantly - mortal. Evil!
* And that's not all: Grundy is 'upgrading' RT's robot shell with a number of things, not least of which are parts of Amazo and the Parasite! Fearsome!
Here's one dude you don't wanna F* with!
June 23, 2013
Body swapping, and many villains. Fun action packed story, and new JLA.
April 2, 2015
Other than crossovers and the New 52, this was the first Justice League title or read. It was awesome. This takes place after the event of Infinite Crisis and 52, with the trinity wanting to rebuild the league, a better league.
Every time I read something pre-N52 I just miss the old DCU more. Not that N52 was horrible, but for the most part it lost a lot of pizazz that they had prior to the reboot. So many characters lost their depth and many just disappeared. I have been a big fan of Red Tornado since watching the first season of Young Justice. So I was stoked that this volume was based around his character.
I loved Meltzer's work on Identity Crisis so I knew I was hoping this would be great. Luckily for me it was. And to make thins better the line up was pretty different to most of the incarnations of the league I've read in the past. Of course you have the trinity there as well as GL, but the rest are fairly new. Vixen, Red Tornado, Red Arrow (who changes his name from Arsenal in this book), Black Lightning, Hawkgirl and Black Canary (who also becomes the chairperson of the league). So it's fresh and new, well to me at least.
The art is superb as well so it's such a treat reading through. Some amazing spreads in this as well bursting with beautiful colours.
It's a great book an I'm really looking forward to the next book, which is a crossover event with the JSA (who are awesome), so onward to volume 2!
Every time I read something pre-N52 I just miss the old DCU more. Not that N52 was horrible, but for the most part it lost a lot of pizazz that they had prior to the reboot. So many characters lost their depth and many just disappeared. I have been a big fan of Red Tornado since watching the first season of Young Justice. So I was stoked that this volume was based around his character.
I loved Meltzer's work on Identity Crisis so I knew I was hoping this would be great. Luckily for me it was. And to make thins better the line up was pretty different to most of the incarnations of the league I've read in the past. Of course you have the trinity there as well as GL, but the rest are fairly new. Vixen, Red Tornado, Red Arrow (who changes his name from Arsenal in this book), Black Lightning, Hawkgirl and Black Canary (who also becomes the chairperson of the league). So it's fresh and new, well to me at least.
The art is superb as well so it's such a treat reading through. Some amazing spreads in this as well bursting with beautiful colours.
It's a great book an I'm really looking forward to the next book, which is a crossover event with the JSA (who are awesome), so onward to volume 2!
November 17, 2012
Yet another revival of the Justice League, this time by bestselling novelist Brad Meltzer. After his most recent physical demise, longtime Leaguer Red Tornado (who is actually an air elemental) acquires a real human body, with the apparent help of a supernatural ally. But it's a trick; a mystery villain needs Reddy's robot body for himself, and has enacted a complicated plan that will inadvertently draw the next League together.
There were a number of things I liked about this story. I liked the inclusion of a number of less well-known villains, even in their civilian guises. I liked the spotlights on Vixen and Black Lightning (though I'm not a fan of Jeff Pierce's new look.) I liked the homage to the original JLA's first foe. And the X-Men joke at the end was cute. Meltzer either has a great memory or has done his research.
But a lot of things bugged me, too. I can't stand the style of rotating first-person narration where the inner monologue boxes are color coded to the characters. It's irritating and confusing. First-person narration is fine but pick one for the sequence and stay with it! And the pseudo-realistic habit of characters not finishing sentences, also irritating. On the art front, I'm not a fan of Ed Benes' scratchy, overly-rendered style with its ridiculously-muscled men and their identical, angry, angry faces. He does draw a nice Hawkgirl, though.
All in all, it's not as good as Identity Crisis.
There were a number of things I liked about this story. I liked the inclusion of a number of less well-known villains, even in their civilian guises. I liked the spotlights on Vixen and Black Lightning (though I'm not a fan of Jeff Pierce's new look.) I liked the homage to the original JLA's first foe. And the X-Men joke at the end was cute. Meltzer either has a great memory or has done his research.
But a lot of things bugged me, too. I can't stand the style of rotating first-person narration where the inner monologue boxes are color coded to the characters. It's irritating and confusing. First-person narration is fine but pick one for the sequence and stay with it! And the pseudo-realistic habit of characters not finishing sentences, also irritating. On the art front, I'm not a fan of Ed Benes' scratchy, overly-rendered style with its ridiculously-muscled men and their identical, angry, angry faces. He does draw a nice Hawkgirl, though.
All in all, it's not as good as Identity Crisis.
October 17, 2009
Reprinting Justice League of America issues 1-7 of the latest incarnation (orig. publ. date 2006). Written by Brad Meltzer and penciled by Ed Benes. I wanted very badly to like this. I just couldn't. I felt lost. For a new series, this felt like I was coming into the middle of something. The dialogue was choppy and the story jumped all over the place. It was difficult to follow and by the middle of the book I was just skimming pages and flipping through entire chunks of pages without reading them, just looking at Benes' art (which was nice, not dazzling, but nice in a Marvel Comics Avengers sort of way...unfortunately, this wasn't Avengers).
At first I gave this issue three stars, because I wanted to like it. But then after more thought, realizing how much of it just bored and confused me, causing me to flip through it just to get finished, I had to give it two stars. Maybe the series picks up later, but you'd think by the seventh issue it would have a lot more going for it. A shame.
--
At first I gave this issue three stars, because I wanted to like it. But then after more thought, realizing how much of it just bored and confused me, causing me to flip through it just to get finished, I had to give it two stars. Maybe the series picks up later, but you'd think by the seventh issue it would have a lot more going for it. A shame.
--
July 1, 2018
This is a great love letter to the JLA, past and present. Beautifully done. Will warrant many re-readings.
January 3, 2020
Después de un año sin Liga de la Justicia, después de un año sin Wonder Woman, Batman ni Superman, después de todo lo que había ocurrido entre Crisis Infinita y 52, había llegado para DC el momento de retomar a su equipo estrella, y lo hicieron con un equipo de lujo. El novelista Brad Meltzer, que ya se había encargado de Crisis de Identidad, sería el guionista de los primeros arcos de la colección, y en este primero, La Senda del Tornado, contaría con los lápices del espectacular Ed Benes, un dibujante muy del estilo de Michael Turner (que se encargaría de las portadas).
Todo comienza con Superman, Wonder Woman y Batman reuniéndose para volver a reunir a la Liga, ya que consideran que fueron ellos los que la rompieron y quienes tienen la responsabilidad de reconstruirla, y son muchos los nombres que ponen sobre la mesa: Power Girl, Capitán Marvel, Mister Terrific, Nightwing, Hawkman, Flecha Verde, Átomo, Firehawk, Relámpago Negro... Pero mientras ellos planifican, las circunstancias parecen apresurar la formación de una nueva Liga. Y es que Tornado Rojo es engañado por el hechicero Félix Faust, que se hace pasar por Deadman, para renunciar a su cuerpo robótico y encarnarse en un cuerpo humano. Un grupo de villanos de segunda fila roba el cuerpo robótico de Tornado Rojo... y a partir de ahí, comienza el caos, con Canario Negro, Arsenal, Hal Jordan, Vixen y Relámpago Negro siguiendo distintas líneas de investigación que llevan todas al Doctor Ivo... y a un misterioso manipulador que está detrás de todo lo ocurrido a Tornado Rojo.
Así que la Senda del Tornado se convertiría en la aventura fundacional de la nueva Liga de la Justicia, un poco como lo ocurrido con los Nuevos Vengadores de Bendis y la Fuga de la Balsa, dejando a un lado todo el proceso de selección iniciado por Wonder Woman, Batman y Superman para centrarse en esta nueva alineación, presidida por Canario Negro. Con el estilo de escenas interconectadas que Meltzer había utilizado ya en Crisis de Identidad, la verdad es que La Senda del Tornado es una historia rápida de leer y bastante entretenida, aunque bastante lejos de los mejores momentos de la Liga de Morrison o de Kelly.
Todo comienza con Superman, Wonder Woman y Batman reuniéndose para volver a reunir a la Liga, ya que consideran que fueron ellos los que la rompieron y quienes tienen la responsabilidad de reconstruirla, y son muchos los nombres que ponen sobre la mesa: Power Girl, Capitán Marvel, Mister Terrific, Nightwing, Hawkman, Flecha Verde, Átomo, Firehawk, Relámpago Negro... Pero mientras ellos planifican, las circunstancias parecen apresurar la formación de una nueva Liga. Y es que Tornado Rojo es engañado por el hechicero Félix Faust, que se hace pasar por Deadman, para renunciar a su cuerpo robótico y encarnarse en un cuerpo humano. Un grupo de villanos de segunda fila roba el cuerpo robótico de Tornado Rojo... y a partir de ahí, comienza el caos, con Canario Negro, Arsenal, Hal Jordan, Vixen y Relámpago Negro siguiendo distintas líneas de investigación que llevan todas al Doctor Ivo... y a un misterioso manipulador que está detrás de todo lo ocurrido a Tornado Rojo.
Así que la Senda del Tornado se convertiría en la aventura fundacional de la nueva Liga de la Justicia, un poco como lo ocurrido con los Nuevos Vengadores de Bendis y la Fuga de la Balsa, dejando a un lado todo el proceso de selección iniciado por Wonder Woman, Batman y Superman para centrarse en esta nueva alineación, presidida por Canario Negro. Con el estilo de escenas interconectadas que Meltzer había utilizado ya en Crisis de Identidad, la verdad es que La Senda del Tornado es una historia rápida de leer y bastante entretenida, aunque bastante lejos de los mejores momentos de la Liga de Morrison o de Kelly.
August 20, 2019
Justice League of America vol 1: The Tornado's path is a reboot of Justice League after the events of things like Infinite Crisis, Identity Crisis, and 52.
Now here's the thing about relaunches that renumber the book, it's almost always sales driven right? Well part of the magic of this one is it does not feel like that. It doesn't feel arbitrary or done just for a bump in sales. A large chunk of that I think goes to the writer Brad Meltzer who has a love of the entire DC universe deep within these comics.
The focus is on the trinity as they're picking new people to invite to the league and various other characters like namely Red Tornado, Black Lightning, Vixen, Arsenal, Hal Jordan, and Black Canary. Red Tornado moves into a human body, but a shadowy villain is manipulating these events from the shadows. And Red Tornado doesn't have what he thinks he does. Vixen loses her sense of self. All while the trinity pick and choose. I think it has a good balance between the multiple plot threads. The weakest element for me is the pace, and the fact that the League isn't formed until the last issue in the collection (collects issues 1-7 for anyone keeping track).
Other than the pace I think this is a very good first volume for the Justice League, besides being weighed down by all the continuity of Infinite Crisis and 52.
The pencils by Ed Benes are good at the particular style he's doing. Very comic booky, big muscles and big boobs. It's drawn well but every guy looks the same and nearly every woman does too. It does the job but beyond being well articulated in it's style I'm not going to sing any further praises.
Alex Sinclair on colors does a fine job though, he keeps it grounded in that the color style isn't over inflated and kept to the "realism" of the images. Sandra Hope's inks are the part that stand out though. And are the feature that had me going "damn" at how the images of theses heroes stood out.
4 stars. Good relaunch and I enjoyed the story. I look forward to the next volume when I get to it.
Now here's the thing about relaunches that renumber the book, it's almost always sales driven right? Well part of the magic of this one is it does not feel like that. It doesn't feel arbitrary or done just for a bump in sales. A large chunk of that I think goes to the writer Brad Meltzer who has a love of the entire DC universe deep within these comics.
The focus is on the trinity as they're picking new people to invite to the league and various other characters like namely Red Tornado, Black Lightning, Vixen, Arsenal, Hal Jordan, and Black Canary. Red Tornado moves into a human body, but a shadowy villain is manipulating these events from the shadows. And Red Tornado doesn't have what he thinks he does. Vixen loses her sense of self. All while the trinity pick and choose. I think it has a good balance between the multiple plot threads. The weakest element for me is the pace, and the fact that the League isn't formed until the last issue in the collection (collects issues 1-7 for anyone keeping track).
Other than the pace I think this is a very good first volume for the Justice League, besides being weighed down by all the continuity of Infinite Crisis and 52.
The pencils by Ed Benes are good at the particular style he's doing. Very comic booky, big muscles and big boobs. It's drawn well but every guy looks the same and nearly every woman does too. It does the job but beyond being well articulated in it's style I'm not going to sing any further praises.
Alex Sinclair on colors does a fine job though, he keeps it grounded in that the color style isn't over inflated and kept to the "realism" of the images. Sandra Hope's inks are the part that stand out though. And are the feature that had me going "damn" at how the images of theses heroes stood out.
4 stars. Good relaunch and I enjoyed the story. I look forward to the next volume when I get to it.
December 23, 2011
Metzger's storyline has multiple subplots, but the overall theme is the evolution of both hero and villain; in this case, Red Tornado (John Smith) and Amazo. While in the astral plane, Tornado is aided by Deadman into inhabiting a fully human cloned body. However, this decision proves to be fateful. While Tornado loves feeling human again, his android body and Vixen's totem are stolen by mercenaries working for Professor Ivo.
Meanwhile, Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman meet in the "Lounge" to vote on new members of the JLA. Each is debated on with Power Girl receiving an invitation to join and Nightwing, Flash, and Supergirl being rejected. The verbal sparring between the three DC titans is amusing.
Meanwhile, Black Canary, Red Arrow (formerly Arsenal) and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) track down Tornado's android body and find Professor Ivo with hundreds of Tornado clones and Solomon Grundy, who has a plan for Tornado's human body. Vixen, in Hub City (ostensibly to meet The Question for a date), finds two villains who steal her Tantu totem. Tornado follows them and Grundy isolates him from the JLA, who battle Amazo after he attacks Tornado's wife Kathy in their home. The battles are exceptional, from a band of three against an army of Tornadoes in Ivo's hideout to Grundy and Tornado going mano-a-mano as Kathy watches helplessly, to the JLA attacking Amazo before he destroys them.
Meanwhile, Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman meet in the "Lounge" to vote on new members of the JLA. Each is debated on with Power Girl receiving an invitation to join and Nightwing, Flash, and Supergirl being rejected. The verbal sparring between the three DC titans is amusing.
Meanwhile, Black Canary, Red Arrow (formerly Arsenal) and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) track down Tornado's android body and find Professor Ivo with hundreds of Tornado clones and Solomon Grundy, who has a plan for Tornado's human body. Vixen, in Hub City (ostensibly to meet The Question for a date), finds two villains who steal her Tantu totem. Tornado follows them and Grundy isolates him from the JLA, who battle Amazo after he attacks Tornado's wife Kathy in their home. The battles are exceptional, from a band of three against an army of Tornadoes in Ivo's hideout to Grundy and Tornado going mano-a-mano as Kathy watches helplessly, to the JLA attacking Amazo before he destroys them.
March 4, 2021
Superman, Batman & Wonder Woman are putting together a new Justice League, while Red Tornado gets a human body (?!) and of course drama & danger ensues.
I did not know Red Tornado had a human appearance, let alone a wife & kid! Wow, did I just join this party in the middle lol.
Even so, the writing here is really good & I was able to enjoy the volume for what it was, even without the backstory. Meltzer writes a great group book. While the story revolves around Red Torando, I never felt like the other characters were out of place or skimped on. Everyone had really clear character motivations, the dialogue was expressive, and the story was exciting.
Also, I loved the fold-out spread of the JL photo at the end, & how Batman was kinda the comic relief in this book (with his "thank you" to GL for the microscope the way he likes it & his question at the end to Superman & WW if they voted him "In").
Tornado's ending was very bitter sweet. <3
And, there's a lot still up in the air with some of the characters and the big baddy (), but I'm excited for Vol. 2.
4 stars.
I did not know Red Tornado had a human appearance, let alone a wife & kid! Wow, did I just join this party in the middle lol.
Even so, the writing here is really good & I was able to enjoy the volume for what it was, even without the backstory. Meltzer writes a great group book. While the story revolves around Red Torando, I never felt like the other characters were out of place or skimped on. Everyone had really clear character motivations, the dialogue was expressive, and the story was exciting.
Also, I loved the fold-out spread of the JL photo at the end, & how Batman was kinda the comic relief in this book (with his "thank you" to GL for the microscope the way he likes it & his question at the end to Superman & WW if they voted him "In").
Tornado's ending was very bitter sweet. <3
And, there's a lot still up in the air with some of the characters and the big baddy (), but I'm excited for Vol. 2.
4 stars.
January 19, 2012
A phenomenal return of the Justice League of America book series.
March 10, 2025
“Bruce set this up? He’s starting to get sentimental.”
“If he were sentimental, he would’ve given us the giant penny.”
Oh, JLA ‘07. You’re cute, but you’re simple.
And it’s like…I truly cannot deny the chokehold this run had on me at 19. I loved the team, I loved how dorky it was, I loved how cinematic it all felt. I was finally like IN on a JLA that wasn’t Morrison and Porter (and this had the slight edge because I wasn’t reading and buying monthly comics at that point like I was in the late aughts).
And certainly stuff about it DOES work now I think! Shocking, I know, but it’s true. I really like how much Jefferson Pierce gets the focus. I still think the team line up is really fun. I appreciate Roy too being basically the third lead of this (as do I enjoy him and Hal emulating the Hard Travelin’ Heroes dynamic). I love love love Dinah as first chairman of the reformed League. Like that stuff is great.
But then also…I’m pretty sure Brad Meltzer is single-handedly (heh) responsible for the near maniacal obsession DC had with ripping off a character’s arm. And also some of the Benes’ artwork here is like…reprehensible (as is the “TEE HEE HEE!” Attitudes both the backmatter and introduction from Damon Lindelof has about basically every woman in this book). Either Kathy Sutton is always just theatrically sobbing or Vixen and Dinah are seemingly 80% pelvic bone, it’s just…oof oof oof. Seeing it now is just jaw-droppingly bad.
And you start to realize this is kind the most have your cake and eat it too sort of comic, right? It wants to be dorky and mention all this crazy, in-continuity stuff, but also…wants to be Oh, So Serious and so hysterically over-the-top violent with all these Sexy Sexiness interactions and it’s just…
Comics are goddamn wild, yall. Genuinely interested (re: terrified) to get deeper into this run because the only real solid memories I have of it are the McDuffie issues and that’s all I really want to get to in the first place.
Oh, well. Month of M’s!
“If he were sentimental, he would’ve given us the giant penny.”
Oh, JLA ‘07. You’re cute, but you’re simple.
And it’s like…I truly cannot deny the chokehold this run had on me at 19. I loved the team, I loved how dorky it was, I loved how cinematic it all felt. I was finally like IN on a JLA that wasn’t Morrison and Porter (and this had the slight edge because I wasn’t reading and buying monthly comics at that point like I was in the late aughts).
And certainly stuff about it DOES work now I think! Shocking, I know, but it’s true. I really like how much Jefferson Pierce gets the focus. I still think the team line up is really fun. I appreciate Roy too being basically the third lead of this (as do I enjoy him and Hal emulating the Hard Travelin’ Heroes dynamic). I love love love Dinah as first chairman of the reformed League. Like that stuff is great.
But then also…I’m pretty sure Brad Meltzer is single-handedly (heh) responsible for the near maniacal obsession DC had with ripping off a character’s arm. And also some of the Benes’ artwork here is like…reprehensible (as is the “TEE HEE HEE!” Attitudes both the backmatter and introduction from Damon Lindelof has about basically every woman in this book). Either Kathy Sutton is always just theatrically sobbing or Vixen and Dinah are seemingly 80% pelvic bone, it’s just…oof oof oof. Seeing it now is just jaw-droppingly bad.
And you start to realize this is kind the most have your cake and eat it too sort of comic, right? It wants to be dorky and mention all this crazy, in-continuity stuff, but also…wants to be Oh, So Serious and so hysterically over-the-top violent with all these Sexy Sexiness interactions and it’s just…
Comics are goddamn wild, yall. Genuinely interested (re: terrified) to get deeper into this run because the only real solid memories I have of it are the McDuffie issues and that’s all I really want to get to in the first place.
Oh, well. Month of M’s!
July 2, 2020
Some background: I read and liked Absolute Identity Crisis but I didn't grow up reading DC and didn't have the strong dislike that many had. I've also read one of Meltzer's regular books.
This wasn't bad, but I have two major complaints:
1) It wasn't new reader friendly. There was no summary page of what happened before (like why the league didn't exist and have to be reformed) or captions explaining in brief, who characters were or what their powers were. While I was aware of the characters, I wasn't knowledgeable of every detail of their origin or history with the league.
2) As in the non-graphic novel I read, Meltzer uses a common writing technique of following one plot thread until there's a dramatic point, then switching to another until it has a dramatic point, then switch back, etc. It builds suspense. However, it's done a little too much, and it's done so much during the climax it completely destroys any momentum the scenes were developing.
He did put some heart and soul into the characters, primarily focusing on Red Tornado and a good moment with Arsenal. Some of the back and forth between the Trinity was interesting.
Benes' art is not bad, mostly eye-candy, but sometimes the storytelling suffered. One example is with Vixen, where I couldn't figure out what just happened, and it turns out I needed to know later.
Hopefully will get the second trade soon to finish out his JLA run.
This wasn't bad, but I have two major complaints:
1) It wasn't new reader friendly. There was no summary page of what happened before (like why the league didn't exist and have to be reformed) or captions explaining in brief, who characters were or what their powers were. While I was aware of the characters, I wasn't knowledgeable of every detail of their origin or history with the league.
2) As in the non-graphic novel I read, Meltzer uses a common writing technique of following one plot thread until there's a dramatic point, then switching to another until it has a dramatic point, then switch back, etc. It builds suspense. However, it's done a little too much, and it's done so much during the climax it completely destroys any momentum the scenes were developing.
He did put some heart and soul into the characters, primarily focusing on Red Tornado and a good moment with Arsenal. Some of the back and forth between the Trinity was interesting.
Benes' art is not bad, mostly eye-candy, but sometimes the storytelling suffered. One example is with Vixen, where I couldn't figure out what just happened, and it turns out I needed to know later.
Hopefully will get the second trade soon to finish out his JLA run.
October 11, 2020
The Tornado's Path. The start of Meltzer's short run is a hot mess. Bruce, Clark, and Diana spend 3 or 4 issues looking over pictures of people they're not going to invite to the League. It's decompression at its most grotesque. Which is too bad, because the main story of Reddie being manipulated by various evil beings, and including a number of JLA foes is strong, particularly for Reddie's characterization, and it's good to see another team come together, somewhat different from its predecessors [3+/5].
May 23, 2020
In the early days of my love for graphic novels, I read a book called Identity Crisis. That was my first introduction to the larger DC universe, and I was shocked and awed all the way through that book.
Which makes the fact that I am reading this one, also written by the same author after all these years, way more weird.
Anyway, yesterday for some reasons I picked it up, and started reading. Soo enough, this one filled me with all kinds of nostalgia. The distinct introduction of every character, the slow but steady buildup of the suspense, Brad Meltzer bringing heroes and villains of very lesser known areas of the DC universe.
The story premise is very simple. Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are starting the JLA again, and Red Tornado is getting a human body, to really be human and start a family. His wife's conversations to his dead robot body in the beginning was really really emotional. Anyway, he gets into a human body, then someone steals his old robot body, and that small robbery delves into huge proportions. The whole premise is nothing extravagant, but done in a very good way.
Also the art. It was so damn good. Maybe the women were objectified a little more than what would seem normal, but I really like the way Ed Benes drew Superman.
Absolutely amazing. 4.5 stars.
Which makes the fact that I am reading this one, also written by the same author after all these years, way more weird.
Anyway, yesterday for some reasons I picked it up, and started reading. Soo enough, this one filled me with all kinds of nostalgia. The distinct introduction of every character, the slow but steady buildup of the suspense, Brad Meltzer bringing heroes and villains of very lesser known areas of the DC universe.
The story premise is very simple. Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are starting the JLA again, and Red Tornado is getting a human body, to really be human and start a family. His wife's conversations to his dead robot body in the beginning was really really emotional. Anyway, he gets into a human body, then someone steals his old robot body, and that small robbery delves into huge proportions. The whole premise is nothing extravagant, but done in a very good way.
Also the art. It was so damn good. Maybe the women were objectified a little more than what would seem normal, but I really like the way Ed Benes drew Superman.
Absolutely amazing. 4.5 stars.
April 8, 2008
Brad Meltzer, who wrecked the Justice League with Identity Crisis, adopts Colin Powell's "Pottery Barn" principle and tries to rebuild the team after Infinite Crisis. It starts out with Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman arguing around a table over who should be on the team. It slowly turns into a story centered around the Red Tornado, DC's Pinocchio android (like Marvel's Vision; both somehow have kids). Tornado gets a real human body; his family loves it, but flesh and bones are a burden for a superhero. Plus, some bad guys take his android body, which leads to no good.
Much like Identity Crisis, Meltzer's grasp on the characters is impeccable, but his plots are more questionable. I didn't care for the surprise villain (a character Meltzer's used before) and the way the team ends up taking shape is all too familiar (it's how most Avengers and some J.L.A.'s form). Plus, towards the end, someone's limb gets ripped off, which isn't the most fetching image.
Ed Benes' art is very reminiscent of Rags Morales' on Identity Crisis.
Much like Identity Crisis, Meltzer's grasp on the characters is impeccable, but his plots are more questionable. I didn't care for the surprise villain (a character Meltzer's used before) and the way the team ends up taking shape is all too familiar (it's how most Avengers and some J.L.A.'s form). Plus, towards the end, someone's limb gets ripped off, which isn't the most fetching image.
Ed Benes' art is very reminiscent of Rags Morales' on Identity Crisis.
August 28, 2007
I'm a fan of Brad Meltzer's novels because he always has an interesting twist, a cool concept, that sells me on the book outright before I even start it. Once I do start it, he always delivers with a compelling story, driving me from one page to the next with an undeniable desire to know what happens next.
He brings the same sense of intrigue to his comics, having the guts to really shake up the status quo in a regular ol' superhero title, but the respect to stick to the excitement that made these iconic characters so iconic in the first place. His JLA is no exception. The Red Tornado elements are the stuff of great fiction, thrilling and new. Ed Benes ably matches his scripting skills, bringing life to the capes and tights.
Much fun!
He brings the same sense of intrigue to his comics, having the guts to really shake up the status quo in a regular ol' superhero title, but the respect to stick to the excitement that made these iconic characters so iconic in the first place. His JLA is no exception. The Red Tornado elements are the stuff of great fiction, thrilling and new. Ed Benes ably matches his scripting skills, bringing life to the capes and tights.
Much fun!
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