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DC 60th Anniversary Tabloids
JLA: Secret Origins
The secret origins of the world's greatest super heroes! The defining moments in the history of the DC Universe! The Untold forces that brought these champions together!
Exclusive interviews with writer Paul Dini and artist Alex Ross. Preview art and preliminary sketches from JLA Liberty and Justice.
48 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2002
1 person is currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Paul Dini
731 books721 followersPaul Dini is an American television producer of animated cartoons. He is best known as a producer and writer for several Warner Bros./DC Comics series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman/Superman Adventures, Batman Beyond and Duck Dodgers. He also developed and scripted Krypto the Superdog and contributed scripts to Animaniacs (he created Minerva Mink), Freakazoid, Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. After leaving Warner Bros. In early 2004, Dini went on to write and story edit the popular ABC adventure series Lost.
Paul Dini was born in New York City. He attended the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California on an art scholarship. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a BFA degree in creative writing. (He also took zoology classes at Harvard University.)
During college, he began doing freelance animation scripts for Filmation, and a number of other studios. In 1984, he was hired to work for George Lucas on several of his animation projects.
The episodes of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon that were written by Dini have become favorites amongst the show's fans over the internet, although despite this as well as contributing to interviews on the released box sets of the series, Dini has made no secret of his distaste for Filmation and the He-Man concept. He also wrote an episode of the Generation One Transformers cartoon series and contributed to various episodes of the Ewoks animated series, several of which included rare appearances from the Empire.
In 1989, he was hired at Warner Bros. Animation to work on Tiny Toon Adventures. Later, he moved onto Batman: The Animated Series, where he worked as a writer, producer and editor, later working on Batman Beyond. He continued working with WB animation, working on a number of internal projects, including Krypto the Superdog and Duck Dodgers, until 2004.
He has earned five Emmy awards for his animation work. In a related effort, Dini was also the co-author (with Chip Kidd) of Batman Animated, a 1998 non-fiction coffee table book about the animated Batman franchise.
Dini has also written several comics stories for DC Comics, including an acclaimed oversized graphic novel series illustrated by painter Alex Ross. (A hardcover collection of the Dini and Ross stories was published in late summer 2005 under the title The World's Greatest Superheroes.) Other books written by Dini for DC have featured his Batman Animated creation Harley Quinn as well as classic characters Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.
Best known among Dini's original creations is Jingle Belle, the rebellious teen-age daughter of Santa Claus. Dini also created Sheriff Ida Red, the super-powered cowgirl star of a series of books set in Dini's mythical town of Mutant, Texas. Perhaps his greatest character contribution is the introduction of Harley Quinn (along with designs by Bruce Timm) on Batman: The Animated Series.
In 2001 Dini made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back during the scene in which Jay and Silent Bob wear ridiculous looking costumes for a film being directed by Chris Rock, in which Dini says to them "you guys look pretty bad ass".
In 2006, Dini became the writer for DC Comics' Detective Comics. That same year, he announced that he was writing a hardcover graphic novel starring Zatanna and Black Canary. In 2007, he was announced as the head writer of that company's weekly series, Countdown. Paul Dini is currently co-writing the script for the upcoming Gatchaman movie. Dini is also currently writing a series for Top Cow Productions, based in a character he created, Madame Mirage.
Paul Dini is an active cryptozoologist, hunter and wildlife photographer. On a 1985 trip to Tasmania, he had a possible sighting of a Thylacine. He has also encountered a number of venomous snakes, a Komodo Dragon and a charging Sumatran Rhi
Paul Dini was born in New York City. He attended the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California on an art scholarship. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a BFA degree in creative writing. (He also took zoology classes at Harvard University.)
During college, he began doing freelance animation scripts for Filmation, and a number of other studios. In 1984, he was hired to work for George Lucas on several of his animation projects.
The episodes of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon that were written by Dini have become favorites amongst the show's fans over the internet, although despite this as well as contributing to interviews on the released box sets of the series, Dini has made no secret of his distaste for Filmation and the He-Man concept. He also wrote an episode of the Generation One Transformers cartoon series and contributed to various episodes of the Ewoks animated series, several of which included rare appearances from the Empire.
In 1989, he was hired at Warner Bros. Animation to work on Tiny Toon Adventures. Later, he moved onto Batman: The Animated Series, where he worked as a writer, producer and editor, later working on Batman Beyond. He continued working with WB animation, working on a number of internal projects, including Krypto the Superdog and Duck Dodgers, until 2004.
He has earned five Emmy awards for his animation work. In a related effort, Dini was also the co-author (with Chip Kidd) of Batman Animated, a 1998 non-fiction coffee table book about the animated Batman franchise.
Dini has also written several comics stories for DC Comics, including an acclaimed oversized graphic novel series illustrated by painter Alex Ross. (A hardcover collection of the Dini and Ross stories was published in late summer 2005 under the title The World's Greatest Superheroes.) Other books written by Dini for DC have featured his Batman Animated creation Harley Quinn as well as classic characters Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.
Best known among Dini's original creations is Jingle Belle, the rebellious teen-age daughter of Santa Claus. Dini also created Sheriff Ida Red, the super-powered cowgirl star of a series of books set in Dini's mythical town of Mutant, Texas. Perhaps his greatest character contribution is the introduction of Harley Quinn (along with designs by Bruce Timm) on Batman: The Animated Series.
In 2001 Dini made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back during the scene in which Jay and Silent Bob wear ridiculous looking costumes for a film being directed by Chris Rock, in which Dini says to them "you guys look pretty bad ass".
In 2006, Dini became the writer for DC Comics' Detective Comics. That same year, he announced that he was writing a hardcover graphic novel starring Zatanna and Black Canary. In 2007, he was announced as the head writer of that company's weekly series, Countdown. Paul Dini is currently co-writing the script for the upcoming Gatchaman movie. Dini is also currently writing a series for Top Cow Productions, based in a character he created, Madame Mirage.
Paul Dini is an active cryptozoologist, hunter and wildlife photographer. On a 1985 trip to Tasmania, he had a possible sighting of a Thylacine. He has also encountered a number of venomous snakes, a Komodo Dragon and a charging Sumatran Rhi
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 29, 2014
I used my 6 year old as a size reference for this, because she's cuter than I am. Also, because I need to wax my mustache, and I didn't want anyone asking me how I got Tom Selleck to pose for a picture with the book.
Awkward!
This isn't so much a comic book, as it it some kind of giant magazine.
My grandmother had loads of over-sized magazines stored up in in her attic.
"Someday they'll be worth a lot of money!", was her excuse to keep massive amount of kindling hoarded together in stacks. If this were a cautionary tale, her house would have gone up in a blaze of glory, fueled by old copies of Time Magazine.
It didn't.
Anticlimactic, I know.
My point is, I thought this was something that told a story when I requested it from the library.
It's not.
It does have a two page spread for each character, that tells a mini-origin story for whoever is being featured.
But that's it.
Included in this are two interviews, one with Alex Ross, and one with Paul Dini.
Normally, I skip the interview stuff, because... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz .
But this was so short, I went ahead and bit the bullet.
I'm not sorry that I did, because both interviews were somewhat entertaining, and helped enlighten me as to the purpose of the book.
Evidently, this was supposed to get folks excited for the book JLA: Liberty and Justice.
Not much substance, but the pictures are classic Alex Ross, so it's at least worth a look.
Awkward!
This isn't so much a comic book, as it it some kind of giant magazine.
My grandmother had loads of over-sized magazines stored up in in her attic.
"Someday they'll be worth a lot of money!", was her excuse to keep massive amount of kindling hoarded together in stacks. If this were a cautionary tale, her house would have gone up in a blaze of glory, fueled by old copies of Time Magazine.
It didn't.
Anticlimactic, I know.
My point is, I thought this was something that told a story when I requested it from the library.
It's not.
It does have a two page spread for each character, that tells a mini-origin story for whoever is being featured.
But that's it.
Included in this are two interviews, one with Alex Ross, and one with Paul Dini.
Normally, I skip the interview stuff, because... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz .
But this was so short, I went ahead and bit the bullet.
I'm not sorry that I did, because both interviews were somewhat entertaining, and helped enlighten me as to the purpose of the book.
Evidently, this was supposed to get folks excited for the book JLA: Liberty and Justice.
Not much substance, but the pictures are classic Alex Ross, so it's at least worth a look.
October 16, 2017
A propaganda pamphlet for JLA, perhaps the most gorgeous one of its kind.
August 15, 2008
A great sort of art book and introduction to the Justice League. It's amazing how long I've known these characters, and yet from the little 2-page introductions I still learned a bit and got to see some classic images beautifully reinterpreted by Alex Ross.
July 24, 2012
Would like to read all of these Paul Dini one-shots eventually... This is my second one other than the Batman: War on Crime one, and this was really cool. I just liked it cuz it was short and sweet, and quite beautiful for how basic it was.
January 16, 2019
This is one of those times i liked the idea of it more than the work itself, and i say this with all the disappointed humility of not being Alex Ross, whose illustration is beautiful in and of itself. It's like if Norman Rockwell painted the Sistine Chapel with your favorite cartoons. I don't care for Rockwell's style or craning my neck up at a ceiling, but goddam if it isn't wonderful just to look at and know there's a genius in this world who passionately reveres these ridiculous stories just like us ordinary schlubs.
While excitedly expecting J'onn, was happily surprised by Eel.
And now I'm imagining their 'odd couple' team-up: 'Odd Men Out: a Plaz/Martian Story'
I mean, who else is gonna team-up with a golden age Deadpool any longer than is absolutely necessary? Batman? Surely, you jest.
Good day, Sir!
While excitedly expecting J'onn, was happily surprised by Eel.
And now I'm imagining their 'odd couple' team-up: 'Odd Men Out: a Plaz/Martian Story'
I mean, who else is gonna team-up with a golden age Deadpool any longer than is absolutely necessary? Batman? Surely, you jest.
Good day, Sir!
June 2, 2018
Part 5 of my review of "Absolute Justice League: The World's Greatest Superheroes", a collection of comics that until recently had not been in print since 2001. Written by Paul Dini and drawn by Alex Ross on pages the size of an average human head, it goes without saying that this is the shit. Holy crap, can it get any better then art by Alex Ross?
Its a simple depiction of the origin stories of some of the more obscure or less powerful heroes, but there is enough personality demonstrated in these simple pages that after 2 pages you feel like you know who these characters really are.
Its a simple depiction of the origin stories of some of the more obscure or less powerful heroes, but there is enough personality demonstrated in these simple pages that after 2 pages you feel like you know who these characters really are.
February 1, 2021
Not what I expected, lol. This is a large floppy magazine (measures approx. 13" x 10") like book with beautiful Alex Ross paintings. Each 2 page spread highlights the origins of one superhero (Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Martian Manhunter, etc.).
This is not a book with a story or plot. Just very pretty art. (I love Alex Ross's realism!)
Might be fun to add this to your collection or give to a younger first time JL/JLA reader.
This is not a book with a story or plot. Just very pretty art. (I love Alex Ross's realism!)
Might be fun to add this to your collection or give to a younger first time JL/JLA reader.
December 28, 2024
I mean, there’s not much to review. It’s a 10-minute read, basically a Who’s Who of the Justice League, except for the Big Three of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, who each get their own books. Nice primer for those who don’t really know these characters, and it’s Alex Ross art. Doesn’t really need to be a separate book, though, but here it is!
July 24, 2018
More art, less story.
This is a beautiful introduction to the Justice League. Ross' 9-panel, 2-page spreads are breathtaking and Dini's introductions capture the distinct personality of each member in this iteration.
Great little "breathe and take it all in" book.
This is a beautiful introduction to the Justice League. Ross' 9-panel, 2-page spreads are breathtaking and Dini's introductions capture the distinct personality of each member in this iteration.
Great little "breathe and take it all in" book.
June 14, 2022
So I have a hard time giving this 5 stars since it's literally just like the first page of each heroe's comic. Each 2 page spread is an intro to a character. The art is amazing, it's Alex Ross, that's to be expected.
August 2, 2019
Edición tipo álbum en formato gigante. Ejemplar maltratado pero entero y legible.
April 3, 2020
What a waste! The same origin stories we all know with new art. Nothing secret about this in any way.
May 4, 2020
São histórias bem rápidas e superficiais de cada membro da JLA. O que vale aqui é o desenho maravilhoso do Alex Ross
February 10, 2021
A quick refresher on the origins of key JLA members with the gorgeous paintings of Alex Ross.
September 14, 2022
4 stars
Not really an origin story so much as an excuse to look at Alex Ross' amazing art.
Not really an origin story so much as an excuse to look at Alex Ross' amazing art.
January 28, 2024
Mostly just an exercise in style. Ross's art is cool, Dini's writing is ok. A big fat nothing of a comic.
September 18, 2025
Great introductory book, but I already know all these characters so it felt a bit redundant. Paul Dini’s writing was great however
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2013
Get to know your heroes, ladies and gentlemen!
Beautifully illustrated by one of the gods of graphic novel illustration,mr Alex Ross, JLA: Secret origins gives a short intro and background review of members of JLA, focusing on the lesser known heroes. A must read if you're a bit confused about what's exactly going on in this particular 'universe', as I was.
Beautifully illustrated by one of the gods of graphic novel illustration,mr Alex Ross, JLA: Secret origins gives a short intro and background review of members of JLA, focusing on the lesser known heroes. A must read if you're a bit confused about what's exactly going on in this particular 'universe', as I was.
May 14, 2008
I did not like the book. I relly don't like superheros. They are so fake. When the action comes in it is ok. This a book full of superheros. I wonder who made all of them. that is my review on this book.
February 6, 2011
Masing-masing cuman dapat jatah dua halaman... but Alex Ross rocks!
March 15, 2012
Very kid-friendly, simple story. The art is what makes this short book worth a look really. As always, Alex Ross is amazing.
November 12, 2013
The best origins story book I've ever read about these characters.
August 1, 2013
Basically an art book, a two-page origin-story spread for each of the heroes in the Justice League.
August 10, 2018
Paul Dini insuperable, después de todo estamos hablando de uno de los guionistas de Batman la serie animada. Y pues Alex Ross es Alex Ross
September 1, 2016
Good art, but no story we didn't already know.
December 17, 2016
a great origin recall !!!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews