JLA’s been undergoing a rocky start since the relaunch and this week marks the beginning of the big JLA/JSA/Legion crossover. So far, there have been mixed reviews.
Point:
Shelly of Shelly’s Comic Bookshelf enjoyed the comic.
Excerpt:
I love all the banter and byplay between the members of the two groups. I know a lot of folks don’t like how Meltzer paces his stories and if all books were like this, I’d get annoyed. But I’ve got the action-packed, fast pacing of JSA and the solid mix of a BoP, so the more leisurely pace of Meltzer’s opening chapters is fine by me, especially because of the character bits he includes and the payoff later on that I’ve come to expect.
Counterpoint:
Steven of the Roar of Comics is not as happy with the comic.
This comic pissed me off in so many ways that it’s hard to know where to start. As always, the most frustrating thing about Meltzer’s writing is that it is has so many good ideas running through it that my hopes get raised, only to be dashed against the rocks of piss poor writing. For example, this issue has a fist fight between BATMAN and KARATE KID! Unfortunately, it happens ALMOST ENTIRELY OFF-PANEL so that Meltzer can devote nearly seven full pages to Arsenal being unable to play capture the flag without breaking his neck!
So did you like the issue? Dislike it?
April 20th, 2007 at 11:12 am
I liked it. One thing about this issue, I found it took me a lot longer to read than comics usually do, which is a good thing. I’m a little worried that the reappearance of the Levitz-era Legion is going to mess up Legion continuity even worse than it’s already messed up, but there’s also a chance that it’ll *improve* the continuity situation, so I guess we’ll see.
April 20th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
i actually cared more about the red arrow/hawkgirl stuff then batman/karate kid.
April 20th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
I shouldn’t be, but I’m amazed that anyone did not like this issue. Of course, I love the era that Meltzer keeps revering, so I’m very happy with Justice League of America right now. Honestly, it reminded me of the good old days while still bringing new and exciting things to the table. What more could a fan want?
April 20th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Meltzer is better at the whole “What Superheroes do in their spare time” stuff then the action. He over-narrates action when he should just let it breathe and speak for itself but otherwise he’s alright. I hope for the crossover he let’s Geoff do the action and he sticks to the side work. Also it’s time for Power Girl to get a costume change. Really there’s only two reasons for her current one and they’re both on her chest. In undermines her character and her authority.
April 20th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
It’s funny. I had no problem with the issue and didn’t even realize that I lost out on more Batman Vs. Karate Kid fight in order to spend more time on Red Arrow. Make no mistake about it, that is what happened…based on Meltzer being a bit obsessed with Roy when it comes to screen time in the series thus far and a highlight issue in the future. Still…I liked the issue…but now I’m realizing he could have made it a lot more enjoyable for me.
April 20th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
HATE IT. First time in my life that I’ve ever been disinterested in a Justice League comic.
April 21st, 2007 at 10:11 am
If this is the first time you’ve been disinterested in a Justice League comic you clearly haven’t read many. Sorry, easy joke.
It’s the first issue I bought, mainly out of a fondness for the old JLA/JSA books. Not bad. But if a comic as harmless as this (no women in the fridge) pisses a reviewer off, IMO, it might be time for that reviewer to step away from reviewing for awhile.
April 21st, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I didn’t like it. I don’t like Metzler’s captions, and I don’t like Wildcat making a Star Wars reference. Wildcat fought in WWII! He wouldn’t make a Star Wars reference!
April 21st, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Yes, Wildcat fought in WWII and he’s still active in fictional 2007. If you accept that premise, you really should not be bothered by the fact he might have enjoyed Lucas’ Star Wars work. Now had Ted quoted from Lucas’ American Graffiti, I would lead a rally to call for Meltzer’s firing. I’m waiting to see what Tom Bondurant has to say.