Justice League of America #4 (New 52) Review

Cover

Justice League of America #4

Publication Date:
June 2013

Writer:
Geoff Johns

Penciller:
Brett Booth

Chapter Four - The Good, the Bad and the Shaggy


These unlikely heroes have been brought together to defend America from super-human threats of all kinds, but unknown even to them, they are secretly in training to take down the Justice League. These men and women are the world's most dangerous heroes. They are the Justice League of America!

What can we expect from this issue?

I really wanted to review this issue in light of all the talk of what might happen to Catwoman. But first a look at the JLA itself. Green Arrow in a moment of frustration is quick to highlight the obvious about Martian Manhunter. Yes, he was punted from the Justice League and has made his way to the JLA's new line up. I think Manhunter should have stayed with the Justice League but I get that a change always keeps things interesting. The new JLA is well stocked with the familiar; Col. Steve Trevor, Amanda Waller, Green Arrow, Hawkman; Katana; Martian Manhunter; Stargirl; Vibe...and the odd choice of Catwoman. For this issue the bad guys include the likes of Paleface, Professor Ivo and Copperhead among a few others.

The JLA continues to work in this issue on understanding and infiltrating this new Secret Society of Super Villians which has just emerged.

This issue for the most part centres on the fate of Catwoman. Most readers will be shocked by the ending. It was not something I was expecting to happen. No spoilers here!!

What did I like about this issue?

Adam Hughes

This issue shows a remarkably good consistency with the pace of the storytelling in previous issues. They have all been action packed and Johns has not been lazy when it comes to revealing his story to readers, as well as providing us comic book geeks with great cliffhanger endings.

The great use of colours really makes this issue stand out for me. The colours used to illustrate Stargirl and Green Arrow and the Shaggy-Man are appealing and really make the action scenes stand out.

The story so far makes this one of DC's more interesting stories right now. Nothing beats Wonder Woman right now as far as DC titles go (at least in my opinion), but I am really keen to stick with the new JLA if for no other reason than to discover the true fate of Catwoman....seriously comic book geeks, you need to read this issue.

What did others say about this issue?

I generally trust reviewers contributing to Comic Vine. This one is quite good...

Adam Hughes

Comic Vine Review 

This review is bloody hilarious and one I would absolutely recommend that you read. With reference to Catwoman the reviewer remarks:

'Booth's got her zipped up and practical as she continues her attempt to infiltrate The Secret Society of Super-Villains.'

It does speak volumes about the way artists tend to draw Catwoman and to a large degree many female comic book characters. Crave Online makes some humorous observations.

Crave Online 

Melissa Grey also provides a great review and makes particular mention of the story Trial by Fire detailing Martian Manhunter's past.

IGN - Melissa Grey

So what do I give it?

I give it 9 out of 10 comic book geek stars!

I have gone to some effort as part of this entry to provide a range of interpretations of Catwoman through the eyes of some great artists. These images don't feature in the issue as many cb geeks would know, but they are great comic book art drawn by great comic book artists. I have always been a fan of Adam Hughes' work on Catwoman.

Enjoy!

C.

Art Germ - Stanley Lau