A review by supeskenobi
Justice League Vol. 1: Origin (the New 52) by Geoff Johns
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The first Justice League story to come from the highly divisive New 52 run of D.C. Comics is a bright, colourful, explosive adventure that has non-stop action, incredible and breathtaking artwork from the legend that is Jim Lee and a quick pace that never lets up. Regenerating one of the most iconic superhero teams is no mean feat, yet this comic does do it rather well if, however, the conclusion of the story is somewhat wrapped up rather too quickly for my liking and the quipping not feeling too out of place in a Joss Whedon MCU movie. Whilst I do think the characters are written well (the League especially) the main villain, Darkseid, can't help but come across as being rather one dimensional and flat compared to his animated counterpart played by the brilliant Michael Ironside.
Speaking of voices and portrayals, many members of the Justice League sounded like their DCEU counterparts (Wonder Woman, The Flash and Cyborg especially) whereas Batman and Superman sounded like the late, great Kevin Conroy (Batman) and George Newbern (Superman). Even Darkseid sounded like Michael Ironside. And speaking of the DCEU, many elements from this story were used for both the abomination that was 2017's 'Justice League' and the masterpiece that is 2021's 'Zack Snyder's Justice League'.
So read this book, or watch the animated adaptation (Justice League: War) or watch the Snyder Cut; and experience this great, fun story. Personally I'd watch the Snyder Cut as, much like 'The Dark Knight Returns', I think Snyder does it better.
Speaking of voices and portrayals, many members of the Justice League sounded like their DCEU counterparts (Wonder Woman, The Flash and Cyborg especially) whereas Batman and Superman sounded like the late, great Kevin Conroy (Batman) and George Newbern (Superman). Even Darkseid sounded like Michael Ironside. And speaking of the DCEU, many elements from this story were used for both the abomination that was 2017's 'Justice League' and the masterpiece that is 2021's 'Zack Snyder's Justice League'.
So read this book, or watch the animated adaptation (Justice League: War) or watch the Snyder Cut; and experience this great, fun story. Personally I'd watch the Snyder Cut as, much like 'The Dark Knight Returns', I think Snyder does it better.