Comics Review: ALTERNATE TAKE- DC Comics- The New 52- JUSTICE LEAGUE # 1

Written by Geoff JohnsPencils by Jim LeePublished by DC ComicsIn stores now! (our second review of the title this week, check out the other HERE)

rating:4

So it all begins here! This issue marks the dawn of a new era in the DCU (or, as people are calling it, the DCnU) and that means, for all intents and purposes, everything that you thought you knew about your favourite heroes is, in fact, completely wrong. The DC has been bogged down by endless continuity for far too long now and this is the flagship book for attempting to undo all that and reach out to new readers. As DC's co-publisher, Dan Didio, stated "this is not your Dad's Justice League" and- lo and behold-he's actually not speaking solely in hype terms. This is an all new DC universe, even if- at this early stage, at least- the differences are only subtle. By putting their heavy hitters on the title (Geoff Johns, DC's Cheif Creative Officer, and Co-publisher and art legend Jim Lee on pencils) DC have shown they mean business. But with all the hype surrounding this relaunch, all eyes are looking to see whether this book can truly deliver the goods. The good news is that this book achieves its primary goal with both ease and style- it feels fresh and accessible enough to appeal to new readers yet familiar enough to not completely alienate the old fanbase. The bad news is that, as strong as the writing and art might be, it can't make up for the fact that not an awful lot happens in this chapter. The bulk of this issue is dedicated to setting up future plot points, and those hoping to see the whole League in action will likely feel a little disappointed. Johns places the main focus on Batman and Green Lantern's first meeting, mostly ignoring the other League members and merely hinting at who the big bad will be (Fourth World fans- it's a doozy). However, in terms of setting up the future direction of the universe, this book is a winner. For that last page alone it deserves four stars. Hint- it features a fan favourite character who, in his one line of dialogue, feels fresher than he has in years. Let's hope the rest of the DCnU gets the same treatment.