Note: The following review contains some mild spoilers. If you want to know nothing about this issue until you read it, you may want to skip to the last paragraph.
I haven't really followed DC comics beyond a handful of storylines (such as KnightFall and Year One). Certain characters I always loved, but otherwise the comics in general never appealed to me much. However, I was looking forward to seeing what this 'reboot' of sorts for the DCU, since everything would go back to #1 and I could start following DC more easily. The first issue, Justice League #1, was set to kick off the DCnU with the rest following in early September. I finally got a hold of my copy today, and (from the perspective of a Marvel fan) it surely doesn't disappoint.
Justice League #1 starts off in a universe where superheroes were new to the world, and when people thought they were dangerous. Batman is tracking down a mysterious foe, when suddenly Hal Jordan/Green Lantern pops up, thus leading to the first meeting between the two heroes. They then track down the monster, who sets off a bomb while yelling "
For Darkseid!". They speculate that Darkseid is an alien, so they visit Metropolis to meet another alien, Superman. When they finally find him, however, the meeting doesn't go too well, as Superman punches Hal through the wall and is about to take on Batman (which will be covered in the next issue).
First off, it's hard not to notice that Jim Lee's artwork is absolutely wonderful. Probably the best I've seen in any comic in years. There's plenty of great dialogue too (sometimes hilarious dialogue at that). The character development is solid, and it was awesome reading about Batman's first meeting with Green Lantern. Overall, the storyline was excellent, and it's something that I'd actually love to see in a possible
Justice League film (should one ever be made, of course!).
The way the characters portrayed was also solid. Hal Jordan was as cocky as he needed to be, and Batman's attitude is just what I'd expect from the Caped Crusader. Though he had a terribly small appearance at the end, it was awesome seeing Superman in his new costume (I know the suit has its haters, but I personally love it). The way they set Cyborg up at a football game was excellent, it really sets things up for future issues.
The only real problem I had with
Justice League #1 was that it was too short. It ended just as I was deep into the story, and I can't wait to see it continued. Also, I would've loved to see a little more Superman in this issue, as well as hints of at least another Justice League member or two (such as Diana or Barry Allen).
In the end, the DCnU is off to a grand start with the first issue of
Justice League. I'll be waiting anxiously for
Justice League #2, as well as most of the rest of the new issues that will be out next week.
Filled with amazing artwork, believable characters, and a compelling storyline, this is one comic that needs to be picked up.