First things first, the new series will be penned by Steve Orlando (Midnighter) and drawn by long time Geoff Johns collaborator Ivan Reis. JLA will spin directly out of the upcoming "Justice League vs. Suicide Squad" crossover, beginning with four character specific one-off books, one for each week in January 2017 before the main title commences in February on a twice-monthly release schedule. And now the focuses of those first four books have all been revealed:
The Atom (Ryan Choi) is described as a theoretical physics prodigy. He is also hyper-allergic and suffers from crippling social anxiety. But in the initial Rebirth One-Shot that started it all, Ryan appeared, recieving a cry for help from Ray Palmer, trapped in an unknown location and pursued by a mysterious foe. And the description for his title promises to deliver on that premise, as he embarks on a epic adventure taking him to the heart of the DC universe.
Next is Vixen (Mari McCabe), is described as one of the country's most successful businesswomen, a pioneer in fashion, and a crusader for social justice. The One-Shot promises to explore her origin and journey to becoming Vixen.
The Ray (Ray Terrell) makes the third addition to the team fresh off of the announcement of an upcoming animated series on CW Seed. This marks a major jump in profile for a relatively little-known character, and possibly the first gay hero to hold a spot on a major Justice League team, notable in part to series author Orlando's rise to fame penning the exploits of another gay DC hero in his acclaimed Midnighter series.
Killer Frost (Caitlin Snow) marks the last of the four one-shots. At first her presence on the team may seem surprising, but her extemely sympathetic characterization in the New 52 and sudden resurfacing in Suicide Squad leading up to the crossover already had many speculating towards her potential role in JLA. The description for her One-Shot explains that she is up for parole, but Amanda Waller is none to happy about her potentially joining the League.
And that marks the four known members for the new Justice League of America. It may be worth noting that all four characters (Though only the mantle, in Atom's case) have appeared in DC television's "CW-Verse". So is there a chance we could see other heroes from that universe join the team, for example, Martian Manhunter or Firestorm, noticeably absent thus far from Rebirth despite appearing in the initial group promotional art (which also featured Vixen and Atom). Whoever joins the team, however, Orlando and Reis promise an epic adventure as the JLA takes on all manner of evil, whether from outer space, the depths of the sea, or the minds of man.
What characters do you want to join the team? Are you looking forward to this new title? What other comic book news are you hoping to get out of NYCC? Voice your mind in the comments below!