Well, this is unexpected. A few months ago, I would have never dreamed of purchasing a DC comic. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of the franchise, but to to get caught up in the chaos wouldn't have been worth it in my opinion. (Especially when I'm at the core of Marvel and IDW's Godzilla.) My last DC comic I believe was the last issue of Infinite Crisis, so I was years behind. Then DC released Flashpoint, another big event, but this time, it was different. The DC universe would get revamped after it, new number 1's and new origins. When I got the free sampler from my comic shop, I read the Justice League part and said, "Wow, this looks really good." So I gave it a shot, and here we are. So the review you are about to read is someone new, but who knows the characters well.
All the other reviews are saying the issue was great, and I have to agree with them. I was truly grabbed in, a perfect way to start a series. It's interesting, it starts out with a bang, and it's just "cool."
The plot follows the early days when superheroes were new to the world. The mysterious Batman is tracking a creature when the Green Lantern shows up. They both track the creature to the sewers where it plants a bomb chanting "For Darkseid!"
Simple, but effective is the words I'd use. This takes place years ago, so it's fun to see the banter between the heroes before they fully trusted each other. Batman is especially fun to watch, then again, it's been awhile since I've read a comic with him. Green Lantern comes off as his movie counterpart. (Which is to be expected, right?)
The pacing is....unbelievably good. It never for one panel gets boring, you keep turning the pages, and once you're done, you say "Wow, I could go for that again." That's when you know how great a comic is.
The seeds are planted for future issues. The buildup to the league doesn't happen right away, it doesn't give everyone a panel and then at the end they all shake hands saying, "The world needs a league." It's happening gradually, with a cool final page.
The art done by Jim Lee was what grabbed me from the sampler. It is stellar, the best art in any comic right now only rivaled by Marvel's
Fear Itself. You can't really ask for better art, Triple A plus. The cover is pretty impressive, showcasing all of the league in their glory. Though I still think Superman looks a little strange with the belt.
One of the most famous writers in the industry, Geoff Johns, doesn't disappoint. Batman's wording is just intelligent and makes you think while reading the issue. Also, this may seem like a superhero action thing, but it has some great character-driven moments. Cyborg's human form scenes were especially very well-written.
In closing, I was pleasantly surprised by this issue. I knew it was going to be good, but it EXCEEDED my expectations ten-fold. It also feels good to read something "fresh" and a different style rather than Marvel. DC will be getting my money for this series. (Though it will be the only one I buy from them, I'm still all tied up with Marvel and Godzilla.) A perfect issue for new comers wanting to get into the DC universe. (I can't comment on how longtime readers feel, I could see them not liking it, for it feeling like a rewind in time.) Can't wait for DARKSEID.
I give this issue a 9/10.