From: rawdon@colby.cs.wisc.edu (Michael Rawdon)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.comics.misc
Subject: Grade Report: Justice League America #72
Date: 23 Jan 93 01:12:21 GMT
Reply-To: rawdon@colby.cs.wisc.edu
Organization: University of Wisconsin Computer Sciences Dept., Madison, WI

Spoilers for JLA #72...

What the hell?

That was my initial reaction to this issue, part one of "Destiny's Hand" (a
curious title in and of itself).  Which in a way makes this a very impressive
book, since it's rare that a comic comes along that throws me completely off
my stride and leaves me enjoying it.  (The last time I remember feeling THIS
off-balance was when Todd Klein took over writing Omega Men.)

As a rough outline, the story involves most of the roster of the original
Justice League (Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, J'onn J'onzz, Black Canary,
Green Arrow, Atom, Red Tornado and Firestorm).  These heroes have essentially
taken over policing the Earth, overseeing things from their satellite
headquarters.  This "policing" involves capturing super-villains and taking
them to "The JLA Incarceration Complex in Nevada" for reformation, and, in
some cases, killing them, as well as forcing "reorganization" upon the
countries of the world, with an eye toward eventually dividing the planet up
to be overseen by the members.

The tone of the book is extremely dark, with Flash and Hawkman wearing mainly
black costumes, Hawkman (the "world security chief") acting extraordinarily
viciously toward villains (e.g., ordering Sinestro's arms amputated), and Atom
deciding to nuke part of China when that country resists.  Only Green Arrow
shows any sign of a conscience.

Meanwhile, Superman is nowhere to be seen (nor are other heroes), and Batman
is shown giving tacit support to the JLA.

So what the hell is going on here?

Well, there are several possibilities.  First, Doctor Destiny appears on the
final page, leading us to believe perhaps that this is some dream-induced
phenomenon.  However, that would be inconsistent with Destiny losing his
abilities as shown in Sandman.

So, maybe it's an alternate world, or an alternate past?  I'm not sure.
However, the next-issue blurb in the PREVIOUS issue, as well as the blurb in
the recent Direct Current implies that the CURRENT JLA (Maxima, Guy Gardner,
Black Condor, etc.) will appear to fight the original members.

Whatever happens, this issue is an exciting improvement over previous issues
of JLA, which I think points up the fundamental flaw in the post-Crisis group:
Without the various "big guns" of DC on the team, the Justice League largely
loses its purpose.  This is why Dan Jurgens' run on the book, though
essentially competent in writing and art, has been lackluster, and why the
Giffen-Dematteis period, which was for the most part very poorly written, was
basically not worth reading.  Seeing Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash,
Green Lantern, Hawkman, Green Arrow and the lot interact is what made the book
interesting to begin with, and that's why this story stands out, to some
extent.

Kudos to this story go to colorist Gene D'Angelo, whose dark hues are
essential to the tone of the story.

There are lots of nice little "bits" in the tale, such as the appearance of
the Secret Society Of Super-Villains (one thing that makes me wonder if it's
set in the past, or in an alternate past), getting everyone's costumes right,
and just the whole visual LOOK so perfect.

On the other hand, I saw some glitches (which might have been intentional to
create confusion, but I can't tell at this point):  I seem to recall that the
SSOSV Star Sapphire was NOT Carol Ferris (as she was in this issue).  The
Martian Manhunter wasn't a JLA member at the time this story might have taken
place (one thing which makes me wonder if it DOESN'T take place in an
alternate past).  Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Zatanna are absent from the issue
(though if this is the post-Crisis version of the pre-Crisis JLA, then Wonder
Woman wouldn't have been a member, and Hawkman would have been the JSA's
version, though Aquaman and Zatanna should be about, as should Hawkgirl, I
think).

But, it's an enjoyable story, and definitely one worth picking up, especially
for anyone nostalgic for the good old days of the JLA.

I'll be back for next issue!

-- 
Michael Rawdon				  rawdon@colby.cs.wisc.edu
University of Wisconsin Computer Sciences Department,  Madison, WI

"I am a cat, and I keep my own counsel."
					- "A Dream Of A Thousand Cats"
Newsgroups: rec.arts.comics.misc