JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #9
"Stepping Out"
Mildly Recommended (5/10)
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DC Comics
Writer: Matt Howarth
Artist: David Lopez
Colors: John Kalisz & Heroic Age
Letters: Kurt Hathaway
Editor: Stephen Wacker
Price: $1.99 US/$3.25 CAN |
Titles such as these present a challenge to the writer. It's chiefly aimed at younger readers, but one must also take into account the fact that there are adults picking this book up as well, or at least parents who sit down to read the comic with their children. Howarth includes elements for both age groups here, but the problem is that they don't work together. Still, the central idea and art are fun, as they should be.
The Justice League is summoned to disasters and crises all over the globe, but not every member can be at all of the trouble spots. But one Justice Leaguer can be at each scene: the Flash, the fastest man alive. His speed means a lot of lives can be saved, but it also means that having a life of his own can be quite a chore.
Lopez's art immediately reminded me of the work of Tim (Batman: Gotham Adventures, The Copybook Tales) Levins. Lopez is obviously working within the confines of the DC animated style, but his stuff boasts the same kind of simple charm as Levins's work. Animator Butch Lukic provides the cover, and it's stunning. It's appears to be painted art, adding a refreshing texture and level of detail to the light, simple tone of the Bruce Timm-like style.
The dialogue in this book is heavy on the exposition and simple in tone... clearly aimed at the younger set. And there's no problem with that. Justice League Adventures need not be an all-ages book. But then there are moments in the script that will go right over a young reader's head. The nihilism joke later in the book, for example, made for a nice moment... for an older guy like me. But for a five-year-old who may love Justice League? Forgot about it.
Still, the hook of the story -- Flash's simultaneous dating and super-heroing -- and the plot are fun, light super-hero fare, and Howarth has the grim Dark Knight acting rather oddly, and to great effect, humor-wise. Kids who love the cartoon upon which this series is based will enjoy just about everything in these pages. Those looking for the edgier creativity of Matt Howarth, though, ought to look to his past efforts.
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