I haven't had the pleasure of watching the new Justice League Unlimited cartoon. Don't get the Cartoon Network in my neck of the woods yet (at least, not on cable). I look forward to checking it out when a Canadian kids channel begins airing episodes in a week or two, though. I love the notion of introducing a wider array of DC Universe heroes to a mainstream audience. Adam Beechen impressed with the strong characterization and mature tone of his Astro City-esque graphic novel, Hench, but here, he focuses on more traditional super-hero storytelling. This is basic but entertaining fare, but the art isn't as strong as I might have liked.
The Justice League has expanded its ranks, adding heroes such as Captain Atom and Zatanna to the roster. A core of seven Justice Leaguers meets to discuss a disastrous development. The team's most powerful members -- Superman, Wonder Woman and Captain Atom -- are sporadically losing control of themselves and wreaking havoc and destruction all around them. The trio opts to go into exile until the cause can be determined and a solution found. It's only after the powerful heroes leave do that the perpetrators reveal themselves.
The cover by Ben Caldwell strays surprisingly far from the Bruce Timm-style house style for the two Justice League cartoons. The style here is more reminiscent of animator Genndy (Samurai Jack) Tartakovksy's art. Wonder Woman's emaciated, wide-eyed appearance is almost laughable, and the sketchiness of the figures in the background is completely unnecessary.
The interior art is much stronger, but it doesn't quite capture the power and larger-than-life quality of the characters. The lack of backgrounds in those scenes featuring the destructive rampages of the possessed heroes takes away context for the carnage. Zatanna looks child-like and a bit silly among the more colorfully clad heroes as well. Furthermore, the colors for the flashback sequences wash out what's going on. There's a dullness to the colors in those scenes as well.
The action here is a lot of fun, and the plot is a solidly traditional one that's bound to entertain the younger audience at which this title is aimed. What surprises me -- and I have no idea if Beechen is following the cartoon's lead or not -- is that the script offers no quick explanations as to who the players are, notably the new ones. Captain Atom's and Zatanna's powers are hardly explained at all, and Despero is sufficiently obscure a villain that a little background would have been welcome. The message behind this plot is a strong one, though. Instead of "might makes right," Beechen tells his younger readers that sometimes, "mind makes right."
