When this graphic novel was originally released in hardcover format last December, I was tempted to pick it up, I'll admit. But a cover price of almost $41 Cdn -- even with the nice discount I get from my retailer -- was just too hefty to pay for a big super-hero teamup, even though I have a soft spot for the JLA/JSA crossovers of the 1970s and '80s. I knew the softcover version of the book would eventually arrive, and that day has finally come. There's no denying the fun, energy and excitement of this story, and its appeal to longtime DC Universe fans such as myself. But the huge cast of characters is a bit unwieldy, and I wonder if new readers might not be confused by the appearance of some lesser known DCU figures.
It is suggested that the Justice League and the Justice Society revive a tradition observed by previous incarnations of the team: an annual social get-together. The first is to take place in the JLA Watchtower, but in keeping with the super-hero custom, the gathering is interrupted by a crisis. The heroes rush to Earth to discover U.S. President Lex Luthor under attack, and the throng of champions make short work of the menace. However, dealing with seven of their own colleagues -- who have apparently turned against their teammates and the human race in general -- proves to be far more challenging... as do the magical prisons to which they are banished.
Though George Perez is the acknowledged master of huge crossovers, Carlos Pacheco has certainly carved himself out a deserved place in such a niche as well. Those who enjoyed his work on Avengers Forever won't be surprised to discover he handles the action and power of a super-hero story of such a broad scope. There's not a lot of variety in the characters' forms, mind you, but Pacheco and Merino handle the extensive cast of colorful characters wit flair and energy. Major's colors really make the adventure and action pop.
I love the character of Johnny Sorrow, a creepy figure introduced in the pages of James Robinson's Starman, and it was a pleasure to see him return here. I can't help but wonder if those who haven't followed that title or JSA closely might be confused as to who he is. I was also taken aback by his level of power. I thought he was just about killing people with his face, and the writers don't establish the source of his other sorcerous abilities here. It was also a treat to see such characters as Vixen, Zatanna and the JLA villain who turns up here, but again, I wonder if these characters aren't a little too obscure.
The writers are to be commended for giving so many characters moments in which to shine, but then again, it does make it difficult to follow which heroes are with which group -- turned evil, trapped in Escherville or trapped in Limbo -- at times. Don't get me wrong, though. This is super-hero fun at its best. Goyer and Johns celebrate DC's history and its densely populated stable of characters here.
