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JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #3
"The Star Lost"
Recommended (8/10)
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DC Comics
Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Pencils: John Delaney
Inks: Randy Elliot
Colors: John Kalisz & Heroic Age
Letters: Kurt Hathaway
Editor: Dan Raspler
Price: $1.99 US/$3.25 CAN |
While I'm no fan of the rotating creative teams on this book, I'm happy that Nicieza and Delaney got their shot, because this is easily the strongest of the tales told in this book so far. Nicieza covers the variety of personality in the League members better than anyone, even the writers of the cartoon, has to this point, and at the same time develops interesting antagonists and a solid plot to go with them. Delaney, whose work on Adventures in the DC Universe struck me as a failed attempt to capture the animated style, gets
it right in this issue, with stylish designs and impressive backgrounds. Best of
all, this issue is a self-contained story, a good read for fans of the Justice
League, whether it's their animated incarnations or their comic-book
counterparts.
One common link through all the Justice League stories so far has been alien
involvement, and this one is no different. However, Nicieza actually puts in the
effort to make these aliens as interesting as the protagonists. Their simple joy
at having their powers revealed, or the misguided motivations that lead them
into conflict with the Justice League, are believable and understandable. The
Daxamites are antagonists, not villains, and the way that the League deals with
them is far more interesting than just another slugfest.
In addition to the
best-developed villains so far, Nicieza turns in some of the best
characterization I've seen of the animated versions of the characters. The
conflict between Batman and Superman rings true, and it was nice to see how some
of the characters besides Flash and Green Lantern interact. For instance, Wonder
Woman's moment with Superman was a terrific bit of character development, and it
was interesting to see Martian Manhunter and Batman investigating a case
together, pooling their skills.
Delaney's work on the title
is every bit as impressive, as he maintains the animated look but also provides
a lot of detail in the facial expressions of the characters. The conflict in
Superman's mind, the concern from Superman or the worry from Batman all come
through quite clearly, and probably would have been just as clear without the
cues in the script. I was also quite pleased with the design for the large scale
backgrounds, such as the docking of the Daxamite ship with the Watchtower or the
massive stasis tube storage area.
Despite what the cover might
lead you to believe, this issue is less about the Justice League in conflict
with the Daxamites and more about alien visitors adjusting to life on Earth with
help from the League. It's a different take than we've seen from the fairly
action-oriented cartoon and comic so far, and I found it to be a breath of fresh
air for the series.
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