Justice League Of America #18

At last, a decent issue of JLA. Of late this series has been hobbled by being made an adjunct to all sorts of other DC books - Salvation Run, Superman's Reign  . . . and things continue in similar vein this month, with the SR tie-in continuing. And there's a new link to the current, fine Suicide Squad series.

The difference, though, is that this is a thoroughly enjoyable book. Sure, the SR link continues, with a bunch of baddies seeking sanctuary with the JLA rather than being hauled off to the prison planet, but Alan Burnett provides a satisfying script, with a good mix of plot, action and character, while Ed Benes provides nicer art than of late. The story actually felt like a JLA tale rather than DC Adjunct Comics. I especially liked the interplay between current JLA-er and former Suicide Squad teammate and boyfriend Bronze Tiger.

There was another back-up this time, but thankfully it wasn't Vixen whining about her powers acting up (that was addressed in the main strip, but in non-irksome manner). Nope, this was a very sensible story by Dwayne McDuffie promising that Red Tornado - of late a reluctant lodger in the JLA computer - will soon be back to normal in a faboo new body and HURRAH he'll be able to 'sweat, breathe, eat, even excrete' ('Even an android can dump'). There's even a hint he'll be able to father a sibling for Traya with Kathy (whose characterisation seemed thoroughly off, until it turned out she was bluffing, as I suspected). The pencils by Jon Boy (!) Meyers were pretty nice, they reminded me of a tighter Todd Nauck, and I'd like to see more of his work.

All in all, a pretty good book but come on DC, let's go back to full-length stories that actually have a bearing first and foremost on this book, and stop telling Dwayne MacDuffie what to write. The guy's good, give him his head.

I don't know, man. This issue is still rather disheartening, especially after Meltzer's run. Aside from the book's inability to stand on its own after he left, this business with Red Tornado is really destroying the first arc of the series. Red Tornado had to deal with the consequences of choosing to experience a carnal existence over the near-immortal robotic one. Now he gets to have his cake and eat it too? Thats complete bullshit.

I'm with you on this one.  I think this was a good one.  And Benes' art is almost perfect. I liked the shot of the league after Black Lightning jolts that guy from the Suicide Squad and says "This is our house."  That would be enough for me to turn around and leave for sure.

And it looks like Martian Manhunter is Batman's guy on the inside.  I like that Batman is now a leg up on Waller and once again was the only one to realize that they were being played.  THAT is Batman.  I'm not sure where Black Canary was in this issue (presumabley off with Ollie looking for Conner's shooter), but this is another example of Batman being the true leader of the JLA.