Justice League: Back to Square One

Justice League, Volume 1: Origin
by Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, and Scott Williams

Why did I read it?

My brother may or may not be a little bit obsessed with the Justice League heroes. He isn't one of those guys that buys up every comic that comes out, but he does keep abreast of top stories and things. So, when DC announced its New 52 lineup, the re-imagining of classic heroes like Batman and Superman, he was quick to mention it to me, and I was quick to add it to the library collection.

What happened?

With his innovative gadgets and technology, Batman has traced an extraterrestrial threat in his own backyard. But while battling this newfound evil, he very quickly realizes that he is outmanned, and isn't the only one interested in this phenomenon.

A nearly indestructible alien (Superman), a scarlet speedster (The Flash), an accidental teenaged hero (Cyborg), an amazon princess (Wonder Woman), a space cop (Green Lantern), and an undersea monarch (Aquaman), all want a piece of the action.

The only problem is that the Dark Knight doesn't know whether to trust these inexperienced, sometimes dangerous "heroes" or fight against them. But, the stakes of an almost worldwide invasion might just make that decision for him.

What did I like or not like?

I'm a big fan of comic books, and this collection is absolutely beautiful. The quintessential elements of the DC heroes are definitely present, but they are reenvisioned in a fresh new storyline.

The concept of a well-established team like the Justice League being taking back to square one is really interesting. How did this team start? Who will be the leader? Who is their nemesis? The action is quick, the plot is interesting, and this comic is a great new start or introduction to the world of the Justice League.

A SuperHeroVillain

Enjoyed reading The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell this week.

Why did I read it?

In short, because I’m a sucker for super heroes. I watched Thor in the opening weekend, and I’m looking forward to Green Lantern, X-Men: First Class, and Captain America: The First Avenger. I saw Renegade X in a magazine of new and upcoming titles and when it showed up in our stacks, I had to grab it.

What happened?

Golden City is known for being a tourist town, but not for large skyscrapers or history; no, this town is a tourist trap because of the high concentration of super heroes and super villains. Damien Locke has been raised as a super villain, and he can’t wait for his 16th birthday when his thumbprint will transform into a V signifying his evil (this happens to all children of heroes and villains on their 16th birthday. Heroes get an H, Villains get a V). But, instead of turning into a V, Damien gets the unpleasant surprise of receiving an X, which is the worst thing he can imagine. That means his mother is super villain, but his dad was a hero. This could seriously ruin his plans to enter Vilmore, the super villain academy. Especially when his tight-wearing superhero father forces Damien to live with him for six weeks in an effort to turn his X into an H instead of a V.

What did I like or didn’t like?

I loved the tongue-in-cheek feel of this book. It is laugh out loud hilarious in some parts, and the idea of super heroes and super villains being commonplace is awesome. There is a cool theme of whether a hero is born that way, or whether they choose it. But, there is quite a bit of making out, feeling up, and the thoughts, feelings, and conversations that go with it. Fun read though.