Justice (Graphic Novel)

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Recently, I received the trade paperback of Justice from a close friend as a Christmas gift.  I wanted to read this book as soon as I was aware of it being out.  I am a big fan of Kingdom Come and Marvels and wanted the next work of Alex Ross to fill out my bookshelf.  I couldn't get a hold of this epic soon enough.

Justice is 12 part story set in the DC universe written by Alex Ross and Jim Krueger, with Ross also doing the amazing art.  The story begins when many classic super villains are dreaming the same dream, seeing the Justice League fall short and the world ending from some unknown threat.  Convinced the Justice League will fail, the Legion of Doom comes together to save the world.  Sensing there is more to this plot besides a prophetic vision, the Justice League bands together, along with some unexpected allies, to find the truth and save the world from doom.

The Rouges Gallery

Like - First and foremost, the art is exemplary.  This was the main reason I wanted to read this.  Knowing Alex Ross was doing the art was enough reason for me to take the time to read this story.  After reading Kingdom Come and Marvels, I wanted to get my next fix.  Ross's art is on point here and I especially loved some of the characters armors and teaks that were made here and there.  Really just amazing stuff with great attention to detail.

The heroes, suited up for an unprecedented threat.

The next big thing I liked was the story itself.  Not caught up in continuity or trying to make things fit in the bigger picture, Ross and Krueger were able to really create a realistic and challenging story.  Having the villains band together for the greater good and doing a better job of pushing mankind forward then the Justice League ever did really shows not only how capable the villains are but also that the lines drawn between factions are drawn in sand, not stone. It was a very compelling experience, one where I found myself reading the whole book in one sitting.  The final chapter was a strong and fitting climax to a well written plot.

Green Lantern, Hal Jordon

Dislike - My only dislike was when I finished reading it.  I wanted more!!

Overall - I loved this book.  I felt that this story really took it's time and created a new universe on the back of the well known DC Universe that we are familiar with.  It was a challenging read, examining who really is the good guy and who is the bad guy.  The art is unparalleled.  I highly recommend reading this.  5 out to 5.  Thanks for this great book Megan!

Similar to: Kingdom Come, Marvels, Earth X trilogy

Review: Marvels (GN)

After reading Kingdom Come,  I was very eager to read the Marvel equivalent.  Marvels was the answer to that.  I had originally bought this for my friend as a Christmas gift.  He finally let me borrow it and it as worth the wait.
Marvels follows Phil Sheldon, a young man in the beginning his life and career as a photographer.  He is faced with the choice of leaving to cover WWII.  Unexpectedly, he decides to stay in NYC, following a hunch that greater things are to be seen in his home town.  Soon he finds himself witnessing the Torch escaping the cement prison he is entombed in.  Later on, a battle engulfs the city between the Torch and Namor, the Sub-Mariner. Phil begins to see how quickly the public can turn its opinion so quickly.  The books goes on as Phil is there to witness first hand the rise of the mutant menace, the attack of Galactus, and the new era of heroes.
Likes - First off, the art is done by Alex Ross.  If you aren't excited, read more comics!
The story was really fascinating.  For once, we see the world  of Marvel through the eyes of a man, an everyday man, Phil Sheldon.  We see him as we see everyone else at the beginning.  During the unveiling of the Torch, he falls into wonder, awe, and fear.  Later on, the Torch proves himself to be a champion of justice and a creature of virtue.  Soon, mutants begin coming to light.  This was the best part of the story.  Phil plays into the fear of mutants, the normal reaction at the time.  In the same day, events both professional and personal persuade Phil to see things in a different light.  Phil is us, showing us how easy it is to follow the mob and showing us the logic that we all need to follow.  Following Phil is as exciting as seeing Spider-Man foil any caper.  Phil grows so much, you can't help root for him.

Dislikes - I can't really point anything out that I didn't dislike.  This was a solid piece of work.

Overall - This was an amazing introspection into the Marvel Universe. A great read, especially for long time Marvel fans.  You see first hand what life would be like living in a world of "Marvels".  More so, we see Phil grow as a person.  From overcoming his fear of the Marvels, to understanding the reality of mutants, to recognizing that failure even comes to a super hero.  Marvels not only provides a slice of life in an amazing era, it also shows us a man becoming the person he needs to be.  That is the biggest thing you can take away from reading this graphic novel.