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The JUSTICE discussion thread (UPDATED #12 reviewed, SERIES COMPLETED!) |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 08-02-2006 20:46 |
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This thread deals with the hot JUSTICE series by the great Alex Ross.
To begin this topic, here is my reviews for the first two issues:
JUSTICE #1
REVIEW:
I was planning to buy this series once it was collected in a Hardcover or a Trade Paperback. But once I found out it was bi-monthly, I thought it would be hard to remember it when it came out. Then one day in a comic shop, I saw the 3rd printing of Issue #1. One left. I thought what the hell and got it.
First of all, its good they used this cover. The 1st printing's cover wasn't all that great in my mind, I don't know why but it just wasn't settling on my side. The 2nd printing's wasn't bad nor wasn't it good, let's say it was too "white". The 3rd print was finally golden. Why? Well the cover of the top seven looking at the far distance fits perfectly for a comic called JUSTICE and its focuses on a JUSTICE League of America. Get it?
Anyway, the story starts out with what we saw in a preview partly in Wizard magazine then the other few pages on sites like Newsarama. The coming of the end of the world that the JLA can not stop. Luckily its all a dream, sadly its shared by every supervillian of the world. Later, Aquaman goes to investigate a huge black dome in the water. Its belongs to Lex Luthor and his Legion of Doom...
I always loved Alex Ross' artwork after reading Batman: War on Crime, then Kingdom Come, and The World's Greatest Super-Heroes (collecting the six Dini/Ross books). It doesn't matter who the writer is, he always does great stories because he is the one who comes up with it, he just needs someone to write it out or like it is here, he might need someone else to throw ideas around.
Anyway, the first issue here, from its artwork and the return of the old roots of many characters is brillant. Even at a standard page length for comic book issues, you get a feeling of "OMG, this is great. Can't wait for the next!". The story is obiviously about the JLA vs. Legion of Doom. If I didn't see those JLU episodes airing at the UK (as of 2/8/06), I would think both the show and the story were going to be similar. Good thing it ain't because that gives us two different stories and not just one being rehashed in tw different universes.
RATING: 10/10
JUSTICE #2
REVIEW:
I had gotten Issue 3 but had to wait for Issue 2 so I couldn't wait for the third issue. All because I wanted to wait for the collection. Anyway, I got the new printing of Issue 2 with the Batman cover on it from a new comic book store. Let's get started.
Just like my review for Issue 1 and its 3rd cover, I want to talk first about the cover here: Batman. Now the first printing's cover was fine. But it had Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman, whom didn't appear here. So the second printing's fit this story since its about Batman, its a comic tale on him.
As I've said, its a Batman tale in this issue. The story is about The Riddler stealing data on on EVERYTHING on the JLA, including who they really are. While Batman chases him down and they fight on the streets, to a club called the "Batcave", to the graveyard, the search goes on for Aquaman.
I don't know what to say except that the quality that was in the first issue contrineus here. Batman had more of a Keaton look to him. You have this feeling of his voice beign the great Kevin Conroy when he talks in the issue. Also, the Riddler appears and looks great. Nothing like all of his incarnations. You also get the John Glover voice of the BTAS/TNBA Riddler when you read this too.
It was great seeing the Batmobile and more of Alex Ross' Gotham City and Arkham Asylum. And Ross seems to be playing the changing Batcaves as it happened in the previous Batman film series as this version of the Batcave is very different from the one previously in War on Crime and Liberty and Justice. But hey, I still love it.
RATING: 10/10
#3 REVIEW:
The second issue was a Batman tale of the whole story. Still, it was needed. The third issue continues ont eh whole storylien that is JLA/Legion.
The storyline is like this: Jonn, like others, are looking for Aquaman. While Brainiac gets his experiments ready for Aquaman, Gorilla Grodd notices Jonn inside the Legion HQ; The Hall of Doom. As Cheetah does her spell and gets ready to attack Wonder Woman, every villain gets into place as they finally get the gold mine of the JLA.
This issue is like the other ones; perfect. The art, storyline, all good. As you may know, I didn't do the comparsion of covers because...well, theres only one and that shows what this issue has. No bother to mention.
The main plotline moves forward in this issue. Now we go center stage with the plans Luthor and the rest have in store that is directly from that nightmare they had. I don't know but...I never read or know....ANYTHING of the pre-crisis Wonder Woman comics or stuff but she in JUSTICE is exactly what she is now (until IC changes things). I don't know if that's what it was also back in the '70s times but...it wasn't, right? I don't mind either way, its who she is. Why fight it, AT ALL?
Overall, great and perfect. Even the villians look nice. That's Alex Ross for you. Can't wait til Issue 4, where the adventure continues.....
RATING: 10/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Edited by Nate on 13-06-2007 21:22 |
 
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RE: The official JUSTICE discussion thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 16-02-2006 19:28 |
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#4 REVIEW:
The Legion's speech, the fights of Wonder Woman & Cheetah including Superman and Bizarro. The dark turning of villians overtaking the heroes and Superman's cry "Help Me!"
By this issue, the series starts to hit its dark side. And I would have to agree with everyone, this is the best issue yet. For anyone who has been second guessing about it, start getting it again. By this issue, you're mssing alot.
As I already explained on the story (first paragraph), the storyline starts going. Bizzaro, Parasite, Grundy, & Metallo go after Superman as he is still Clark Kent. Dinah & Oliver is hit with fear by Scarecrow, Mirror Master attacks Flash's wife, Hawkman and Hawkgirl are attacked by Toyman, and so on.
I don't know if this was because of the relaism of the art, but I found myself being scared & sad. I know this is Issue 4 but the JLA is being taken down and they can't stop it and fight back. They know their identities, and because of their strongpoint has been hit by their enemies, they're losing.
On the hightlights here was the speech. Somehow, Luthor is right. The JLA saves us from meteors, aliens, and criminals. But they don't go and do the same to save others from disease, world hunger, and medicial problems. That's what Legion is doing. Even if they're villians and attacking the JLA, what they say and what they've been doing since Issue 1 proves their point. So if the villians are helping and doing stuff that JLA could but didn't do, then do we still need the super-powered heroes?
Another hightlight; Luthor mentions Superman's attempt and failed mission against world hunger from Superman: Peace on Earth. So I was right; JUSTICE is a sequel to THE WORLD'S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES. I wonder if this is also a prequel or a bridge leading to KINGDOM COME...
Overall, Issue 4 kicks things up and I can't wait for Issue 5. Damn the bi-monthly plan.
RATING: 10/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: The official JUSTICE discussion thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 20-04-2006 14:22 |
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#5 REVIEW:
Brainiac and Luthor, while working together, know each will betray the other. Captian Marvel saves Superman and takes him to the Batcave. Superman realizes Batman, Alfred are being controlled by worms, even himself. There's only one way to get rid of them from himself...
Issue 5: perfect art, story reaching its high levels, its a good series. I thought with Batman smart, he would make sure nothing would happen to him thats happening to the Leaguers. This is proven wrong. But it could be argued that since Superman was attacked, he could be going nuts but I doubt anyone would think that.
Speaking of Batman, his Batcave is shown. Now this may not be connected to THE WORLD'S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES or KINGDOM COME, hopwever Luthor's mention of what Superman said in SUPERMAN: PEACE ON EARTH makes me think otherwise. But it seems that they're pulling what the previous Batman movie series and what BTAS did to their batcaves, always a different one everytime. This one is simipler, smaller. No need to be bigger and spread everything throughout. I like it.
In villian alliances, no one is friends. Luthor is plotting against Brainiac and Brainiac is doing the same before anything has happened. Plus, I'm wondering what those black balls are for. Also, in what Luthor is saying when he throws those in the water, it seems what he's planning isn't just about the heroes but anyone who is alien. I think he wants Earth to just have human beings and anyone else who is alien to GET OFF!
Overall, the series gets better. More mysteries are coming out and we keep wondering: what's gonna happen next?
REVIEW: 8.5/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: The official JUSTICE discussion thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 04-07-2006 21:01 |
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Sorry for being so late.
#6 REVIEW:
Captain Marvel escorts Superman to the sun and throws him in to burn the worms in his body. While Ray Palmer?s life is on the line with an attack by Gigantia, everyone around the world is losing faith in their heroes and moving their truth toward the villains. But the tide starts turning as a twist is revealed by both Hawkman and Hawkgirl and hope is in sights for the League even with The Metal Men in the game.
Issue 6: Throughout the whole series, the art, storyline remains so great that I don?t see anything wrong that is or might appear in this series. That?s how good it is.
It is now confirmed that the woman that tried to kill The Atom is Gigantia. I thought it was because a red headed woman connected to the Legion would have to be her and her only. She tries again while Ray is in the hospital but failure is still on her side. But this is one question I have: in the mainstream comics and even in shows like JLU, Gigantia is a beautiful woman normal sized or large and in charge. I don?t know if it was because she was growing but when she grew in this issue, she looked nasty. I hope it was because she was growing (she was changing size during the scene so maybe) otherwise not only will this idea in Justice be so different from the main comic books, but I don?t know if I?ll stand looking at her when she?s big. So here?s for hope.
?Cheers?
It was great seeing a replica of Coast City from the Lantern ring as Hal goes back and wonders why he was chosen to wear the ring and why he was given a power to be like a god. This is coming from the fact that he is in a place where there is no way out and his ring is losing power. The replica and his scenes makes me wonder if he is the only one who can end the whole storyline. Sometimes you can tell if the person that is in a lesser situation (or a big situation but nothing else going on in it) may have something to do with the finale of the comic series.
We have some developments here: Wonder Woman came into the Batcave and saved Batman from the control of Ivy and has subdued her. With Batman?s brain and the only top member of the Legion in their custody, they are sure to get answers from her and the plans for whats next. Superman, after going thru the sun, has gotten all the worms off his body and is back fully powered (since the sun gives him and charges up his powers). Red Tornado?s remains were found by The Metal Men so their introduction has lead them into the series. And finally, we have a twist: Hawkman and Hawkgirl have found out that Toyman?s warehouse is a factory building lots and lots of Brainiacs. Now that?s something that will be explored in the series? last six issues.
Overall with Issue 6, the series? first half is over and now its time to start the second half. What has happened and what has been revealed has led me to get excited for the next issues to conclude the series. I wish it wasn?t bi-monthly, I REALLY wish it wasn?t.
REVIEW: 8/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: The official JUSTICE discussion thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 30-08-2006 21:14 |
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JUSTICE #7
REVIEW:
Martian Manhunter & Zatanna find Aquaman and take him to the Doom Patrol for medical reasons. Grodd and Brainiac sent their agents to attack more heroes as Wonder Woman & Batman reach the Fortress of Solitude. After Captain Marvel and Superman free The Flash from his speeding trouble, they return to the Fortress where most of the JLA are and enter...
I don't know how many times to say this but again: the art is great and fits this storyline.
With half, or maybe most, of the JLA together again, we can see the finale starting to come. Hawkgirl is right when she says there is a conspiracy. There is three. The big one is who gave the villians the nightmares to begin with, what are the plans the villians have for the humans and what is Brainiac's and Luthor's plan against one another.
One of the highlights is that we're introduced to Alex Ross' Fortress of Solitude. While it did appear in Kingdom Come, we didn't see much more than what we saw. We have seen Alex Ross' Batcaves (since there are four versions of them) but the Fortress in detail. The Fortress seen in JUSTICE is from the Silver Age, just like the Fortress in All Star Superman. Another similarity between them is the interior, JUSTICE's Fortress has the dinosaur and the actual size Titanic replica that the All Star one also has. The only difference is that there are no "moden day touch ups" in the JUSTICE one than the All Star one. The key is still the huge one pointing straight to the Fortress' door (something Batman jokes at). On the design, the Fortress' design in JUSTICE is the one seen in Action Comics #241. You may also remember it from both Whatever happened to the Man of Tomoorow and the end of Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Overall, this was another nice issue. With the plot moving forward and five more issues to go, and new places like the Fortress and more characters entering the scene like the Doom Patrol, Dick Grayson (aka Robin), Freddy Freeman & Mary Batson (Captain Marvel Jr. & Mary Marvel), the first steps toward the finale has been taken.
RATING: 8/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: justice |
DavidG
Posts: 198
Location: Home
Joined: 26.07.06
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| Posted on 01-09-2006 02:59 |
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sounds great can,t wait to read it.
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RE: The official JUSTICE discussion thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 25-10-2006 21:12 |
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JUSTICE #8
REVIEW:
The Flash forces Captain Cold to head to the artic where he is then captured and taken insdie the Fortress where Batman interrogates him. Still stuck in god knows where, Hal uses the ring to recreate past moments of his life until Phantom Stranger appears and gives him the Lantern to recharge before they head back. Batman tells the rest of the League about the villians and their nightmares. While a disguised Joker enters one of the new cities created by the villians, the villians themselves continue kidnapping those connected to the heroes like Supergirl and Batgirl. Wonder Woman tells Captain Marvel that she is dying because of Cheetah and while Plastic Man talks to Elongated Man discuss they weren't attacked and Aquaman, after hearing his son was kidnapped as well, wanting revenge against Brainiac, the Doom Patrol begin to wonder if the nightmares are real as a ship is now above earth...
For the eighth time: the art is superb. CONGRATS!
With this issue, developments are made. The JLA, thanks to Batman, now know why the villians are doing this and the nightmare. Which the Doom Patrol starts to wonder if its true if the villians are taken down. Hal Jordan is finally out of...god knowns what and now the heroes (JLA, Metal Men, the Doom Patrol) are together.
The last development was the appearence of more characters in a Alex Ross story that only appeared in his art like merchindise: along with the Doom Patrol and Metal Men that appeared in this comic, this issue shows the Teen Titans (featuring the founding members that were the original heroes in their debut of Dick Grayson/Robin, Donna Troy/Wonder Girl, Speedy, & Aqualad (he already appeared in #7)) which were only seen in Ross form on a collector's plate, Captain Marvel, Jr & Lady Marvel (also appeared already), and finally Supergirl and Batgirl.
Overall, issue 8 gives us more exciting moments and the first steps toward the comic's climax. We have more characters that we wanted to see and finally did in Ross' form, new threats and more shocking moments. With the heroes now together, I can't wait for more.
RATING: 8.5/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: The official JUSTICE discussion thread |
DavidG
Posts: 198
Location: Home
Joined: 26.07.06
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| Posted on 26-10-2006 05:20 |
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sounds like a great Issue, i can,t wait to find out how the League stops the Villians, i wonder what is going to happen the Atom, i can,t wait to find out, Justice is one of my favorite Justice League MiniSeries ever. |
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RE: The JUSTICE discussion thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 28-12-2006 18:37 |
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JUSTICE #9
Writer-Jim Krueger and Alex Ross
Art-Doug Braithwaite and Alex Ross
Letterer-Todd Klein
Cover Art-Alex Ross
Editor-Joey Cavalieri
PLOT:
The breathaking miniseries by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Alex Ross continues with plenty of surprises! Black Adam! The Marvel Family! And the Justice League's plan to storm their adversaries' stronghold!
REVIEW:
Hal Jordan realizes why he was sent away by the villians was because they feared his ring. Doctor Mangus concludes that Brainiac's machines can go through anything to control their hosts and says that the JLA needs battle armor to protect them, which the Metal Men will create. With the exception of Flash, the JLA Strike Force go to Africa to fight Grodd while Captain Marvel fights Black Adam and the controlled Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr. Clark & Bruce are in Gotham, right where the Waynes were killed, to meet Dr. Leslie Thompkins. Clark x-rays a kid to see the real truth behinf the "cure" and that its nothign but control over the people. Luthor checks out his army of Brainaics. At the Fortress, Atom and Magnus, with the help of Batman, create the armors. Grodd escapes but its a failure for the League as they have Grodd's ring, made by Sinestro. Captain Marvel ends up in Brainiac's control from his amchines and fights Superman. With Hal's help, he is back to normal. Marvel and Hal go visit Arkham and meet Marvel's greatest enemy; Sivana. Whose mind was stolen by Brianiac to create his machines based on his "Mr. Mind" weapon. Its revealed that Brainiac send those nightmares to all the villians in order for Luthor to split the world from humans and aliens. The JLA is outfitted with battle armor (which was a great shot) and heads out to fight. Luthor sneaks to the Fortress to get Captain Cold, stating everything is still going good.
With this issue, the final issues and in turn the climax between the heroes and villians is finally kicked into gear. The art, again, was good. One of the greatest shots from this issue was the two page spread of the JLA and their battle armors. That looked cool. Batman's armor is more of a precusor to his armor seen in Kingdom Come and for fan's sake, the symbol is the one from the '66 Batmobile and in turn the logo for The Batman animayed show on Kids WB. Since we don't have Steel, Superman's armor is based on him. Wonder Woman's is a cross between her suit, just the body armor parts of her golden eagle armor complete with the helmet, and the overall color scheme reminds me of her costume from Elseworld's Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl. Hawkman (and Hawkgirl)'s armor are of Hawkman's change in Kingdom Come and Aquaman's armor is based on The Creature from Black Lagoon. I won't list all of them but trust me, it was a great shot.
So we are revealed the person behind the nightmares that started the series. I surprised it was Brainiac as I thought it was Dr. Destiny or something. I just realized the last shot of #8 was the city spheres and not what I thought at the time which was maybe the introduction to a new villian appearing like maybe Darkseid. Since Luthor has his own agenda and Brainiac his own, I know for a fact that this will lead to JLA vs. Luthor vs. Brainiac. As those are the main players.
Overall, this was a fantastic issue. The climax is finally in gear and this issue's spread of the battle armored JLA took my breath away. Recently as of this review, I was told that Justice is a modern day Challenge of the Sueprfriends. And I like to point out, in case I forget for my review for the upcomign #12, that it is. We still have three more to come of this series but its already proven to be what I was told it was. So I agree witht hat statement.
RATING: 8.5/10
What's in store for next issue: Green Arrow is the main focus. Featuring the Doom Patrol, Metal Men, the Titans, Supergirl and others.
NOTE: If asked, I can post up a scan of the JLA in their battle armors. But only if asked.
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: The JUSTICE discussion thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 28-12-2006 20:34 |
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I changed my mind. You don't need to ask for it. Here is the scan for you. But here's what happened: my scanner wasn't big enough to scan the whole two pages so I did it in 2 parts. One half beign left and other half, right. Because it would take a while to enhance my board to fit in both, I decided to upload and post links to the sides. Unless someone combines the pics. Here are the links to the two parts of the two-page spread of the JLA in their battle armor:
Side 1:
http://img146.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jlabaside1bo4.jpg
Side 2:
http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jlabaside2ar2.jpg
EDIT:
UPDATE: Here is the JLA Battle Armor scene 2 pages in one:
http://img405.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jlabaside1bo4zw2.jpg
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Edited by Nate on 29-12-2006 00:23 |
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RE: The JUSTICE discussion thread |
Darknight
Posts: 1010
Location: NW Arkansas
Joined: 26.06.05
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| Posted on 05-01-2007 10:04 |
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Wow the story in the series has taken a big slope down. Alex Ross must be getting pretty good royalty checks from the DC Direct toys to do something this bad. It may be better if the story is read all together instead of 1/12 every two months, but I reall don't think so.
The art is still really cool, and the armor Batman puts on is a great homage to the 60's TV Batmobile. The art is really the only thing that is keeping me reading this story.
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RE: The JUSTICE discussion thread |
spencer1984
Posts: 1271
Location: Upstate NY
Joined: 30.06.05
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| Posted on 05-01-2007 11:39 |
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Nate wrote:
Batman's armor is more of a precusor to his armor seen in Kingdom Come and for fan's sake, the symbol is the one from the '66 Batmobile and in turn the logo for The Batman animayed show on Kids WB.
As DK mentioned, the whole armor is actually the '66 Batmobile, not just the logo: the lower half of the mask is the main grille, the ears are the car's fins, the shoulder pads are the front fenders, and the grips are the antlers (complete with lights). Some wag noted one omission, though: what happened to the rocket exhaust?
The complete history of the Batmobile: BatmobileHistory.com
Scale models of Batmobiles & more: spencer1984.com |
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RE: The JUSTICE discussion thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 05-01-2007 11:49 |
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I did say, in other boards, that the armor is based on the '66 car. As for the rocket exhaust, well on the lst page of the issue, Batman is flying up with the others and there is flames coming from his back. So I guess your answer is: on the back to make him fly.
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: The JUSTICE discussion thread |
spencer1984
Posts: 1271
Location: Upstate NY
Joined: 30.06.05
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| Posted on 05-01-2007 15:36 |
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Well yes, that's the correct/appropriate answer...I was referring to a more juvenile answer, though (no actual response needed) :P
The complete history of the Batmobile: BatmobileHistory.com
Scale models of Batmobiles & more: spencer1984.com |
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RE: The JUSTICE discussion thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 19-01-2007 19:30 |
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Remember when it was said about the battle armors and them as toys, well SPEAK OF THE DEVIL:
http://www.dccomics.com/dcdirect/?dcd=7241
http://www.dccomics.com/dcdirect/?dcd=7240
They're part of Series 6 of action figures of the Justice League designed by Alex Ross. The others, which I did not post, are Ross' Scarecrow & his Hawkgirl.
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: The JUSTICE discussion thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 01-03-2007 13:39 |
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JUSTICE #10
Writers Jim Krueger and Alex Ross
Art Doug Braithwaite and Alex Ross
Cover by Alex Ross
Editor
PLOT:
The villains' plot to to exploit the innocent may even affect the heroes' comrades, colleagues and co-combatants!
REVIEW:
If you devided the 12 issues, you could say the third act of the entire storyline in Justice started with issue 9. And in that issue, the heroes were not going to take it anymore and they went off to fight their fight. Issue 10 starts off the finale climatic battle between the League and the Legion.
Now, this is how you write a JLA story. There is no stopping Ross from keeping on making this series good and/or great issue by issue. You get everything: the JLA fighting non-stop again the Legion of Doom, more about what Brainiac is trying to do, Joker does something which he hasn't done for a while in this series which is destroying one of the new cities, and Green Arrow and Black Canary start the rescue of the other heroes that the Legion kidnapped. This book has it all.
In the first panels where the Legion are celebrating their victory, one fo the things that caught me (I'm a guy) was how gorgeous Giganta looked in that black dress. On the same subject, I felt better seeing Ross' protrayal of her when she grew to larger size. The reason why I felt better was because when she did that before, it didn't look right to me. I thought she looked deformed and it turned me off. I was glad it wasn't really the case. But that scene also showed something else: what Brainiac was up to. Brainiac's plan invovles Aquaman' son, he wants to restart his race of Coluans and Arthur, the son, is the first of the race. And you know Aquaman will not stand and let that happen.
In this battle, we're treated with alot of great moments and fight scenes. Back at the end of issue nine, I loved the battle armors they wore and was waiting to see them fighting with them on. Some people may not have liked the idea at first, but once you read this you will begin to love the battle armor concept. Plus, since its the Metal Men in these armors, its not just the superheroes fighting the villians and taunting them (as seen when Lead taunts Grundy, and it seems at first that it was actually Superman). And you see the Doom Patrol fighting Batgirl, the Marvel Family and the Teen Titans. And I like when as the League are fighting, Giganta is above them and its like they have to make sure she doesn't stomp on them. This issue was great.
Overall, as I'll say again, this issue was great. The battle was big. And it involved everyone, hero and villian alike. People will be pleased to hear that Joker does something rather than just popping in and out all the time. He plants bombs and blows up the buildings inside one of the new cities. On a side note, when Green Arrow gives John Stewart his Lantern ring, we saw Supergirl. Her here, art-wise, is better than the picture before in Ross' book. I always felt that there was something wrong with her in that image, she's fine now.
RATING: 9/10
Next Issue: Green Lantern has his showndown with Sinestro. Captain Marvel will have his incredible victory. A challenge will occur for Aquaman. And will the villians have the upper hand still with Aquaman's son in their grasp?
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: The JUSTICE discussion thread (UPDATED with #9 review) |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 25-04-2007 20:46 |
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JUSTICE #11
Written by Jim Krueger and Alex Ross
Art by Doug Braithwaite and Ross
Cover by Ross
Edited by Joey Cavalieri
PLOT:
Witness the triumphant return of Green Lantern and his showdown with Sinestro. Captain Marvel's incredible victory! The challenge of Aquaman! But will the super-villains still maintain the upper hand if they have Aquaman's son and a world in their grasp?
REVIEW:
The previous issue was the first of the climax. The fight scenes were all cool. There were things in it that made me think of a movie. Alex Ross has done a great job. And I couldn't wait for the next issue that will be the start of the finale. That’s all I have to say on the introduction. Lets get right into the issue.
Same thing I said about the previous issues, include them here. Don't know what I mean? Well it had great art and the story was so good. As the story moves into its conclusion, many things happen. Everything Brainiac has controlled from the Legion of Doom to the sidekicks of the JLA are all gone. And in the end, the villains have forgotten who the superheroes' secret identities were. I don't know if people consider it a plot device or what, but I didn't get that feeling at all. And the battle between superhero and supervillian that was seen last time is finished here. With only a couple to a few more to take care of.
One of the main focuses of this issue was seen in its cover. Green Lantern and Sinestro fight each other both with and without their rings. It kinda goes back a few issues on Hal wondering if he was the right choice to have the ring and why it was he who got it. Just like the previous issue, he is seen in rage over what Sinestro sent him in. But like a superhero, he does not have that affect his actions. That’s why in scenes where Sinestro is almost going to die, Hal saves him. As he says, its justice.
With most of the Legion done, we finally got to see Scarecrow doing something since his attack on Black Canary back in.....a while back. And in turn, see the sidekicks fighting and some talking with a line or so. I felt that if the sidekicks were going to be in it, their parts should've been close to their mentors. I mean they're important too. As for Scarecrow, we get a Batman-related moment when he uses his fear toxin to make civilians fight the superheroes. Even though it doesn't last as long as many would think, it was a nice tough to see.
Overall, this issue is just like the others: it was all good. Great. With one more issue to go, I would want the last issue to have more pages to be all "giant-size" for this great maxi-series. Maybe they will add more, maybe they won't. Either way, with this storyline of a series that started two years back, you pretty much hope that the ending will be pulled off. Speaking of that, since Brainaic still has Aquaman's son, I somehow think since Aquaman was the first superhero (to be focused on) the series started on, he'll be the last when the series ends. With one more to go, I can't wait to get and have them all.
RATING: 9/10
Next Issue: The final issue has finally come. The finale will contain an outcome no one will forget.
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: The JUSTICE discussion thread (UPDATED with #11 review) |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 13-06-2007 21:21 |
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JUSTICE #12
Written by Jim Krueger and Alex Ross
Art by Doug Braithwaite and Ross
Cover by Ross
Edited by Joey Cavalieri
PLOT:
A few twists and turns remain in this amazing tale of the alliance of the world's most fearsome villains! And against the wild landscape of hundreds of heroes and their foes, smaller, more intimate human dramas are played out.
REVIEW:
Since the first issue, Justice has been a great fun comic book series. People have loved the art, and many believe this is the best JLA story to the point where it should be what a JLA live-action film or an animated film should. And I would have to agree. Leading up to the finale however, I ended up having this one fear of the last issue that sometimes happens in other series. And that is if the last issue, of this very good series, would live up into being a good or great finale and an ending that was right for what we were seeing throughout this whole time. Sometimes, other series have this problem, and then other times they don't. But that fear, which I say it was "sorta" like a fear, never stayed on my brain past three minutes and thus never ruined my own hype for the series' end. Now let's check out the last of our twelve-issue maxi-series.
THE END! After this issue, and remembering everything that we had gone though, this is the best Justice League of America or JLA story ever. Alex Ross has given us a storyline that is important in the themes of superheroes, and supervillains, but also has presented us with a classic JLA vs. Legion of Doom story that does have a modern Superfriends feel complete with great interaction of the characters, actions left and right, and again, themes. I will tell you, when I starting getting this when it started in 2005, I was hooked on with every issue, wondering what the next issue will have and how the whole series will end. Now with this issue, I feel complete. Plus, I got my money's worth. You will be too.
The fact that we have the JLA, Teen Titans, Metal Men and the Doom Patrol, they are all used. In the whole issue, it’s a royale of a finale as we are taken to several locations inside and out of Brainiac's cities with several groups that make up out casts. Although they are the battle armors, we don't get anything of the Metal Men themselves. Plus, the Doom Patrol don't have anymore scenes in this final issue. On one hand, I doubt they were needed or they couldn't change the way this issue was handled. But on another hand, just not having them seems incomplete. It only came to me just as I was done with this issue. So it didn't bother me.
Plus, something to point out: as the issue ended, many fans will get a little of a surprise as the classic Legion of Superheroes appear in a cameo as they watch Superman change into Clark Kent. So there’s something for fans to probably make a wallpaper or something from, Alex Ross' Legion of Superheroes.
I gotta say, we knew that the scar Cheetah gave to Wonder Woman would be killing her; we didn't know it would turn our beautiful Diana into an ugly, zombie-like appearance. Man, just seeing that made me want to.....jeez, I don't even know. I was just surprised. Since this ended, it was very obvious that this wouldn't last. And that was good. Also, we get to see the Amazons here with Queen Hippolyta, whom Ross' version being the Golden Age one with the brown hair and hair up. That one. So it was nice to see them, even for a brief shot.
So we learn now that the deal between Luthor and Brainiac is that Brainiac would create the cities and bring in people who sickly and give them machines that to them were to help, but were in reality so Brainiac to control. And from that, Brainiac would leave and the Earth would be alien-less, like Luthor wants. But as we've learned in many storylines, villain team-ups tend to include double crosses. As is why Brainiac launches every nuclear missile to hit Earth. But I like was the outcome when Superman finally catches Brainiac in his smallest, unable to detect, ship and stops him by freezing it with his breath. And the fact that he is now in a museum in the Bottle City of Kandor, that was funny. Although, they could've not have him his old underwear wearing costume. As I love the more creepy surgeon one better.
The one thing though, that I must've missed in the previous issues, is the dream. Was it real? I'll get to that. So who put it in every villains' head? My guess was Brainiac, but it couldn't be since he was already with his plan of the new cities that would be a little too much. So it has to be Luthor, I mean he wasn't the one who woke up from the dream back in #1. And who put those dreams in the villains' heads? Well the only one is Grodd. But on the idea on if it was real: well dreams are known to be mysterious. Looking back on #1, it was about the Earth being gone and the heroes unable to stop it. And in this issue, the heroes are almost unable to stop the missile attacks until the Green Lantern Corps arrive. So I guess the dream was, in a symbolic nature, a foreshadow of the missile attacks. It was probably saying that because of what the villains will do, with the heroes and trying to destroy them internally, that this would happen. That seems to make sense, after some thinking. So on that note, I guess that’s the nature of the dream.
Now that I reviewed the issue, and before I close the review, I should now go do my review to the series as a whole. Alex Ross' books of THE WORLD'S GREATEST SUPERHEROES (which collects the 6 Dini/Ross books), the mini-series JUSTICE, of course, and KINGDOM COME share one theme: what is a superhero? Sometimes you could say the question is "who is a superhero?", but it’s really "what".
The three titles share that theme and approach in a number of ways. Maybe, after looking at it as a whole, JUSTICE does it greater as it adds the Legion's actions when they try to earn the trust of the people. Now you may think the answer to "what is a superhero?" is simple: its someone who wears a costume or a special outfit and fights evil. There, easy. But its not what the theme is asking. Its question relates to the who, what and why of superheroes and why they're still around. And its not just DC, but Marvel as well. As that question might, or has already popped up, for some after Civil War.
The question is what is a superhero? Is it someone who sets an example, someone who you look up for direction, or guidance (ex. if you do this, you could be just like Superman)? Is it someone who leads the whole world? Is he or she an Everyman? Or is it someone who fixes our problems right then and there, so we don't have to face them ourselves, or live it anymore? That’s what its asking. And Ross' books do answer those. It is not someone who fixes our problems, because as Superman: Peace on Earth showed, someone who does this is only blinded by what he should really do rather than doing it all by himself or herself. And it's not someone who rules the world, because we've seen what-if stories like that such as Justice League "A Better World" and we know that is something we do not want. An Everyman is the second to last answer because that's us and how we help the world with our power than maybe many think we don't have. But the main answer to superheroes and us is that we use them as inspiration and guidance. And that is true. Because we use superheroes as metaphors for either ourselves or others. Using DC's Big Three as an example, some could say things like: "I look up to you like Superman", "You fooled that guy, that was amazing. You're like Batman" ,"She is my Wonder Woman". See? The answer is right.
So all the books by Alex Ross bring up that question of "what is a superhero". And from all of them, and even Kingdom Come I should say, the answer has be that of inspiration and guidance. But you know what? I think it also comes down to you if you believe that or have you own answer.
Overall, this issue had a finale that fit so well with this storyline that has been a hit since issue 1. Alex Ross did a great job, and even though he is famous, he never took any chance of delaying each book. He delivered right on time. I want DC to hire Alex Ross to do another book like this, or following this. This was such fun. And if it made you dying to wait for the next issue, then it did its job. So if you didn't get this series, waiting for the hardcover(s), get them. Although you would have to wait till October for the third volume, just get them. Otherwise you will be missing the best Justice League story ever.
Because of how I feel from this, my rating will reflect my excited, unable to speak, feeling I had after reading this issue.
RATING: 5/5
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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