Justice League (Volume 1) Origin by Geoff Johns

“Too many people believe that. That’s the problem here. The world belongs to no one. And everyone.”

— Geoff Johns, Justice League (Volume 1) Origin

    The birth of the Justice League. Who wouldn’t want to check out one of, if not THE most epic superhero team out there? Who am I kidding, as a DC fanboy, the Justice League will always remain the BEST superhero team ever. Of course, with Batman among the club, that’s a no-brainer. As part of the New 52 reboot by DC Comics, fans are served with a brand new and completely modern take of this superhero team. Written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Jim Lee, these two legends bring together a blockbuster retelling with one of DC’s most powerful villain soon to appear on the big screen. Collecting issues 1 to 6, Justice League (Volume 1) Origin glues together seven of the most powerful heroes on Earth (and from beyond?) and delivers a brilliant introduction to DC’s almighty squad. It kicks things of with the arrival of some new and mysterious creatures lurking around the shadows, preparing something that could potentially leave a nasty scar on the world. As matters get out of hands, a series of events lead our heroes to cross paths and unite to smooth out the chaos.

    If you know your DC superheroes, you won’t be lost jumping into this story. Every single character is introduced from scratch and eventually get a full page panel to showcase their mighty and beautiful aura of mythical Gods. This is actually one of the most awesome moments thanks to Jim Lee artwork. The modernized take of each hero is coupled with a divine touch to each of the characters. Their personalities also wrap the whole package up with a fine layer of charisma and singularity. It offers us a perfect picture of superheroes who carry not only powers of their own but a whole history, a whole comic book legacy of ass-kicking. While the Justice League contains Batman, Green Lantern, Superman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg, Geoff Johns decides to commence this series by having them all meet up for the first time (except for The Flash and Green Lantern). As odd as it may be, in the end it doesn’t do too much damage to the story that is told. However, this direction also gives way to an interesting formation where their respectful interaction showcases their individual personalities and what makes each of them who they are. While an origin story for each character is not done (how arduous that would have been), fans will at least get a Cyborg origin story that ties in with the main plot.

    Justice League (Vol.1) is definitely a beautiful and high-octane beginning to a series run that will probably have (if not already) a bunch of folks hooked. The best part of this volume is the artwork and the interaction between the heroes. There’s nothing like panels after panels of ass-whopping and explosions to demonstrate and amplify every heroes strengths. With Jim Lee’s amazing artwork that excels with brilliant panel transitions and full-scale two-page landscape drawings of action moments of epic proportions, I just couldn’t help myself from being in awe. The excitement and overwhelming feeling of seeing their combined powers were just mind-boggling. The design of our heroes is also unique and meticulously chosen. Colourful, explosive and cataclysmic, this volume doesn’t shy away from showing grandeur in every form possible. One can only imagine how destructive a team of international—even intergalactic—capacity can be.

    The cherry on top of the cake has to be the interaction between the heroes. Green Lantern was quite the cocky character in this and somehow managed to keep the pieces glued together; partly thanks to Batman’s wise guidance. The Flash’s quick and straight-forward comedy also enlightened the mood, especially around Green Lantern. At that point, I became quite intrigued by the man with the ring that can form absolutely anything his mind concentrates on. Superman was also brilliantly introduced and quickly showed everyone how no one was on his level. His looks and alien powers were extraordinaire and definitely brought forth a slick and authoritarian persona. Until Wonder Woman shows up, of course. A moment of mutual admiration shines between those two; also hinting at their future (for those who might know what I’m talking about). However, she was probably the most awkward of the bunch. It’s as if Geoff Johns wanted her to lose touch of reality and get lost in amazement whenever something new to her presents itself. He also tried really hard to put this desire to fight at the forefront of her character’s personality. It might have failed a little, but in the end, my inner DC fanboy was just too excited to watch the Justice League in action.

    Cyborg’s integration was a great one as his transformation is the result of something integral to the plot. Young and reckless, since he’s still in the middle of understanding the technological strengths he now possesses, Cyborg’s main appeal lies in his hidden powers and his bad-ass looks. Finally, Aquaman’s arrival was also nifty and unexpected. Not that the cover of the trade paperback doesn’t already show it, but within the story you’re driven to expect one thing to happen until you see his sudden and majestic arrival. It was quite nice to see the clash between his sea kingdom royalty and the much-needed leader among the Justice League. Geoff Johns also gives Aquaman a much more powerful introduction; making him much more than what his name might indicate. In the end, the whole team was a marvel to see in action and there’s nothing like a dream come true when you got both Geoff Johns and Jim Lee behind this New 52 run.

    The Justice League has never been about a set number of specific characters within the DC Universe. Many variations exists and plenty of them have been thoroughly loved by fans. I’ve personally loved the one that was brought together in the animated TV shows of Justice League that ran from 2001 to 2004. As a kid, the Justice League has always been Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Hawkgirl and Martian Manhunter. With Geoff Johns’ run, I’m probably going to end up loving the new cast and the adventures they have yet to embark on. Justice League (Volume 1) Origin is a great place to start for anyone who wishes to know who they are and what they are capable of. Let’s also not forget about the infamous villain and the trouble he’s bound to bring to Earth. This volume also gives readers plenty of details that will inspire the soon-to-be Justice League (2017) movie. Although the plot was changed, several elements from this volume are also teased and used in Batman v Superman (2016). With an original and unique cast of superheroes, Origin presents fans with an action-packed new beginning to the godlike Justice League.

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While Aquaman was replaced by Shazam (also previously known as Captain Marvel), Justice League (Volume 1) Origin was adapted as an animated movie for fans to rejoice about.

However, another adaptation is also within range, but this time as a live-action movie part of the DCEU. Following the events of both Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman and Suicide Squad, fans will be able to see the Justice League come to life in 2017. This is probably one of my most anticipated movies ever. Seeing Ben Affleck reprise his role as Batman and countless other superheroes finally hit the big screen are just some of many things I can’t wait to see in theaters. While fear that the movie might be slightly convoluted with so many confirmed character appearances, I’m still VERY pumped for this movie. You have to see life through corrupted and dirty lenses to honestly hate the possibility of seeing the Justice League team-up in front of your own very eyes!

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Are you excited to watch Justice League (2017)?

Did you read Justice League (Volume 1) Origin yet? What did you think about it?

You haven’t read it, you say?

Let’s fix that right away!

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MY OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆/

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