“What’s coming is bigger than me. The world needs heroes they can know, not gods, to inspire them– show them they can be heroes. ”
Spinning off from the aftermath that trickled from the pages of Justice League VS Suicide Squad mini-series, Batman decides to create a new team. He develops a side team that is willing turn their lives around, and to do what it takes to dismantle whatever threats that the main team cannot defeat. How will Batman recruit the ragtag bunch of misfits? And what is the threat that this current team preparing for?
Man, Steve Orlando made an interesting impression with this title. It’s a really entertaining title based on how it’s structured. Black Canary is spunky as ever, especially when she is sent by Batman to recruit Lobo. Her remark on Lobo upon their first meeting in the book (after he initially turns down the offer) is hilarious since she insults him with terms in which Lobo is ironically a parody of. Lobo the main man is funny and disrespectful as ever. It’s great to see the classic Lobo return and not the pretty boy predecessor. It was great to see Orlando integrate the Atom’s disappearance since the beginning of Rebirth, and finally make the step forward to answer those questions (as most of Rebirth has been doing). I really enjoy the whole recruiting process, with Batman recruiting Killer Frost, Black Canary, Lobo, The Atom (Ryan Choi), The Ray, and Vixen.
While this ain’t no Outsiders or Justice League Elite, In a way, it manages to pay some homage (intentionally or not). In another way, the book itself kinda reminds me of Brian Bendis early 2000’s New Avengers run at Marvel in terms of rallying together a team that shakes up the usual core roster, but in a pleasingly executed manner. Now, this book doesn’t replace the core Justice League book, it simply compliments it as a spin-off series. I love the use of influences from various animated series such as Happy Harbor (Young Justice headquarters from the newly revived animated series), Killer Frost being good (due to the popularity of the CW Flash tv show) and Roxy Rocket of Batman the Animated series also make their appearance in this issue. It’s well paced, enjoyable and a really fast read. The banter between Lobo and Canary are a good sign for things to come, and the chemistry between the members of the team is oddly organic. I will admit, seeing the Ray in this book was a bit puzzling, but given that there is an upcoming animated show for the CW Seed, I guess it’s to promote him better than he was in the 90’s. I could imagine Comic Pop’s Sal react to the Ray being on this current JLA roster. But under Orlando’s direction, he could show some actual promise in his role as a team player/ character.
With a roster such as this, It shouldn’t work, but it does. If this was handled with a different team, it probably wouldn’t have worked, but under Orlando’s care, it’s exciting. If you haven’t read Justice League VS Suicide Squad or haven’t Rebirth, it’s okay, because the book is fast and loose and doesn’t overwhelm you with continuity while simultaneously acknowledging what’s come before without losing readers in transition. It’s a good jumping on point. By the time you get to the end of the book, it previews what is to come. It’s early to say that Orlando will craft a very great run, but if this Rebirth issue is of any indication, it certainly promises to be a very good one (or at least more promising in delivery than the main Justice League title).
When it comes to the art, anytime Ivan Reis art graces the pages and accompanies the story, it usually enhances the book visually all of the time, and man were the pages beautiful here. But the pencils wouldn’t have gotten that extra flair of life if it wasn’t for Prado and Albert’s sharp inks and the very vibrant colors delivered by Maiolo. Each of the characters that are present in the book feels lively thanks to the artistic team’s ability to make it feel vibrant and fresh.
If there is anything I can say, it’s that this book, I feel, is gonna be a much more important title than the current Hitch written Justice League title. Simply due to the fact that its focus is more geared towards the kind of threats that were presented since the beginning of DC Rebirth and the final pages of Justice League VS Suicide Squad. I definitely recommend picking up this title, and I can’t wait to see what Orlando does next.
Newsdesk