Review: "Justice League" #1 / #2 / #3

After the rather dull and too conventional "Justice League: Rebirth" #1, it's good to see that Bryan Hitch was able to turn the series around considerably. From what looked to be your next "giant-space-alien-attack-forces-heroes-to-save-the-world-story", the comic has incorporated a few welcome twists and turns to the formula, to make it stand out in comparison to other series. 

But "Justice League" also scores with the presentation of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman etc., where each hero is given fair and considerable attention, with a focus that truly emphasizes the concept of the sum that is greater than its parts.

8/10

"The Good, the Bad and Something About Comics": "Justice League: Rebirth" #1

                + Positive                                        - Negative

Doesn't waste any time in getting to the action Art is in line with other current “Rebirth” titles Convincing dynamic between the “League” members Characters feel distinct and unique Knows how to stage and dramatize the concept of the Justice League

Clark Kent’s conflict of whether to join the Justice League seems largely artificial Generic space-alien-invader Not as funny as it thinks it is

A solid first issue for Justice League that gets to the point immediately, but has still considerable room to improve.

6/10

Review: "Green Lanterns: Rebirth" #1

Sadly, Green Lanterns: Rebirth doesn't do particularly much to keep its readers invested, even though protagonists Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz are wonderfully complex characters, whose back stories are signified by loss and perseverance in the face of public and private adversity. 

Writers Johns and Humphries, however, don't explore this intriguing potential enough here, but focus half the comic on their uninspired banter and quarrels, before Hal Jordan makes them team up to defend earth. Think of him as some sort of cosmic Edward James Olmos in a buddy cop comic story that you shouldn't already give up on now, but that needs to figure out what it really wants to be and where its strengths ultimately lie.

5/10

Comic of the Day 20/4: "DKIII: The Master Race" #3

If you've read the first two issues in the latest "Dark Knight" sage by Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello and Co, you might not expect or even accept anything less than excellence. And even though it's not as spectacular as #2, as especially the inner monologues have lost some of their edge, it's still a superb artistic achievement, making it easily one of the best comic series of the last year.

DKIII: The Master Race #3 probably shines where you'd expect it to, but that should not diminish its outstanding quality. Miller's trademark satire on the news, media, and communications machine features prominently here again. Is it righteous and clichéd? Yes, of course. But it's also hilarious and unsettling in its biting spot-on commentary.

Andy Kubert and Klaus Janson's art is brilliantly unadorned, creating panels that have room to breathe and are able to tell the story in their very own pace. They are also not afraid of delivering one of the most unpleasant looking portrayals of Bruce Wayne. All handsomeness has vanished from his face, leaving an appearance that is characterized by the pain and struggles in his life.

While Quar and his Kryptonian entourage are still somewhat lacking the threat they are supposed to embody, it's Lara that shines here, particularly in the final scene.

The mini-comic inside is Green Lantern #1, which features a compelling artistic concept of the Green Lantern in its first pages, offers a provocative alternative take on the Kryptonian invasion full of sexual innuendo. Asking if human society should not actually perceive them as emancipators freeing earth from their suppressive shackles and worn-out principles, it touches upon topics of sexism and race.

It's another masterpiece in the DKIII series, and we should all rejoice that there's still five more to come.