Comic Book Review: Justice League #1

Months ago, I was among those skeptical about DC Comics' planned relaunch of their entire comic book universe. As somebody who grew up reading their comics where Superman and Batman wore underpants and remained symbolic icons nevertheless, I'll be the first to tell you outright that I thought "The New 52" was a bad idea. I'm not one to conform to change easily, especially when it comes to changing elements that have remained established in the comic world for almost a century. Yes it's true that without change there can be no progress, but sometimes the other old adage still applies "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Still,  I can understand the necessity to attract new readers, so there's more than legacy at stake with this relaunch; It's reinvigorating the industry as a whole.

This week and like or not, change has indeed come to DC Comics, and they have literally brought an end to the old and a fresh start to the new with the simultaneous release of Flashpoint #5 and Justice League #1 this week, which in itself counts as a historical landmark in the comic industry as we know it. Having anticipated the latter title from the solicitations released months ago, I knew that even with my reboot reservations constantly bickering at me to resist, I would still pick up JL #1 for one sole reason: Jim Lee's compelling artwork. There's no doubt that ever since the 90's and early 2000's, I've been a fan of the WildCats and Batman: Hush artist, and now he's brimming with even more staying power these days as one of the co-publishers of DC Comics. Since taking up office, it's been a while since I've seen Lee draw a monthly title (and one that stays in schedule for that matter), so how does his work fare alongside acclaimed writer and fellow DC co-worker Geoff Johns in this new volume of Justice League? Let's find out.

Batgirl of DC the new 52: The Killing Joke happened!

One of my biggest reservations about this whole DC Reboot was the inevitable changes being made to many of its prominent characters, among them being the once paraplegic Barbara Gordon, who has once again been given the ability to walk and resume her original crimefighting role as Batgirl. While I am no doubt happy that Babs will be back wearing the cape and cowl once more, it left me a tad disappointed that the position that empowered her character ever further over the years would be left behind and possibly forgotten, and I'm referring to the role of Oracle, the freelance information broker and hacker of the superhero community. I feared that Alan Moore's contribution to the Batman legacy in paralyzing Barbara Gordon would be wiped off with a clean slate in the DCnU... But fortunately, my doubts were proven to be unfounded! History is retained in the semi-reboot, and as featured in this 6-page preview posted in the New York Post and Bleeding Cool, Babs history in "Batman: The Killing Joke" will be reflected back in the all-new Batgirl #1!

As you can see, the deed has been done, but Babs mobility with her legs has been restored! How that became possible isn't explained in this preview, but I'm sure we'll be getting the answer soon enough once the issue comes out this September! For more preview pages and info on the story, visit Bleeding Cool and the New York Post!

Batgirl #1, written by Gail Simone and illustrated by Ardian Syaf and Vincente Cifuentes, arrives on September 7 as part of the new 52!