In March of 1960, a group of heroes banded together in the pages of Brave and the Bold Comics #28. Under the direction of DC editor, Julius Schwartz, writer Gardner F. Fox was teamed up with penciller Mike Sekowski and inkers Bernard Sachs, Joe Giella, and Murphy Anderson were tasked with the next stage of introducing modern day, science based versions of the Golden Age Justice Society of America. Characters such as the Flash, the Atom, and the Green Lantern had already had success in the pages of Showcase. And thus, the Justice League of America was born! And after the standard 3 issue try out, the team was given their own title. A title which in one form or another is still going strong to this day. With another new universe with a whole new version of the team coming out soon, I thought that this was a prime opportunity to show off some early issues which helped establish the Justice League as THE team of the DC Universe. Just maybe not the ones you thought.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #18 (MARCH 1963)
After joining the JLA only four issue prior, the Atom takes center stage as he discovers his fellow JLA members being shruken down and sent into the Micro-World! There they are forced into battling a trio of super protectors who could not be destroyed but who’s powers were slowing killing the people they were meant to protect. After being initially defeated, Batman discovers the Protector’s secret and send in their secret weapon … none other than teen sidekick Snapper Carr! Writer Gardner F. Fox’s story is creative and thought provoking. Artist Mike Sekowsky shows yet again why he would become one of the best know JLA artists of the time. A perfect blending of good story and good art. 10 out of 10 Grahams.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #89 (MAY 1971)
This issue came out in a different time. By now, the roster of the JLA had expanded and included Hawkman, Green Arrow, and the Black Canary. And DC had created one of my favorite cover features, the characters headshots! And this cover also presented us with a very unusual story from the pen of Mike Friedrich, offering us (the readers)up an opportunity to be part of the story! The story, which breaks the fourth wall introduces us to television writer Harlequin Ellis (based on writer Harlan Ellison perhaps?) The young writer meets Black Canary and falls for her, going out for coffee. When Green Arrow gets jealous and roughs him up, Ellis goes to his office to write and sulk. At this point, his story overrides Friedrich’s and he fills in for Superman and Batman in seperate chapters where he tries to woo Black Canary. Both stories end in failure and the two meet again so that Black Canary can explain that Harlequin Ellis needs to grow up and accept that she loves Green Arrow. The story ends with a panel of Friedrich explaining about being a writer. This one is a surreal trip that makes you wonder how it got through the DC corporate ladder. A wonderful experiment that stands out in many fans’ minds to this day. 10 out of 10 Grahams.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #102 (OCTOBER 1972)
Only a year later and we were again in a different world. The final part of that year’s three part JLA/JSA crossover (something we waited for every year!) which still had the classic headshots as well as Superman announcing that someone on the cover must die to save the Earth! This crossover was an especially big deal as by now editor Julius Schwartz would ask the question “What Super-Heros are you going to add in to make this better than last year’s crossover?” And writer Len Wein did not disappoint as he threw in the Golden Age team of the Law’s Legionnaires (or the Seven Soldiers of Victory)! And presented with our first look at Golden Age Green Arrow meeting his Earth-1 counterpart! An incredible story as the members of the JLA and JSA must team-up to locate the seven that have been scattered throughout time because only they know how to defeat the world ending evil. And just who was the mysterious 8th Soldier? Old villains, flashbacks, historical guests, Wein took the assignment and ran with it! Setting the bar for future crossover writers in the process. The three issue story starting with issue #100 was the perfect way to celebrate the milestone. An unprecidented effort by artist Dick Dillin to cram all these heroes into the panels and make it work. Here’s something you’ll never see again … 11 out of 10 Grahams!
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JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #144 (JULY 1977)
Five years have past and a lot has changed. The title has gone Giant Size with extended storylines and special 100 Issues Ago filler pages featuring brief looks at old issues. Green Arrow has comfortable settled into the working man’s hero and is always stumbling across something that annoys him. And this issue, he’s stumbled across a biggie. As the time frame of the Justice League has a gaping hole in it. And so Green Lantern, Superman, and Green Arrow head to the communication room to watch a video narrated by J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter. What follows is Steve Englehart getting to play through the Silver Age of the DC Universe. As Superman, Flash, Batman and Robin, try to figure out if the world is being invaded by Martians. TV personality Roy Raymond puts out the call and we get a wonderful look back at the heroes of the early Silver Age. Robotman, the Challangers of the Unknown, Congo Bill, Rex the Wonder Dog, Plastic Man, and the Blackhawks all show up to help. Throw in the Vigilante and Stuff, Congorilla, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen, and we’ve got some pretty full panels! But Englehart isn’t done as he throws in some cameos from Rip Hunter, Time Master and his crew, Adam Strange and Alanna, and pilot Hal Jordan! And the best part is that artist Dick Dillin gives his all to make sure everyone get some time on stage. This one was definitely worth the sixty cents! 10 out of 10 Grahams.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #190 (MAY 1981)
Well, we’ve hit the 1980’s finally. And remember when I mentioned the JLA’s first appearance in March of 1960, well this is who they fought in that very first story. Most recently made popular by the second Suicide Squad movie, Starro the Conquerer was back. This two parter started last issue brought the face sucking starfish back after all this time. Again, time has past and the League has expanded. Heroes like the Elongated Man, Hawkwoman, Firestorm, and Zatanna have become members. Gerry Conway’s story cleverly resurrects the alien menace and we are treated to a trio of talented artists to hand the visuals as Rich Buckler, Bob Smith, and Larry Mahlstedt have a go at the panels. One of the more interesting moments is when Batman knocks Black Canary cold and tries to remove the baby Starro from her face only to discover it’s impossible to remove without killing her. A fact that made it gruesomely into the Suicide Squad movie. Conway’s story highlights the ingenuity of the JLA proving the group to not be just a group of super-powered strongmen (and women). 10 out of 10 Grahams.