JLA/AVENGERS #1 REVIEW

[Al Harahap]

Reviewer: Al Harahap, alharahap@comixfan.cjb.net
Quick Rating: Good
Story Title: A Journey into Mystery

Realities collide when the Grandmaster and Metron play games using the Avengers and the JLA as pawns.

Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: George Pérez
Colourist & Separator: Tom Smith
Letterer: Comicraft
Logo Design: John J. Hill

For Marvel:
Assistant Editors: Mark Sumerak & Andy Schmidt
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Managing Editor: David Bogart
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas

For DC:
Associate Editor: Stephen Wacker
Editors: Dan Raspler & Mike Carlin
VP - Editorial: Dan Didio
President: Paul Levitz

More than twenty years in the making, the JLA/Avengers crossover is finally here. Of course, the actual creative process has just been the past year or so, but it took a lot of working around editorial and company red tape just to get there. Yes, the first inklings of such a crossover are even older than some of us. Since the late 70's/early 80's, fans of both teams like myself have repeatedly compared the two and have clamoured for them to meet - be it a cooperation or in battle. Of course, it seems like we get both. What I'm afraid of is that it has been too long. Some of you may know about the Street Fighter III syndrome, wherein popular game company Capcom held off on its development and release for years because its predecessor, Street Fighter II, was doing so well. But by the time the much-awaited third instalment was released, interest had wained, and the result was a disappointment. I hate having to make the comparison here, but I am worried about it… just a little. Especially since the "biggie" DC vs. Marvel Comics crossover had been done. That was the pinnacle of mainstream comic fanboy excitement. Pretty hard to top that… Still, this JLA/Avengers mini-series may prove to be great on its own. It does have much riding on it though. You just have to try your best at looking passed all the hype and years worth of expectations.

So how does a writer make an inter-team, inter-company crossover original and interesting? Well, it's not easy, that much is certain. It almost warrants a "been there; done that." Cliché landmines are abundant, but trying too hard to make things "original" to avoid such usually makes plots unnecessarily complicated. I do think scribe Kurt Busiek (Avengers, Marvels, Astro City) is able to balance between the two for the premise in this first issue. The being called Krona (no, not the Swedish currency) threatens the existence of both realities and many universes within them. Witnessing this event are two cosmic figures from each reality: The Grandmaster (of Marvel) and Metron (of DC) who, as all mysterious beings do after a hard day's work, play games using the heroes of their realities. The rules of the game and what exactly is at stake aren't fully disclosed yet. We're basically just told something "bad" will happen if the "good guys" don't get it together. Yes, an extremely cliché premise, especially with the gathering of twelve significant items from each reality, and in the way they were symmetrically presented to each team. And then we have each team swapping supervillains, which I must admit gets me all giddy. Even if expected, it's interesting to see how each team deals with these huge threats that we the readers know, but they have never met respectively.

But that's where the clichés end. The rest of the issue doesn't rely on any formulaeic plot points. But I repeat: this is where plots can become unnecessarily overcomplicated. Flash's scouting foray into the Marvel Universe, wherein he discovers it lacks the Speed Force, with which his powers rely on, is unexpected. I do have to question the validity of the plot though, as I thought the Speed Force was a universal natural phenomenon that would exist in any reality like, say, oxygen. It seems then its non-existence in the Marvel Universe serves for the sake of breaking away from a template - which, is a just cause, I suppose. This does leave the Flash confined to the DC Universe, and more specifically, on the JLA Watchtower monitor duty. Another plot point that distinguishes the JLA and the Avengers with asymmetric paths is that the first's objective is to collect the twelve significant items, while the latter are to prevent them from doing so. That would have been enough. But with Krona's mysterious "search for truth" and the Grandmaster and Metron's "deeper game" in the mix, it's a little too much to handle to enjoy an introductory issue.

Just like there are way too many characters. Now, I realise the whole crossover is a "big deal," and therefore the creators and editors - and perhaps even fans - may want it to encompass as much as possible being the rare occasion that it is. Busiek's intent itself is probably to portray how universal this threat really is. But is it all really necessary? Does it add or detract? I would argue the latter. The prologue with Arkon and his homeworld of Polemachus gave the impression of significance. But that notion is shot down the drain when we see it all destroyed. Then there's the Crime Syndicate and their parallel DC Universe, which not only added more unnecessary characters, but exponentially so, because they are "evil versions" of the Justice League - no doubt confusing some unfamiliar readers. And if that weren't enough, we get Lobo, the Shi'ar's Imperial Guard, Khunds, Aakon, Skrulls, Thanagarians, Mongul, and the Brood crossing over with each other - it makes for a very spoiled soup.

Nevermind the plethora of cameos, the selection for cast of the two star teams is questionable. I don't know what criteria the creators and editors had for which characters got in, but it's neither sticking to the "big guns," nor an expansive list. I would have much preferred they keep it small and tight-knit. I mean, honestly, Jack of Hearts and Triathlon are so out of their league (no pun intended). And I'm not talking about power. At least, not the power you might be thinking of. I'm talking about star power. If there was no attention paid to this, the JLA would not consist of the Big 7 + Plas, where only four of which are in the League's current membership (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Flash). Further proof they wanted "star power": Hawkeye showing up (although I hear Chuck Austen plans to bring him back anyway). So which is it? - big guns or expansive cast? If they're not going to stick with the big guns (as apparently they haven't), then why not oblige fans with the pair-ups they had been waiting for? (Green Arrow/Hawkeye, Black Canary/Mockingbird, Firestorm/Quasar, Zatanna/Scarlet Witch, etc.)

With the already humungous cast, another problem arises: the sudden need for the characters to call each other by their full codenames during the heat of battle - just to remind the readers who they are, especially JLA fans who don't read Avengers and vice-versa. Case in point: "Superman'll be ok, Green Lantern - don't worry about him!" ( ), which is just so cheesy compared to what they would say in their regular books: "He'll be ok - don't worry about him!" And with all that's going on plot-wise, Busiek's narrative and exposition suffers a similar unnecessary padding: "She is Wanda Maximoff - better known as the Scarlet Witch. She is a mutant, and a sorceress. Since birth, she has channelled chaos-magic. Summoned it, bent it to her will. Now she taps into her world's seething store of chaos-magic --" ( ). Talk about ruining the momentum of the action scene… Solution: have a one-two page introductory role call at the beginning. This is often done in their ongoing books anyway, so I don't see why not here.

The saving grace in all this chaos is of course artist George Pérez (Avengers, Crisis on Infinite Earths, New Teen Titans), whose name has been the only one attached to such a dream project throughout the decades of waiting. I haven't read his work in quite a while. Truly, his is a rare, special treat for comic fans. Having vast past experience with both DC and Marvel characters, especially with these particular ones, Pérez doesn't fail to awe. His trademark of course is in his extreme attention to detail. From each individual kink in the Scarlet Witch's and Wonder Woman's hair, to the veins in the Wasp's wings, to the feather's on Hawkeye's arrows, there is nothing Pérez misses. Even Iron Man's eyes are seen through his helmet (there is a man under that armour after all), as often unportrayed by other artists, so the comic art phenomenon of the blank white eyes isn't here. Well, except where necessary to convey character (i.e. Batman). Pérez's attention to detail is especially useful in crowded fight scenes, and all panels of these scenes in this issue are crystal clear.

JLA/Avengers #1 is a good start. It might not be any less than what you expect as an average JLA/Avengers fan, but it's not much more either. That may be where its biggest hurdle lies. Where are the jaw-droppers? It's also overcrowded and unnecessarily complicated in certain parts. Thus making it a book that's actually fan-elitist and not very new-reader-friendly. It's exciting for me nonetheless because I can follow these characters familiar to me, and I'll be sticking with it to see what happens. But I really wish the book wanted less to be a "senses-shattering major epic" like all other major crossovers, and more focused on a core cast with a simplified linear story. It may also be in the format of 4x48 pages, where readers get much more (too much?) in a single sitting. Perhaps 8x24 pages was the way to go. I suggest coming into the book with absolutely zero expectations. That way, you'll just enjoy what you're getting page-by-page.


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OVERALL:


Want to know who's who and what's what in JLA/Avengers? Then be sure to check out ComiX-Fan's JLA/Avengers Annotations for a complete listing of every character, place, and reference!


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REMINDER: Pre-order the complete JLA/Avengers mini-series signed by writer Kurt Busiek online now from X-World Comics and help support ComiX-Fan!

[Zachary J. Morrison]

Good review, Al. I enjoyed reading this ish. The cast looked great as in the art and the storyline seemed to be good. I can't wait to see what happens next. But shouldn't the two teams know each other? Oh well it looked good. I thought the ish was between good and great, but more to the rating of good.

[ronaldmcdonald]

your right its overcrowded and complicated in certain parts.
like the things they were looking for-- i have no idea about them except for the gems.

[Robb Welch]

Okay, so will both DC and Marvel be doing hardcovers of this series?

[Gat0r-ManX]

Originally posted by Perfect Methods
Okay, so will both DC and Marvel be doing hardcovers of this series?

HA! dat will be interesting..

Is there such a thing as splitting profit?

[Robb Welch]

I'm thinking I would buy the Marvel hardcover. Bigger pages. beter colors. and usualy more content for less buck than the dc hardcovers.

[crozack]

Wow, Al. I didn't think nitpicks could affect a story so much. Unfortunately, I guess I don't pay as much attention to it as I should. Or maybe I'm letting myself enjoy the issue too much.

Yeah, that's gotta be it.

[stoney]

Good review Al. You forgot to mention that Hawkeye gets all the great one-liners!

[Patrick James]

I loved this issue and found the plot intriguing, the art amazing and the crossover to meet all the hype I personally had placed on it, and then some.

The exposition was fun, I thought, and I loved all the cameos, like Bats off-screen debacle with Punisher.

I think Kurt Busiek found the most entertaining way he could think of to force these teams to mingle and touched upon some great issues between them along the way.

I give this issue a four-and-a-half for story and the same for art. Perez's fanboy anticipation shows in every perfect panel and splash-page.

Sorry, Al. I just think your review was nitpicky and looking for things to critize. Have more fun with it.

And about the teams...they chose whoever was active at the time of the story's acceptance, I believe, which doesn't match either team's current line-up...oh well! It was still tons of fun and well worth the anticipation and 5.95 it cost!

[Wolverine]

Great review. I can't wait to read it

[Sokkonn]

With all due respect, I thought it was a fantastic story. I really didn't seem to have any of the problems Al had with it, (maybe because I'm not an active Avengers or JLA reader) I was simply thrilled throughout the whole issue. I personally think it lived up to all it's hype, and I love the format. It is pretty expensive, but it made it a very long and enjoyable read.

Can't wait for next issue.

[UMichWolverine]

I enjoyed this issue. My favorite part was the reaction to each other's worlds. I did agree with the fact that the issue was very complicated for an intro and there were way more team members on both sides that were not needed.

Also, the gems were one of the few in the set that I didn't know what it was.

[Alphabet Pet]

I really enjoyed this book, even though I'm not a real fan of either team seperately. There was a lot of stuff thrown in there that I was unfamilar with, but I just found that as an excuse to do some research and expand my comic horizons.

Can't wait for the next issue with a big tussle brewing. Although I can't help but think that the odds are slanted a little in favour of the JLA what with it being eight against seven and all.

[Merlin]

This issue was just great
Perez's art is spectacular, and the whole story is great
I do agree that the first page should have a recap page or an intro page like the current marvel comics
but I can some how imagine that marvel wants a page like that but I'm not sure about DC.

[Tan K.]

Al, Al, Al....

My friend, I pretty much have to disagree with everything you said.

- I felt no sense of overcrowding. I felt Busiek has mastered both sets of groups with ease already. Sure a couple of direct match ups would have been cool, but as Busiek said, other than a couple of battles, this is not a versus. This is the current (as close as they could come w/out constantly redoing it) staff of both.

- I do not find the plot confusing whatsoever. It is so nice to not have hype and excitement be dashed by a simple plot like almost every other crossover conceived.

- Intrigue and mystery are excellent tools. Not knowing Krona's, Metron's, and GMaster's plans makes for a much more exciting read.

- The appearances of Lobo, Brood, etc. were works of an artist. Wonderful. Nothing is wrong with being big in scope while entertaining the reader. I didn't feel it tool away from the story at all.

- New reader, schmoo reader....they have already caused a ton of bad decisions by the powers that be. This issue is good enough for them without having to spoon feed them. Plus this is the book for fanboys.

Did you purposely get critical on this so as to not sound like a fanboy because I know you loved it.

[Anthony Lucynski]

Not a big jla or avengers fan, but I liked this. I especially liked the opposite views cap and supes had. Both have been accused of being boyscouts/patriots/do-gooders/etc in the past, I always thought they'd get along. Seems to be polar opposites.

Anthony L

[mrsage]

Liked the concept. If only I can read an annotation for this series....

[Plasma Charge]

I absolutely loved this issue! Great George Perez art and fantastic storytelling from Kurt Busiek? There's not much more in the world that I could ask for! I eagerly await the next installment of this crossover.

[RA Renteria]

Very solid review and analysis, but I think you are missing out on a few things:

Metron is an observer and unless a future issue changes the current storyline, he is not playing the game.

The Grandmaster is playing a game against Krona to stall for time until he can figure out a way to save both universes. Metron even warns the Grandmaster that Krona will not abide by the rules and will do anything to get what he wants.

Additionally, not being familiar with the JLA or the DCU in general, I found the use of code names refreshing as it reinforces to the reader who the players are.

Also, the unusual hostility that erupts from both Cap and Superman probably can give us a clue of things to come, especially sinced their own team members seem a little shocked by the behaviour.

The universes destroyed at the beginning of the story do not detract from the story. I know I looked for information regarding what universes got destroyed, but I felt that Kurt Busiek wanted to instill in the reader how dangerous Krona is, and was very effective with his method. I would be interested to know if these universes are indeed gone for good, I have heard this story would have ramifications for both universes.

Thus far I have gotten my monies worth from this book. I have enjoyed it at length and the small cliches you here and there do not detract fromt he overall quality of the story and art.

George Perez's art is amazing. The detail and heart he put into these pages is truly exceptional. I can't believe the details of even the smallest things, like hair. Amazing double page spreads and characters that retain their look consistently throughout the book. Especially the scene with Mjolinar and Superman :O Truly masterful work.

Overall I give this a 5/5 for art and a 4.5/5 for story, mainly due to the need to use a familiar comicbook cliche to get the teams together, but what can you do, it has to make sense and a cosmic melodrama does the trick just perfectly.

Richard Renteria

[Dave Harris]

I agree with Al. I enjoyed the story, and it was a fun read. But from a critical standpoint, more than the story's enjoyment comes into play. The story did have flaws and cliches.

The symmetry of the 12 powerful items and the tasks given to each team...I can rationalize that the mysterious game may have set rules requiring this, but it still rings false. Truly, it feels like the kind of assignment given to video game characters. And while I loved Final Fantasy 2, I'm not sure how I feel about reliving it in JLA/Avengers.

This is the example that stuck out the most in my read, but there were more, yes. And I understand that cliches may be required in order to pull off something like this, with all the fanboy pressure added in. But when reviewing the issue, pointing out the flaws and cliches isn't nit-picking---it's writing a solid, honest review. I still liked the issue despite those flaws, and unless his ratings lie, so did Al; 3.5 is good.

Plus, for those who desired annotations, we live to serve---ComiX-Fan's JLA/Avengers Annotations.

[Eric J. Moreels]

Loved it. Loved it, loved it, loved it! An awesome start to the series. That one page of Thor smacking down Superman alone was well worth the 20 year wait!!!

Can't wait for #2!

[H. Ardiasyah]

Originally posted by Anthony Lucynski
Not a big jla or avengers fan, but I liked this. I especially liked the opposite views cap and supes had. Both have been accused of being boyscouts/patriots/do-gooders/etc in the past, I always thought they'd get along. Seems to be polar opposites.

Anthony L

Judging from Cap and Supes' respective teammates' reactions, there's seems to be something up with both of them...hmmm...

Originally posted by mrsage
Liked the concept. If only I can read an annotation for this series....

Courtesy of good ol' Mr. Moreels:

http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/...threadid=21651

Anyway, like most of the previous posts, I really enjoyed it, and all the critiques hasn't spoiled it for me. And yeah, that Superman-gets-hammered page was totally awesome!

[H. Ardiasyah]

Originally posted by Al Harahap
The being called Krona (no, not the Swedish currency) threatens the existence of both realities and many universes within them.

In keeping with the Swedish theme, is it just me, or does Krona look like the bass player from The Hives with blue face paint?

[xmanson2.0]

This was amazing.I know like nothing about DC, but it didn't bother me at all..If people consider this inaccesible, weel, new readers are not the target of this book.and I do like the plot...I haven't read much rossovers, but this issue alone was better than any other i read......BTW, is this in-continuty?

[H. Ardiasyah]

Originally posted by xmanson2.0
BTW, is this in-continuty?

Depends on what you mean by continuity; if you meant whether it carries on from previous Marvel/DC crossovers, then no (as Mr. Harahap's review pointed out). But it does reflect the continuities of the respective universes (Hal Jordan as The Spectre, Hawkeye's absence, etc.) up to a point. If it had to reflect everything that went on in the seperate universes, then this mini-series would never be completed. If I recall correctly, there was a bit of an incident where Mr. Perez was a bit P.O.'ed at having to re-draw Green Lantern's costume, but was then assured that that was the last change he'd have to make. And as mentioned in the review, the main characters involved aren't necessarily the ones featuring in the respective books at the moment.