Justice League of America #26: Discussion and Review Thread

[Binker]

By Nathaniel Ruff (also known as Binker, Binker2 and Nate on many forums)

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #26

Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Art and Cover by Ed Benes
Edited by Eddie Berganza

PLOT:
The JLA stands helpless against the power of Anansi, the African spider god who has warped their histories. Vixen makes her final stand, brokering a deal with the powerful villain. But will she be forced to sacrifice the JLA and Animal Man? Or does her last-ditch effort mean something far worse?

REVIEW:
Last issue was something I enjoyed: the revealing of the villain, and the cross between old and new takes on a history-altering JLA, altogether made it fine to me. For a while, I wondered exactly how history would change back, how would McDuffie conclude this continuing plotline with Vixen. All of that. Well, here is our answer with issue #26!

On this final issue of the story arc, and the completion on what's been going with Vixen for a long while, I felt that this issue was written well on how it closed the doors on all of that. My first pass of this (mind you it was just looking at the pages in a quick manner); I felt that maybe the storyline could've been an arc, or maybe it would've come from one story onto another and then, as it does, go back to where we came from. I would have wanted that so it became a canon/non-canon/elseworld-type JLA story arc, and I would've liked to know what other differences, if not know the lives of, the changed DCU thanks to Anansi. But that pretty much sums up a nitpick by me. At first I felt that the ending was rushed, but then after actually reading it, it felt right. The focus was on Vixen, therefore it should end WITH Vixen. Plus, I wonder, if not question, the reveal that it was just a test on Vixen this whole time for the future, that this was just her going through the stages of reproving herself. I question this because, well, I felt like the notion that there is someone else whom Vixen should look out for wasn't needed. How the issue ended was should've been that with no setups. I really hate that because, well, I think I should bring that in the next paragraph.

Overall, this issue finalized what Vixen had gone through, and while I would've liked an arc n the altered JLA, this was fine. Now, back on what I said from the previous paragraph; I reason why was because I'm considering stopping my buying of the title of JLA. A number of reasons range from "Superman/Batman" being fixed by those who said and did what they wanted to do, and that we have the upcoming "Justice League" by James Robinson. JLA is not just one, but other team/team-up books have been suffering. "Superman/Batman" is fine (thank god), I don't know about "Titans" even though it is obvious but then the last two issues were rewritten and were probably better, I don't know about "Teen Titans" yet because of the current arc (and Wonder Girl also), "Brave and the Bold" is hit and miss for me, and "Batman and the Outsiders" literally fell after the questionable jump following issue #10. I really like team books, and it looks as if it's only temporary on my leave from JLA, but I really want these books to be those you want to read as bad when they are released. It just seems....hard.

RATING: Yay

Next Issue: Milestone Comics characters Icon and Hardware make their first modern DCU appearance with the JLA! But this time it's not clear whose side they're on!

[FrogMan]

I'll let you know. My comic store has missed the last 3 issues, so i'm gonna have to walk over to Wal-Mart and see if they got this yet.

[Papa.Bois]

I liked it. Now that McDuffie has tied up the loose ends and crossovers that were handed to him he can get on to his telling his own stories starting with a reintroduction of the Milestone heroes. I am looking forward to the future of this series.

[Ghost Shark]

Why the hell was Animal Man even in this arc? He did nothing this issue but show up at the end, hanging in the background. Last issue's 'revelation' about the yellow aliens made me think he'd be a bit more involved. Heck, it was only when I saw him at that I remembered he was in the story! What did he do? He ate chicken. Woop-di-doo.

McDuffie has done so much better than this in the past. I'm wondering what the problem may be, or if he's being handicapped by editorial interference. I feel I wasted money on this arc. :mad:

Despite my apprehensions though, I am too curious about the Milestone characters showing up to drop this title like I intended. I'll check out next issue, but if it's more of the same, it's dropped.

[DMike]

I'm shocked they actually got the Brown Bomber into print considering how offensive the initial pitch for character was way back when. While funny in the shock value for an issue, hopefully that's the last we ever see of him.

[J.R. LeMar]

I'm shocked they actually got the Brown Bomber into print considering how offensive the initial pitch for character was way back when. While funny in the shock value for an issue, hopefully that's the last we ever see of him.

I haven't been buying this series, but I picked up this issue just because I heard about the appearance of The Brown Bomber, and I just HAD to see it for myself.

It's funny because, just a couple of months ago, I was in a comic-book store, and ended up talking to the guy at the counter about Black superheroes. And I mentioned DC was originally planning a superhero who was a racist White man that turns into a superpowered Black man, but Tony Isabella came up with Black Lightning instead. But I thought the character had just been talked about at DC, as a possibility, but the guy at the shop told that he had gotten much further in the planning stages, and that some issues had actually been written. And I said something like, call me crazy, but part of me wants to actually see that superhero now. And here we are!

My only complaint is that we didn't see enough of him. Again, call me crazy, but I think it might be kinda cool if someone did a little separate miniseries, maybe a Vertigo book, about this character.

[Michael P]

I haven't been buying this series, but I picked up this issue just because I heard about the appearance of The Brown Bomber, and I just HAD to see it for myself.

It's funny because, just a couple of months ago, I was in a comic-book store, and ended up talking to the guy at the counter about Black superheroes. And I mentioned DC was originally planning a superhero who was a racist White man that turns into a superpowered Black man, but Tony Isabella came up with Black Lightning instead. But I thought the character had just been talked about at DC, as a possibility, but the guy at the shop told that he had gotten much further in the planning stages, and that some issues had actually been written. And I said something like, call me crazy, but part of me wants to actually see that superhero now. And here we are!

My only complaint is that we didn't see enough of him. Again, call me crazy, but I think it might be kinda cool if someone did a little separate miniseries, maybe a Vertigo book, about this character.

There were two issues scripted, and no, it wouldn't be cool. The Black Bomber was a white racist who turned into a black superhero, as you said. That in and of itself is offensive enough, but couple that with the fact that both scripts contained scenes where he saved the life of a black person, then "reverted" to his white identity, whereupon he expressed disgust at what he had just done.

Then there was the fact that both personalities had a girlfriend (one black, one white), but didn't know about it. But they did, and were cool with it.

And his costume was a freaking basketball jersey.

[J.R. LeMar]

Oh, absolutely, the original version was ridiculous, and it's funny to think of how close it came to being real. The Powers That Be @ DC should give Isabella @ least half-ownership, & full creative control, of Black Lightning just as a sign of gratitude for saving their butts (although, to be fair, BL wasn't exactly the most enlightened character, either).

But I think McDuffie's version is hilarious. C'mon, a fat White guy who becomes a supernegro, for one hour, when he says the magic words "Black Power!" That's gold, GOLD, I tell ya!

To me, it's cool, as long as you don't take it seriously. McDuffie clearly wasn't. And that's what I'm talking about. I want to see a really over-the-top crazy comic, written in the style of Garth Ennis' "The Pro."

[Mercurialblonde]

I liked this. Mcduffie's JLA run has been really good. He needs to be kept on the book for a long run, because I think it will pay off.

[IvCNuB4]

This arc made very litle sense and bounced around aimlessly until it ended ....

[protege]

I really like the "Alternate batman" subplot...

[jdwrocks]

I really like the "Alternate batman" subplot...
Me too. And I dont ever read Batman. But the Paladin was all shades of cool.

I'd love to see a one-shot or something focusing on him.

[Kuma]

I like the idea of the Brown Bomber, I love it when racists have to realize that they arent so high and mighty. Brown Bomber written by Giffen could be gold.

[Papa.Bois]

Seeing The Brown Bomber was a highlight for me. When I first heard of the pitch, I was stupefied. How could anybody think this was a good idea for a series? Seeing the character drag out into the light to show this crazy idea was a stroke of genius by McDuffie. I hope we see more of him and get a few more laughs.

[AbsurdistEmergence]

I thought this was an okay issue with some good parts but with a bad ending. I'm hoping McDuffie increases the scope in the next JLA arcs.

[Scavenger]

Brown Bomber: "I call it "C.P.T."" Can anyone explain that for me?

So we have our first Milestone Character, David Kim, the alternate GL, is Xombi. That's cool. Xombi was my favortie Milestone book.

The one human that may be aware of the changes...Shadow Cabinet? I wish Bene's art didn't suck so hard do I could make things out better.

[Anthony Z]

I've actually enjoyed the past few issues of JLA which is more than I can say for the past I don't know how many issues. It's been saved from the chopping block. And that makes me happy. I don't like not getting a JLA book and now all my hopes for a "good" one aren't pinned on Robinson's Justice League.

[dupersuper]

I hope the new Milestone stories don't try to retcon out the original Milestone run and Worlds Collide x-over with the Superbooks. Mostly because I hate retcons.

[Hawkman]

Brown Bomber: "I call it "C.P.T."" Can anyone explain that for me?
Yeah, I didn't know what that meant either until I met my ex a year ago, whose father constantly used it (she was Hispanic). It means "Colored People Time," and it's sort of an inside joke referencing the stereotype that Hispanics and black people are always running late (that's the way he explained it to me, so no offense if I'm getting it wrong).

Anyway, I thought I commented on this issue, but I guess not. I thought it was decent, but like previous arcs I felt it was overall strong storytelling brought down by a weak finale. I was really enjoying the storyline up until this issue, which sort of just fizzled out for me. If nothing else, though, it's nice to finally have Vixen's powers back to normal, and just in time for the Milestone characters' formal introduction next issue.

[Greg Anderson]

LOL, wow. So far from all the comments, I have to read this issue!

[celticguy]

Yeah, I didn't know what that meant either until I met my ex a year ago, whose father constantly used it (she was Hispanic). It means "Colored People Time," and it's sort of an inside joke referencing the stereotype that Hispanics and black people are always running late (that's the way he explained it to me, so no offense if I'm getting it wrong).

Anyway, I thought I commented on this issue, but I guess not. I thought it was decent, but like previous arcs I felt it was overall strong storytelling brought down by a weak finale. I was really enjoying the storyline up until this issue, which sort of just fizzled out for me. If nothing else, though, it's nice to finally have Vixen's powers back to normal, and just in time for the Milestone characters' formal introduction next issue.

That is funny never heard of CPT heard of Irish time, Chinese time Jewish time and European time so is everybody always late?

[nuclearman]

Didn't like it at all - not liking vixen as a character didn't help.

[FrogMan]

I hope the new Milestone stories don't try to retcon out the original Milestone run and Worlds Collide x-over with the Superbooks. Mostly because I hate retcons.

Apparently they ARE ignoring the previous Milestone continuity and World's Collide.

BUT.....McDuffie has stated that all that stuff DID happen, it's just nobody, except one person, remembers it, and it'll be revealed somewhere down the line who that one person is.

So, I guess technically, they aren't ignoring all the previous Milestone and World's Collide stuff.

My guess is the character who remembers is gonna be Rift.

[Suzanne]

But I think McDuffie's version is hilarious. C'mon, a fat White guy who becomes a supernegro, for one hour, when he says the magic words "Black Power!" That's gold, GOLD, I tell ya!

To me, it's cool, as long as you don't take it seriously. McDuffie clearly wasn't. And that's what I'm talking about. I want to see a really over-the-top crazy comic, written in the style of Garth Ennis' "The Pro."It was completely tasteless...which made it even funnier. Vixen's deadpan reaction was good too.

I've been reading complaints about McDuffie's writing, but I think it's been improving now that those event crossovers are behind him.

[celticguy]

seems this story going on the same time as trinity is bad timing.

[midnightman2001]

This book started out with so much promise. Then it slowly started to sink into mediocrity. Milestone Comics characters????? who are these clowns & why should I care? I have no history with these clowns!

I must drop this book. It pains me to read it.

[dreyga2000]

Milestone Comics characters????? who are these clowns & why should I care?


A universe Black superheroes...

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Dear god I hope the Milestone stuff brings this book back from the brink. It offers so much promise.

Then keeps letting you down.

[midnightman2001]

A universe Black superheroes...

Yes, I know. AGain, it sounds like pandering. All black superheroes. Whats next? All eskimo super team?

Give me a freakin break.

I have no connection to these johnny come lately black superheroes. I do not care.


Give me the Red Circle Heroes. Now thats some fine characters!!!!!!!!

[americocaine]

It was okay. I'm probably in the minority, preferring the current Justice Society to this. But with that team breaking up after January, things could change in a heartbeat.

I am getting a little tired of the abbreviated fight scenes. The first ten issues of this book people just stood around and very little seemed to happen. Hopefully it gets better but after 26 issues you'd think the creative team would've already hit their stride, right?

[midnightman2001]

The JSA is breaking up? :eek:

[dupersuper]

Apparently they ARE ignoring the previous Milestone continuity and World's Collide.

BUT.....McDuffie has stated that all that stuff DID happen, it's just nobody, except one person, remembers it, and it'll be revealed somewhere down the line who that one person is.

So, I guess technically, they aren't ignoring all the previous Milestone and World's Collide stuff.

My guess is the character who remembers is gonna be Rift.

Works for me; as long as they don't wipe it out.

[Samy]

I like the concept for the Brown Bomber. It's brilliant for social commentary. I can see how it isn't for mainstream audiences who thrive on being offended left and right.

[NeoStar9X]

So can I take it that issue #27 will be the start of a new arc? 100% McDuffie and not a continuation of old storylines that McDuffie had to finish first?

[Dwayne McDuffie]

So can I take it that issue #27 will be the start of a new arc? 100% McDuffie and not a continuation of old storylines that McDuffie had to finish first?

Well, there are actually a couple of events upcoming in the middle of the storyline, but issue #27 is clean.

[NeoStar9X]

Great!!! Looking forward to it and to seeing what some of the Milestone characters are like (only know what Static is like and that's just from the cartoon unfortunately.)

[Evil Sneak]

Yeah, I didn't know what that meant either until I met my ex a year ago, whose father constantly used it (she was Hispanic). It means "Colored People Time," and it's sort of an inside joke referencing the stereotype that Hispanics and black people are always running late (that's the way he explained it to me, so no offense if I'm getting it wrong).

Anyway, I thought I commented on this issue, but I guess not. I thought it was decent, but like previous arcs I felt it was overall strong storytelling brought down by a weak finale. I was really enjoying the storyline up until this issue, which sort of just fizzled out for me. If nothing else, though, it's nice to finally have Vixen's powers back to normal, and just in time for the Milestone characters' formal introduction next issue.


Actually C.P.T. comes from pre-civil war America, it originally meant Cotton Picking Time.