JLA Classified #4 "I Can't Believe It's Not The Justice League" Review and Spoilers

[Brian Cronin]

I will admit it...I'm one who is going to have a problem reading this series in light of Identity Crisis, especially when they make PREGNANCY jokes (how creepy is THAT?!?!)!!!

But I will admit that that is unfair to Giffen and DeMatteis, who wrote this before Identity Crisis was released....but hey, what can I say, it's what I feel.

As for the issue itself, it really suffers from the fact that it is following in the previous mini-series.

Why?

Because it basically just repeats EVERY...SINGLE....JOKE from the first series!

Except for the new "Ralph thinks Sue is pregnant," which probably is the best joke in the issue.

A former supervillain is opening a bar nearby, so the gang gets involved in that (which is EXTREMELY similar to the issue of JLA where the former supervillain opened up a porno theater).

And at the end...we meet the supervillains partner - GUY GARDNER!

I think that next issue, with Guy on the scene, will be a lot funner, as there will be new jokes...but this first issue was pretty much "same old, same old."

The art was dynamite as usual, though!

Can't wait until Defenders. ;)

What did y'all think?

-Brian

[Doug Strange]

I bought this book for my wife, as she totally dug the first mini-series.

(I still haven't gotten her to read my back issues of the original Giffen stuff, which I think is why she enjoyed FKatJL so much...she'll be surprised how many leaps and bounds better the original work is...)

I haven't had a chance to read it, but I did flip through it in the shop. Guy in a leisure suit is just a classic image. It's yet another repeat of stuff we've already seen before, but it made me laugh.

[protege]

Honestly? Not much action, too many jokes. maybe that's to be expected, but at least in the regular series, there was the possiblity of something happening each issue. Liked the mary marvel/Fire subplot, though.

[Ilash]

Nah, I loved pretty much everything from the jokes to the character bits to the artwork and to the ending. My only problem is, as Brian noted, the whole pregnancy thing leaving a bad taste in my mouth after the events of ID Crisis but that really was out of the creators hands so I can hardly hold it against them. Can't wait for the next issue and between Morrison and Giffen and Demaittes, whichever ctreative tema comes on next is going to have a lot to live up to.

[Go Go]

I loved every page of this book. Sure, most of it was retreading old jokes. But the sad thing is, I still laughed at them all. I especially loved any joke that Sue or L-Ron were involved in. I do think having both Guy coupled with Mary and Bea's living situation as well as whatever unsuspected things that will happen the next issue will be throwing a lot of fun new jokes our way in the following issues. So glad this finally came out!

[Forsaken_One]

I'm still not able to get over the whole "comedy set before a tragedy" part of this story. Not the writer's fault I know, it's DCs for not releasing this sooner.

[GoGo Yubari]

*Sigh.* Goddamn Identity Crisis. I could look past it, but it DID make me sad.

Anyways, I really, really enjoyed this. It's the same dynamic and a lot of the same jokes, but they're still funny and Giffen and DeMatteis are still finding new ways to work them in (Mary Marvel's reaction to having coffee is gold). I hope we get to some superheroing soon, but still, good stuff.

[DarkCrisis]

Every part with Sue in it just made me think "Poor Sue". Great issue though. I love this stuff.

...

Poor Sue.

ID Crisis sucked.

[Brian Cronin]

I thought Mary Marvel's scenes were honestly kinda dumb.

I mean, she's "innocent," not a MORON.

-Brian

[Titan Slade]

I thought Mary Marvel's scenes were honestly kinda dumb.

I mean, she's "innocent," not a MORON.

-Brian

Brian, why complain about about DC's best comic book of 2005. JLA Classified #4.

[Evan Waters]

I thought Mary Marvel's scenes were honestly kinda dumb.

I mean, she's "innocent," not a MORON.

-Brian

I dunno, I think the caffeine explained a lot about her behavior.

[perfect_Cell]

Guy is going to be in it... so ill be buying it obviously :D

[Jared_Humpherys]

CONTUINITY ALERT!

Is the Guy Gardner shown in this issue still in possession of his Vuldarian powers, or does he have a power ring? Cause if this takes place before Identity Crisis, and Guy has a ring, that means GL:Rebirth happens before ID Crisis, and that just doesn't fly.

I'm asking because I have yet to pick up the issue. Didn't have the $.

[Brian Cronin]

Brian, why complain about about DC's best comic book of 2005. JLA Classified #4.

I think We3 #3 was DC's best book of 2005. :)

And what can I say, I think their portrayal of Mary Marvel has been...well...probably the worst thing about the book.

-Brian

[Brian R]

CONTUINITY ALERT!

Is the Guy Gardner shown in this issue still in possession of his Vuldarian powers, or does he have a power ring? Cause if this takes place before Identity Crisis, and Guy has a ring, that means GL:Rebirth happens before ID Crisis, and that just doesn't fly.

I'm asking because I have yet to pick up the issue. Didn't have the $.

The first thing you have to remember before reading this arc is to forget everything you know about continuity... trust me.

[Titan Slade]

The first thing you have to remember before reading this arc is to forget everything you know about continuity... trust me.

Exactly. Why can't people just enjoy a good story for what it is :confused: . Who cares if a story is not in "your idea" of proper continuity. If a story is good, who cares? What about all of the crappy stories that have followed strict continuity for years? Lets bitch more about crappy "in continuity" stories, and less about "out of continuity" great stories like the one in JLA Classified #4 :D .

[LukeRed5]

The pregnancy jokes I think should have been edited out, but I'm not running things so whatever.

The book was okay. The best joke was "Richard Hurtz, call me Dick." Very funny.

[Beatnikman]

... Let'sbitch more about crappy "in continuity" stories, and less about "out of continuity" great stories like the one in JLA Classified #4 :D .
I think "great" might be overstating things a bit, but it was a fun issue.

I didn't read the last mini, nor was I reading comics when the original stuff was out, so while I get the concept and know who these characters are, I haven't had a lot of exposure to them. I can't comment on what was in or out of character, but the Mary Marvel stuff didn't really amuse me all that much.

The stuff with Sue really felt wrong. I get that it's Pre-Identity crisis, but when is this set, exactly? I'm not trying to be a continuity stickler, but what was that blurb at the beginning (I don't have it in front of me), "A long time ago, in a decade far, far away?" But it seemed to be set in a fairly contemporary DCU, so I was a little confused.

I liked this comic, but I don't know if I liked it enough to buy the next issue.

[Brian Cronin]

I think "great" might be overstating things a bit, but it was a fun issue.

I didn't read the last mini, nor was I reading comics when the original stuff was out, so while I get the concept and know who these characters are, I haven't had a lot of exposure to them. I can't comment on what was in or out of character, but the Mary Marvel stuff didn't really amuse me all that much.

The stuff with Sue really felt wrong. I get that it's Pre-Identity crisis, but when is this set, exactly? I'm not trying to be a continuity stickler, but what was that blurb at the beginning (I don't have it in front of me), "A long time ago, in a decade far, far away?" But it seemed to be set in a fairly contemporary DCU, so I was a little confused.

I liked this comic, but I don't know if I liked it enough to buy the next issue.

It is set in the DCU of last year.

So, basically, a contemporary story.

Then, suddenly, Identity Crisis happened, and the work they had done no longer fit into the DCU...so it was placed in the scrap heap...until the idea for JLA: Classified came about.

-Brian

[HynerianChef]

I think We3 #3 was DC's best book of 2005. :)

And what can I say, I think their portrayal of Mary Marvel has been...well...probably the worst thing about the book.

-Brian

I agree... especially since it extends to her powered persona and, well... Wisdom of Solomon, anyone? My favourite portrayal of MM in this aspect was in PAD's Supergirl. She was peppy, nice and innocent but still had the Wisdom. Otherwise, though, this book is pure gold as far as I'm concerned.

[eric halfabee]

One nice thing to have discovered after all these years of collecting is that stupid continuity moves, like Identity Crisis have a great way of working themselves out of existence.

Sometimes it takes awhile, but it still works out.

Just ask Green Lantern.

As for the "not the JLA" story itself, I thought the art was as always just beautiful, but the jokes themselves are just getting staler and staler all the time.

Still, I’d rather see a badly written story that at least tries to “enjoy” itself then to see crapfests like ”IC”.

[CodeMonkey]

I don't think I laughed at a single panel. Not even a smirk. Mostly just grimaces.

I liken it to watching a washed up stand up comedian trying to cling to his act that maybe was funny 15 years ago (i.e. Go watch Pauly Shore right now. Do I get bonus points for a Pauly Shore reference).

This issue convinced me to no longer read it, as I can only imagine the next 5 issues will be just as bad and possibly worse.

[TJ Shoun]

I never read any of the FKatJL stuff so - if the jokes truly are retreads - it didn't bother me.

I thought the book was great! Really funny, entertaining stuff.

Maguire is such a great storyteller, specifically in how he emotes his characters through facial expressions and body language. He's a huge reason the humor works so well.

And really, I loved ID Crisis but I still enjoyed this.

Yeah, the pregnancy joke in this issue is a little odd considering it's after the fact -- but not enough to screw up my enjoyment of things.

All-in-all I loved it...

[Turd_Ferguson]

I agree. I thought it was going to be funny, but it was just downright bad.
I thought the dialogue was horrible and unrealistic. It was so disjointed that I had trouble understanding it.
But hey, if some people liked it, more power to them, it just wasn't for me.

[Ozymandis]

I loved this issue. I procured a bunch of the original Giffen/DeMatteis JLI issues from the 1980s just before I picked up Classified and it made "I Can't Believe It's..." so much better. Heh...Dick Hertz...heh.

[TJ Shoun]

I agree. I thought it was going to be funny, but it was just downright bad.
I thought the dialogue was horrible and unrealistic. It was so disjointed that I had trouble understanding it.
But hey, if some people liked it, more power to them, it just wasn't for me.

Really?

I thought the dialogue and speech patterns flowed really well and were pretty realistic. (Without resorting to Bendis-speak anyway.)

I'd say you'd be much more inclined to find someone actually talking in these patterns as opposed to traditional comic-book speak. When's the last time you heard anyone talk like a Chris Claremont scripted character? ;)

Granted, in real-life conversation not everything is an ongoing joke - life isn't constantly humerous. But I thought that was the kinda the point. If superhero comics closest TV analogy is professional wrestling, then this is the same characters except they're in a sitcom.

I liked it, but hey you're right -- I'll admit this book's probably not for everyone. :)

[Titan Slade]

I don't think I laughed at a single panel. Not even a smirk. Mostly just grimaces.

I liken it to watching a washed up stand up comedian trying to cling to his act that maybe was funny 15 years ago (i.e. Go watch Pauly Shore right now. Do I get bonus points for a Pauly Shore reference).

This issue convinced me to no longer read it, as I can only imagine the next 5 issues will be just as bad and possibly worse.

I would not be so quick to make fun of Pauly Shore. He is currently shagging Jillian Grace, Playboy's Miss March 2005. The guy is a regular at the Playboy Mansion, and is always getting hot Playmate sex. We should all be so lucky :D .

[perfect_Cell]

Guy has Sinestros ring in it... at least thats what i heard... Who cares its Guy loved that last pannel! Cant wait till next month!

[Core]

Maguire is such a great storyteller, specifically in how he emotes his characters through facial expressions and body language. He's a huge reason the humor works so well.


Totally agree. It's a rarity that a writer/penciler team has the unity of story telling that this team does. I was very impressed.

[DDM]

I loved I Can't Believe It's Not the Justice League; it read just like the original Giffen/DeMattis 80's Justice League. Fire is a good foil to Mary Marvel (until they can decide if Ice can return from the dead too). Richard Hertz--the former super villain opening a bar next door to Super Buddies--is a great idea! I'll have to look him up in an old Who's Who though...

Guy Gardner looks great in 70's clothes.

The Giffen-DeMattis Justice League reads as if superheroes really did exist that something like "Super Buddies" would be one reality along with the pitfalls of keeping the team unified & stop ripping at each other's throats. Too bad Martian Manhunter can't make a guest appearance...

[Titan Slade]

I loved I Can't Believe It's Not the Justice League; it read just like the original Giffen/DeMattis 80's Justice League. Fire is a good foil to Mary Marvel (until they can decide if Ice can return from the dead too). Richard Hertz--the former super villain opening a bar next door to Super Buddies--is a great idea! I'll have to look him up in an old Who's Who though...

Guy Gardner looks great in 70's clothes.

The Giffen-DeMattis Justice League reads as if superheroes really did exist that something like "Super Buddies" would be one reality along with the pitfalls of keeping the team unified & stop ripping at each other's throats. Too bad Martian Manhunter can't make a guest appearance...

Exactly DDM. The Giffen/DeMatteis League, is in much more of a "real life" setting, than any other superhero comic books to ever be on the market. A man like Guy Gardner would be despised by any woman he was ever around, because of his sexist attitude, which is how they portray him. Some superheroes, just like some men, would be horn dogs around buxom hot women like Booster and Wally West, which is how they portray them(I mean wouldn't you want to get in Power Girl' and Fire's pants). Some characters like Blue Beetle, who have no superpowers, would try to avoid fighting super powerful villians, which is how they portray him. Some leaders would have doubts and second guesses about how they run their team, like Captain Atom, which is how they portray him. These are just some of the examples of how the writing team of Giffen/DeMatteis, write the best real world settings in the history of superhero comic books.

[roguespirit]

Loved it, it was great...apart from

I have to agree with Brian about Mary Marvel, her stuff was pretty funny and for the most part I loved it but they overdid the Mary Marvel is a dumb bunny stuff.

Also, and bear in mind that I am one of the greatest Giffen/DeMatteis fans there is, I just think they are overdoing the joke thing. "We get paid" was hiolarious the first 5 times...You see where I'm going.

[Brian Cronin]

I'm right there, roguespirit...I'm a HUGE fan...but they're just rehashing jokes waaay too much.

They didn't do that in the original series...why start now?

-Brian

[Brian Cronin]

I agree... especially since it extends to her powered persona and, well... Wisdom of Solomon, anyone? My favourite portrayal of MM in this aspect was in PAD's Supergirl. She was peppy, nice and innocent but still had the Wisdom. Otherwise, though, this book is pure gold as far as I'm concerned.

I don't know about that.

Remember, in PAD's Supergirl, the "Wisdom of Solomon" was not enough to know for sure if a guy molested her or not (which was a creepy use of Mary Marvel in the first place).

Now her LATER appearances in Supergirl...those WERE a good deal better.

-Brian

[marshal99]

Reading this , i simply get past identity crisis and what happened to Sue. It simply is overpowering whatever is funny in this book since it's just creepy to have pregnancy jokes.
Damn identity crisis.

[HynerianChef]

I don't know about that.

Remember, in PAD's Supergirl, the "Wisdom of Solomon" was not enough to know for sure if a guy molested her or not (which was a creepy use of Mary Marvel in the first place).

Now her LATER appearances in Supergirl...those WERE a good deal better.

-Brian

Right, I forgot about that earlier one. I was specifically remembering Mary Marvel's part in the arc just before Many Happy Returns, especially the scene where she starts figuring out the whole thing with the Wisdom and Linda tells her to stop it, since it's HER quest, IIRC.

[Ozymandis]

When Giffen and DeMatteis aren't making heroes like Guy and Booster more "realistic" they take the characters to an extreme. Thus, Mary Marvel (one of the more innocent DCU inhabitants) is made sugar sweet and naive. I don't think that's how Mary Marvel should always be portrayed but Giffen/DeMatteis pull it off really well.

[Lex]

When Giffen and DeMatteis aren't making heroes like Guy and Booster more "realistic" they take the characters to an extreme. Thus, Mary Marvel (one of the more innocent DCU inhabitants) is made sugar sweet and naive. I don't think that's how Mary Marvel should always be portrayed but Giffen/DeMatteis pull it off really well.

Right. This is a comedy book and the writers are manipulating everyone's characterizations for the jokes. If I wrote a Mary Marvel or Guy Gardner story, I wouldn't base their characterizations off of Giffen and DeMatteis' portrayal here.

That was my one problem with Formerly Known As... I got upset that the writers would change a character's personality just for a joke and change it to something else for another joke. But then I realized that this isn't a superhero story with some humor in it. This is a comedy story that just happens to star superheroes. I mean, just look at this issue. Nothing happens. It's worse than a Brian Bendis book. But that works here because it's a comedy story.

[Evan Waters]

I think the characterizations were pretty consistent within this issue. Most of Mary's behavior, as I said, can probably be explained away by the coffee.

[roguespirit]

Oh yea add my voice to one of those that really enjoyed it but was a bit saddened everytime Sue made an appearance

[Titan Slade]

Hell, the last page of the issue was worth every penny i spent on it. Guy Gardner saying "fasten yer seatbelts, you pathetic losers....cause it's gonna be a bumpy ride!", was classic. Finally we have the "real" Guy back :D . And watching Guy hit on Mary Marvel next issue, will be the icing on the cake. Especially when Mary hits back ;) .

[Sean Whitmore]

The book does have a tendency to take a joke, beat it deep into the ground, and refuse to ever let go of it. But, when the jokes first start, they're usually pretty good. :)

My favorite was Booster critiquing Beetle's new costume. "It kinda/sorta/almost works. You don't look STUPID or anything." :D

Continuity-wise, I don't see how Sue's appearance can be confusing to anyone. This story takes place before Identity Crisis. It doesn't take an Olympic-caliber level of mental gymnastics to twig that. Hell, for the next few months, Detective Comics is taking place before "War Games". No biggie. :)

What does annoy me, and what Brian nailed, is Mary Marvel. I've only ever been a casual reader of Shazam, but I never got the impression that Mary was...y'know...retarded.

Yes, I know, it's a humor book, and I'm an uptight a-hole for caring about such things, but it just lessens the story a little in my mind. And I already read so many friggin books and have to memorize so much, books that are pure humor with no lasting effects are allocated much less space in my long-term memory. :)


SEAN

[Psychoweasel]

The pregnancy jokes I think should have been edited out, but I'm not running things so whatever.

The book was okay. The best joke was "Richard Hurtz, call me Dick." Very funny.


Why was everyone so upset about the preganancy joke?

I mean, I read IDC, and I personally thought the obviously forced dramatic tension added by Sue's 'pregnancy' was laughable. I saw this as a deliberate (and well deserved) 'diss' on one of the weakest parts of the IDC storyline...

...finding out it wasn't deliberate, but actually written months prior, did not diminish the humor for me.

And the 'Dick Hertz' joke...man, an oldie, but definitely 'Bwa-Ha-Ha worthy.

[Ozymandis]

Will this new story explain why Guy is alive with the same haircut he had in the late 1980s and early 1990s, or he has he already been resurrected (he did die in Our Worlds At War didn't he)?

[Psychoweasel]

I understand that this is totally out of continuity...so it's likely it's the same Guy from the JLA run.

I understand Fire will still be alive in this mini...maybe they got married then?

[Sean Whitmore]

(he did die in Our Worlds At War didn't he)?


He did, but he was resurrected shortly thereafter in Action Comics.


SEAN

[The Xenos]

Yeah, I relaly enjoyed this book too. Despite my bitterness about hos this book and team were trated by the company, it's here and it was fun.

The whole issue of the Sue pregenacy jokes were undertoned with bittersweet due to the stupid hack mention of pregnacny in IC. That crap made me unable to buy IC and now it's tainting a book I really wanted to enjoy more. I have not enough curse words for my diapointments om DC and Metzger.

-Xenos

[BoosterBronze]

The original JLI run still stands as my favorite comic of all time, and no matter how many times I lose, I will still use my JLI team in HeroClix.

That being said, this book makes me a little sad after Identity Crisis, since Ralph and Sue are SOO funnytogether, and knowing that it's all over now. Sigh.

And the art. Dont get me started. It's even BETTER than back in the classic JLI days. WOW. I love the new Beetle suit, though I'll miss Booster's collar. And Guys hair? Looked great!

[Lex]

That being said, this book makes me a little sad after Identity Crisis, since Ralph and Sue are SOO funnytogether, and knowing that it's all over now. Sigh.

You like Ralph and Sue together just because they're funny? You'll only see that with this creative team. Any other writer wouldn't play up the comedy like that. Before JLI, they were a detective duo... and had better characterization.

[kcekada]

As for the issue itself, it really suffers from the fact that it is following in the previous mini-series.

Why?

Because it basically just repeats EVERY...SINGLE....JOKE from the first series!


I felt the same way. The previous mini series was a nice reminder of the old days. This new arc is a reminder of why I grew tired of Giffen's original run. It became inane.

When the humor doesn't come from natural situations, it isn't as funny. Giffen was best when he had the JLI fight real menaces and have the humor come from that. The jokes have gotten old...and I won't be back for the rest of this arc. Sorry.

[kcekada]

I thought Mary Marvel's scenes were honestly kinda dumb.

I mean, she's "innocent," not a MORON.

-Brian

Yeah, well...that's the problem with this series. Giffen isn't concerned with writing the characters realistically. He's more intersted in the jokes.

[Brian Cronin]

Exactly, it really was at its best when they fought actual threats, and they just found the humor in it.

As for dropping the series, I really recommend picking up the next issue, at least.

It should have a LOT of new jokes.

-Brian

[kcekada]

When Giffen and DeMatteis aren't making heroes like Guy and Booster more "realistic" they take the characters to an extreme.

I know these issues aren't to be taken seriously, but I Booster's portrayal on JL Unlimited was so much better than what we're getting here. His episode showed that while he is all about the fame...he's also a hero. Here, he's just pathetic.

[LtMarvel]

Argggghhh.... The last panel was given away by the preview page (which appeared two pages prior). That was annoying.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Although there were a few extremely funny moments during the brief Adam Hughes era, I always thought that Giffen & DeMatties were never better than they were in their first couple years, when the book was actually trying to be somewhat serious and let all the humor come out of the characters' dialogue and relationships. The moment the book became about the laughs themselves, it stopped being as funny.

[Lurch]

I just made a concerted effort to forget IC, and as a consequence, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Took me back to 1989.

[kcekada]

The moment the book became about the laughs themselves, it stopped being as funny.

Amen brother. Amen.

[JoshuaB]

I understand Fire will still be alive in this mini...maybe they got married then?


What?.......Fire died?? Oh God.....when?

[Titan Slade]

What?.......Fire died?? Oh God.....when?

Fire is not dead. I think he means Ice.

[JoshuaB]

Fire is not dead. I think he means Ice.


Oh my gosh, thanks......I love love love Fire!!!!


I loved Ice, too....but I think she's long gone.... :(

[stealthwise]

I haven't had a chance to pick up FKAJL yet, so this was a bit fresher for me, it seems. I liked it, but don't want to read it again for a while, the jokes were starting to get to me and I just wanted them to slug it out with some ridiculous villain.

Hehe, Gladys.

[Lex]

I don't think I'll buy the rest of this story. While I feel that it's great comedy writing (even though they go overboard with repetition), I just don't like it enough to continue reading it.

[Tobias March]

How hard is it to track down the earlier Giffen and de Matteis JLI stuff? I picked up the first trade, but I don't see anything else on the shelves.

Also 'Blood', De Matteis' vampire book - any use?

[Expletive Deleted]

How hard is it to track down the earlier Giffen and de Matteis JLI stuff? I picked up the first trade, but I don't see anything else on the shelves.There's one more trade, but I'm not sure of its print status.

As for back issues, I don't think I paid too much for any of mine. As far as I know, they're not especially tough to find.

[Typo Lad]

I'm right there, roguespirit...I'm a HUGE fan...but they're just rehashing jokes waaay too much.

They didn't do that in the original series...why start now?

-Brian

They did, though. The old running gag was that Ice or Beatle would save someone and they'd say "Thanks, I don't know why everyone says you're such a loser."

The difference is, back then they did it every other issue, instead of every other page.

Which is where I think the last mini and this suffer: They focus more on the laughs then they do on the story. In the original JL run, it was a superhero story with comedy. Now, it's comedy with heroes.

It's still good, but doesn't hold a candle to the first three years of thier original run.

In fact Cronin, I would go so far as to use your own Kareoke lable.

[Brian Cronin]

Yeah, karaoke is appropriate.

And yes, you're right, Morts, the older series did redo jokes...but not to this extent, where they're practically just photocopying word balloons from the first mini-series and printing them in the second! :)

-Brian

[Tobias March]

There's one more trade, but I'm not sure of its print status.

As for back issues, I don't think I paid too much for any of mine. As far as I know, they're not especially tough to find.

Cheers. To the backbins I go.

[leetxjd]

Is the villan from Booster Gold #1. He was the first victory for Booster Gold and helped solidify his reputation with the people of Metropolis.

[west3man]

The chances that I'd get this book were already pretty low. I.C. made'em virtually non-existent.

Mary Marvel's presence might've helped, if her characterization weren't so... "Chrissy."

[bill4935]

Just a few thoughts I had whilst reading this thread:

1. It's funny seeing all the fanboys trying to fit this series into their "mental image" of the DC Universe and asking who's really dead or alive or pregnant, who has which power ring, etc.
Just think of it as an Elseworlds or a What If?, fellas. As in, "What If Identity Crisis and about six other depressing, 'core-shattering' events Never Happened?". Or maybe it's somewhere in Hypertime. Or it's in a dream of a weird little man from the 5th dimension. Or takes place on Earth-615. Something. This is not part of the DC Universe, okay?

2. You really have to like Giffen's sense of humour to enjoy this arc. It really helps to know what he finds funny, and his writing style. Fortunately, as a huge Ambush Bug fan, I really grok the "running gags run into the ground", "exaggeration of a character's foibles for humorous effect (AKA hyperbole)", and "there's not a lot of stuff happening" elements of this series.

3. You will like this on an exponentially increasing curve if you read "Formerly Known as the Justice League", the JLI first-few-issues-TPB, and some Ambush Bug stuff for good measure. But I suppose this would only help if you've got the right sense of humour in the first place, so... caveat emptor.

4. So good to see the 9 or 12 panel pages back again! And the Marvel in-jokes, while obvious, were still cute. Really, this is the opposite of the grim 'n' gritty IC series - more a sort of gemutlichkeit. Warm and friendly.

5. People will pick this up thinking it will be a slam-bang superhero story, or an action movie. And being confronted with what is exactly like a family sit-com, as was pointed out above, they will experience "cognitive dissonance" - which is an uncomfortable feeling - and the reader ends up thinking, 'Oh, I feel uncomfortable, so I guess I didn't like it.' Too bad.

Having the right expectations and mindset is a huge help to understanding what the writer wants us to feel (in this case, nostalgia and mild amusement) but most people aren't going to want to go to a lot of trouble to properly read a comic book. This isn't ENGL305, Critical Analysis of Modern American Pop Culture, after all! In fact, most people won't even feel like reading this far into my post. So congratulations, reader! Having made it this far, you're smarter and a little bit more discerning than most people!

6. I've just noticed that part 3 of my post really just says the same thing as post 5, but shorter.

7. Sorry about using "quotes" so much.

8. If you *do* like this stuff, may I recommend the Bizarro TPB, any of Marvel's Damage Control limited series, or the latest She-Hulk series.

9. Y'know, just thinking about this comedic style of superhero story, makes me wish they'd gotten somebody besides Lobdell to write the latest volume of Alpha Flight. That team is just far out enough on the fringe of the MU to have really taken to this style... Oh well. Though if Marvel didn't want to make AF into a comedy, they could at least have gotten a writer who was from Canada, or at least had been there at some point in their lives. Still can't believe that the current writer thinks we have dollar bills up here. Grrr. :evilangry

10. Now that I've used some literary terms, some Latin, some German, and drifted well off-topic, it's time to check off my Pretentiousness Checklist, say thank you and submit this post.

Thank you!

[Tobias March]

In addition guys....it's funny!