JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #4 REVIEW

[Adam Chapman]

Reviewer: Adam Chapman adam.chapman@sympatico.ca
Quick Rating: Good
Story Title: The Tornado's Path Chapter Four: Being Human

Black Lightning brings a Starro-infected villain to the Batcave, as Green Lantern, Roy Harper and Black Canary continue their fight towards the truth, and Red Tornado joins the fray and discovers yet another villain.

Writer: Brad Meltzer
Pencils: Ed Benes
Inks: Sandra Hope
Letters: Rob Leigh
Colours: Alex Sinclair
Asst. Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Cover Art: Michael Turner & Peter Steigerwald / J.G. Jones & Alex Sinclair
Publisher: DC Comics

Once again, this is an issue which is a fairly good read, some interesting action sequences and character developments (mostly with regards to Red Tornado), and some fantastic art, but it still fails to really ignite any feeling of true excitement within me as a reader. Its a serviceable and enjoyable story for the most part, but it fails to be anything more than good for me. I'm feeling more and more that I'm not the target for this book, which is really too bad because I want to like this more than I do, but it just fails to ignite excitement within me.

Black Lightning brings the Starro-infected villain to the Batcave, to see what this newest threat could be. As they look into what the star is doing on the villain, and what it could indicate, Hal, Roy and Dinah continue to fight against Ivo and his reinforcements, and Red Tornado finally joins the actual fight as yet another villain appears.

This storyline seems to meander a bit, and it makes me think that it will read much, much better when its collected together. Because in a serial form, it just doesn't seem very satisfying, going from issue to issue. Red Tornado's been the subtle focus for this arc, with differing importance with each issue, but it still feels like a major stretch to make this entire arc about Red Tornado's body, especially as he's currently playing a part in 52 as well. It seems anticlimactic on the one hand, and on the other hand my initial interest in Red Tornado is starting to wane as this storyline seems to drag on. The narrative, and how the story is told and set-up annoys me more in terms of chronology, and the odd use of characters that just kind of end up being together, which in the earlier issues seemed like a time-delay in terms of how the story was being written, but now the chronology of all events is taking place at the same time, and the big 3 just aren't interesting or even that useful here, given the entire storyline. The storyline has been going on too long with too little happening.

The art is the major saving grace of this storyline, with Benes delivering the goods once again. Issue in and issue out, this is some utterly fantastic artwork, especially in the action sequences. GL, Black Canary and Red Arrow have never looked so great.

Its a good issue, and a good arc, which never gets above that basic good feeling. The storyline leaves me feeling underwelmed and unimpressed, but then I'm not exactly the target audience for this book, as I'm continuously discovering.

Ratings:

Story:

Art:

Overall:


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[Gotterdammerung]

This so-called review, little more than autobiographical and subjective (mostly with regards to a comic book) not to mention some condescending remarks, still fails to deliver any truly intelligent comments within me as a critic. It is decidedly informative for the most part, but it fails to be anything more than run-of-the-mill for me. I'm feeling more and more that I'm not the target for this review, which is too bad because I like great insightful analysis, so it fails to ignite interest within me.
It basically complains about the mediocrity of the fourth issue of Justice League, and offers a tepid plot summary.

The review lacks teeth, and it makes me think that it will read much, much better when it is written by someone who actually knows literary theory and is capable of applying an interpretative framework. Because in the format of an autobiography, it just seems superficial, relying on the "I am the arbitrator of subjective truth" boring me to tears.

The reviewer has made himself the focus of this review, which is problematic, for subjectivity is a quicksand that sinks the effort to utter irrelevance.

It seems self-serving on the one hand, and on the other, the criticisms loses its teeth as the reviewer seems to drag on.

The arrogance, and shallowness amuses me more in terms of wistful nostalgia, and the odd remarks, which in the earlier reviews seemed to set a precedent, but now they seem to gargle repetitiveley.

The review is late, and its major saving grace is the relative lack of spoilers.

It is an average review, but does not truly pass for a critique. The comments left me feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed, but then I'm not exactly the target audience for this review, as I'm continuously discovering.

[Terry Verticchio]

Okay...but what did you think of the comic?

[Fanatix]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH

Gotterdam just won post of the month.

I also disagree with the review, and since Adam "not the target" of this book as you mention about half a dozen times, who is?

The hardcore DC marks are mad wally west, aquaman, martian manhunter, and ollie aren't in it.
The marvel fans are apparently mad that this book because ...umm..i dunno why. Whats wrong with it. Theres hardly been any continuity in it other than the well established fact that bats/supes/ww are friends, along with GL,RA, and BC. Red Tornados history is presented, along with his family. Other than the fact that you probably haven't heard of the executioner theirs nothing in here not known to the typical Justice League Unlimited fan or comic book fan.

I found this another excellent analysis of the characters as it slowly builds up to a united Justice League versus some classic enemies. There wasn't a lot of action, but there was enough while the dialogue and entertaining monologues are what really drive the issue.

[Benoit Fabre]

I had the same feeling you had Adam, but, knowing Meltzer work, I'm not that surprised and I still trust him to deliver us a very good ending.

Benes work is always very good but I really miss him on Birds of Prey. His art was "chessier" than it is now, nad with Gail Simone's writing it was ... perfect!

[westsidah408]

I loved it when Roy was called Red Arrow.....his reaction was hilarious.

[Jason Kanno]

Originally Posted by Gotterdammerung

This so-called review, little more than autobiographical and subjective (mostly with regards to a comic book) not to mention some condescending remarks, still fails to deliver any truly intelligent comments within me as a critic. It is decidedly informative for the most part, but it fails to be anything more than run-of-the-mill for me. I'm feeling more and more that I'm not the target for this review, which is too bad because I like great insightful analysis, so it fails to ignite interest within me.
It basically complains about the mediocrity of the fourth issue of Justice League, and offers a tepid plot summary.

The review lacks teeth, and it makes me think that it will read much, much better when it is written by someone who actually knows literary theory and is capable of applying an interpretative framework. Because in the format of an autobiography, it just seems superficial, relying on the "I am the arbitrator of subjective truth" boring me to tears.

The reviewer has made himself the focus of this review, which is problematic, for subjectivity is a quicksand that sinks the effort to utter irrelevance.

It seems self-serving on the one hand, and on the other, the criticisms loses its teeth as the reviewer seems to drag on.

The arrogance, and shallowness amuses me more in terms of wistful nostalgia, and the odd remarks, which in the earlier reviews seemed to set a precedent, but now they seem to gargle repetitiveley.

The review is late, and its major saving grace is the relative lack of spoilers.

It is an average review, but does not truly pass for a critique. The comments left me feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed, but then I'm not exactly the target audience for this review, as I'm continuously discovering.

It is an average review of a review, but never passes its own smug self-assurance. The critique left me feeling hungry and tired, but then no one is really the target audience of this review of a review except the reviewer himself/herself, as no is really caring to find out (the target audience of the reviewer of the reviewer, not the reviewer of the reviewer's gender ) Someone review me next!

Anyways, I don't agree with the review. I love this book, and the slow but focused and intriguing start satisfies my love of decompressed storytelling (much love, Bendis). I'm much more familiar with Marvel, but this JLA storyline is one of the more accessible storylines I've read this year.

[Gotterdammerung]

You win, WMdude.

[jadrax]

Originally Posted by Fanatix

The hardcore DC marks are mad wally west, aquaman, martian manhunter, and ollie aren't in it.

I am not mad at all.

Although I like stories about the JLA including all those, I have JLA classified for that. The new team works fine for me.

(And anyway, Ollie was in an issue.)

[WhereIsTony]

Spot on review Adam.

I usually like decompreessed storytelling but this series puts me to sleep.

I will continue to buy it because I generally give a new title two arcs to impress me.

[Jim Wright]

You know TV serieses can get away with slow builds because for the most part they are weekly shows. But to go month to month and get breadcrumbs is really annoying. I want to like JLA but it's moving slower than the line at the DMV on the last day of the month.

[RadioCleve]

Originally Posted by WMdude46

It is an average review of a review, but never passes its own smug self-assurance. The critique left me feeling hungry and tired, but then no one is really the target audience of this review of a review except the reviewer himself/herself, as no is really caring to find out (the target audience of the reviewer of the reviewer, not the reviewer of the reviewer's gender ) Someone review me next!

Those responsible for the reviewing of those who were reviewed have been reviewed. The remainder of this thread has been completely revised, at great expense.

[Mark Blicharz]

Originally Posted by Gotterdammerung

This so-called review, little more than autobiographical and subjective (mostly with regards to a comic book) not to mention some condescending remarks, still fails to deliver any truly intelligent comments within me as a critic. It is decidedly informative for the most part, but it fails to be anything more than run-of-the-mill for me. I'm feeling more and more that I'm not the target for this review, which is too bad because I like great insightful analysis, so it fails to ignite interest within me.
It basically complains about the mediocrity of the fourth issue of Justice League, and offers a tepid plot summary.

The review lacks teeth, and it makes me think that it will read much, much better when it is written by someone who actually knows literary theory and is capable of applying an interpretative framework. Because in the format of an autobiography, it just seems superficial, relying on the "I am the arbitrator of subjective truth" boring me to tears.

The reviewer has made himself the focus of this review, which is problematic, for subjectivity is a quicksand that sinks the effort to utter irrelevance.

It seems self-serving on the one hand, and on the other, the criticisms loses its teeth as the reviewer seems to drag on.

The arrogance, and shallowness amuses me more in terms of wistful nostalgia, and the odd remarks, which in the earlier reviews seemed to set a precedent, but now they seem to gargle repetitiveley.

The review is late, and its major saving grace is the relative lack of spoilers.

It is an average review, but does not truly pass for a critique. The comments left me feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed, but then I'm not exactly the target audience for this review, as I'm continuously discovering.

If you think Adam's review was self-serving, maybe you should read your critique of the review and know that your critique comes off as self-serving as well. Reviews themselves tend to be focused on what that person felt about the book, it's their opinion. It's how they felt about the issue, and that's the only way a review can be written, everyone's tastes are different. Hell, you should read some of the arguements Adam and I have had over the years. Adam is pro-Marvel and I'm typically pro-DC. We butt heads often over books I thought were great but he didn't like and vice versa. It's opinion, that's all a review is.

[DocDoom]

I have to agree with Adam here, this series just feels like it's underperforming.. to what? expectations? the writer?? no... the title.. You see.. when i think of the "JLA", i think of Morrison's run... i can't help it.. it has been one of my fave comic runs of all time... so then i read this... and i just feel like nothing interesting is happening... i'm sticking around.. but this is getting farther and farther away from the "first comic of the week to read" status...

[Jim Wright]

Originally Posted by Mark Blicharz

If you think Adam's review was self-serving, maybe you should read your critique of the review and know that your critique comes off as self-serving as well. Reviews themselves tend to be focused on what that person felt about the book, it's their opinion. It's how they felt about the issue, and that's the only way a review can be written, everyone's tastes are different. Hell, you should read some of the arguements Adam and I have had over the years. Adam is pro-Marvel and I'm typically pro-DC. We butt heads often over books I thought were great but he didn't like and vice versa. It's opinion, that's all a review is.

He did toss a smiley up on his post. I read it as a satirical look at the review and not an attack.

[thtadthtshldntb]

Good review Adam.

To the point about the review... it is impossible to do an in depth analysis and criticism of a work of literature, whether it be a novel, a comic book, a play or whatever, without an incredible amount of spoilers.

Within the limits that the Cx staff impose on themselves, ie light on spoilers in reviews, they are usually pretty good and Adam always does excellent work on his.

I have an idea though.

Maybe you guys can come out with whole arc analysis and critique "reviews" say 2 months after the arc finishes, and use detailed plot discussion as a tool for critique. It might be an interesting idea for a post mortem... is it worth it as a whole look.

[fourmyle]

I think I must be the target audience of this book. Everything in it hits for me. The personal interactions, rich with history, between Canary, Lantern and R-Red Arrow (that was almost too precious a name change, just great) as well as tiny moments like the two-sentance exchange between Clark and Kendra, the exploration of Vixen, the induction of Black Lightning to a new level of super-heroics...and the villians, talk about everything including the kitchen sink, B-Listers, A-Listers, guys you've never heard of, absolute classic JLA bad-guy line up. Yeah, I'd love to see (an) Aquaman, (a) Flash, or J'onn in the League, but this group has the potential to give us new and different stories than have ever come before.

[Infinitor]

Originally Posted by fourmyle

I think I must be the target audience of this book. Everything in it hits for me. The personal interactions, rich with history, between Canary, Lantern and R-Red Arrow (that was almost too precious a name change, just great) as well as tiny moments like the two-sentance exchange between Clark and Kendra, the exploration of Vixen, the induction of Black Lightning to a new level of super-heroics...and the villians, talk about everything including the kitchen sink, B-Listers, A-Listers, guys you've never heard of, absolute classic JLA bad-guy line up. Yeah, I'd love to see (an) Aquaman, (a) Flash, or J'onn in the League, but this group has the potential to give us new and different stories than have ever come before.

Idem.

Great run so far

[Downfall]

Originally Posted by DocDoom

I have to agree with Adam here, this series just feels like it's underperforming.. to what? expectations? the writer?? no... the title.. You see.. when i think of the "JLA", i think of Morrison's run... i can't help it.. it has been one of my fave comic runs of all time... so then i read this... and i just feel like nothing interesting is happening... i'm sticking around.. but this is getting farther and farther away from the "first comic of the week to read" status...

It's not bad, it's just, two things for the most part. My biggest gripe is that the colored dialogue boxes annoy me, because Black Lightning's box was so dark I had to squint to see what he was saying. It may not seem that big a deal to some, but reading all the dialogue started to give me a headache... and there is such a thing as too much character analysis. How many times do we need to see Roy say that Hal taught him to be fearless?

It's not terrible, and it's better than the mediocre arcs we got for the most part after Mark Waid's JLA run... but I think it'll read better when it's collected. Identity Crisis did.

[Ben Lehnsherr]

I didnt think #4 was quite as strong as some of the other issues, but it was still pretty good, and a lot of lil questions are beginning to reveal themselves...

The art is def top notch stuff...