World Famous Comics: Justice League of America, Vol. 1: The Tornado's Path
Justice League of America, Vol. 1: The Tornado's Path
By: Brad Meltzer Publisher: DC Comics Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: DC Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 224 Publication Date: September 23, 2008 Reading Level: Young Adult Release Date: September 23, 2008
Quite nice "Justice League Of America: The Tornado's Path" by Brad Melzer & Ed Benes (DC Comics, 2007) --------------------------------------------------------- Just glancing at the artwork, I thought I wasn't gonna like it: I'm so *not* into the overly-stylized, hyper-realistic, fine-line muscle-and-sinew fetishism that has dominated much of mainstream comicbook art since the late 1980s... But I was looking for something good and superhero-y to take my mind off the troubles of the world, and I figured, what the heck, I'll give this a shot, even with the fanboy-ish artwork.
Boy, am I glad I did.
This was a fun story arc, which harkened back to the early-1970s era of the JLA that I grew up with (indeed, issue #105, which also centered on Red Tornado, was one of the first comics I ever bought...) The story starts with the big three -- Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman -- who have convened a secret meeting to put the recently dissolved JLA back together, and while they are figuring out who to invite to join, all kind of weird stuff is going on with the Tornado. What follows is a pretty action-packed, often somewhat gruesome and intense story, one that brings the League back in its full glory. Great version of uber-baddie Solomon Grundy, too, and some good stuff with Batman. If you're looking for a good, old-school superhero story, give this book a shot... it's worth it! (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain book reviews)
Meltzer & Bennes turn in a great JLA tale!! How in the world did Brad Meltzer and Ed Benes make Red Tornado and Vixen cool? Seriously!?! This new addition to the JLA landscape is remarkably beautiful and grotesque at the same time. The plot and script were very well done although at times it seemed like there were extra characters just for fanboys sake. Great stuff overall though!
A great read with up to date excitment. This is a great graphic novel of the JLA adventures. The storyline revolves around a typically minor character with turns out to be genius idea. It's well written and the images are amazing. The storyline is exciting enough to keep any reader interested and doesn't drag on with "holy-moly batman!"'s and irrelevant cultural events of the past. It's new and exciting and a genuinely good book.
Brad Meltzer Is a Great Writer this is one of the better stories i have read in a while. along with the pictures(micahel turner is a god in my book.) that took my breath away, it was a great story and a joy to read. Identity Crisis is another Brad Meltzer story of the J.L.A. and it is just as good. another one of my "you will not be sorry to pick this one up." books.
Amazing Story...Great Starting Point. First let me say I used to collect comics like a junkie back in the day. Every week I was at my local comic shops to see if they had anything new to get my Batman, Superman, Spider-man, and others fix. As I got older and grew up I moved away from these gems that I used to love so much. It's nice to see that the books grew up as well as I did.
I got to say even after all these years away Brad Meltzer grabs the reader and within the first few pages and brings you back with all your old friends like you never missed a day. This story (and no I won't give spoilers...I think a review can be just that without ruining it for a future reader) will grab you by the collar and drag you to the last page. I found myself unable to put it down. I have always thought the Red Tornado was cool...hell I was one of the geeks that had his mini-series DC comics put out in the early 80's. The character of Red Tornado in the comics of old was always trying more and more to be human, but always would fall short or somehow along the way he was reminded he wasn't....and never would be. This was the first story I had ever read where his character was not only handled EXTREMELY well, but turned Reddy ( Red Tornados endearing nickname for those of you who don't know) in to something more then super-hero cannon fodder that could be sent into battle and damaged or destroyed then have the parts thrown into the trunk of the Bat-Mobile only to be repaired later. Which is exactly what he was for years. He was the disposable hero...if he go blown away...we didn't care because we knew Bruce (Batman) had his programming stored on the Bat-Computer at home in the cave along with Robin's term paper. So as soon as Professor Morrow (Tornado's creator) whipped up a new body...Red Tornado would be back...No harm, No Foul. This time the story is different....it's an all new Tornado. Same character...same desire to be human, but this time told by someone who not only masters his development, but all the other members of the JLA. This time you care what happens...and more then once you will find yourself biting your lower lip as you turn the pages. On top of all that you got the big three Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman all sitting around the cave...basically deciding who will and should be in the league. I never thought three characters sitting at a table could be entertaining, but that is just how good Metzer is. There is everything from drama to horror to humor and all done on a grand scale.
As for the art??? Ed Benes art is nothing short of amazing. His style is concise and dramatic and these characters never looked better. In fact I think Benes has ruined me...because from now on....I will always feel....That is how Batman should look....and that is how Superman should look and so on. His work on this collection is top notch and a delight for the eye to behold. There are pages that remind you that these are the most powerful heroes on the planet....and then there are panels...that make your heart drop and stomach turn. Remember I said no spoilers....you will have to just see for yourself.
So yes, overall I give this Collection...(I bought the Hardcover from Amazon) 5 stars....and well worth the price of admission! Be warned...after you buy this one...you will buy more. Meltzers Identity Crisis is also amazing....and There is also Vol #2 of this League with an incredible Alex Ross wrap around cover. In closing if you ever loved the Justice League and like me have been away for awhile...believe me...Meltzer and Benes and the whole gang at the Hall of Justice are waiting for you with open arms.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
