JLA

Issue 50

"Dream Team"

Story: Mark Waid

Pencils: Bryan Hitch, Phil Jiminez, Ty Templeton, Doug Mahnke, Mark Pajarillo

Inks: Paul Neary, Kevin Nowlan, Drew Geraci, Walden Wong

              JLA reached the 50-issue mark, and writer Mark Waid tries to bring up the spirit of an earlier league, and to make their relationships more in line with their Silver Age counterparts.  By and large I applaud the effort, and hope DC's editors allow it to stand once Waid heads off to honor his exclusive contract with Crossgen. Waid's gone on record as someone who is a long, long-time Superman fan who has been frustrated by being told he would not be able to take over that character as he wants to do. Perhaps he's trying to make some the changes here, in JLA, where and while he can.

              The action portion of the issue is definitely a secondary concern. As it's yet another of the altered reality/magic threats that is so conveniently undone at the end... after a while, who really cares? Fortunately the character interactions - the paranoia that arose following the revelation that Batman had drawn up contingency plans against them - and the solution Superman tries to lead Batman to, only to be pulled into it, too.

              The artwork generally works out well, though the Hitch & Neary work stands out and makes some of the others appear weak. The reality-warping nature and scene shifts in this issue and the previous few have allowed these artist team shifts to come off... acceptably, but I'd really like to see some more Waid/Hitch/Neary-only issues before that official team splits.

              Next issue won't happen for two months, since next up is the "Justice Leagues" event, with the Advance Man (sounds like someone from marketing) which I ordered none of. If it somehow turns out to be worthwhile... drop me a line and let me know.

                                                              MJN

Any comments?