Reviewer: John Babos
Story Title: The Tribe has Spoken (from the cover) or Dead Man’s Hand (from the interior) – Readers: take your pick.
Written by: Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis
Pencilled by: Kevin Maguire
Inked by: Joe Rubinstein
Colored by: Lee Loughridge
Lettered by: Bob Lappan
Editors: Dan Raspler & Steve Wacker
Publisher: DC Comics
As part of the industry revival of past successes, DC brings readers a slice of the ’80s with the humorous adventures of the Justice League Again (that’s not what JLA stands for, is it?) in the Formerly Known as the Justice League (FKATJL) 6-part mini-series. Also, FYI, another 6-part mini-series has been green-lit by DC.
The humorous sensibilities continue from FKATJL #1, and FKATJL #2 in another quirky issue marked by 1) solid plotting, 2) witty dialogue, and 3) gorgeous pencils.
Like fellow 411 reviewer Gary Day, I believe that, pertaining to FKATJL, “it is possible to go home again. But then you have to ask, does one really want to? Most of us leave home voluntarily and go back only reluctantly. Others run away and never go back. But, occasionally, if circumstances are just right, it can be nice to go home again for just a brief visit.”
Also, I echo 411 staffer Chris Delloiacono‘s sentiments that “It’s uncanny just how well FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE JUSTICE LEAGUE, captures the vibe of the original works. It’s truly rare for a group of entertainers to catch the proverbial lightning in a bottle, twice! Each element of the book resonates the glory days of the 80’s.”
JSA fans, in addition to ’80s “funny” Justice League fans, should pick up this issue. We’re half way into the mini-series and the FKATJL misfits are pitted against one another in a Fight Club-inspired arena by JSA villainess Roulette.
As the cover shows, readers will see a Captain (Mary) Marvel vs. Captain Atom slugfest that needs to be seen to be believed. WOW!
This issue did what it intended to do – it entertained. It was funny and serious at the same time. Well done.
My minor nitpicks – 1) Lee Loughridge’s colors look washed out, and 2) page 6 of my issue of FKATJL #3 is marred by a production error that has half of the page smudged by presumably black printing ink.
My major nitpick – DC seems to retconning Hoppy the Marvel Bunny and the rest of the “humorous” Golden Age Captain Marvel baggage that, if I recall correctly, was NOT part of the Power of Shazam series. The DC Universe only has Captain Marvel, Captain Mary Marvel, CM3 (Captain Marvel Jr.), Teth Adam (Black Adam), and Shazam himself. That’s it. No one else shares in the “Shazam” power. This lack of attention to detail is another example of editorial sloppiness at DC – don’t get me started about the Superman franchise editors – that’s a whole other matter – perhaps for a future column.
Nevertheless, editorial sloppiness aside, FKATJL #3 is an interesting and easy read. Its well worth a gander.
