Justice League 3000 #1
“Yesterday Lives!”
Publisher: DC Comics
Writers: Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis
Art: Howard Porter
Colors: Hi-Fi
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Cover: Howard Porter w/Hi-FI
Review by Scott Keys
I’ve always been a sucker for future-stories. I got sucked in to Legion of Super-Heroes back in Zero Hour (I know, I’m dating myself), which lead me back to classic LoSH stories. I’ve also loved the Justice League since the days of Super-Friends (again, I’m old, but I don’t care). So when I heard that DC was going to do a Justice League book set in the far-flung future, I had to give it a try.
As with most 1st issues set in a strange setting, you are slapped straight into the middle of the story and you really don’t know what’s going on. That’s part of the charm, though. But you don’t have long to wait for the familiar “faces” of the Justice League to show up. Let’s get this out of the way though…these ain’t the Super-Friends! What I found most interesting was that this iteration of the League seem to be (SPOILERS!!) clones of the original 21st century League, made by none other than Cadmus. And this Batman and Superman are not BFFs, Hal doesn’t have a ring, but a cloak that mimics his emerald powers, and Wonder Woman is full-on Amazon! Not much compassion in this Wondy. Barry seems the closest to his original self, however he doesn’t have the aura that protects him from the friction. That could be a problem in the future, I’m sure.
Giffen and DeMatteis provide us enough tension to keep these relatively unknown characters interesting (love the “Wonder Twins” too! I’ll let you read it) and a give us fun (if not chaotic) dynamic with the League that we don’t see much in the modern versions. It’s also great to see Porter on the art chores! His linework with Hi-Fi’s colors give us a “classic” League look (classic to me, I loved the Morrison/Porter JLA in the 90s) but in a really cool futuristic setting. It’s fantastic that creators from older versions of the League come together to send the League into the future!
If you get a chance to check out Justice League 3000, give it a try! If you like the idea of a dysfunctional Justice League and want to see who the “Five” they were resurrected to battle (I know I do) it’s a fun book with a solid 1st issue!
Art: 4 / 5
Story: 4 / 5
Overall: 4 / 5
Scott Keys is a father, Butler University grad, pharmacist, and full-time comic nerd. You can follow his adventures around the spinner-rack and his Incoherent Comic Book Ramblings on:
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