DC New 52 Review: Justice League #2

Justice League #2
Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils by Jim Lee
Inks by Scott Williams
Cover Price: $3.99


In a nutshell:
Still moving the story way too slowly!

Synopsis:
This chapter basically begins with a classic Marvel style misunderstanding where the heroes fight each other for no apparent reason, basically to show that Superman can take on everyone (I can't help but think that this display is really a setup to establish Wonder Woman's power in a future issue by having her be the only one who can match Superman). This story adds in the Flash to the mix whom apparently already has a close relationship with Green Lantern. Batman is the cool headed one here which is refreshing considering that he's often been portrayed as an arrogant jerk in a lot of modern comics. Green Lantern refers to Batman in the comic as "a tool", but really, it's Green Lantern who seems like a teenage fanboy internet troll and I can't help but feel that these guys talking not just like guys in their early 20s, but immature reality show rejects, just isn't that appealing to read about. The story ends with us getting a little bit more about pre-Cyborg Victor Stone in which we learn about his father's relationship with him and we get the setup for his origin.

Why did I pick it up?
Because this is the series that has gotten the most media attention, I'm committed to seeing this story arc through.

The Good:
By the end of the comic I'm actually interested in the Victor Stone storyline. I think there is nuance in his relationship with his father who obviously sees the big picture very clearly, but misses a lot of the personal stuff. I'm also glad to see a Batman that is level headed and not brooding.

The Bad:
Have I mentioned how much I hate Superman's costume design? The fight between the characters makes them seem like arrogant jerks and the catty dialog really isn't appealing. This is the second issue and we still don't have any setup for Wonder Woman, who not only is one of there big icons that DC has, but is also the only female member of the team and because this is the book that DC has been pushing as the face of their big relaunch, it seems like a really miss to not offer something for female readers to relate to. The story is moving way too slowly and the and there is so much action that the story feels like it doesn't have room to breathe. It feels like a setup to get the characters together and I just don't feel like we're getting natural introductions to these characters.

Is it worth it?
This issue is an improvement from the last issue, but I still can't recommend it in this format. I'm as of yet undecided and open to being surprised by this story, but I would recommend at this point to hold off and wait until the story is done and then get the book sized collection when that's released if the story seems to come together.