Fantom Comics

In the interest of full disclosure, before going any further, I should reveal that I have met Brad Meltzer, posed for pictures with Brad, and have his autograph on his Green Arrow run and on the first issue of Identity Crises. So, one could argue that I am slightly biased in what I am about to write about Justice League of America #0. So be it. I embrace my bias with a full monster bear hug and proclaim it to be AWESOME! It was so cleverly done, mixing old artwork styles with modern, and providing through flashbacks and fast forwards a strong sense of just how strong a bond is shared between Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman (the trinity). Brad provides continuity by showing us past events (the Detroit era League, Superman's death at the hands of Doomsday), and hints of posible things to come 'tomorrow' (a new satelite headquarters, a new second earth discovery.)
But best of all, he wraps everything up neatly with the moment at the end of the past Crises when all three split up, with the promise to come back together 'one year later'. Throughout the whole book, as you see their relationship, what comes across very strongly is the idea of frienship, through highs and lows. It all ends with them coming together and the tease of who to vote into the next incarnation of the League. I, for one, can not wait for the next issue. It was worth the wait waiting for Brad to take over the re launch of the book. Well done!

Alas, ShadowPact, I really had high hopes for you. I enjoyed 'Days of Vengeance' and the idea of a magical strike force sounded appealing. Three issues into the run of the book, my euphoria has subsided, and the aftertaste is not entirely sweet. I am not a fan of the art work (too bright) and the storyline in these first three issues was weak and had the feel of being rushed to publication. How they escape their imprisonment was lame, and the excuse given by the Enchantress about how she got badly beaten was borderline laughable. This book has great potential, but it needs a new team STAT! Detective Chimp deserves better, and so do we.