Justice League (2018) #1 // Review
Spinning out from the events of ‘Dark Knights: Metal’ and ‘Justice League: No Justice’, Scott Snyder finally begins his long awaited run on Justice League, joined by legendary artist Jim Cheung and colorist Tomeu Morey. From page one, new and old readers are immediately indoctrinated into DC continuity long since left to the wayside, now brought back into the light post-DC Universe Rebirth. As with all Snyder works, this first issue explodes off of the pages with a globe trotting mission for the League to take out none other than the immortal Vandal Savage. Being the first of the new ongoing titles from DC’s New Justice initiative, this flagship title is not one to miss.
Long time Marvel artist Jim Cheung returns to DC Comics in epic fashion to help set the stage for this soon to be legendary run. Cheung’s signature style lends itself excellently to the bombastic scripts that Snyder demands with his huge detailed imagery. Immediately the issue bursts opens with panic across the globe, as the League breaks apart to save the day while bigger pieces come into the light. Through Synder’s scripts, Cheung is allowed to delve into the individual Justice League members, displaying each of the respective heroes in all their glory. His use of the double page splash for multiple establishing shots are done to perfection. From the incredibly high detail on The Hall Of Justice and down to every single hero and villain, Cheung continually sets the bar higher and higher. Tomeu Morey takes Cheung’s pencils to a higher level and absolutely bringing the characters to life with his gorgeous color work.
This series feels akin to an updated comic version of “Super Friends,” complete with faceless narration to boot. Snyder completely understands the Justice League and what it is that makes them great, and this issue shows now more than ever how much Snyder truly loves this universe and its residents.
While the title had been lacking its charm since Geoff Johns left the title prior to DC Rebirth in 2016, this issue truly feels like the beginning of something special without feeling like a rehash of an old storyline. If this issue is any indication of what is yet to come, there still so much yet in store for readers this summer and beyond. Justice League by Scott Snyder is the unarguable flagship title published by DC Comics; this is only the beginning.
