Justice League International Annual Preview

Batwing, Earth-2, and JLI #4 Previews!

Batwing #12

Written by: Judd Winick

Art by: Marcus To

 

 

Earth-2 #4

Written by: James Robinson

Art by: Nicola Scott

 

 

Justice League International #12

Written by: Dan Jurgens

Art by: Aaron Lopresti

 

  

  

 

What Might Replace "Justice League International" In September?

Last week when DC announced their August solicitations, Justice League International #12 was marked as “FINAL ISSUE.” Now this series is nowhere near the bottom of the sales charts, so the question must be asked: “Why is it being cancelled? And what will replace it?" Well speculation has risen for many different options.

“Justice League Elite” or “Extreme Justice”

The U.N. brought the original team together, but after the team’s failure on the U.N.’s front yard they officially disbanded the team. Since the second story arc takes place immediately after the first, it would be hard to change their team’s name so quickly, but would it be such an outrageous assumption that the team might be changing their name to disconnect themselves from the U.N. for the 13^th issue and third story arc of the series? It sure seems to be okay for the Thunderbolts changing to the Dark Avengers over at Marvel.

“Cyborg”

The entire main Justice League team has at least one solo series right now…except for Cyborg. He has been moved up to one of the World’s Greatest Heroes Sure, that was usually the case when Martian Manhunter was a leaguer, but does that mean that Cyborg shouldn’t have his own series? The thought is something I wouldn’t put past Didio, Lee, or Johns, even if it is a stupid one. 

"Booster Gold"

If DC won't give us a new series starring multiple characters from the JLI, then I'm sure most fans would be perfectly fine with Booster getting his own solo series. He's done it in the past, and I'm sure he could pull it off again. And not only that, but Dan Jurgens is out of a writing job and Aaron Lopresti is out of a penciling job...and I would really love to see a Booster solo series from those two. 

"Brave and the Bold"

DC's other anthology title, DC Universe Presents, isn't a huge smashing success like it could have been. But what did DC expect? Poor advertising, lack of big-name talent, and so on and so forth. What with people knowing about the Batman: The Brave and the Bold tv show, it would probably be an easier way to success. The first story arc could even be about the JLI, for us fans. 

And I'm sure there are many more options. But I'm just not creative enough to think of them at the moment. Those are the most obvious ones that I can think of. Thoughts? Sound off below.

Slight Change

So there is going to be a slight change in my comic scheduling, I will be getting Justice League, Batman, Green Lantern, and two new additions in The Flash & Teen Titans starting next month with #10. But that doesn't mean that I won't be getting JLI until August when the series ends, because I certainly will. Especially #12 where we will see Rocket Red's funeral and is also the last issue of the series. The only reason I'm changing it, is because DC decided to make it so they won't send Red Lanterns or Justice League International via mail anymore.

So in the coming months, here is what I think will be my list of comics:

1. Justice League #9-12 $3.99/issue (but free due to subscription)
2. Green Lantern #10-12 $2.99/issue (but free due to subscription)
3. Earth-2 #2-4 $2.99/issue
4. Worlds' Finest #2-4 $2.99/issue
5. Teen Titans #9-12 $2.99/issue (but free due to subscription)
6. Batman #10-12 $3.99/issue (but free due to subscription)
7. The Flash #10-12 $2.99/issue (but free due to subscription)
8. Justice League International #9-12 $2.99/issue
9. Detective Comics #10-12 $3.99/issue
10. Legion Lost #9 $2.99 (part of the Culling)
11. Superboy #9 $2.99 (part of the Culling)
12. DC Universe Presents #12 $2.99
13. Green Lantern Annual #1 $4.99
14. The Flash Annual #1 $4.99
15. Justice League International Annual #1 $4.99

And honestly, I've been considering getting Animal Man because of the new artist, so maybe even that series starting in August, too. I might just reboot my entire list of comics for September. It'll be the one year anniversary of the DC relaunch/reboot, after all. 

Justice League International being CUT!?

The solicit for Justice League International #12 was just released today, and the issue is going to feature Rocket Red's funeral (finally). But they also had something that surprised me in the solicit: the words of death, aka "final issue."

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #12

Written by DAN JURGENS

Art by AARON LOPRESTI and MATT RYAN

Cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND

On sale AUGUST 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE(?!?!?!?!?!)

• It’s the funeral for ROCKET RED.

• Several members resign from the team – who will be left?

The solicit says that many members quit, which is very likely that it would leave just Batman, Booster, and maybe the General-In-Iron. But why? Beyond the fact that Rocket Red died, Ice broke both her legs, Vixen's spine is probably broken, etc... Okay well actually those are valid reasons. BUT is it fair to end a series this quickly? I sure as hell don't think so. If anything, the JLI should continue on. And who knows, maybe it was a typo? One can only hope. Because I've decided that if this is the truth, I will finish out the year with DC and if there are any storylines that haven't been wrapped up, I'll finish them off. Then I'll shut down the blog and think about how badly I really want to have more DC stories. Which will probably be very unlikely. Oh well. 

Justice League International Annual #1 Announcement

"...JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL #1, written by Geoff Johns and Dan DiDio on their debut collaboration.

“This is the final fate of this incarnation of the Justice League International,” DiDio teased to THE SOURCE. “There will be also be a big showdown of events that played out in the final issues of O.M.A.C. The ramifications of this will be felt across the board and will lead directly into a major event spanning across all the Justice League group titles later this year.”

Illustrated by Jason Fabok, JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL #1 will tie into the shocking events of JUSTICE LEAGUE #12. Guest-starring Blue Beetle, this special 48-page issue will be available in stores on August 29th."

So...explain to me why it is that Geoff Johns and Dan Didio are doing Justice League International's annual? Not, I don't know...Dan Jurgens!? I mean at least we'll see Blue Beetle, but come on!! I mean I get that Dan Didio's book (OMAC) just got cancelled to make way for better books like Earth-2 and Worlds' Finest, but that doesn't mean he gets to take over the Annual for an already-great book. He just needs to quit. Byebye, Didio. And how the fuck is Justice League International's Annual tied into Justice League #12. What? Ugh. I might get it. Depends on how Justice League #12 is, which apparently is important to the entire DC Universe. Wow. I'm tired of crossovers, honestly. Night of the Owls and the Culling are both good thusfar, but I'm not a huge fan of this whole crossover business. 

New Comics Day!-5/2/2012

Well, today is new comic book day. And here I am sitting at school! In a matter of hours, I will be going to the comic book store to grab five new comics (with two coming this weekend in the mail. So. Today I will be getting:
Earth-2 #1-James Robinson & Nicola Scott (Preview & My Hopes found: HERE)
Worlds' Finest #1-Paul Levitz, George Perez, & Kevin Maguire (I couldn't download the preview. Sorry!)
Teen Titans Annual #1-Scott Lobdell, Tom DeFalco, & Brett Booth (Preview found: HERE!)
Smallville Season 11 #1-Bryan Q. Miller & Pere Perez (Couldn't find a preview anywhere! So I'm hoping to be very pleasantly surprised)
Andddddddddddd Avengers vs. X-Men-Honestly I don't know who is doing the creative duties for this issue. There are like 50 writers and 5 artists working on this series so yeah. But I'll be getting it!

So I'll see all of you over the next few days (before Friday afterschool) with reviews of each comic. Probably starting with AvX, then TTA, then SS11, then E-2, and finishing with WF. Not because I want to build the anticipation or anything. I'm actually looking forward to SS11 and E-2 the most, but I assume that WF #1 takes place AFTER E-2 #1. Maybe I'll read SS11 last. Well I'll figure it out. See you all later!

Most Viewed Posts in March 2012

1. Exclusive Interview with Teen Titans artist, Brett Booth!
2. Earth-2 & Worlds' Finest Solicits
3. Red Lanterns #7 Preview
4. Action Comics #7 Preview
5. Justice League International #7 Review

Justice League International #7 Review

So. I know I haven't really been around lately...BUT I'm working on it. Personal issues. Whatever. ANYWAY... I just got a set of four new comics through the mail (well...they actually came in the last week but..."personal issues") so I'm gonna try and pop out reviews tonight. I read all four of them already but none of them really stood out besides JLI #7. Shocking shit, people. Let it be known that there WILL be spoilers to the fullest extent. And with that out of the way...here we go.

Summary
At the end of the last issue, the JLI was bombed right as the U.N. officially announced them to the world. The first page opens with Booster Gold holding Fire's unconscious body in the middle of rubble and destruction that was once a stage. We see Booster, Batman, and Guy Gardner carting off both civilians and JLI teammates alike to the local hospital for treatment. Apparently, there are some energy creatures running around causing more problems at the scene of the explosion. It seems to be that Godiva is okay (although a little roughed up), but Fire was knocked out. Bats and Booster run back in to find more survivors, while Guy handles the energy beings. Bats and Booster come across Vixen who potentially has a spinal injury. We then see a new villain named "Lightweaver" on a rooftop across the street from the destruction, watching Guy and the rest handle the situation. He wants to jump in an take the rest of the JLI down, but whoever his boss(es) is tells him not to. Guy gets increasingly worried about Ice, Booster gets worried about Rocket Red, and Batman...he just seems to be handling civilians. Booster find Ice and takes her back to the hospital in time for August General In Iron to carry Rocket Red out...dead. (Ranting to come. I promise you that.) Godiva begins freaking out, questioning how a mere bomb could do this to a bunch of super-heroes. Batman runs off to find "whoever did this," leaving Guy, the General, (a beat-up) Godiva, and Booster to be the remaining healthy members of the J.L.I. Booster goes back to the scene and finds Andre Briggs and Emerson Esposito (the ambassador's for the team to the U.N.) dead. We see Lightweaver land across from the hospital when Booster, the General, and Godiva all return where Guy is. We learn that Vixen may never walk again and that Ice broke both her legs and has "serious" internal injuries. Oh, and Fire's in a coma. There go the strong female leads. Then Chairwoman Bao (a member of the Security Council who agreed to form this team) announce that the team is officially disbanded, or else they will all be sued. Booster storms off to the roof of the hospital, where he meets Lightweaver who has been allowed to attack the rest of the J.L.I. Lightweaver quickly knocks down an angry and unfocused Booster, leading to Batwing's first appearance in the series.

Thoughts
Well, first let me say that I'm sorry for it being so long-winded on the summary. Its just that SO much happened in this issue that I couldn't help but leave NOTHING out. Now. Onto the injuries.
Fire: She seems to be relatively okay, just in a coma. I know that sounds cruel and uncaring, but considering the other injuries...she should feel lucky. When she wakes up, that is.
Ice: Okay. She's getting a little worse. Two broken legs and "serious" internal injuries are pretty bad. But she was the only one who talked in the issue out of all those who were injured (besides Godiva), so I have a feeling she'll be okay in the long run.
Vixen: She may never. Walk. Again. You want to see how cruel DC Comics can get, here you go. Potentially (so far) three heroes may be going into a very. Early. Retirement.
Rocket Red: I...honestly, I don't know what to say or think. I know he was a relatively new character to the comics (hell, he was created...what? A year and a half ago?) but he quickly became one of my favorites. Not only did he fit well on the team, he was the comedic relief. For him to just die? I'm appalled. Dan Jurgens, you're a cruel, cruel man. And it wasn't like they really cared, either. The heroes just kept on moving. The next issue (or soon after) better feature a funeral for Gavril...he deserves it. Forget it about Vixen's thing being cruel...this is cruelty. Killing a character before he even got the chance to shine.
All in all, this was a great issue. Not surprised that Batwing was featured near the end and that he seems to be joining on full-time, it fits better for the "International" part. Good art, interesting new villain, and now we get to see the newly-formed team begin to rebuild after tragedy. "Yippeee..."

It would have been a 9.5/10 without Rocket Red's death. Now I'd say it's a 7/10 even though I loved everything else. Here's to hoping he is not easily forgotten.

Booster Gold: "But the J.L.I. needs--"
Batman: "Wake up, Booster. With everything that's happened today, the J.L.I. we knew--" (looks over at Rocket Red's body being put in a body bag) "--is done for."

Justice League International #7 Preview!

Justice League International #7
Dan Jurgens, Aaron Lopresti, & Matt Ryan

Check in later for more previews of tomorrow's DC Comics releases!

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL and FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MEN Solicits

Here's the solicit:

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #9
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by AARON LOPRESTI and MATT RYAN
Cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
On sale MAY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
• It’s the JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL against O.M.A.C in a fight to the finish!
• Special crossover with this month’s FIRESTORM #9!

Here's the solicit:

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MEN #9
Written by JOE HARRIS and ETHAN VAN SCIVER
Art by YILDIRAY CINAR and NORM RAPMUND
Cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
On sale MAY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
• Don’t miss this crossover with JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #9!
• RONNIE seeks information – but is the price he must pay too high?

Justice League International #6 Review!

Justice League International #6
Dan Jurgens, Marco Castiello, & Vincenzo Acunzo

Summary

We open up the issue with Batman and Booster breaking into the apartment of the two guys who blew up the Hall of Justice in #1. Batman tells Booster that, if an upcoming meeting with the U.N. doesn't go well, they should consider working without the U.N.'s blessing. They easily take down the two thugs and Booster prevents a bomb from exploding and taking he and Bats out with it. Then we cut to Peru where Guy (Green Lantern), Gavril (Rocket Red), and Tora (Ice) are taking down the last of the giants from the first story arc. Guy is talking about how Booster isn't there because he's probably off doing some commercial or... "sleepin' one off." Classy, Guy. Ice tries to calm him down, but still supports Booster's leadership. Gavril accidentally gets in Guy's mouth's line-of-fire and gets sent off. Gavril wanders around and eventually finds an odd piece of equipment that blasts light into his eyes. Guy calls him out before they destroy the place Gavril was in. We now cut back to New York where we see Dora (Godiva) and Zhifu (August General-In-Iron) out for lunch. Dora (despite the fact that she's British?) is teaching Zhifu about American culture. She begins confiding in him, but he pushes too far and she backlashes. We see a van with a bomber inside drive at them, but Zhifu stops it with his brute strength and Dora stops the bomb from going off with just two seconds left. We next see Michael (Booster Gold), Bea (Fire), and Mari (Vixen) meeting with the U.N. Security Council. The council tears into the team about how they handled their first mission poorly, and Bea and Booster quickly defend. Booster tears into the council about how if they want "the big "S" and the J.L.", then they should get them. Booster convinces the council the team did a good job and the team is officially shown to the world, but a bomb blows up the entire team, leaving them potentially dead as the issue draws to a close.

Thoughts

I REALLY enjoyed this issue! I mean I know that it was only a filler issue, but I enjoyed this issue more than I have enjoyed any other issue so far in this series. (Or in general besides Aquaman #5) I loved the fact that Godiva and August General-In-Iron continued their surprising friendship and I'm happy to see Booster leading wonderfully without Batman and that Fire and Vixen have also taken on a kind of leadership role also. It was cool seeing Booster stand-up to the U.N. for himself and for the team. I think it's really cool that this is all tying into that first issue when those two guys bombed the Hall and that the team is fighting a terrorist kind of threat. I think that's a good threat for the JLI to face. Especially early on. Very fun issue with a good ending. I wonder if this is a sign that Batman won't be in the next story or some such thing. I wouldn't mind that, actually. But anyway, solid issue. Fill-in art was surprisingly good, but I am excited for Aaron Lopresti to return because he is one of my favorite artists. Solid issue, solid story.

10/10 (How is it that this issue was better than all of the first story arc? Sign of even BETTER things to come, perhaps?)

Chairman Bao: "A convenient excuse. Superman's team would not retreat as you did."
Booster Gold: "Yeah, the Big "S" and the J.L. superstars would've kicked that giant's ass in three seconds flat."
Andre Briggs: "Booster! Don't--!"
Booster Gold: "But they've been together for five years. They've trained as a unit. If it's them you want, sign them up! But you can't, can you? They're independent. They won't march to your orders."

AND

Booster Gold: "My story is well known. I'm from the future. Where, sad to say, I messed up. Royally. But I'm here to make up for that. To help. 400 years from now, there will be fewer differences. A better time when countries and people will unify. Problems that seem major now will be long-forgotten trivia by then. But the way you screw-ups are handling things is beyond belief. The fools I see running governments jeopardizes that better tomorrow. There will be a Justice League International. Whether you want it or not."
Vixen: "Shall we interrupt?"
Fire: "No way. Man's on a roll."

Alright if DC doesn't fuck up my subscription for Red Lanterns (like they did last month), then I should be reviewing that tomorrow or Wednesday. If not, my next review will be either Justice League or Batman. Should be good. See you later!

"Justice League International" #6 Preview!

While I won't be getting JLI #6 in the mail until Monday or Tuesday--which is also when I'll review it--we can all enjoy a four-page preview of the epilogue issue of the first story arc.

Okay this filler artist isn't that bad at all. That's a pleasant surprise. Looks like it'll be a nice issue. It looks interesting enough. Plus I very much so like the internet!

Top 4 DC Comics Coming in December 2011

4. Batman
"Written by SCOTT SNYDER; Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION; Cover by GREG CAPULLO; Variant cover by MIKE CHOI; 1:200 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO
Shocking discoveries lead Batman deeper into the mystery of the Court of Owls and its secret and bloody ties to both Gotham City and the Wayne family. But an even deadlier threat awaits Batman: a trap set hundreds of years ago, far beneath his city. The war for Gotham's soul begins here!"

Well...I hope we get some more action. This past issue kind of disappointed me with its lack of action. Last month, this would have been #2 on my list. Oh, well. Hopefully it doesn't drop any more.

3. Justice League International
"Written by DAN JURGENS; Art by AARON LOPRESTI and MATT RYAN; Cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
On their first mission, the team has been separated and defeated – or so it seems! But when a new, galactic threat shows its face, will our heroes be able to defeat it or will the whole world suffer destruction on a cosmic scale?"

Loving this story. Can't wait to see the story continue. Also, I am so LOVING those David Finch covers. Haha

2. Green Lantern
"Written by GEOFF JOHNS; Art by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY; Cover by DOUG MAHNKE and KEITH CHAMPAGNE; Variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL; 1:200 B&W Variant cover by DOUG MAHNKE
They've pillaged and enslaved his homeworld. Now the fear-mongering Sinestro Corps must face newly reinstated Green Lantern Sinestro. Can the renegade GL liberate Korugar from the army he assembled?"

Sinestro was stuck in the middle of a battle with the entire Sinestro Corps at the end of #3. I cannot wait to see him somehow make it out alive and somehow save Hal's destroyed ass again. Cannot WAITTTTT.

1. Justice League
"Written by GEOFF JOHNS; Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS; 1:25 Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT; 1:200 B&W Variant cover by JIM LEE
The superstar team of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee continue the origin of the Justice League as The World's Greatest Heroes face the might of Apokolips – and find aid in an unlikely hero, as Cyborg is created!

Plus, Andy Kubert returns an amazing variant cover – his first new work after the smash-hit FLASHPOINT!"

Well obviously this is my #1. I cannot wait for this. And we finally get to see Darkseid in this issue. Plus, maybe--just maybe--the entire new JLA line-up all together? That'd be nice.

Damn this was just one of those kinda days where I feel like posting a buncha stuff! I got, what? 4 posts? 5 posts? In one day? I feel accomplished!

Quickies!--featuring Green Lantern & Justice League International

Action Comics #3-Grant Morrison, Rags Morales, Gene Ha, & Rick Bryant
This issue kind of seemed a little rushed as for the middle stuff. I liked the beginning, and I liked the end. But the middle stuff was just confusing. And I can't wait for #4 when the Steel back-up story starts.
6/10

Batgirl #3-Gail Simone, Ardian Syaf, & Vicente Cifuentes
I liked this issue overall. It was a half-decent story, and I know its mean...but I'm kinda glad that her boyfriend broke up with her. That was kinda odd. But anyway, I liked it. It was good. And I liked Babs commentary on Dick's presence in the issue. And I liked how she kicked his ass up and down Gotham. That was fun.
8/10

Green Lantern #3-Geoff Johns, Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy, & Keith Champagne
Geoff and Doug continue to make an amazing story about Sinestro's amazingness and Hal's not-so-amazingness. I liked the concept of being able to turn their GL outfits to black. And apparently in issue #5, another big reveal will happen. But the ending left me very curious as to what is going to happen to Hal. I feel like they shunted him to the Anti-Matter Universe. Just saying.
10/10--What is that? The 3rd "10/10" from this series? Damnnnnn. Geoff Johns has gotten two series with only "10/10" ratings from me! Hopefully Aquaman can catch up!

Justice League International #3-Dan Jurgens, Aaron Lopresti, & Matt Ryan
I'm happily surprised by the team-ups in this story. Bats/BG was obvious, but all of the others I am seriously surprised by. RR/Ice? Vixen/Fire? AGIN/Godiva? Plus Guy going off on his own and being...Guy? This series is definitely one of my favorites. Oh and I'm loving the art. Both the interiors AND the David Finch covers. I'm so happy with those. Especially the recently solicited #6's cover.
10/10

Red Lanterns #3-Peter Milligan, Ed Benes, & Rob Hunter
I liked this issue. I liked learning more about Bleez, and I know my friend (who always borrows my comics) loved seeing Ed Benes draw and entire issue with her as a main character. But I'm really excited to see more about this series. I know some people say its been "faltering" and I know that I'm certainly scared of it being lost when the first wave of cancellations goes around, but I think this series is very strong and is keeping up well with the other Green Lantern-based series. Can't wait to see more about this Earthling from Britain, too.
9/10

And just like that--we're done. I am working on getting Justice League and Batman #3 soon and those will each be long reviews, kind of like how X-Man and JT do their reviews. Can't wait for more.