Formerly Known as the Justice League # 4

DC Comics
Formerly Known as the Justice League # 4
By Koppy McFad
October 4, 2003 - 11:32

DC Comics
Writer(s): Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis
Penciller(s): Kevin Maguire and Joe Rubinstein
Cover Artist(s): Kevin Maguire and Joe Rubinstein

Perhaps I have gotten old and grouchy but the antics of the Giffen-league don't amuse me as much. This issue, we have Manga Khan posturing, sarcastic robots, Fire making catty remarks to Mary Marvel and the use of the word "modicum" as a gag. They all seem rather outdated. It may have been funny to see the Justice League act like this in the eighties, when this kind of thing was new and almost shocking. Now, it has become almost routine.

The story deals with the members of the old Justice League International (plus Mary Marvel) captured by the JSA villainess Roulette and forced to engage in gladitorial battle for the amusement of hordes of supervillains. That description may make the story seem gripping and action-packed. But the fight, the conflicts of the heroes and even the eventual solution to the dilemma seem so forced, like the writers realized they had run out of room and felt obliged to wrap things up.

The art by Maguire and Rubinstein almost redeems this issue. There is a great use of body language and facial expressions and an amazing attention to detail, while still remaining light-hearted and understandable. The crowd of supervillains on the cover and in the interiors is a fanboy's delight. Too bad the villains never do anything except sit there and cheer. That pretty much sums up how great talent is being underused in this comic.