Customer Reviews

JLA (Book 4): Strength in Numbers

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Following the disbanding of the JLA in the Rock of Ages, the fathers of JLA decide to reform the team and increase the member number, the new members are Zauriel, Steel, Huntress, Plastic Man. This collection also introduces Prometheus and how he takes out the enitre JLA on their own Moonbase. I thought that this was the best story in the trade. The next story was about the case of Julian September and about how he alters probability and how the most normal occurrences are thereby changed, i.e. Bruce Wayne's parents were never killed etc. The final stories were of Adam Strange (the worst one in the trade). All in all pretty entertaining.

Let me first preface this review with saying that I am probably the only one who hated Keith Giffen, et al's former version of the JLA. To me the JLA was never a joke and it was more than just a comic. They were, and continue to be, the World's Greatest Super Heroes. Strength in numbers impressed me enough to return to the world of comics after a 10 year absence and am I glad I came back! Three truly great writers--Waid, Morrison and the extremely underrated Christopher Priest (his work in conjunction with Sal Velluto on Black Panther is nothing short of sublime) have put the word SUPER back into superhero. Even the much maligned Aquaman seems to be embellished with a majesty that until now had not been before seen.

My one problem: the insertion of Barda and Orion into the team. Kirby was a god, but only he really knew how to handle them. Their membership makes the team too top heavy and make other more thoughtful characters like J'onn J'onzz, Zauriel and Aquaman seem as though they're out of place and awkward. But still an enjoyable read and a fine comicbook. Five stars for reinvigorating what thought to be a dying franchise--the super hero team book.

These stories were originally published as JLA #16-#23.

The stories begin with Superman, Aquaman and Batman reforming the JLA that was disbanded in the last book. It is never made clear why the JLA was disbanded by the three, and, when it is put back together at the end of the first story in this issue, it is the same characters as before, plus Zauriel, Huntress, Steel and Plastic Man (with Oracle behind the scenes). Maybe they disbanded cause the old rules said they could only have seven? And, not that I'm arguing, but who put Superman, Batman and Aquaman in charge? I guess no Wonder Woman at the top because she died and her place was taken by her mother? Superman says the league is the world's only hope, it may be that they needed to add more talents to defeat upcoming opponents.

The storylines with Prometheus and Julian September are excellent, the last two with Adam Strange and the Sandman less so. Prometheus makes his powers equal to all of the JLAers...but he forgets a couple of new members and interlopers. He escapes so expect to see him in later books. Julian September opens up the world to probabilities and events that are million to one shots begin happening regularly. Both of these are great challenges for the team.

Favorite panels: the pictures of the reformed JLA, pg 24, 52 and 90 are spectacular. And the panel on page 202 with J'onn looking down on the eastern Canada, Great Lakes, Greenland area with the monster in the water is great.

I've been reading the graphic novels in order, and this is the best so far. Following the awful "JLA: Rock of Ages", "JLA: Srength in Numbers" is comprised of a number of shorter stories; each of which is filled with adventure and soul. Yes, these stories have a soul, or a spirit. One of which even brought tears to my eyes. I can't say any other comic in recent memory has had that effect on me. Zauriel is a great addition to the JLA team. Wonder Woman is under used. But as a whole, these stories worked to entertain and inspire. What else can you ask for?

This is a fantastic collection of JLA stories. At first, I didn't want the JLA to expand to 14, but Morrison made me like the new guys, especially Steel. He continues to create fantastic threats, such as Prometheus and the Star Conquerers. Mark Waid did an excellent job, so much that you can't tell the transition between his and Morrison's stories. The stroy where all of reality is threatened is my favorite. THe only disappointment I had was Barda and Orion joining the team and Howard Porter didn't do the artwork for all the stories, but it is still a fantastic read.

So by this point, I'm pretty much into the groove of Grant Morrison's writing and I didn't really think he would surprise me with anything new or exciting, but with the first story in here he did it. We are introduced to a new villain, Prometheus, and he is just too cool. He's basically the anti-Batman, except he gains all his knowledge and abilities by downloading it into his helmet. But he sure knows how to plan a one man attack on the JLA in their own watchtower of all places. A great way to kick it off.

Next is a cool story about a villain Julian September who has the ability to increase the odds in his favor, and he has a thing about the number 7. JLA members mysteriously dissapear and the remaining members have to figure out why. My second favorite story in this volume.

Next is a two parter featuring Adam Strange, but don't think he's there to team up with the group. I wasn't too crazy about the twist in this one but is has an all right ending.

Last is a story featuring Sandman. I have never read any Sandman previously so I can comment on if he was represented here faithfully, but overall this story was kind of bland.

This volume also features Mark Waid as a guest writer which was a nice change of pace. Plus Superman finally reverts back to his original suit which after two volumes of that was a welcome change. The new members in here include Steel, Huntress, Barda, Orion, Zauriel, Plastic Man (great comic relief) and Oracle. A nice improvement over the previous issues as I liked the switching up of the team each issue. I guess the more the merrier.

A longer trade compilation, the JLA has to deal with the very deadly Prometheus, and really only do so with the help of a couple of ringers.

They journey to Rann to assist Adam Strange, and meet an old enemy who has started a careful takeover plan. Throw in Dream, the Sandman, as well.

I thought the stories in this volume ushered in the end of Grant Morrison's flawless run on JLA. When the book went from the big guns (Superman, Batman,WonderWoman,Green Lantern etc.)to second string losers (Big Barda, Orion, Huntress etc.)the stories fell flat. The only reason I did not give this book only 1 star is because the big guns are still in the book, but they have to carry the losers. Anyway, buy it if you like either the JLA in any form or Grant Morrison's writing.