Customer Reviews

JLA: Heaven's Ladder

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

 

 

This is the question that begins the book. A race of superhuman and superintelligent beings have arrived and have captured earth along with a bunch of other universes to form a bead of universes. This entire race is about to die in a few days but since they are like most races, they do not know abour life after death. Therefore, they decide to abduct different planets in order to pry into the different belief systems and using that data construct a makeshift ladder to heaven. And they acquire this data by placing a disguised agent admist each population. And like any advanced society, there is dissension, and there is another group of these superbeings who feel that being so superior, they should not be delving into the lower populace. That's the story in a nutshell but I am leaving out details and the ending...as if the readers can't figure it out. Anyways, the story is truly unique and I for one enjoyed it. There is action but there is also a little hint of philosophy thrown in by Mark Waid, which is that irrgardless of the caliber of advancements, every culture has a common struggle with the afterlife...if there is one. It was a nice change of pace from typical JLA stories, eventhough in some degrees it did encompass typical JLA elements (i.e. dying races, abducted planets, aliens, earth-saving, etc.)

The art on this book is beautiful and flawless and is accentuated by the oversized format. Some of the splash-pages (very large splash-pages in this case) are worthy of being made into posters. All in all, it is an excellent read and worth getting. Highly recommended.

Wow! What amazing art. Everyone should flip through this if they get the chance. They shouldn't however read it. Mark Waid, who I really enjoy, writes a meaningless story in which he plays with the ideas of the afterlife in the DC Universe. However, everyone reading this knows there is nothing at stake if they can follow the complex and drivel filled plot. It seems like Waid just wanted to tell what certain heroes believe in, which doesn't have any effect on anything. Like I said, the art by Bryan Hitch is drop dead gorgeous especially on the oversized pages. So, a 5 for art and -1 for story averages out to a overall grade of 2. Sorry.

I can't believe that there are people here giving this book less than four stars. The story has: a jaw-dropping science fiction concept as its premise--the kind that brings back the sense of wonder you had when you first read comics (or science fiction, or anything imaginative) as a kid; creative uses of the heroes' powers; MANY terrific character moments; intriguing discussions of religion and philosophy; and a great presentation of heroism as a matter of moral courage, not just physical strength. Excuse me, but what else could you want from a JLA story??

Confusing? Well, yeah, there's a plot twist here and there. That's called keeping the story interesting. Too long?? You gotta be kidding...

At least everyone agrees that the art is amazing. That much is absolutely true.

If you have any interest in JLA, imaginative super-hero comics in general, or even just the possibilities of the "graphic novel" form, I HIGHLY recommend this book.

JLA: Heaven's Ladder is to an ordinary comic what big budget blockbuster films are to direct-to-video B movies. Exceptional in every aspect, this one-shot exceeded all my expectations.

Earth is one of the many planets that are kidnapped by a race of technologically advanced aliens for study. The JLA discover that despite the aliens' superior intellect and scientific knowledge, they lack a belief in spiritual faith, and are compelled to create their own heaven. Through their friendship, camaraderie and love for one another, the members of the JLA help the aliens understand the possibility of an existence after death.

This script is probably the most ambitious and grand that I have read in the super-hero genre. Though it borders the lines of theology, it really is a look into spirituality. Mark Waid successfully demonstrates that the capacity to leap beyond scientific data to explain our existence is what makes us human. Instead of falling into dogmatic discourse, Waid incorporates all the universal fundamentals of the major religions to illustrate his point. His characterization on titles such as Flash has always attracted me to his work and once again, he interprets the heroes' personas flawlessly.

You thought that Hitch's detailed depiction of the Authority's carrier was a sight to behold? Wait till you get a load of the two page splash panel of the alien vessel in this book. And that's only one of the reasons why Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary totally deserve to have their artwork showcased in the over-sized tabloid format. Detailed facial expressions depicting awe, fear and joy made God like beings such as Superman as humble as the next person. Hitch, Neary and colorist Laura Dupuy, similar to filmmakers like James Cameron and the Wachowski Brothers, have the extraordinary ability to make the fantastic believable.

JLA: Heaven's Ladder is a graphic novel that you will no doubt enjoy for its astounding art work. Definitely a must buy.

Review by Brian Grindrod

The story line isn't THAT great, but the artwork is BREATHE TAKING and it gives you a sense of scale that I'd never imagined a comic book could give before.

The story line really is kindof....silly I guess, but I'd recommend purchasing this for ANYONE who likes comics, just to put it on a rack with other AMAZINGLY drawn comic books and compare them whenever you find another.

DEF WORTH AT LEAST READING

In this somewhat disapointing book, the JLA encounters an alien race that has been around since the Big Bang. This ancient race of beings is rapidly dying out. With no concept of the after-life, the aliens set about capturing planets from their orbit in order to find the best concept of a "heaven" or comparable plane of existense. Bottom Line: The JLA has to stop these beings from stealing planets but also help them construct their own version of heaven. The action gets rather boring at times, but the artwork (by artists Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary)is BEAUTIFUL!

First off, it's only fair to state that I do not like "big space adventures" which this is. If you like those sort of stories that take place in space, with aliens, and confusing science explinations of things that could never really happen, well you may love this story.
The story is way too confusing and the out come is predictable and the convenient plot devices are what people do not like about comics. It all lines up for our heros in a way that leaves you wondering what any one was worried about in the first place.
The up side to this book is the few moments where we get to dive into the characters views on religion. That aspect was interesting, but short lived.
buy one of the other JLA books and you'll be happier. All of them are better.

An oversized hard to fit in the bookcase type of publication that is a one shot adventure. The Justice League face a conflict and use of power on at least a planetary scale, so must try to broker a deal and establish lines of communication with the beings they find themselves opposed to, to prevent some extremely serious consequences for a lot of lifeforms.

I have to take issue with those who would decry this book. I think it's truely a noteworthy addition to the JLA of today. I, for one, LOVE the depth and imagination that is going into today's comics. The Watchtower Era JLA is the pinicle of said depth. Just when I think they've pushed the philosophical and metaphysical boundaries to their limit, they push harder. This book, while not perfict (It doesn't quite fit on my shelf, for one) is a great example of the writing that has made this title what it is today. Much like The Matrix raised my expectations of special effects and Sci-Fi, so does today's JLA raise my expectations of a good comic book. Heaven's Ladder is a great book, with a lot of depth, good art work, and wonderful character interactions. This book really leaves you feeling good.

I thought this was one of the best JLA stories I have ever read. The writing by Mark Waid is excellant. The sheer size of this of the story(figuratively and literally) is beyond imagination. The JLA encounters a universe size threat and comes through it smiling. What isn't commen in a Morrison JLA story is philosophy, which waid does hecka good. this is a really great book