Justice League (2011), Volume 2

May 15, 2013

The strong and enjoyable "New 52" revamp of DC's flagship superhero team features Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg. Following a straightforward, action-packed, and engaging first volume (Origin), things become darker and more complicated here as a new villain emerges. David Graves, who wrote a book that made the world trust and love the Justice League, now blames the team for his family's death and his own terminal illness. He strikes at it through its government liaison Col. Steve Trevor (whose love for Wonder Woman has been spurned), drawing the team to a mystical site where the dead seemingly return to the world. VERDICT Prolific DC mainstay Johns delivers a well-judged combination of action, emotion, and intrateam interaction and banter. Primary artist Lee (Batman: Hush) remains a master of the "idealized realism" school of superhero comics. The results will be satisfying and accessible to new readers and longtime fans alike.--S.R.

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