Justice League of America #17Writers: Alan Burnett and Dwayne McDuffie
Pencils: Ed Benes and Jon Boy Meyers
This issue exemplifies some of the current problems in the DC Universe, hereafter called the DCU. Because of wide ranging storylines and crossovers such as Countdown and Salvation Run the timing of the litany of DC books has become problematic. The first story in this two story issue of JLA written by Burnett with art by Benes concerns itself with the abduction of various small time villains by the Suicide Squad. Our heroes are attempting to figure out what is happening to these villains and they have an interesting conversation with Amanda Waller, but the problem for the reader is that they already know these things and our quite a bit ahead of this story in other DCU titles. DC had this same issue with Countdown revealing spoilers concerning the Sinestro Corps War and the Death of the New Gods story arcs. Marvel is not immune to this issue as currently the Mighty Avengers title is about three months behind the other titles in the Marvel stable.
Sadly, if you disregard the timing problems this issue has some strengths to it. The story by Burnett is well constructed with good dialog. Without our other knowledge this issue would increase our interest the mystery of what is happening to the villains. The look into the the fears of the low level villains is well written and their battle with the Suicide Squad is done well. Also, the visual of the Superfriends-esque Hall of Justice is a welcome tidbit for longtime fans.
The second story by McDuffie tackles the continuing issues that Vixen is having with her powers, and while it does continue to expand on the problems she is having one wonders after this long what they have planned for the character. Jon Boy Meyers pencils are perhaps a bit cartoonish for some, but his panel breakdowns are strong and I felt his art worked in this short backup story. I just hope that the Vixen story thread pays off soon and in a smart way.
Verdict: 3 out of 5 Stars.
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