Review by Frank Plowright
As suggested by the title, this collection features the Justice League’s adventures on alien planets from their turn of the century series tying in with their animated show. Although Superman features heavily, the range of heroes seen is far greater than just the six primary members seen on the cover. Younger readers will meet Atom, Fire, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Red Tornado and a whole group of Green Lanterns among others.
Adam Beechen and primary artist Carlo Barberi start by illuminating the heroic characteristics of Adam Strange, a human who’s the planetary hero of Rann despite not having any powers. Beechen investigates the idea of why Rann hasn’t produced its own heroes. The matter of respect is also raised in the following story where one of the earliest Green Lanterns is too old, and incapable of dealing with the threats thrown at him.
The joy of these adventures is they’re written so the young readers at who they’re aimed can pick up everything they need to know about assorted heroes as things move along, while readers who know their DC history can revel in the cameos and neat little touches. Adam Beechen has the best record on that score, also always ensuring there’s a human touch to his material. His finest moment here combines both, when Ethen Beavers illustrates the following appearance of the time-travelling Space Cabbie coming across a wounded Superman. Both problem and solution would so easily slot into a Superman story aimed at an older audience.
All artists work in a form emulating the stylised look of the TV animation, and all ensure clarity for young readers. Some villains, have received more fearsome upgrades in the comics over the years, but Barberi’s Kanjar Ro, for instance, retains the goofy design of his original appearances, but slightly modified to carry a threat.
Beechen’s the best of the three writers, able to keep things simple while still producing an entertaining story. James Peaty just about manages it with the threat of Phantom Zone criminals released on Earth and a clever solution, but Matt Wayne’s Green Lantern Corps outing relies too much on uncomplicated characters and a rabbit from the hat finish.
It’s just as well there’s a separate Girl Power collection, because on this basis the Justice League’s women get really short shrift, never being more than background players, but otherwise with five decent stories from six, this is a winning selection.
