Review by Frank Plowright

Heroes is the final collection of Adam Beechen’s sterling work on Justice League Unlimited, although, strangely, it’s titled after one of three stories Beechen doesn’t write, and unlike most previous volumes it’s seven chapters, not five. It follows The Ties That Bind, but as each chapter is a standalone story that’s of no relevance.

Mike McAvennie and Leigh Gallagher open proceedings with the clever gimmick of events being related as they occurred, but this made possible by questioning a succession of witnesses to the Justice League taking down the Royal Flush Gang.

The primary team of Beechen and Carlo Barberi return for a spotlight on the Martian Manhunter having to consider a problem from his past to see him through in the present. It’s certainly to the template of top notch Beechen/Barberi works in earlier collections, but strangely the drama doesn’t transmit as strongly as their best stories.

It’s back when Rick Burchett illustrates the Blue Devil losing confidence in his ability to be a hero because people judge him on his appearance. Bill Williams collaborating with Barberi includes a few nice touches for Doctor Fate having a day out in Atlantis, but while enjoyable, it’s more straightforward than usual.

Beechen and Barberi then show Black Lightning bringing lessons from his civilian school teaching life to his superhero activities. The key question concerns whether he’d be able to function as a hero without his powers, and the creators hit the spot.

McAvennie and Sandford Greene’s Christmas story has the Phantom Stranger showing the Flash why it is that Batman’s so driven via the tragedy of his past. It’s sweet, and McAvennie picks the right contrasting characters to play it out.

Beechen’s final ride is great. Considering himself king of the jungle means Bwana Beast is hardly a team player, and because Animal Man works alongside him frequently, although hardly by choice, he’s tasked with a coaching session. It’s a good story to end a run, making a point and entertaining young readers at the same time.

While this is a patchier collection than some before, any Justice League Unlimited graphic novel is worth the time of readers who enjoy 1960s DC superhero comics.