Review by Frank Plowright

The Ties That Bind expands Justice League Unlimited‘s usual format to supply seven separate stories instead of the the five available in earlier collections, although only six are noted on the back cover. Primary writer Adam Beechen responds by diving ever deeper into the obscurities of the DC universe, with guest appearances for DC’s Western characters, the Freedom Fighters and Space Cabbie, with spotlights on Atom Smasher, Gypsy and Vigilante. It’s another treat of a volume combining the tone and simplicity of DC’s 1960s superhero comics with slightly more modern sensibilities.

Just because this is aimed at younger readers doesn’t mean complex issues can’t be raised. There’s a strong human emotional core to everything here from Gypsy’s determination to Atom Smasher’s understanding of Christmas, and the Freedom Fighters are given a rude awakening about how some in the military define patriotism. It’s an especially sad realisation for Uncle Sam.

Carlo Barberi remains the primary artist, but only draws three stories here, with the always excellent Rick Burchett supplying a pair. Gordon Purcell draws Vigilante meeting his ancestor in the Old West, and Ethen Beavers contributes Space Cabbie rescuing Superman. Although the styles of cartooning differ slightly, all artists match the visual tone of the Justice League Unlimited animation template, and while they keep the layouts clear, there are some really impressive pages.

The only story not written by Beechen is Paul D. Storrie’s look at Mary Marvel. Always living in the shadow of Shazam!, there’s an uncertainty about her, and she’s keen to discuss individuality with Supergirl, who of course has similar experiences, but is more confident. Storrie emphasises that the powers Mary has been granted are more than just flight, speed and strength.

Previous volume Champions of Justice is the series highlight, but this doesn’t fall far short. Heroes completes the reprints of Beechen’s run.