There’s a common saying: “You never forget your first (fill in the blank).” If you’re a Whovian, you never forget your first Doctor (even if another becomes your favorite later). If you’re a Trekker, you never forget your first captain. In the case of comics, it can be said that you never forget the heroes who were members of your favorite super hero team when you became a fan. For me, that means that I will never forget the roster of the Justice League of America when I first started reading them over 30 years ago.
As we say goodbye to the current iteration of the JLA in preparation for their restart later this month, they are also saying goodbye to us. While reading the pages of #60, I keep thinking back to the past, and the similarities and differences between the team I grew up with and the one ending the current run of the title.
The big three are not here, but in a way they are. Not Clark, but Kara; not Bruce but Dick; not Diana but Donna. I have always thought the team was strongest when icons that represent the big three were among the members. It helps us to remember that no matter what, you can usually accomplish so much more together. Not long ago, the torch was passed to this new generation of heroes, and while I do feel it was their turn, I don’t think they sat in the chairs long enough.
Even two of the most popular supporting members are there in spirit. There is a speedster, and there is a member of the Lantern family. Again, it would not be same without these icons.
To set the stage for the relaunch, the current members of the team have all chosen to leave, for a variety of reasons. This issue is spent showing the heroes telling each other, and the readers, of their decisions. Their final fight as a group is done, and they feel this is the best time bring things to a close.
I have mixed feelings about ending the series this way. It would have been fitting for the group to go out fighting, with unforgettable action and a decisive win over a familiar enemy. Instead, the members have this time to say their goodbyes, which I feel is important. The JLA has always seemed like a family, it would have been wrong for them to simply cease to exist. The personal relationships between the characters is just as important, if not more important, than battling evil.
The New JLA - Will is do the League justice?
No, this version of the JLA did not go out with a bang, but they also did not go out with a whimper. They left with their heads held high, as equals, leaving for all the right reasons. They know they will see each other again in the future, no matter what that future holds for them. They know that deep inside, where it matters, they are heroes.
In less than two weeks, we get to meet the new Justice League. The roster will look as if we have stepped back in time, for the most part. Superman, Batman (I an 99% sure this will be Bruce, but I have found no confirmation), Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Aquaman, Flash (unsure if it will be Barry or Wally) and Cyborg will be the primary members. As has been common over the years, there will also be a roster of reserves, which for now will include Atom, Hawkman, Firestorm, Green Arrow, Mera, and Element Woman. All of the traditional elements from the illustrious history of this team will be represented within this group.
There will also be a new Justice League International, as well as an entirely new group, Justice League Dark. Perhaps, as has happened in the past, these groups will work together on occasion. Unfortunately, The New 52 will not include a Justice Society of America, and if the characters from that group disappear entirely, I feel that will be a blow to the DC Universe.
How will the outgoing JLA be remembered? Unfortunately, I think their exit will be overshadowed by the launch of The New 52, and if it is not well received, the memories of this second generation group may be tainted. As for the new Justice League (and indeed the other new JL titles), I have reservations. Not about the individual members, but about the reboot in general, and how it will affect this title and this team.
There is one thing that I do know. The Justice League will continue. They have always endured, even when other groups, other characters, and other titles come and go. Within the DC Universe, the Justice League is as much an icon as the big three. I just hope the reboot does the League justice.
