JLA: EARTH 2
JLA: EARTH 2, written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely, is one of those books that was on my list for a long time before I actually got around to reading it. I absolutely love alternate history stories! SUPERMAN: RED SON and GUNS OF THE SOUTH are two of my all time favorites. My interest in the alternate themes aside, JLA: EARTH 2 has gathered a respectable amount of hype in the graphic novel circles.
When I finally crossed it off my to-read list was honestly a bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong – I liked it. Although, with all of the buildup, I expected to love it. That one is on me… I shouldn’t have allowed the hype to expand my expectations beforehand.
The Crime Syndicate of America is a broken-mirror version of the Justice League. Dialogue contributing to this went well overboard to the point of becoming goofy. Similarly, the nuances in the alternate Earth rolled my eyes more than once. (“Satan help us” in place of “God help us” – give me a break)
Now that I’ve aired my grievances, let’s talk about what I liked. I love Owlman! He shares a lot of the same characteristics as Flashpoint’s Batman. Seeing the Flash (Johnny Quick) as a junkie was oddly gratifying as well.
Overall, give this one a read if you’re a JLA/ DC fan. It may not have resonated with me as I expected it to, but it’s still worth the time.
JLA: EARTH 2 still deserves a spot in any DC library collection. I give it a 6 out of 10.
Belligerent Barnes 