I originally planned to buy all 50 state variant covers for Justice League of America #1.  That’s right.  A cover for each state.  Why did I change my mind?  Because I can take the money I would have spent on all those covers that would only sit and collect dust, and buy a variety of comics.  So I’m proud to display my MICHIGAN cover!

Amanda Waller, Director of A.R.G.U.S. (secret branch of U.S. military) is passive-aggresive, and manipulative from the beginning.  She wants Col. Steve Trevor to organize and train the members of the Justice League of America (JLA).  Although Amanda says the JLA will help other super-heroes, it’s pretty clear that A.R.G.U.S. plans for the JLA to take down the Justice League. If necessary.

The issue focused on Amanda and Steve reviewing the profiles of each team member and the reasons they were chosen.

• Katana
• Hawkman
• Martian Manhunter
• Vibe
• Stargirl
• Catwoman
• New Green Lantern (Simon Baz)
• Green Arrow

How Steve Trevor plans to organize and train the team is beyond my wildest guess.  I can’t wait to see how he plans to train Katana and Hawkman.  Katana was an assassin who came to America to track down her husband’s killers.  Hawkman (he scares me, and yes I love it) is a police officer from his planet (Thanagar) that captures Thanagarian fugitives.  He also passes judgment on the fugitives.  Read the comic so you’ll know how he passes judgement.  I’m trying my best to not put in spoilers.  I’m also trying my best to get you to read this comic, because that’s what this blog is all about!

Martian Manhunter is not one to be messed with.  He’s powerful, yet mysterious.  Spooky is the word I like to use.  He pops up out of nowhere.  He also knows the true reason Steve agreed to organize the team.  But he warned that he will erase the minds of everyone in the building if Amanda Waller or any other government official makes a move against him.  Including Steve.

Can A.R.G.U.S. be trusted?  I don’t think so, especially Amanda Waller.  Steve Trevor is going to have his hands full trying to organize such a powerful and diverse group.  The team roster is established and each member of the JLA has been paired with a member of the Justice League that he/she is going to take down.  IF it comes to that.

The debut issue ended with The Secret Society being mentioned.  What’s that about?  You’ll just have to wait and see like the rest of us.

Geoff Johns grabbed my attention with this story from the beginning.  Powerful opening.  Strong dialogue throughout.  Rapid progression.  Perfect timing.  I know this series is going to be around for a very long time.

I love the artwork by David Finch.  Scenes flow flawlessly between panels.  Sonia Oback did a great job with the colors.  I especially like the dark panels.  It gives me a sense of fear and suspense.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

This is one series you definitely want to jump on.  I have no doubts about this one at all.