Justice League #2

Almost without exception the second issues of the DC Reboot have been an improvement. The stories are better written, the art feels less rushed, and the writers more effectively use the characters. I say almost without exception, because the second issue of Justice League feels like a step in the wrong direction.

The first issue did a fair job in introducing us to the New 52 versions of Green Lantern and Batman before promising Batman and Superman's first throwdown in issue #2. Here's the problem, the first fight between Batman and Superman, incomprehensively, takes place off-panel between issues.

That's right, by the time this issue picks up the action most of the Batman/Superman fight is already over. Who at DC thought this was a good idea? And that's not the only problem as most of the takeaways are equally questionable. Batman is pushed around, Superman shrugs off Green Lantern's best constructs without much effort, and we learn that Cyborg's dad is one huge dick. Is this really what I waited seven weeks for?

That's not to say the second issue is a total loss. I like the fact that Hal Jordan and Barry Allen's friendship has survived the reboot (even if Hal's past has and Barry's hasn't) and for all the posing the characters seem to be doing for the reader (or potential buyers of Jim Lee's art) the fight sequences work well enough.

Was it worth the wait? No, not really. Is it a disappointing follow-up to a promising first issue? Yes. Is it overpriced at $4 without giving us any extra pages of action? You bet your ass. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $3.99]