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JLA: American Dreams (DC Comics, 1997; #5-9)

Hey, look, I’ve read comics from the ‘90s two days in a row without losing my mind.  That's a new record for me, I think.

  • Where Morrison’s first arc of JLA was a single story, “American Dreams” actually includes three—a one-shot and two two-parters—loosely framed around the League looking to expand its membership.
  • Overall, I’d say JLA ages pretty well, but Blue Superman’s coldness feels odd (or at least, more like New 52 Superman than I expected); and Kyle Rayner, as it happens, is kind of a jerk*.
  • Also, can someone let me know how I had never heard of the giant threat is The Key until this year?  Between this and the Titans Annual from earlier this year, he seems like kind of a big deal.
  • Questionable haircuts and over-developed muscles aside, Porter and Jimenez, and company’s art has aged remarkably well.

I enjoyed this and will keep going with JLA, but it did take a couple of grains of salt when the more ‘90s elements kicked into place.  Morrison’s writing and solid art kept it afloat, though.

*This is why I rarely go back and read old stuff.  Newer stuff is less likely to thing misogyny is funny.

Collected in

  • JLA, Vol. 2: American Dreams (#5-9)
  • JLA Deluxe Edition, Vol. 1 (#1-9, JLA: Secret Files #1)

Credits

Writer: Grant Morrison | Penciller: Howard Porter (5-7), Oscar Jimenez (8) | Inker: John Dell (5-7), Chip Wallace (8-9), Anibal Rodriguez (9) | Colorist: Pat Garrahy

Shutter: Way of the World (Image Comics, 2014; #7-12)

Black Panther: Enemy of the State (Marvel Comics, 1998; #6-12)