Review – Justice League: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics)

Publisher: DC Comics
Script and Art: Brian Hitch
Release Date: 6th July 2016

Reboots of the Justice League are always a big deal.

Whether it’s re-establishing the status quo after a major event (Legends in ’86, Flashpoint in ’11) or just getting the team back on track (JLA in ’97), what’s happening with the Justice League symbolises what’s happening in the DCU as a whole.

With the whole Rebirth series turning out (on the whole) to be a massive success, it’s not too unfair to expect big things from the relaunch of the company’s premier super-team, especially as it’s all in the capable hands of Bryan Hitch.

Okay, he’s definitely more of an artist than a writer, but he pulls double duty here well, with some decent characterisation and natural dialogue, while resisting the urge to write himself 22 pages of cool scenes, too often the bane of artist/writers.

With a backdrop of a massive alien invasion being repelled by the Justice League, there’s some nice little moments in amongst the widescreen carnage.

The new/old Superman’s discussion with his Lois about the League needing him is perfectly pitched, emphasising his lack of doubt about doing the right thing while hinting that, deep down, he needs the League too, while Batman is feeling almost exactly the same way about the prospect. Obviously part of him just wants to keep a close eye on this new Superman, but part of him is ready to give him the benefit of the doubt, because well, he’s Superman.

Hitch’s art works nicely in these moments, but as always, it’s when the shit hits the fan that he really shines.

The alien invasion has echoes of his work on the Authority, with its colossal creature causing havoc and needing it’s brain invaded by the heroes, while his storytelling is as kinetic and visually delightful as ever.

It’s early doors, but Hitch has pulled off a winner here, with arguably the best new Justice League launch since Grant Morrison reminded us all just how much we need the League too.

Rating: 4/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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