***Contains Spoilers***
Grant Morrison’s JLA run is an ambitious, high-octane take on DC’s premiere superhero team. The series begins with the iconic “Big Seven” lineup of Superman (in his Blue Energy form), Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Wally West’s Flash, and Kyle Rayner’s Green Lantern. Morrison wastes no time delivering action, kicking things off with a bang as the Justice League’s satellite is destroyed in a catastrophic crash, with Rex Mason (Metamorpho) sacrificing himself to save the team. From there, the League reforms, building the Moon-based Watchtower and expanding its roster with fresh and quirky additions like Aztek, Connor Hawke, and Plastic Man. Later, characters like Zauriel, Huntress, Orion, Big Barda, Steel, and Oracle add further depth to the team. The series brims with cosmic stakes, philosophical undertones, and some of the most ambitious storytelling in the superhero genre.
What stood out to me the most was Morrison’s tone and approach. The stories feel larger than life, with epic scope and wild, unpredictable twists. The reimagining of the League as a pantheon of gods works beautifully, emphasizing the mythic grandeur of these characters. The artwork perfectly complements the narrative, capturing the scale and energy of Morrison’s ideas with stunning visuals. Additionally, the more self-contained nature of the series was a breath of fresh air, making it easy to follow without getting bogged down in broader DC continuity. There were some excellent moments throughout, like the Sandman tie-in featuring Daniel, the new Dream, and the Crisis Times Five arc, which brought the JSA into the mix and reintroduced Triumph as a fascinatingly bitter ex-Leaguer. I also appreciated the dynamic between Kyle and Wally, who brought a lighthearted, Beetle-and-Booster-style charm to the team dynamic.
That said, the series wasn’t without its flaws. Morrison’s reliance on time travel and alternate realities, while often inventive, sometimes felt like a crutch to sidestep lasting consequences. As much as I enjoyed the creativity, it could make the stakes feel hollow when events were reset or undone. The complexity of the storytelling is both a strength and a weakness—while it’s impressive how much Morrison packs into each arc, it can be overwhelming at times, especially without a strong grounding in DC lore. Additionally, character development takes a backseat to the big ideas and plot mechanics. While the League members are iconic, they often feel more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals, making it harder to connect with them on a personal level.
In conclusion, Morrison’s JLA is a bold, imaginative run that redefines the Justice League for a new era. It’s a visual and narrative feast, with unforgettable moments and ambitious storytelling. However, the occasional over-reliance on convoluted plot devices and the lack of deep character work hold it back from greatness. It’s a solid 3-star read for me—something I enjoyed and plan to revisit, but not without some reservations. If you’re a fan of Morrison’s wild ideas and cosmic storytelling, this is definitely worth checking out.
Feature Image JLA #4 cover art by John Dell, Howard Porter, and Pat Garrahy
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