***Contains Spoilers***
Justice League International #1-25 is a delightful departure from the usual superhero fare, trading high-stakes drama for humor and personality clashes. This run, led by writers Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis and brought to life by Kevin Maguire’s expressive art, introduces a Justice League that feels more like an office sitcom than a united team of heroes. From clashing egos to petty arguments, it’s a story about mismatched characters learning (or failing) to work together. The team roster is refreshingly diverse, featuring heavy-hitters like Batman, quirky additions like Blue Beetle and Booster Gold, and the ever-obnoxious Guy Gardner. With some major events, including the Invasion! crossover, the series offers plenty of action and humor, cementing its unique place in DC Comics history.
The standout for me was the comedy. JLI feels like a workplace comedy with capes, where arguments over trivial matters often take center stage. The team doesn’t gel well at first—unlike the Teen Titans, who felt like a well-oiled machine. This is a group of individuals forced to cooperate, and it’s endlessly entertaining watching their personalities clash. Batman is a total stick-in-the-mud, but his stoic demeanor only amplifies the comedy, especially in his interactions with Guy Gardner. Batman shutting Guy down with one punch is a legendary moment, and the fallout—Guy alternating between groveling and slowly regaining his arrogance—was hilarious.
Speaking of Guy, he really reminds me of Stifler from American Pie: loud, obnoxious, and yet oddly captivating. The team questioning why Guy is even there, only to roll with it anyway, is the kind of absurdity I love. He brings a chaotic energy to the team, especially with his temper flaring after his injury and his subsequent attitude swings. Blue Beetle also stood out, with his wit and charm sparking my interest in his character—especially since he’s from my favorite city, Chicago. His dynamic with Booster Gold brings a buddy-comedy vibe to the series, which helps balance the heavier action sequences.
And let’s not forget the art. Kevin Maguire’s ability to convey facial expressions adds so much to the humor. His panels where characters argue or react to absurd situations are priceless, making every bickering match feel alive.
As much as I enjoyed the humor and lighter tone, the storytelling felt surface-level at times. It’s an entertaining read, but it doesn’t have the depth or emotional weight of other ’80s comics, like The New Teen Titans or Watchmen. The plots often take a backseat to the character interactions, which isn’t a bad thing, but it does leave the series feeling more like a collection of moments than a cohesive narrative. While the Invasion! crossover adds some stakes, it didn’t quite resonate with me emotionally.
Overall, Justice League International #1-25 is a fantastic read for anyone looking for a fresh, comedic take on superhero stories. It’s not the most profound series, but it doesn’t need to be. This run thrives on its characters, humor, and unique tone, making it a standout of its era. If you’re in the mood for lighthearted fun with a superhero twist, this series is a must-read. I give it 4 stars— one of my favorites and an excellent alternate take on the Justice League that’s worth revisiting for its humor and charm.
Feature Image Justice League International #14 cover art by Steve Leialoha and Al Gordon