***Contains Spoilers***
Following the Giffen/DeMatteis run were the Jurgens (#61-77) and Vado (#78-91) runs of Justice League, both of which are a mixed bag, with moments of charm and intrigue but ultimately lacking the cohesiveness or spark to make them memorable. Taking place after the explosive “Breakdowns” arc, these stories serve as a transitional period for the League, with Superman stepping into a leadership role and a reshuffled roster attempting to find its footing. While there are a few standout moments, the run struggles to maintain the momentum of its predecessors.
What I appreciated most about this period was the tension and character dynamics it explored. Superman clashing with Guy Gardner was an expected yet entertaining battle of egos, as Superman’s stalwart leadership butted heads with Guy’s brash attitude. Wonder Woman’s approach to handling Guy, contrasting sharply with Superman or Batman’s usual tactics, was a clever and refreshing highlight. It showed how a touch of compassion and wit could achieve what sheer force or intimidation couldn’t—a rare but welcome instance of character-driven storytelling.
Another memorable storyline was Destiny’s Hand, which pit the “classic” Justice League of America against the contemporary League in a dream-world scenario. Watching the original League let their power go to their heads was a fascinating “what if” exploration, and seeing how their unchecked hubris unfolded kept me engaged. It was also a nice nod to fans of the older JLA stories. Captain Atom’s return was another bright spot, injecting some much-needed gravitas into the team, though his presence alone couldn’t salvage the overall roster shake-ups that followed.
Unfortunately, the run falters after the Death of Superman arc. While the event itself had rippling consequences across all DC books, the League’s revamped roster and subsequent direction felt uninspired. The post-Superman team lacked the chemistry and appeal of previous iterations, and I found myself struggling to care about their missions or interpersonal dynamics. While Judgment Day attempted to raise the stakes, it didn’t land as a compelling storyline for me, feeling more like a filler arc than a pivotal event. The series overall felt as if it was spinning its wheels, unsure of where it was heading.
In the end, the Jurgens and Vado runs of Justice League are serviceable but far from essential. They offer a few noteworthy character moments and nostalgic nods, but the lack of compelling arcs and an unremarkable team dynamic weigh them down. While I didn’t hate reading them, I won’t be picking them up again. 2 stars.
Feature Image Justice League America #91 cover art by Marc Campos