***Contains Spoilers***
Justice League: A Midsummer’s Nightmare is a compact, action-driven story that delves into a reality where the Justice League members have lost their memories and lead mundane lives, with no recollection of their powers or purpose. As the world begins to unravel with a surge in superpowered individuals, our heroes are forced to uncover the truth behind their altered lives and unite once more. Written by Mark Waid and Fabian Nicieza, this story bridges the gap between the previous Justice League run and Grant Morrison’s iconic JLA relaunch, serving as a precursor to a new era for DC’s greatest heroes.
What I appreciated most about this story was its tight pacing and its ability to craft a gripping mystery. From the first pages, the plot thrusts you into a world where everything feels slightly off, creating an eerie and suspenseful tone. The gradual return of the heroes’ memories and their realization of who they are brings a sense of anticipation and satisfaction. The story doesn’t waste time on unnecessary detours—it’s all about uncovering the truth and setting the stage for the team to come together. The artwork also does a great job of balancing the mundane with the extraordinary, capturing the dissonance of superheroes stuck in ordinary lives.
Another highlight is how this story functions as a prologue to Grant Morrison’s JLA. For readers familiar with Morrison’s work, this feels like a warm-up lap for the epic tales to come. It teases the larger-than-life adventures that Morrison would soon deliver while reintroducing the League’s core members in a way that feels accessible and exciting.
That said, this book is not without its flaws. While the story is engaging, there’s not much in the way of character development. The focus is almost entirely on the plot and the overarching mystery, which means you don’t get a lot of depth or personal moments with the characters. If you’re already familiar with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter, this won’t bother you too much—this story assumes you know who these characters are and what makes them tick. But for new readers, this lack of exploration might feel like a missed opportunity.
Additionally, the narrative is more of a setup than a fully realized story. It works well as a standalone tale, but its primary purpose is to pave the way for Morrison’s JLA. As a result, it can feel a bit like an extended prologue, and readers looking for a more self-contained experience might walk away wanting more.
Overall, I enjoyed A Midsummer’s Nightmare. It’s a solid read that captures the essence of the Justice League and sets up their next chapter beautifully. While it lacks the character depth and emotional resonance of some other Justice League stories, it’s an entertaining adventure with plenty of suspense and action. For me, this lands firmly at 3 stars—it’s a story I liked and plan to revisit, especially when revisiting Morrison’s legendary JLA run. If you’re a fan of the League or curious about their transition into the late ‘90s, this one’s worth checking out.
Feature Image JLA: Midsummer’s Nightmare The Deluxe Edition cover art by Kevin Maguire, John Dell, and Pat Garrahy