Justice (comics)

Justice: copyright DC Comics

Superhero comic stories, in general, are structured in a familiar basic form: first, we are presented to the characters, the good and the bad ones; second, some villain(s) makes an evil thing, that affects all the heroes, preventing them of fighting back when all the planet is threatened; third, the good guys (and ladies, if it was the case) must overcome the obstacles to save themselves, and then, defeat the villain(s) to save the rest of the world.

Yes, we may know the start and (great part of) the end of the story, and even some check-points along the way. But it doesn’t matter, because the fun in reading a comic book is to discover how the things happen during the story. In another words, how the plot evolves, the heroes solve the problems, fight the villains, and save the day (again).

In my opinion, the best superhero comic story, which is written in this “classical” way, is called JUSTICE, from Alex Ross (plot and art), Jim Krueger (plot), and Doug Braithwaite (art). The story is centered in the fight of the Justice League against the Legion of Doom, and was published from 2005 to 2007.

Justice Deluxe Edition Cover

Regardless the simple structure, the story is very dynamic. Initially, we are presented to the heroes: Superman, Batman, Wonder-Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, among others. All of them are suffering vision of an apocalyptic future, where the planet is destroyed.

The Justice League, in an amazing picture... I mean, painting

However, the villains had the same nightmare: Lex Luthor, The Riddler, Cheetah, Captain Cold, Sinestro, Black Manta… and they started to make things to turn the world better, as ending wars and giving food to the starving.

The Legion of Doom

Of course, the things could not be that easy. The villains start to attack the heroes, claiming that their slack in fighting the world real problems make them as guilt as the bad guys. And there starts the falling of the Justice League, in the hands of the Legion of Doom.

Legion of Doom vs Justice League

The heroes must overcome all the defeats and difficulties, in order to defeat the villains and really save the world. As I said before, the story is predictable, but the plot is still amazing, with many great turning points.

Even those not used to read DC comics are able to enjoy the story. There are no previous chapters, or past facts that have happen some editions before. It’s like the characters are in the classical comic status quo, where everything is just how we all (or most of us) imagine. For example, Clark Kent is a reporter, and secretly also the Superman, who is weak to Kryptonite, always trying to save her love Lois Lane. Everything is very familiar, and that is perfect to the story.

There is nothing like glasses to change the appearance

Obviously, Alex Ross art could be the best of Justice for itself. His unique detailed “pictures” are famous in all the comics’ universe, making every story remarkable. As his work is complex, full of reference researches and meticulous paintings, his art is only reserved to the best works. Just as Justice.

Even the sketches are amazing

In twelve issues, Justice is able to deliver a high quality superhero plot, with one of the best arts available in the comics. Each number leaves you wanting to discover what comes next, and how the good will defeat the evil. The story cliffhangers are smart, adding some thriller to the adventure, which also has the traditional superhero humor.

We all know that everything ends fine; however, many times you will ask to yourself “will the Justice League be able to defeat the Legion of Doom save the world?” That’s the magic behind a great story: you get involved with the characters and end up hopping for happy ending. Justice has this magic in all its pages, being always one of the best superhero comics of all time.