Justice League Adventures

VOYA

This collection of seven non-sequential issues from the monthly Justice League series features various writers and artists. Although the book is based on the television animated series, the stories are all original to the comic book. Most sneak in at least one lesson or moral as the Justice League deals with racial discrimination, the value of individual contribution, the power of friendship, and even the immutability of time, and of course, a whole host of villains. This iteration of the Justice League is composed of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Hawkgirl. As with all the Adventures TV shows and comic books, this compilation presents a more streamlined version of comic book heroes that have been in print for decades. It frees the characters from years of tangled backgrounds and provides a fresh slate for writers to play with familiar DC Universe people and locales without fear of infringing on continuity. In this way, the book can appeal to new readers as well as those looking for a different take on their favorite heroes. Also, in keeping with the other Adventures books, the art style is more cartoonlike and clean lined than the mainstream look. Readers who like superheroes, especially the Justice League Adventures TV series, should enjoy this book. VOYA Codes: 3Q 3P M J S A/YA G (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult G). 2003, DC Comics, G160p,
— Lisa Martincik

Library Journal

This book collects seven stories from the comic book series of the same name, inspired by the Cartoon Network animated Justice League show. This version of DC's premier superteam features Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, and the Martian Manhunter, working alongside Hawkgirl and a black Green Lantern (longtime DC character John Stewart). Over a dozen writers and artists contribute, and many classic DC villains are featured. With art in the simplified style of the cartoon, this book is aimed at younger readers-but longtime fans are likely to enjoy it as well, with homages and references to many other DC stories and a feel that harks back to the classic 1960s Justice League comics (which, like this new series, featured complete stories in each issue, as opposed to the multipart sagas that are now standard). Recommended for all collections. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Originally published as individual DC comics, this collection of seven stories will entertain a wide age range of readers. In these action-packed adventures, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Hawkgirl work together when one hero is not enough to triumph over evil. They use their extraordinary powers to ensure that the super villains always lose and they protect the Earth from disaster. The drawings are detailed and entertaining and tell the tales with a minimum of words. This volume should be considered as a first purchase for those just starting graphic-novel collections or as an addition to existing collections.-Kathleen A. Nester, Downingtown High Ninth Grade Center, PA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.