Justice League of America - Issue 18
Featuring the twin menaces of tiny invincible androids and shaken self-confidence
The Justice League (aka the Justice League of America, aka the JLA, aka Justice League International, aka Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)) is a collection of the DC Universe's greatest heroes (and also Green Arrow).
I talked about why I love the JLA in this piece here. Now I’m breaking down each and every issue of the comic book, from their very first appearance, with Atom-sized summaries. Enjoy!
Upon arriving at a regularly scheduled JLA meeting, the entire team immediately starts shrinking, a schtick that’s usually reserved for The Atom’s tedious adventuring. The team arrives in the micro-planet of Starzl, where they are confronted by the three defenders of this world, androids who have been programmed to be unbeatable! And not, like, an iPhone operating system upgrade that may or may not work as intended. Proper legit programming, totally free of bugs. Which is a nuisance, because the androids are all also emitting radiation that’s destroying everybody on the planet. A timely subtext for young readers about the perils of nuclear weapons? No. Just simple facts about Starzlian Ultrazone radiation helmets. “Please defeat us, Justice League!” the Starzl androids beg. But the JLA cannot do so, because of brainwashing rays or something. So the team shrinks Snapper Carr down instead, prevent him from being brainwashed, and he improbably saves the day as loyal readers toss this comic book across the room.
Fun With Comics!
MVP
It’s Wonder Woman who, somehow, doesn’t spend the remainder of the issue berating Clark for this gross sexism. Yes, the team are struggling to break free of a jail cell because they’ve been brainwashed into believing they can’t. And, yes, it’s the 1960s. But she’s still an Amazon fucken princess, dude. Give her a shot at it.
Top Panel
A wonderful panel on several levels. For one thing, the entire purpose of Green Arrow is to have perfect accuracy with his archery. If he can’t do that, what’s the point of him? For another, I love Terrane (that’s this dude’s name) mumbling disappointedly to himself about what a shame it is that’s he’s too awesome a fighter to be defeated. Ugh. Hate that. And, finally, of course: sword rays! Yes!!
Villain Cryptic Crossword Clue
The JLA are summoned to defeat the unbeatable defenders of this microworld… and sort lizards out? (6, 8)
Next Issue: SLIGHTLY STRONGER DOPPELGÄNGERS!!
