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5 Things I Want to See from James Robinson’s JLA

// February 19th, 2010 // Comics, Humor

If there’s a title that’s more of a mess at DC than JLA, I don’t know what it is.

It’s fair to say that since it’s beginnings, both company and creator alike have virtually ass-raped their flagship book to the extent that it’s been somewhat of a non-book since Brad Meltzer left a few years back.  What I mean by that is instead of being a normal ongoing series, JLA has become an ongoing tie-in series to whatever event DC is having at any given time.  Considering everything pre-Blackest Night sucked, that is an EXTREMELY bad place to be for a series.

So after a three-issue false start (which was a Blackest Night tie in; SURPRISE!) James Robinson and Mark Bagley truly begin their their new JLA run with issue 41.  DC apparently wanted to hold out for the end of Blackest Night  and Cry for Justice before letting the duo off their leash.  Of course, since Blackest Night is running late and issue 41 takes a piss on the ending of Cry for Justice, I’m not sure why they bothered.

But regardless, we’re finally here.  I’m all set for the beginning of the Robinson/ Bagley era of JLA.  Having read the first issue with the new roster, I thought I would share a few hopes that I have for Robinson’s run.

1. Be Yourself.  It’s what your Mama told you on your first day of school, and it’s damn good advice.  If there’s one commonality of the various things I heard said of Cry for Justice, it’s this:  ”Finally! THIS is a James Robinson book!”  For the first time since Robinson’s return, it felt like he wasn’t being ghost written.

The reason, I think, is pretty simple.  Cry for Justice was entirely his baby.  Since coming back, it’s the only thing he’s done that has been uniquely his own.  Which makes me worry a little about JLA.  For one thing, the roster is nowhere near as wild as the one he picked for C4J, which leads me to believe he didn’t pick most of them.  But no worries, he could still knock this one park.  But Mr. Robinson, if you’re not going to give this your all, then by all means quit while you’re ahead.  Go do something creator owned. Do something you really want to do.  You were at one time among my absolute favorite writers.  Be that man again.

2. Keep it real.  One of the great things about having Mark Bagley as a penciler is that he can draw absolutely anything (and on time!).   SO yeah, he can draw crazy, bombastic fight scenes full of ‘splodey goodness… but he can also give you intimate, emotive moments as well.  Make sure this is as much about the characters as it is the capes.

3. Break stuff.  Maybe I’m just a prick, but for me the absolute best moment in Cry for Justice was seeing Roy Harper maimed and beaten half to death.  Don’t get me wrong, I think Roy is an awesome character (aside from currently being saddled with a really stupid Alex Ross costume and name), but the fact is that moment was a game changer.  I’m not saying you should just start killing off JLA members… but one or two couldn’t hurt.  *cough* Dr Light *cough cough*

4.  Remember your history.  One of the best things about Starman was Robinson’s reverence for the past and willingness to revisit the golden oldies.  The JLA may not be as old as the Justice Society, but there’s still plenty there to be mined.  Show us why the world needs a JLA, even one that would have Vibe as a member.

5. Jack Knight.  Stop being a dick, Robinson.  You know we want it.  One issue.  I don’t care if he flies or gets drunk and takes a piss on Mon El’s booties.  You teased us with the Blackest Night Starman.   GIve us what we want old man.  DO IT, and maybe… just maybe, we’ll forgive you for writing LXG.  (But probably not)

Go get’em Robinson.