Compelling Characters: The New 52 Justice League

Was The New 52 Justice League Good? 

4 to 6 min read

Alright, let’s talk about The New 52 Justice League. If you’re looking for the ultimate superhero team-up origin story, this is it. Volume 1 is not just well-written and beautifully illustrated; it’s packed with the excitement of characters meeting for the first time, which is an absolute joy for someone like me, a graphic novel fan in his forties!

I'm in my forties and love graphic novels. This first Justice League book is a pleasure. Following my reading order, the next book is Barry Allen's flashpoint story arc which created this universe; he returns home at the end of the book and his costume and his memories begin to change too. It was clever how he is absorbed into the new 52 version. In my forties!

After finishing this volume, I’m diving right into Barry Allen’s Flashpoint arc. That twist where he returns home, and everything about him starts changing—brilliant storytelling! Who knew I could enjoy reading comics this much in my forties?

The dialogue in Origins, Vol. 1 has a spark that jumps off the page, keeping me hooked. Honestly, I feel like comics can deliver way more action than films—just look at what Zack Snyder did to the DC cinematic universe!

Let’s be real: DC’s films have had their fair share of trainwrecks. From Suicide Squad (cheers, Leto Joker) to the marmite-like mess of Batman vs. Superman, it’s been trial, but mostly error! Wonder Woman seemed to save the day initially, but even her sequel cause a global pandemic of face-palming. I mean, Deadpool stopped doing DC jokes after that! Luckily, we still have some decent TV shows like The Flash, only joking.

The New 52 was a triumph, and an exciting new dimension by DC to re-invent all of its characters! I really hope they don't reintroduce underwear on the outside of the trousers again! In Origin, we see a brand new Superman, Batman, Wonder woman, Lantern, Cyborg, Aquaman and Flash. You can see its influence on the Justice League film, but better. 

That being said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, is it? Superman comes off a bit too cocky at times. It took a while for readers to warm up to him, he finds his footing. Green Lantern doesn’t quite shine like he did in the Blackest Night era, and Lobo? Total disaster.

One surprisingly engaging storyline was the Throne of Atlantis arc. It dives into a conflict between the surface world and Atlantis. I’m not buying into the whole Atlantis myth, but the world-building is solid, and it gives Aquaman some much-needed depth. It’s not just mindless reading; it adds layers to the characters and their struggles.

You can’t overlook the epic tales like Trinity War and the thrilling Darkseid War that wrap up the Origins saga. Darkseid is a genuinely menacing villain, and the stakes feel real. I found myself pulled into the drama of DC’s universe, where danger is lurking around every corner. Seriously, who doesn’t love a comic that keeps you on the edge of your seat?

Looking back, the New 52 Justice League nailed it by honoring the essence of its characters while pushing boundaries. These heroes are flawed and relatable, which is what draws us in. At the core of every great superhero story is that fight for justice, and that’s what keeps these tales compelling.

Now, if you check out the animated version of Origins, called War, well, let’s just say it doesn’t quite hit the mark

In the end, DC breathed new life into their universe with the New 52, bringing an exciting level of chaos and creativity. The writing is some of the best I’ve encountered, setting the stage for future Justice League adventures in the Rebirth series—even if that didn’t quite land as smoothly as we’d hoped.