The dream team-up of Geoff Johns's words and David Finch's art has been one that DC Comics fans have been spending a lot of time clamoring for. And now that it's here, it's not quite what was expected. Amanda Waller's star continues to rise. In addition to her band of criminals, Suicide Squad, as well as other affiliations, she charges former Justice League liaison Steve Trevor with recruiting and running a new Justice League on behalf of the U.S. government. The recruits themselves have been handpicked by Waller for a reason that one would not expect for a JLA but falls right in line for the former spy.
This Justice League is formed for protecting the country from superhuman threats. Those threats include the current members of the original League. The aftermath of the "Thrones Of Atlantis" event have made a response team a necessity. Fresh from the cancelled Stormwatch, Martian Manhunter J'onn J'onzz comes front and center. If it ever came down to it, he would be charged with taking down Superman. Fans know that he is probably the only hero with powers comparable to Big Blue. What fans may not know is that this Martian is quite a bit darker than the one they might remember from pre-New 52 versions. Not darker colorwise, but he is still largely distrustful of humans though opting to protect them. He is almost too eager to join the team.
Interesting is the treatment of the rest of these characters by Waller and Trevor. With killers like Hawkman and Katana and criminal Catwoman, they are offered specific carrots to enlist. With someone like Stargirl, who fulfills the pretty and beloved quota, she gets the stick. Hawkman gets people to beat up with impunity. Katana is offered the cryptic prize of "revenge", supposedly for her husband's murder. The real name of Catwoman's identity thief is dangled in front of her like a ball of yarn. Stargirl, teenager Courtney Whitmore, has a criminal for a biological father. Waller, essentially plans to blackmail her in exchange for keeping her secret. Her panels of back story are wonderful and most intriguing. Much had to be shown of her since this is her New 52 debut. Another teenager on board is Vibe (who's own solo series also started last week). This young man may prove to be the most dangerous of the group as he has the most untapped potential. And since every Justice League needs a Green Lantern (and Johns can't have enough of his own characters), a call will be made out to newest Corps recruit Simon Baz.
Lastly, what Colonel Trevor hopes to get out of this is anyone's guess. Waller shows him the now iconic picture of Superman and Wonder Woman kissing, he deflects but Amanda and the audience see right through it. She plays on his concern and knowledge of Wonder Woman's views and he yields.
The matchups are as follows: Martian Manhunter-Superman, Katana-Wonder Woman, Baz-Hal Jordan in a bit of Lantern on Lantern (though this is confusing since Hal Jordan is supposedly dead but Johns writes that too so...), Vibe-Flash, Stargirl-Cyborg, Hawkman-Aquaman, and Catwoman-Batman. The last one is what Trevor felt was most important. Waller wanted Green Arrow for that spot but Trevor insisted he wasn't right (there is also another reason known only to him). His choice makes more sense as Batman is most susceptible in his heart.
The coolest thing about this is the prospect of the chess match that Johns could have with himself, being as he is the writer of Justice League and this book about the team meant to be what stands in their way. There is already a mention of why they don't keep electronic records to make sure that Cyborg can't access them. Even in this "getting to know you" kickoff issue, there is a lot to digest and much to look forward to.
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