JLA (Book 4): Strength in Numbers

Following the disbanding of the JLA in the Rock of Ages, the fathers of JLA decide to reform the team and increase the member number, the new members are Zauriel, Steel, Huntress, Plastic Man. This collection also introduces Prometheus and how he takes out the enitre JLA on their own Moonbase. I thought that this was the best story in the trade. The next story was about the case of Julian September and about how he alters probability and how the most normal occurrences are thereby changed, i.e. Bruce Wayne's parents were never killed etc. The final stories were of Adam Strange (the worst one in the trade). All in all pretty entertaining.

To be sure, Grant Morrison's writing is not always this accessible and pleasant, but his run on JLA is thoroughly enjoyable. It's not breaking any new grounds -- it's not calling attention to the ways in which language restricts thought, or spinning an elaborate web of mystical self-reference. It's just plain, intelligently-paced superheroics.

Wonderful collection of JLA issues.

Let me first preface this review with saying that I am probably the only one who hated Keith Giffen, et al's former version of the JLA. To me the JLA was never a joke and it was more than just a comic. They were, and continue to be, the World's Greatest Super Heroes. Strength in numbers impressed me enough to return to the world of comics after a 10 year absence and am I glad I came back! Three truly great writers--Waid, Morrison and the extremely underrated Christopher Priest (his work in conjunction with Sal Velluto on Black Panther is nothing short of sublime) have put the word SUPER back into superhero. Even the much maligned Aquaman seems to be embellished with a majesty that until now had not been before seen.My one problem: the insertion of Barda and Orion into the team. Kirby was a god, but only he really knew how to handle them. Their membership makes the team too top heavy and make other more thoughtful characters like J'onn J'onzz, Zauriel and Aquaman seem as though they're out of place and awkward. But still an enjoyable read and a fine comicbook. Five stars for reinvigorating what thought to be a dying franchise--the super hero team book.

So by this point, I'm pretty much into the groove of Grant Morrison's writing and I didn't really think he would surprise me with anything new or exciting, but with the first story in here he did it. We are introduced to a new villain, Prometheus, and he is just too cool. He's basically the anti-Batman, except he gains all his knowledge and abilities by downloading it into his helmet. But he sure knows how to plan a one man attack on the JLA in their own watchtower of all places. A great way to kick it off.Next is a cool story about a villain Julian September who has the ability to increase the odds in his favor, and he has a thing about the number 7. JLA members mysteriously dissapear and the remaining members have to figure out why. My second favorite story in this volume.Next is a two parter featuring Adam Strange, but don't think he's there to team up with the group. I wasn't too crazy about the twist in this one but is has an all right ending.Last is a story featuring Sandman. I have never read any Sandman previously so I can comment on if he was represented here faithfully, but overall this story was kind of bland.This volume also features Mark Waid as a guest writer which was a nice change of pace. Plus Superman finally reverts back to his original suit which after two volumes of that was a welcome change. The new members in here include Steel, Huntress, Barda, Orion, Zauriel, Plastic Man (great comic relief) and Oracle. A nice improvement over the previous issues as I liked the switching up of the team each issue. I guess the more the merrier.

These stories were originally published as JLA #16-#23.The stories begin with Superman, Aquaman and Batman reforming the JLA that was disbanded in the last book. It is never made clear why the JLA was disbanded by the three, and, when it is put back together at the end of the first story in this issue, it is the same characters as before, plus Zauriel, Huntress, Steel and Plastic Man (with Oracle behind the scenes). Maybe they disbanded cause the old rules said they could only have seven? And, not that I'm arguing, but who put Superman, Batman and Aquaman in charge? I guess no Wonder Woman at the top because she died and her place was taken by her mother? Superman says the league is the world's only hope, it may be that they needed to add more talents to defeat upcoming opponents.The storylines with Prometheus and Julian September are excellent, the last two with Adam Strange and the Sandman less so. Prometheus makes his powers equal to all of the JLAers...but he forgets a couple of new members and interlopers. He escapes so expect to see him in later books. Julian September opens up the world to probabilities and events that are million to one shots begin happening regularly. Both of these are great challenges for the team.Favorite panels: the pictures of the reformed JLA, pg 24, 52 and 90 are spectacular. And the panel on page 202 with J'onn looking down on the eastern Canada, Great Lakes, Greenland area with the monster in the water is great.

I've been reading the graphic novels in order, and this is the best so far. Following the awful "JLA: Rock of Ages", "JLA: Srength in Numbers" is comprised of a number of shorter stories; each of which is filled with adventure and soul. Yes, these stories have a soul, or a spirit. One of which even brought tears to my eyes. I can't say any other comic in recent memory has had that effect on me. Zauriel is a great addition to the JLA team. Wonder Woman is under used. But as a whole, these stories worked to entertain and inspire. What else can you ask for?

A longer trade compilation, the JLA has to deal with the very deadly Prometheus, and really only do so with the help of a couple of ringers.They journey to Rann to assist Adam Strange, and meet an old enemy who has started a careful takeover plan. Throw in Dream, the Sandman, as well.

Prometheus attacks the JLA and other stories.The first story is the strongest whilst the winner of the "meet the JLA" competition is talking to a stranger ,he is suddenly murdered and the stranger "shocker! takes his place.Its seems prometheus had anarchist parents who took him all over robbing ,shooting, looting etc until they were shot to pieces by the forces of justice.The parallel between prometheus and bruce wayne is obvious .But doesnt grate.He is the anti batman in essense quite simply doing what he does to tear down the self righteous forces of justice that murdered his parents .being like batsy he is incredibley well prepared for the jla (think babel) .The rest of the stories range from quite good to okay the concept of the julian september story is quite brilliant .So although its not one long uber story like most of these books its well worth buying

The product was good and the delivery was good.