Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    DC

    Convergence: Justice League International #1

    Stephen SchleicherBy Stephen SchleicherApril 16, 20154 Comments4 Mins Read

    Most of the members of the Justice League International have been trapped under the dome of the Zero Hour Metropolis. Without their powers and resources dwindling, how can the Bwa-ha-ha League hope to hold it together?

    convergence___justice_league_international__1_by_paulrenaud-d8dxhb7CONVERGENCE: JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #1
    Writer: Ron Marz
    Artist: Mike Manley
    Colorist: Sotocolor
    Editor: Marie Javins
    Publisher: DC Comics
    Cover Price: $3.99

    Previously in Justice League International: With Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Flash all getting revamps and relaunches, and with Aquaman on his creative limbo vacation, it looked like the Justice League was going to fall apart. That is until Batman (and J.M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen, and Kevin Maguire) reformed that team as an international task force that ended up being more comedy and heartstrings than bang-biff-pow adventure.

    Then, Zero Hour arrived.

    ONE YEAR LATER

    Though it has been decades since we last saw the JLI together, for Blue Beetle, Fire, Ice, Red Tornado, Captain Atom, and Martian Manhunter, they’ve been trapped under the domed city of Metropolis for a single year. It’s been a rough year for the team with only Red Tornado having his powers, as they have worked desperately to hold the city together. Resources are dwindling, the citizens are getting angry, and Ted Kord is trying to keep it under control.

    Under the writing direction of Ron Marz, the JLI ends up confronting a rampaging Metallo army, and lose quite a bit of property in the process. It has been a very long time since I’ve revisited the original Justice League International  – we aren’t counting the Formerly Known as the Justice League here as that was post Zero Hour action – but I think Mr. Marz is really tapping into the zeitgeist of the mid-90s and bringing that storytelling method to the page. The sequence with Metallo walking down the street, chewing the scenery, while having his robot army attack Metropolis feels like something readers would have seen during the heyday of the original series. Having Blue Beetle question his leadership skills, and learning about new romance (yes, there is some of that), seems to be par for the course. The only things missing are Guy Gardner, Booster Gold, and Oreo cookies.

    There is a rather lengthy sequence between Martian Manhunter and Blue Beetle regarding Ted’s leadership of the group that probably could have been trimmed down quite a bit, but overall the issue moved quickly. Marz’s take on both the pre-Zero Hour JLI and the world of Kingdom Come show a stark contrast in how the characters work. Instead of cookie cutter development and dialogue that does’t align with the characters, this issue finally felt like I was reading something that was ripped from a specific time-period and smashed together.

    FAMILIAR ART

    Similar to the way Marz is telling the story, Mike Manley’s art seems very familiar and on model with what we saw way back in the day. I love seeing great shading on characters. A great example is the fight scenes between Metallo and Blue Beetle, where fire, electricity, and natural light rendered correctly, gives the pages a feeling of depth.  There are few times when the dark shadows go a bit over the top, but I really got a kick out of seeing familiar faces, familiar costumes, and technology that takes me back.

    BOTTOM LINE: NOSTALGIA FACTOR

    Like Convergence: Batgirl #1, the nostalgia factor for the fans is going to be a big draw in this issue. It would have been nice to see more members of the team present, but those that we do get don’t disappoint. The story is well written, and those that think the team was too eager to get into a fight with the Kingdom Come Universe, probably don’t remember the ’90s, ’cause that kind of stuff happened all of the time. Convergence: Justice League International #1 is a solid outing, is missing half the team, but keeps the story moving.

    [taq_review]

    [signoff predefined=”PayPal Donation” icon=”icon-cog”][/signoff]

    Blue Beetle Captain Atom Convergence dc comics fire ice justice league international Marie Javins Martian Manhunter Mike Manley Review Ron Marz Sotocolor
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleMajor Spoilers Question Of The Day: “Why Is Queen No Longer Green?” Edition
    Next Article Convergence Supergirl: Matrix #1
    Stephen Schleicher
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Stephen Schleicher began his career writing for the Digital Media Online community of sites, including Digital Producer and Creative Mac covering all aspects of the digital content creation industry. He then moved on to consumer technology, and began the Coolness Roundup podcast. A writing fool, Stephen has freelanced for Sci-Fi Channel's Technology Blog, and Gizmodo. Still longing for the good ol' days, Stephen launched Major Spoilers in July 2006, because he is a glutton for punishment. You can follow him on Twitter @MajorSpoilers and tell him your darkest secrets...

    Related Posts

    Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1 Review

    Read More

    Supergirl #2 Review

    Read More

    COMICS PORTAL: Where Is All The Cool Merchandise?

    Read More

    4 Comments

    1. Zaran on April 16, 2015 12:00 pm

      I find it funny that all the good convergence comics seem to be from a time before Grim Dark DC.

      Reply
    2. JoeM on April 16, 2015 2:26 pm

      One thing that I found a bit jarring is the Kingdom Come Mightiest Mortal having the name Shazam. I get why, and I don’t object (much). But when you are reading something that is focused on writing as if it were in a certain period and a more recent editorial change is just plopped in jars one out of the mood somewhat.

      I really really enjoy the art. I love the Martian Manhunter getting physical with the Metallo drone. One of my favorite action shots in a while.

      Reply
    3. Malone_hasco on April 16, 2015 3:24 pm

      Im starting see a pattern here. Tie ins are better than the actual main series.

      Reply
      • Kirby on April 16, 2015 7:58 pm

        I’m not even reading the main series, just the tie-ins. I’ll make up the main story in my head.

        Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    8.3
    June 17, 2025

    Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1 Review

    7.7
    June 17, 2025

    Supergirl #2 Review

    6.0
    June 16, 2025

    Runaways #1 Review

    8.0
    June 15, 2025

    The Death of the Silver Surfer #1 Review

    4.7
    June 15, 2025

    Retro Review: Master Comics #11 (February 1941)

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Where Is All The Cool Merchandise?
    • Nathan on Wayne’s Comics Podcast #696: Interview with Creators from Concrete Arcanum
    • Austin Cowboy on FIRST LOOK: Conan the Barbarian #21
    • Frank on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT