Refresh my memory. Have we ever had a gay member of the JLA? (not just an ally or guest star, or someone whose sexuality is hinted at or sensationalized but a out proud card carrying member who dates). If so, please refresh my memory. But regardless, I bet there was never a team of 8 with TWO gay members! And we’ve got a lesbian in Batwoman and a bisexual with blue alien Starman, Mikaal Thomas. That 25% much better than that measly Kinsey 10% we’re usually given. Too bad they left that tidbit out of the CBR article… I wonder why? It seems significant detail to me.

While talking with CBR, James Dale Robinson let slip a few details about plans for his “Justice League” series: Green Lantern will “slip out from under the shadow of the Trinity” to lead the team (about time, even Aquaman had his own lineup - and he just talks to fish), the disparate lineup will all come together naturally due to a course of events, not by some super powered triumvirate sorting through dossiers, and finally that this team will have a “purpose that was different from the Justice League of America.”

James Dale Robinson’s Justice League Lineup includes: Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Green Arrow, The Atom (Ray Palmer), Shazam (Freddy Freeman), Supergirl, Batwoman, Starman (Mikaal Thomas, former ally of Starmen Jack and Ted Knight) and last and least… Congorilla??? (A.K.A. ongo Bill - a seven-foot tall, 90 year old, magical golden gorilla with the intelligence and the sophistication of a big game hunter).

“Justice League” #1 will feature artwork by Mauro Cascioli (“The Trials of Shazam”), but has yet to be solicited. “I think we are waiting for Mauro to finish some more, so probably the end of the summer,” said Robinson. “But what’s he done so far, especially with his colors, is beautiful.”

I’m really curious what kind of event will bring these 8 due to a natural confluence of events…

via ComicBookResources

Finally after a loooong wait, DC Direct has announced the release date and line up for the third wave of action figures based on the recent relaunch of Justice League of America. After a craptastic throwaway line in Series 2, (Batman - has been done better, Hawkgirl - JSA is far superior, Amazo - who cares, and Dr. Impossible - only use is as a bade for Obsidian if you customize), this time they got it right.

Series 3 includes: GEO-FORCE!!!!!! (Yay my psychotic Tara Markov gets to hang near her big bro), Flash, Green Lantern - Hal, and Wonder Woman - I like the Dodson version, but this should appease those who didn’t like that Dodson’s was pre-posed). CHECK THESE OUT!

Justice Leage of America Series 3 ships in 170 days

The Human Flame and Libra have been touted as 2 of the big villains of the upcoming Final Crisis and in this issue of the JLA we supposedly get to know a bit about them… Due 051521

OK I wanted to like this book. I’ve loved Carlos Pacheco’s artwork since his Bishop miniseries, and I’m REALLY trying to get excited for the Final Crisis. But I just couldn’t manage this issue.

There was just too much not to like. I have NO idea when this takes place. It seems to be Pre Countdown #1 (the Trinity doesn’t know Ray Palmer is back), but post Firestorm’s induction. The Trinity mention’s Martian Manhunter is on a “secret mission” but remain utterly unconcerned that #1 he’s not back yet, and #2 that the planet the Salvation Run baddies were supposed to be is NOT where they (and the Martain Manhunter) ended up. JLA figured this out 2 issues ago and Batman just says “when J’onn’s completed his work I’m sure he’ll be open to rejoining the team.” If it wasn’t the wrong universe I’d say Batman is a Skrull.

All this and Firestorm practically saying “well I won’t make a gay joke, but…” really added up to one pretty (Pacheco’s art is the only saving grace) but craptastically bad issue.

comicscontinuum

and here they are - more complete shots than were in Toyfare…

DC Direct Kevin McGuire inspired Justice League International Wave 1 hits shelves in 140 days

DC Direct website

I have to admit, I’m genuinely surprised these are looking good. From the artwork, I thought I was going to hate these. But now i will actually buy that Ice (I was previously livid about it being her Global Guardians costume) While I would still prefer the furry boots version (and will replace this if the modern Tora ever comes out), this is actually a very solid depiction of a much loved character. The Batman, G’Nort and Black Canary look great too (but there is just no way you could interest me in Disco Dinah).