Flashback Fridays: Justice League International Annual #2

Getting back into the swing of things with a JLI offering for you patient people.  Recently a great lady at church allowed me to purchase some old comics from her at a really great price.  I am giving her money from some that I sell, not because I have to, but because it just feels like the right thing to do.  The books were varied, but really cool.  This Annual from the quirky JLI series was one of them.  It is funny and just a great read.  Harkens (how many times do you get to use the word harkens in a sentence?) back to a simpler time of comics.  A time when all was not grim and reality based.  Sex sold in a subtle way and life was always wrapped up in nice packages in the end.

This issue has the Joker trying to assassinate the heroes of the Justice League International.  It is one blunder and dumb luck scenario after another.  The Joker is very dark, but in a dark humor way.  He makes the story move as we get a peak at the lives of part of the JLI.  Big Barda and Scott Free (Mister Miracle) are throwing a Bar B Que at their suburban home.  All the action will funnel to that area by the end.  Martian Manhunter and Rocket Red experience the Little Russia area of New York I assume.  Booster Gold and Blue Beetle become Repo Men.  This leads to them driving an experimental Tank to the gathering.  Yes, the Joker gets in the drivers seat eventually.  Ice Maiden shows up Fire on an audition for models.  It all runs smoothly into a look at their off adventure lives while a homicidal clown tries to off them without success.

The end has a moment that is so far removed from how we see Batman today that it is funny, yet odd to read for me.  Oh, forgot to mention Guy Gardner trying to help Scott with the grill, it is funny.  Light-hearted read with a strangely serious plot.  What comics lacks nowadays in many ways.

I hope to get some post lined up in the que, so keep an eye out.  Also thanks for reading.  It is nice to see that people check out these ramblings.

BDS