Johns delivers a good follow up to the initial Justice League issue. I say “good” but not “great”. Although there are certainly wonderful character moments, there leaves a lot of holes and underdeveloped points in the plot. Superman has very minimal dialogue in this issue. While that can be a good thing, his lines should be strong in content. The “tough guy” lines he delivered work in an action movie, but they’re not reflective of the Superman people look up to. Perhaps I’m being overly critical since DC is portraying Superman as far more aggressive than we are used to, but having not even a single line that makes you say “now that’s Superman” in a League book is a sticking point. Maybe they’re going for “Superman speaks with actions not words” sort of thing?

Regardless, it’s a weak point for this issue. I’ve mentioned about the plot inconsistency and the Victor Stone sub-plot being weaksauce, but the latter needs to be re-stated. There’s just something missing here to make Vic more accessible if the goal is to make him the “resident Leaguer” to replace J’onn J’onnz. His character needs to be stronger and someone people can empathize with, rather than being a guy with daddy issues. It’s a tough role to fill, as J’onn has one of the richest backgrounds and personalities in comics, despite being constantly underrated.

As for the art, Jim Lee continues to put in a solid performance. Yes, the familiar stiffness in his figure drawings and some lackluster angled shots (the S.T.A.R. lab scene with Vic and his dad) are there, but when it comes to battle scenes, there are few who can match the energy that Lee delivers. Superman vs. everybody is a testament as to why Lee remains a force in superhero comic books. His Flash might need some more effort and exaggeration to show dynamic motion, but it is a minor quibble. The last page also looks rushed in showing a massively injured Vic Stone surrounded and spewing energy, and is not dramatic enough. Still, the overall art is better than most superhero comics out in the market, and is certainly one of DCNu’s finest.

Justice League #2 , while having areas of opportunity and inconsistencies here and there, delivers in most aspects. It has entertaining character interactions and the art remains top-notch for a superhero comic, particularly when it comes to the slugfest. It remains to be seen if the pace continues or improves as the first storyline for DC’s top-tier book continues, but it’s certainly a ride worth the admission price.