That’s where the other half of the creative team comes in. Jim Lee’s art is as good as it has always been since the 90’s. There is very little evolution felt in this particular issue, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Lee’s linework is in top-form and displays exactly what you expect from one of the most familiar and influential artists in the comics medium. Shades of his “Hush” rendition of Batman and Gotham can be felt in the book, but remains solid and the layout is dynamic all throughout.

The busy designs of the costumes are less distracting with Lee at the drawing board. There are still shots where the characters appear stiff (par for the course with Lee) but are rare and far in between. The action shots are where its at in a superhero comic book and, in that respect, Lee delivers with flying colors. The scenes of the Batman dodging bullets on the rooftops of Gotham, the aforementioned green Fire Engine scene, Superman wailing on GL something fierce; these radiate an energy that few artists can match. Lee on Justice League is, quite simply, brilliant.

Overall, Justice League accomplishes what it set out to do. It establishes a new status quo for those tuning in to the DCNu (as dubbed for this new continuity) while serving up an entertaining story that both old and new fans can appreciate through solid character interaction that feels familiar yet fresh. Although establishing a new origin is not everyone’s cup of tea, it makes sense in the larger scheme of things and it works on many levels, despite its shortcomings. Justice League #1 is not perfect but it is a great way to jump-start the new DCU, and I look forward to see if Johns and Lee can keep the momentum.

Final Grade: A