Top Five

TOP FIVE

Most all of the JLA's cases have in some way added to the greatness of the team's legend, proving just how powerful and noble these heroes are. Still, some cases seem to make more of an impact than others, while some leave viewers simply in awe.

This a list of what I consider the five greatest case files in the new League's run so far. This is entirely the opinion of just one reader--you may very well have a different top five. But these are the stories that most intrigued me. If you have any questions or comments about the Top 5, please E-mail me. I'd be interested to hear what other people think are the greatest stories so far, too.

Check back often. This page will be updated if new storylines surpass
my opinions of my current favorite.

NUMBER FIVE
Heaven on Earth

The JLA fighting angels, the coolest "Hawkman" yet, and Superman holding the world in his hands make this one of the greatest stories of the new series.

Heaven on Earth
when: JLA #6-7 (June-July 97)
the plot: When a Guardian Angel is chased to Earth by an Angel Host with plans to unseat God, it's up to the Justice League to put the ruthless in their place. In the meantime, Neron and two demons plan to pull the Moon out of the sky.
why it was cool: This was a JLA story unlike any other I know of before or since. The League has battled a number of aliens, robots, and crazed supervillains, but angels? It also introduced the newest member of the team, Zauriel, who is supposedly DC's replacement for Hawkman since he's trapped in Limbo. But with Zauriel's sonic scream, invulnerable sword, and knowledge of the supernatural--well, let's put it this way; Hawkman can stay in Limbo. In addition to the original story line and awesome new character, these issues captured some great imagery of Superman. Real nobility showed through, proving even with his new suit and powers, he was still the symbol for all things just and good. In issue six, as Flash is organizing the trophy room, Supes stands in the background holding a giant model of the Earth over his head. Definite symbolism. And when Asmodel blasts him in issue seven, he's shocked when the Man of Tomorrow is unscathed. Only the purest souls can withstand the beam, he says. Perhaps Superman is a bit Heaven-sent himself.

NUMBER FOUR
DC One Million

Eight hundred thirty-three centuries later, the Justice League is still going strong. This series shows the best of the new, the old, and everything in between.

DC One Million
when: DC One Million #1-4, JLA #1,000,000 (Nov 98)
the plot: One million months from the dawn of superheroes--the 853rd Century--the original Superman is to return from inside the sun. The future JLA swaps places with the current League for the event, but a terrible supervillain haunts the future and a deadly virus is released in the 20th Century.
why it was cool: Although this was actually a DCU crossover event, it followed the JLA more than anybody. It was kind of a revamp of the old JLA/JSA teamups. Except this time, the Justice League was the old guys. The series gave readers a chance to see future versions of the Leaguers--which was cool--but also threw the current Leaguers into the far future--which was even cooler. We also saw the return of Hourman (who originally appeared in JLA #12) and some former Leaguers who haven't been around for awhile, like Firestorm, Blue Beetle, and the Ray. Steel got named the team's replacement leader and the fight between Big Barda and the future Wonder Woman was awesome. Probably the coolest thing in the story, though, was when the future Superman literally punched his way back into the 853rd Century. Each hit sent ripples through time and aged him terribly, but he finally made it to help Green Lantern defeat Solaris. All in all, it was a great addition to the JLA's history--and future.

NUMBER THREE
Invaders from Mars

The Hyperclan served as a great counterpoint to the JLA. Batman's discovery of their secret is a moment to go down in history.

Invaders from Mars
when: JLA #1-4 (Jan-April 97)
the plot: When a new group of heroes called the Hyperclan appears, the world finds them taking action where the JLA never did. It's up to the League to prove that the Hyperclan isn't all it seems before an alien invasion overthrows Earth.
why it was cool: The new series definitely got off to a great start. Even though the JLA and its numerous members have been fighting off alien invasions for years, the Hyperclan's appearance as heroes was a nice change of pace. Their good deeds definitely put some of the League's actions in question. But the cool part came when we find out they're not just any aliens, but Pale Martians. Batman's revelation of this still stands out as one of the coolest scenes in the new series' history. And although it was Superman who ended up beating Protex and delivering the final message to Earth's citizens, Batman really was the one to shine as this story progressed. These issues also demonstrate some of the great dialogue that keeps the characters real. The interaction between Flash and Green Lantern is always fun to watch, whereas if Batman and Aquaman ever speak, you know it's important. There were so many good things about this storyline, it'll remain a popular one for quite a while.

NUMBER TWO
Prometheus Unbound

New villains sometimes fall short of expectations, but not Prometheus. Having single-handedly wiped out half of the JLA, this guy's got a good career ahead of him in the rogues gallery.

Prometheus Unbound
when: JLA #16-17 (March-April 98)
the plot: Just as the League announces its new lineup, a villain called Prometheus sneaks into the Watchtower and begins taking the JLA down one by one. This seemingly unstoppable villain must somehow be stopped before 100 innocent civilians die from the Watchtower's draining air supply.
why it was cool: In a word; Prometheus. This one man army proved he was strong in both mind and body (something uncommon among JLA enemies). Having single-handedly wiped out seven Leaguers and on his way to having Superman commit suicide, this new guy definitely proved he has what it takes to be a nemesis of the world's greatest superheroes. Not only that, but everything he did, he did in style. From turning Martian Manhunter into a puddle of goo to whipping Batman with the Dark Knight's own skills to taking Flash out of the race with a simple lie, Prometheus is one of those villains you almost want to see win just because he's cool enough to do it. And speaking of whipping, Catwoman's appearance was quite the surprise. She's one of the last people you'd expect to show up at the Watchtower. This story offered a lot to readers, and the entire League's involvement was nice to see too. Rumor has it Prometheus is scheduled to return to the pages of JLA in the near future--something to definitely look forward to.

NUMBER ONE
Rock of Ages

Evil Leaguers, Lex Luthor and the Injustice Gang, possible futures, Darkseid, a little glowing rock that can destroy the universe---
this is what makes the JLA awesome! All the components of a great DCU crossover crammed into six of the greatest JLA issues ever released.

Rock of Ages
when: JLA #10-15 (Sep 97-Feb 98)
the plot: Lex Luthor creates a new Injustice Gang with the help of the mysterious Philosopher's Stone. As the League fights hologram versions of themselves, Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman are sent to the future where they learn Darkseid has taken over Earth. To set things right, they must return to the present and prevent the JLA from being victorious over the Injustice Gang.
why it was cool: Sure, you have to read this one through a couple times to completely understand it, but it's worth it. This six-issue storyline--the longest in the new series so far--topped all the others by far. A new Injustice Gang composed of the Leaguers' personal enemies; a Revenge Squad of evil hologram JLAers; Flash, Aquaman, and GL traveling to a future where Darkseid rules Earth and the JLA is a group of patchwork superheroes; the League being victorious only by letting Luthor win; Plastic Man hitting on Circe---this is what the Justice League of America is all about! This storyline was filled with all that makes the JLA who they are. Watching the League fight purplish mirror images of themselves was awesome. Seeing Darkseid's transformed Earth, and then Green Arrow and Atom's victory over him was awesome. There wasn't one part of this epic that didn't leave you saying, "Wow!" Even the little parts were awesome. Like when J'onn altered his mind's composition to match that of the Joker's. Or how about Hourman's statement to Green Lantern, "This is the first time you have met me but not the first time I have met you. The next time you meet me will be the first time I met you." The people at DC Comics are going to have their work cut out for them if they try to beat this series.