Justice League: Origin (Comics) | Review

How do you reinvent the most famous superhero team without losing what made them legendary? Geoff Johns (Avengers: Red Zone, Avengers: Standoff) and Jim Lee (Batman: Hush, Superman Unchained) answered that challenge by stripping away decades of continuity and rebuilding the Justice League from scratch.

This isn't just another team-up story– it's a complete reimagining that treats these iconic heroes as strangers meeting for the first time under terrible circumstances. Released as the flagship title of DC's New 52 initiative following Flashpoint, Origin carries enormous pressure.

Johns and Lee don't just meet expectations– they exceed them by crafting a story that feels both familiar and completely fresh. The result became the template for how modern superhero teams should form, influencing everything from movies to animated series.

The story begins with inexperienced superheroes operating under public suspicion, with Batman discovering a dark threat that requires him to unite others. What starts as separate investigations quickly escalates into something much larger when mysterious alien technology begins appearing across major cities worldwide.

Batman and Green Lantern's first meeting sets the tone perfectly– two heroes with completely different approaches forced to work together against an enemy neither fully understands. Their conflicting personalities create immediate tension that drives the story forward.

Their dynamic drives much of the early tension, with Batman's skepticism clashing against Hal Jordan's cosmic perspective. This initial conflict establishes the trust issues that will define the team throughout the story, creating authentic obstacles to overcome.

The alien invasion escalates when Parademons start attacking population centers, revealing Darkseid's interest in Earth. But the real genius lies in how Johns introduces each character through their individual responses to this escalating crisis.

Superman appears not as the confident leader we know but as a young hero still figuring out his place in the world. Wonder Woman brings her fierce warrior mentality to modern conflicts she doesn't fully comprehend, creating fascinating cultural clashes throughout.

Victor Stone's transformation into Cyborg becomes crucial to the story, with his cybernetic parts now incorporating Apokoliptian technology. This change elevates him from Teen Titans member to Justice League founder, giving the team their technological edge while adding personal stakes to the threat of Darkseid.

The Flash and Aquaman round out the roster, each bringing unique perspectives to the chaos unfolding around them. Barry Allen's scientific mind helps decode the alien technology, while Arthur Curry provides crucial intel about threats emerging from Earth's oceans.

Their contributions feel organic rather than forced, avoiding the trap of giving everyone equal screen time just for balance. Each hero earns their moments through meaningful actions that advance the plot and develop their individual character arcs naturally.

What makes this premise work is how it treats superhero cooperation as genuinely difficult. These aren't experienced teammates– they're individuals with conflicting methods and goals forced together by circumstances beyond their control.

The formation feels earned because the threat is large enough to require their combined efforts while remaining personal enough to matter to each character. This balance makes their eventual cooperation feel inevitable yet genuinely satisfying when it happens.

The Darkseid revelation transforms the story from simple invasion tale to cosmic mythology. His presence elevates the stakes beyond Earth, establishing threats that will define the New 52 universe for years to come. The introduction sets up future storylines while providing satisfying closure to the immediate crisis for the heroes.

Jim Lee's artwork brings cinematic scope to every page, making each character feel larger than life without sacrificing human moments. His redesigned costumes respect classic elements while adding modern touches that work in both comics and other media.

The action sequences flow with explosive energy that never becomes confusing or cluttered. 

Lee's character designs shine brightest during quieter moments between the chaos. Batman's intimidating presence translates perfectly to the page, while Superman's youthful uncertainty comes through in subtle facial expressions.

Johns' writing balances character development with plot advancement expertly. Each hero gets moments to shine without the story feeling episodic or disconnected. The dialogue feels natural for each character while avoiding the exposition dumps that plague many team origin stories.

The pacing builds momentum from individual encounters to full-scale invasion without rushing past important character beats. Johns understands that readers need time to invest in these relationships before action sequences pay off emotionally. The humor feels organic, emerging from character interactions rather than forced comedy.

Origin succeeds as both an accessible entry point for new readers and a satisfying reboot for longtime fans. Johns and Lee create a version of the Justice League that honors decades of history while feeling completely contemporary and relevant.

The storyline works because it treats team formation as a genuine challenge rather than an inevitable outcome. These heroes earn their legendary status through struggle and sacrifice, making their eventual co-operation feel meaningful.

Whether you're interested in superhero team dynamics, cosmic threats, or character-driven action, Origin delivers on all fronts. It's the rare reboot that justifies its existence by improving on what came before while respecting the source material that made these characters iconic.

This storyline directly connects to future New 52 events including the Darkseid War and various Apokoliptian threats that define the universe going forward. The character relationships established here become the emotional foundation for years of subsequent stories.

Justice League: Origin complete arc is collected in Justice League Vol. 1: Origin trade paperback and deluxe editions, widely available at comic shops, bookstores and online retailers. For digital readers, it can be accessed on ComiXology, Kindle and DC Universe Infinite.