The newest Justice League ‘Odyssey’

Matt Withers, Arts Editor

After DC comics writer Scott Snyder penned the events of “Dark Knights: Metal” he promised he would change the foundations of DC Universe as we know it.

Following the end of Metal, he’s followed through on that promise, by taking up the reigns of the “Justice League” and bringing in two of his friends to write two brand new Justice League titles. Which brings us to now, with Joshua Williamson writing the new space faring team, “Justice League Odyssey.”

The title opens with the current Green Lantern, Jessica Cruz patrolling a newly discovered and unstable sector of space. She starts talking to himself about how boring this new job is, that she took it to get away from Earth and get some more excitement in her life but so far, nothing interesting has happened.

In the middle of her complaining, an enemy alien ship burst out of nowhere piloted by veteran League member Cyborg, alongside his long-time friend Starfire. Jessica attacks the ship but quickly realizes it’s her friends that are on board. During this fight it’s revealed that there is a stowaway on board the ship, the Batman apprentice Jean Paul Valley, also known as Azrael.

It turns out the three have come to the edge of space because something deep inside of them has been calling them for weeks. The ship crash lands on one of the planets with no way off. Then out of the shadows steps the Justice League’s greatest enemy Darkseid. And with that the new team has been formed.

The first issue of Odyssey, written by Joshua Williamson is fine as far as issues go. The characters are fun and bounce off of each other extremely well. Jessica is nervous and trying to maintain some sense of order. Cyborg is the vet and defacto leader of the crew. Azrael is a fun oddball pick to throw on this space-based team, especially with characters I don’t think he has ever interacted with before.

I’m excited to see where things go, but for the most part, this first issue is extremely paint by numbers. Its main job is to introduce you to the characters and setting of the next couple issues and to try and get you pumped for the rest of the arc.

Where this issue really stands out is the art by Stjepan Sejic. His character work is expressive with no one making the same face is multiple panels. With the amount of detail that he puts into each and every panel I’m not sure how he gets any work done at all.

The stand out moment for me is the final page that depicts Darkseid walking toward our heroes. The single image shows the intimidating stature of the villain, silhouetted by the foggy painted background.

Overall “Justice League Odyssey” #1 was a average first issue with some above average art. Knowing Williamson’s writing I’m excited to see where he goes with this story and this team.

The only other thing dragging this book down is that the main “Justice League” is also heavily based in space, making this title a little derivative. I would recommend you wait until the first story arc wraps up before picking up this title.