Justice League of America, Vol. 1: The Tornado's Path

Loved Meltzers work on Identity Crisis so thought I'd give this a shot and man am I thankful I did. The art was great, the letting ,especially the way they did red tornado when he's analyzing stuff, the story was great and got to see alot of characters I knew but didn't know a lot about and this not only being able to follow the story in a clear consistent way but also learning about these super heros in the process was great. Definitely recommend it and can't wait to start vol.2. Hope its just as good 👍

Let's just get this straight: I love the Justice League of America. I always have, and I always will. I loved the Detroit stories, I loved the "Bwah-ha-ha" era, I loved when Jurgens tried to get it more serious, and I loved it when Nuklon and Obsidian joined the team. When Morrison came along, I thought the comic book gods had smiled upon us, and when Waid took over from Morrison, I thought all was still right in the world. When Joe Kelly came along I was thoroughly impressed, and then, after he left, well, things got a little rough for a while. However, who comes in to save the day but the otherworldly Geoff Johns. And then, well, it got rough again.However, when I heard Brad Meltzer had been tapped to reboot the title, I was more than ecstatic. Meltzer earned my undying loyalty with Green Arrow: The Archer's Quest, and Identity Crisis was very strong as well. I realized from those two works that Meltzer's strengths are definitely characterization and the interpersonal relationships between characters.So, when I gave in once again to my weak will and read the message boards as to what people thought of his work (because I'm a wait for the trade kinda guy) on JLofA, I was disappointed that they were largely saying negative things (I know, the message boards being negative, big surprise). This concerned me, because I couldn't believe Meltzer was doing a poor job.Fact is, he didn't do a poor job at all.The Tornado's Path works in almost all aspects. Meltzer is harkening back to my favorite era of the league, before the Detroit era, and that's when they were one big happy family hanging out and acting like the greatest super hero team in the world. But, he puts his own twist on it. Instead of the team coming together and then breaking off into splinter groups to deal with problems, like in the old days, the series begins with them teaming up into small groups and then coming together to form a larger whole.There were some complaints that this slowed the action down, but this baby had plenty of action from the get-go. Sure, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman spend half the book simply talking with each other, but the rest of the team is out there in splinter groups getting things done. This allows Meltzer to establish the rest of the team and help the reader get a feel for them. It's not like anyone doesn't already know what the Big Three are about, right?I also heard a bit of rumbling because Meltzer has all of his JLofA members calling each other by first name. This didn't bother me at all. I mean, these people are friends, that's what's Meltzer is trying to establish. If you were friends with a police officer, would you always call him Officer Smith? Probably not. The code-names are there to protect their identities, but if the team already knows their identities, why would they continue to use code-names when in private?The Tornado's Path is basically a storyline to reestablish the Justice League of America and to bring Red Tornado back into the forefront of the DCU. I've always thought Reddy was cool, but after Zero Hour, things got a little weird for him for a long time. Thank God Johns finally brought back the very-human Reddy, and Meltzer took that even one step further. Are there some plot holes in The Tornado's Path? You bet, but nothing that impedes the sheer exuberance of seeing the JLofA done right. We've got lots of heroes, we've got lots of villains, we've got lots of characterization, we've got some mystery and humor to go along with the action--this one's got it all.And finally, I'd like to talk about two things: One--I am one hundred percent in favor of Meltzer's lineup. The Big Three is an obvious choice that I'm glad they made. Hal Jordan makes a lot of sense as he's becoming a bigger and bigger deal in the DCU. Black Canary is also a logical choice because of her status in the DCU among characters, and it's high time she became editorially more important. Hawkgirl makes sense because she fills in for Hawkman as Red Arrow fills in for Green Arrow, thus keeping the Hawk vs. Arrow classic feud in an all-new and interesting way. Red Tornado HAS to be on the JLofA and I'm glad somebody finally realized that fact. Vixen is a cool character with a lot of room for growth, so she's a good choice for giving the writer some breathing room. Black Lightning has long been one of my favorite characters, and it's time he FINALLY is getting some respect. I prefer his red and blue costume, but I can deal with the shaved head and bodysuit. And finally, Meltzer is the only one who's ever made me care about Roy Harper in the least. I'm excited to see where this character, who has been around since 1941, goes in the JLofA.Two--In my opinion, you have to read the collected editions of Meltzer's work for it to truly shine. He is a novelist, remember, so his pacing is geared towards intro, climax, and conclusion with lots of characterization in between. I loved The Archer's Quest, which I first read in collected edition, but Identity Crisis wasn't as good for me, and I read that in the single monthly installments. Trust me, those who said The Tornado's Path was too slow may have a leg to stand on if they were reading the monthly issues, but if you read the collected edition, you will be amazed at what a page-turner it really is.The Justice League of America is in very good hands, indeed.~Scott William Foley, author of  Souls Triumphant

First let me say I used to collect comics like a junkie back in the day. Every week I was at my local comic shops to see if they had anything new to get my Batman, Superman, Spider-man, and others fix. As I got older and grew up I moved away from these gems that I used to love so much. It's nice to see that the books grew up as well as I did. I got to say even after all these years away Brad Meltzer grabs the reader and within the first few pages and brings you back with all your old friends like you never missed a day. This story (and no I won't give spoilers...I think a review can be just that without ruining it for a future reader) will grab you by the collar and drag you to the last page. I found myself unable to put it down. I have always thought the Red Tornado was cool...hell I was one of the geeks that had his mini-series DC comics put out in the early 80's. The character of Red Tornado in the comics of old was always trying more and more to be human, but always would fall short or somehow along the way he was reminded he wasn't....and never would be. This was the first story I had ever read where his character was not only handled EXTREMELY well, but turned Reddy ( Red Tornados endearing nickname for those of you who don't know) in to something more then super-hero cannon fodder that could be sent into battle and damaged or destroyed then have the parts thrown into the trunk of the Bat-Mobile only to be repaired later. Which is exactly what he was for years. He was the disposable hero...if he go blown away...we didn't care because we knew Bruce (Batman) had his programming stored on the Bat-Computer at home in the cave along with Robin's term paper. So as soon as Professor Morrow (Tornado's creator) whipped up a new body...Red Tornado would be back...No harm, No Foul. This time the story is different....it's an all new Tornado. Same character...same desire to be human, but this time told by someone who not only masters his development, but all the other members of the JLA. This time you care what happens...and more then once you will find yourself biting your lower lip as you turn the pages. On top of all that you got the big three Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman all sitting around the cave...basically deciding who will and should be in the league. I never thought three characters sitting at a table could be entertaining, but that is just how good Metzer is. There is everything from drama to horror to humor and all done on a grand scale. As for the art??? Ed Benes art is nothing short of amazing. His style is concise and dramatic and these characters never looked better. In fact I think Benes has ruined me...because from now on....I will always feel....That is how Batman should look....and that is how Superman should look and so on. His work on this collection is top notch and a delight for the eye to behold. There are pages that remind you that these are the most powerful heroes on the planet....and then there are panels...that make your heart drop and stomach turn. Remember I said no spoilers....you will have to just see for yourself. So yes, overall I give this Collection...(I bought the Hardcover from Amazon) 5 stars....and well worth the price of admission! Be warned...after you buy this one...you will buy more. Meltzers Identity Crisis is also amazing....and There is also Vol #2 of this League with an incredible Alex Ross wrap around cover. In closing if you ever loved the Justice League and like me have been away for awhile...believe me...Meltzer and Benes and the whole gang at the Hall of Justice are waiting for you with open arms. Thanks for Reading!

loved it

Yes, I had not read this yet, and boy was I in for a treat. The Word that comes to me the most when I think back at what I just read is : WOW !!!! This is a perfect example of why I love DC comic books. I love every super hero , but when you put them together you achieve a greatness that is hard to beat. In my opinion but we canot discuss tastes, all are good. I Will cherish this book for years to Come. A1

I love this story for three main reason1. It stands out in the world DC comics. Because it focuses on an element that I often miss out on while reading DC Comics and why I often prefer DC's greatest competitor Marvel. It focuses on characters. And even while there is a big raster of of them, everybody gets enough time to shine.2. It pays respect to the rich history, and still invites readers who are new to the material to just have fun with a bunch of extraordinary men and women who go to the limit of their ability to fight for justice. That is basically all you need to know. But if you are well versed in the DC lore you enjoy it even more.3. This book has astonishing art work. I mean it will make you feel like a fat lazy lump if you are not in shape, since every person in this universe seems the be at the peek of physical perfection. But I enjoy the mature art style and the action looks amazing. And does not hurt to look at a bunch of babes while reading a good story.As far as the story goes it focuses mainly on Red Tornado who is struggling to find his humanity and connect with the love of his life, while Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman are looking for new recruits for the new Justice League. I don't want to spoil anything. All you need to know is it has great action, a compelling story at it's core, it is a nicely structured, it has well rounded characters and awesome art work. There is not much more you can ask for in a comic book.One nit pic maybe is that you will enjoy it more if have been reading Justice League comics for 50 years, but this book gets you up to start pretty well. Very worth while reading if you're into super heroes.+ it came with protective foil which was pretty nice since I usually buy it separately.

Love this book. High quality as always from Meltzer. I originally read this digitally and had to get a copy. Highly recommend this book!Item was packaged well and book was in pristine condition. The item also arrived much earlier than the expected delivery date. Seller was great as well - I had a question about the item and they were very responsive and helpful.

Don't you dare to miss the chance of acquiring to your own collection this huge compilation of one of the greatest stories ever created by Benes and Meltzer. Imagery out of the top drawer and intriguing plot will engulf you to off limits of your conscience(in the literal sense of the word)find out by yourself,been there done that.