Writer: Kurt Busiek
Aritsts: George Perez, Tom Smith(c)
Publisher: Marvel/DC
I do not understand the backlash directed at Avengers/JLA. Kurt Busiek was born to write the story, and even if you don't like the plot which takes a number of unexpected turns this issue, the little things Mr. Busiek considers crowns him as the ultrafan. I never would have for example thought of geography in quite the same way Mr. Busiek does.
Even characters for which he has not expressed an affinity sound and act as they should. He for instance avoids duplicating the events in previous Captain America and Batman encounters. They have met twice before. Their meeting here is invigorating and most important it makes sense.
Wonder Woman's reaction to Hercules makes sense. The way Captain Marvel finds a means to adapt to her foe's abilities makes sense. Move and countermove all make sense. Mr. Busiek didn't just down a fifth of vodka and piss out any story. He thought things through and brought them to his script.
Avengers/JLA is an elseworlds story. You need not be a comic book junkie to comprehend the plot or the characters. Sure if you know that the Red Tornado is actually Ivo's android combined with the power of the Tornado Tyrant leashed by the Tornado Champion, you'll find the story more enriching, but you don't need that instinctual understanding to appreciate the work. Exposition is cleverly laced in the characteristic dialogue, and some scenes need no explanation. When Captain America stares at the Robin costume under glass, the delivery of the dialogue and the artwork not the continuity conveys the impact.
If George Perez wanted to retire, Avengers/JLA would be the most breathtaking of swan songs. Mr. Perez realizes hero to hero battles that should now end the routine slugfests to which readers have often been subjected. The last time we saw Superman this angry was when Mongul decided to give him his "fondest desire."
There is of course more to Mr. Perez's artwork than the best fisticuffs you're likely to see. He creates believability in Mr. Busiek's more quirkier super-hero encounters. We never asked for the meeting between Batman and a mystery guest nor would we ever think of it, but darn if that wasn't simply cool. Mr. Perez's artwork helps balance the blows with scenes of humor: "Yoicks and awaaaaay!" That's not just funny. It's bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha funny. In general not one of the characters moves or behaves in the same way, and all of them conduct themselves within their characterization.
Tom Smith deserves a medal for his colors on Avengers/JLA. The story may look good in black and white, but Mr. Smith's colors add extra tiers at which readers may marvel. His choices of colors signify the cosmic, storm atmosphere to a memorable fight scene and one that joins the list of Batman's most memorable moments. He burns emotions to Mr. Perez's searing direction and gives weight to Mr. Perez's love for detail. Though I'm guessing Tom Smith has put a hit out on Mr. Perez after coloring each strand of Wanda's hair.
Even the comicraft lettering exhibits consideration. The fonts for Batman's mystery guest and Thor speak of their characters. All the talent behind Avengers/JLA make the book triumphant fun.
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