So, as you all know, thanks to a petition of thousands, nay tens of thousands, we are finally getting a third series of Young Justice; Young Justice Outsiders which debuts on the DC Universe app on 4th January. Prior to that, this digital two-part prequel will be available on said app, 2nd and 3rd of January respectively. Of course this is all moot if you happen to be one of shows fans who happen to live outside the catchment area of the USA only streaming service. Thanks DC!
This two parter tries to give some resolution to the Miss Martian and Superboy relationship which seemed on surer footing when we left the team at the end of Invasion. Thing is, as much as I love this aspect of the show, and I am a huge fan of the show, with yet another time jump ahead is this really the best use of the prequel?
The fact that the books are written by series creator Greg Weisman does give them an air of respectability, even if the plot is ironically for a digital book, paper-thin. Batgirl, Beast Boy, Miss Martian and Superboy head off to investigate Psimon’s recent appearance. Quicker than you can say “watch out for the telepathy” three of the four heroes are sent into the world of “Hello, Megan!?. From there it’s emotional angst before the trio work out what is needed to save them from sit-com hell! Regardless of the plot, Weisman’s involvement does mean that the characters sound like their cartoon counterparts, albeit cheesier versions.
Christopher Jones supplies the art in a style that tries hard to mimic the show, in order to get the obvious buy-in. However, like the plot, the watered down pencils seem a little to kid friendly for my tastes. I am sure that the fans of the show are from any number of demographics, but wasn’t the reason the show got cancelled in the first place due to low sales of the respective toy line? The lack of dynamic art is a hindrance that despite the likenesses does make the book hard to enjoy. Kelly Fitzpatrick supplies the colors in a scheme that carries the kid friendly element and not the darker hues seen on the show. Letterer Wes Abbot ensures that the dialogue isn’t detracting from the art, utilises a number of different fonts to indicate conversation and mind link elements.
It is really hard to generate some positivity for a book that the powers that be have decided I am not given access to read, via their much promoted yet services so few app. Still, that is no fault to those involved in the book; what is disheartening is that this version of Young Justice lite is supposed to add to the mythos, yet doesn’t really add all that much. Maybe DC’s lack of interest in it international fans has actually saved some from disappointment in this case.
Writing – 2.5 Stars
Art 2.5 Stars
Colors – 3 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Greg Weisman
Art by; Christopher Jones
Colors by; Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letters by; Wes Abbott
Publshed by; DC Universe App
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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