Fans of state flags and fans of comic books were able to complete their own Venn diagram last week when DC Comics released its newest series, Justice League of America (the “New 52”), which not only brought together a new team of the “World’s Greatest Super Heroes,” but also featured covers personalized for all 50 states.
Vibe, Catwoman, Green Arrow and a new Green Lantern can be seen on Issue No. 1 hoisting state flags, as well as those for Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, patterned after the Marines captured in the iconic “Flag Raising on Iwo Jima.”
Dave Kruseski of Heroes Comics & Cards in Norwalk, said you can find Connecticut, New Jersey and New York editions in his store, as well as an entire set of the first issue featuring all 53 distinct covers. (There also is one with the American flag.)
Kruseski said these special events tend to happen fairly often with comic book publishers, and are particularly good for launching new series.
“They want to get people to come in and try something new,” he said. “It’s good to get that spark. And, it’s fun.”
Kruseski, who will be in that location for 18 years in April, has seen his share of different superhero lineups. This new series, which is written by Geoff Johns and drawn by David Finch, focuses on heroes who are more likely to operate in the shadows, rather than the sunlight, according to its creators.
In a blog posting last summer, on the DC Comics website, Johns offered a glimpse of what this series was to become:
This is a very different kind of team book. On first glance, people might think the heroes of the Justice League of America stand in the shadows of Superman, Wonder Woman and the rest of the Justice League, but Green Arrow, Katana, Martian Manhunter, the new Green Lantern (Simon Baz), Stargirl, Vibe, Hawkman and Catwoman thrive in the shadows. They’re underdogs who have everything to prove and something to lose. They’re a team of unlikely heroes who will help one another discover they’re as A-List as anybody — yes, even Vibe. Though getting there won’t be easy. Why they’re formed, why each member joins, what they’re after and who the society of villains is they’re trying to take apart will all be clear in the first issue when it hits early 2013. David and I are really focused on delving deep into what it’s like to not be a member of the big seven and why, sometimes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Apparently, what’s coming down the pike is just too much for the Justice League to handle alone.
Phil Post’s clothes