JUSTICE LEAGUE: INTERNATIONAL - An Unlikely Masterpiece

[@OwenLikesComics]

▶ If you enjoyed this video, consider supporting Owen Likes Comics on Patreon: www.patreon.com/owenlikescomics

[@lordbendtner6404]

You mean fade-away classify it as obsolete

[@purplewraith]

Owen was Jason Todd killed before Barbara Gordon was crippled?

[@joelsilva699]

About the JLI omnibuses, do they contain everything about Justice League International or is there more material for a third omnibus?

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

The locker room, behind-the-scenes book superhero comics really needed.

[@frozarburst6350]

It's funny. This series basically is what modern DC wants to be but can't. It's hilarious in a way

[@mayotango1317]

No, is more like the MCU is now.

[@monelmonelmonel]

@@mayotango1317 What? It's like you repeated what he meant... JL was edited to be like most MCU's hero films...

[@domgeek5632]

Because JLI came naturally. They just need a writer who can handle the wit and darkness of it all.

[@stephennewberry9815]

​@@monelmonelmonel. Just what the...? They edited it to be like the mcu?! You DO KNOW that this run was out a quarter of a century before any mcu film was released. The mcu is a pile of..... s

[@monelmonelmonel]

@@stephennewberry9815 I was talking about how Joss Whedon put the Marvel formula in the Justice League movie and butchered it, pertaining to what the comment said.

[@tatelangdon5370]

This is the run that made guy gardner my favorite green lantern

[@owensreviews625]

You know, I’ve always the JLI was a very underrated version of the League and deserves more attention.

[@AngusJo]

Justice League International's Brightest Day series from 2010 is practically a love letter to this era of the team and definitely worth reading.

[@bigneon_glitter]

The early 2000s animated _Justice League Unlimited_ - with scripts mostly written by Dwayne McDuffie - was a successful, spiritual continuation of the '80s Giffen/DeMatteis run. In a better world, McDuffie would have lived to become WB/DC's own "Kevin Feige".

[@srstriker6420]

But then they did brought this version in Batman the Brave and the Bold cartoon

[@loganwendigo937]

WB/DC tried to make Geoff Johns their Feige but we saw were that went with Josh Whedons JL and WW84.

[@o.8.p149]

@@loganwendigo937 Aquaman wasn’t that great

[@juliagoodwin9510]

...reality sucks.

[@daelen.cclark]

@@loganwendigo937 Shazam and Aquaman I found to be great.

[@mcurran6505]

The "one punch" scene is without a doubt one of my favorite moments when reading JLI.

[@Saintbow]

Mine was when Booster and BB stole Manhunters cookies.

[@daelen.cclark]

@@Saintbow Technically that was in the Martian manhunter solo series, but that was indeed great.

[@blockmasterscott]

I love Booster and Beetle stealing JLA funds to start an island casino, and that super criminal with the worst luck ever suddenly won the jackpot and wiped them out financially. I'm laughing now just thinking about it. 🤣🤣🤣

[@blockmasterscott]

@@Saintbow OMG I remember that! That was hilarious!

[@Gescelio]

The writing of this series was a masterpiece. A sitcom with heroes... fantastic.

[@daelen.cclark]

Anyone else want him to talk about the 1998 Young Justice series? It's a lot like this series.

[@AlonzoTompkins]

“Lighten up a little, will you? My god- you’re positively grim!” - Batman My favorite quote from JLI

[@DC.edit347]

Was that a joke? If that's a joke I'm out

[@blockmasterscott]

OMG, Hawkman about had a stroke when Bats said that.

[@zombiehampster1397]

Great line. You have to see the images and context for it to be funny. Also a certain sense of humor is required.

[@bigneon_glitter]

_"One punch!"_ That modest DeMatteis run seems like the gold standard that every modern comic book film has been grasping & clawing to achieve.

[@FragItAll]

poor Black Canary😢😂

[@rolandkatsuragi]

It's unfortunate that the series ended on such a grim note despite it's positive outlook for the heroes

[@christianlorre]

Giffen and DeMatteis have such a specific style of writing. All the snarky things people say under their breath, the extremely detailed facial expressions... and then they made Hero Squared which they even had a Justice League Antarctica reference!

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis had created the best dialogues in their run with the JLI while Kevin Maguire's art brings life to every characters in each panel. The only gripe I have is the quality of paper that DC used back in the '90s.

[@reidcunningham5906]

Another great thing about this series was how expressive and hilarious the faces are

[@CoinOpTV]

Such a classic comic run!

[@greenteaservice]

This was my justice league. I remember my older sister buy me these when I was a kid. When she passed away in 2021 I started collecting this entire run

[@IzayaLee1725]

I never had any idea how important the Justice League International was to the DC landscape. I always thought it was something that they did as an experiment but wow I really had no idea. In a way this story feels like the New Avengers but for the Justice League.

[@elizabethmolino8262]

Well seeing that Justice League inspired the creation of Avengers.

[@OllieConnorsFilms]

My favorite iteration of the justice league! But Grant Morrison’s line up still has a special place in my heart.

[@theredrobin]

Yes! One of my favourite Justice League Runs! It made me love these team members. Even the Justice League Europe Run! Really excited to see the video! "Bwa ha ha ha!!"

[@BucketSentry]

I wish there were more animated adaptions of this era, closest we got is brave and the bold but a film of this crew would have been great!

[@rafaidan]

Justice League International And West Coast Avengers are 100% my favorite versions of their respective teams, I just like that they shined the Less known characters and I think it’s great!

[@DanielValentin0508]

I’d love to see you do Spider-Man 2099, Peter David and his resurrection in media years after his series was cancelled. Loved the video!!!!

[@OwenLikesComics]

It's on the cards to happen eventually, I'd like to do a deep dive into the entire 2099 series at some point.

[@carbondragon]

Over the past few decades, comic stories have gotten darker and darker. JLI and JLE were a wonderful lighthearted fun period that I really liked. The characters were actually developed (unlike say the DC cinematic universe) and fun and had a real relationship with each other. The closest the originals got to this was a few panels in a later JL comic where Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman get together for lunch in civilian clothes. That kind of easy intimacy is strong with JLI but tends to go missing in many other iterations.

[@parkb5320]

I remember at the time when this series originally came out, my friends an I were playing the DC Heroes role playing game by Mayfair. I was the only dedicated comic book reader and when I picked up Justice League #1, I was like”holy shit, this is just like our DC Heroes games!” I brought the comic to our next game and everyone loved it! I made life long comic book readers out of them. This series will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@shanechannel7066]

CoIE was basically DC's way of hitting the reset button.

[@coryway6951]

This was the first comic series I read issue to issue back in the late 80's. I picked it up later in the run and had to scour 2nd hand book stores to work backward and fill in the gaps. It was unlike anything else, the characters were characters and the freedom they had to tell simple, but funny day to day stories like Guy taking Ice on a date was a breath of fresh air. Image my surprise when Knight Models loving produced a Justice League International miniatures. The 10 year old in me freaked. Seems like there is indeed some people, like me are pretty nostalgic for that run.

[@Mike_oliver1313]

I can’t wait for this video! I loved JLI growing up in the 80’s

[@alexandrefrauches132]

While I prefer the satellite era and the Grant Morrison/Mark Waid run on the Justice League, the DeMatteis run is also good. Besides breaking the formula of the original seven and allowing other characters the spotlight, the stories were very funny and introduced Booster Gold and Blue Beetle friendship, one my favorite dynamic in the comics.

[@outpostalpha]

Justice League International is incredible, and I'm so happy to see you covering it, Owen!

[@stevenoneil5785]

I actually got some of the individual issues of this run as a gift from a friend, I always liked this run and thank god Denny put batman in it

[@Saintbow]

Ted Kord will always be the best Blue Beetle. The Broship between BB and Booster Gold is what we all strive to find. Plus, BB is the first hero to face an eating disorder.

[@alexanderyarini4233]

This is my FAVORITE series of all time

[@DanielValentin0508]

This is in my top 10 comic runs of all time!! My dad showed me the run when I was a kid before I ever actually got familiar with the OG JLA

[@reidcunningham5906]

My favorite part of JLI is the perfect one hit ko Batman makes on Guy

[@rebelpunk13]

It seems Gunn is building up the JLI in the new DCU. Metamorpho, Guy, Hawkgirl, Lord all confirmed in the new Superman movie. Gunn also teased Martian Manhunter and Booster Gold. They can really strike gold with these lesser known heroes with the general public, like how they did with GOTG. Groot and Rocket are household names now. I hope the new DCU gives B and C list heroes the spotlight, they have a goldmine of characters, plus the JLI seem right up Gunns alley.

[@cpc874]

I never gave much thought to the JLA until I found this as a kid. I never got past them as the Super Friends. Between Kevin Maguie’s art and the relationships of the cast I was hooked.

[@ItsOver9000Productions]

if you want more JLI read: I Can't Believe it's not the Justice League, Formerly Known as the Justice League and Justice League Generation Lost. They're all fucking hilarious, heartbreaking and solidified the JLI as my favorite team in DC.

[@hyperion3145]

I like how Dr. Fate just quits almost immediately into International's solo run

[@alexanderguevara3982]

Dude no way, I was just thinking about reading Justice League International, you’ve definitely convinced me to do so now!

[@WinningProduction420]

JLI was such a great comedic take. Hilarious, fun with so many classic moments. Especially the 1 punch 👊.

[@ShadowWingTronix]

The New 52's JLI actually started out pretty good...for the first story arc. Then the second arc happened and they blew up the Hall Of Justice, killed or seriously injured members of the team, and sucked what little potential fun the first arc promised out of it almost immediately. That's basically what the New 52 was.

[@jacobdacosta3980]

Awesome video. This version of the JLA and JLE were my introduction to comics in 1991 and is still my favourite version. Thanks for the reminder!

[@mobyt.3900]

great vid, thanks for reminding me just how great that series was! comics are so self-important and serious these days, its refreshing to see something light-hearted and fun to read. I hope the new artistic team on books like Spider-Man can bring back that spirit of fun.

[@TevyaSmolka]

Ooh This is going to be fun

[@caligulapontifex5759]

Maguire draws facial expressions like no other artist.

[@M.E.plusminus]

It`s hard to believe that he hadn`t drawn any comic before, a few covers and some artwork for the Who`s who in the DC universe; he literally seemed to come out of nowhere...and was phenomenal from the beginning.

[@mosquitopyjamas9048]

I was only thinking of Keith Hidden this morning and how much of an influence he's had on my own fave comics and characters. From JLI to Annihilation and more. Formerly Known as Justice League and I can't believe it's not the justice league are both masterpieces. Comedic yes but with some really heavy emotional punches. Rest in peace to a legend of the industry

[@sorchara9119]

"Whether it be the *iconic* comics, the *beloved* animated series, or the live action films" same owen, same.

[@williamfreemon3878]

The comparison to Guardians is apt. How would a JLI movie directed by James Gunn look? I think it could be great. They really should do something with this IP

[@OwenLikesComics]

I would love that!

[@Windwalker88]

Man , this could be closer then we think

[@DaiAtlus79]

agreed. As well, the Legends Of Tomorrow series (especially the latter seasons) feels like it, was very sad to see it go off air.

[@SecretMagician]

​@Windwalker88 with Batman, Booster Gold, Guy Gardner's Green Lantern, Blue Beetle, and Maxwell Lord being confirmed in the future DCU, I definitely feel like we'll be getting the JLI in the near future.

[@OomaGooma]

Good video. Managed to be simultaneously entertaining and informative.

[@himynameisnickolas]

This Justice League series had just begun when I started reading comics and I loved it! I still have the entire run!

[@mrdgenerate]

I'm just realizing this is the version they used for Batman Brave and the Bold animated show

[@dougexists]

As much as I love what Morrison did with JLA, Giffen, DeMatteis and Maguire will always be my favourite run of The Justice League.

[@Dariushellstrome]

I did not read this when it was out but I enjoyed several graphic novels latter, also I Liked "I Can't Believe it's Not the Justice League and Formerly Known as the Justice League

[@VerveQuest-zc4ri]

I was strictly a Marvel fan as a kid in the lare 70s into the 90s, but this JLA International was the first DC book I subscribed to regularly. It really was a breath of fresh air

[@itamarcatala4355]

you like comics, and I like you man, great work.

[@simonmacomber7466]

I was a huge fan of JLI (and JL Europe) when it was being published. Bought every issue, and read everyone until they fell apart. I miss that kind of humor in comic books.

[@RSRye]

One of my favorite comic runs ever

[@OwenLikesComics]

One of mine too!

[@mr.dccomics9018]

I completely agree...Justice League International definitely inspired The MCU and The Avengers.

[@Three_Tiny_Robots]

This was a great video article Owen. I just found a TPB of the first couple of years of JLI a few months ago and its still a great read. Any chance you can make an article like this about Morrison's amazing run on JLA, or of Kurt Busiek's rescue of The Avengers after the debacle of Heroes Reborn?

[@lanternsown3525]

Good Job! Owen I didn't know the reason why Julius Schwartz picked name Justice League, until I watched your video I learned something new.

[@paulloughlin3732]

Great video (as always!), Owen!!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thanks so much, Paul!

[@raulcasarez2150]

Just watched The Suicide Squad by James Gunn yesterday and honestly if there’s any dc movie he should do next it shoud be a JL international movie with c list superhero’s it would be so fun and downright amazing.

[@thebariobro7664]

With how you describe it I just might pick this run up. Greet job man!

[@seannyhan2254]

The Gray Man storyline is one of the best JL stories ever

[@DaiAtlus79]

the cement that binds the run is Kev Maguire's pencils. the facial expressions mated with more realistic looking people gave it a very cinematic feel, i feel James Gunn's Suicide Squad had some influence from this run of the League. i adore this series/run.

[@jerichosaint9724]

Golly today sure is great. My favourite comic reviewed by my favourite comic book KZbin channel.

[@JoesGeekShow]

Another stellar video I've got a couple JL International and Europe but never tried to collect it, mainly acquired through bulk buying. So knowing how they all fit together is interesting.

[@ChristopherJohnson-wh5xi]

Loved hearing Matty from watchtower database in this :)

[@alexnejako777]

the Justice League from after the Legends event were so much better than what came before. No complaints! And Maguire's art was beautiful.

[@FragItAll]

Favorite run because it highlighted the rest of the heroes.

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

New Teen Titans: Hit Outsiders: Copy the NTT JL Detroit: Copy the NTT.

[@ginofrancejr555]

Awesome video this run as well as Morrison's JLA are the definitive justice league runs

[@OwenLikesComics]

Agreed, I plan on doing a video on Morrison's JLA run at some point this year too!

[@iBluefoot]

Great video, Owen. The JLI plays a significant role in the next season of my unauthorized biography of Clark Kent, Superman: Son of El. I hope it can live up to this original iteration’s standards.

[@seannyhan2254]

JLI is my favorite incarnation of the team. Truly lightning in a bottle. The entire run is available in Omnibus format. I highly recommend picking them up.

[@prhmusic]

That is what I remember from this issue: Blue Beetle laughingly says One Punch? 10:40

[@noahidecomics]

For the most part it was the comic I grew up with and the definition of comics being cool. There were other things, mostly DC as well, but JLI was the champ. I sense that one day, down the road a bit, they are likely to return with a new team of writers when DC need them most, and we'll get the magic again.

[@DoomMomDot]

I loved the JLI. it was such a relief from all the grimdark comics that were being produced at the time

[@blockmasterscott]

I'll never forget Batman punching out Guy Gardner and Beetle kept saying "ONE PUNCH!"

[@Captkahunah]

You should consider doing a video on G’nort. He was one of my favorite characters to come out of that series.

[@blockmasterscott]

Justice League Antarctica! 👍

[@class3times]

I collected Superman and the JLA comics in the the mid to late 1970's. But once I discovered Superboy and the Legion of Super-heroes and the New Teen Titans in 1980, I was obsessed with the teen stories as I was myself a teen at that time. So, I stopped buying the Superman and JLA. But I loved the Maquire/Giffen era of Justice League and started up again! It was one of my favorite titles!

[@neospock5034]

I loved their return in JLA Classified, some 20 years later.

[@dwaynemuth8775]

Howdy,Owen! Great job as always! JL International was a vast improvement over Gerry Conway’s straggle hold on the book for too damn long! The humor is a nice change but I would’ve preferred more of humor/drama aka Peter David but it what is! Secret Origins did a nice humorous update with Giffen plot with Peter David& Eric Shanower! That was fun! International served it’s purpose, making the group quirky but NOT campy! My favorite was JLA by Morrison,Waid&Porter! International was the bridge that way! Comics always need to be creative! International succeeds for that time! Thanks!

[@zombiehampster1397]

JLI was my favorite version of the Justice League. The writing was just ahead of its time imo. Like 30 years ahead based on how Marvel and DC movies are now. I will never forget the issue with the Black Hand...

[@rondajones7526]

I am going to read it, thanks, I love Mr. Miracle and Big Bards too.

[@rogergoza3180]

JLI is terrific, I adore Giffen and DeMatteis so, so much

[@OwenLikesComics]

Hell yeah! DeMatteis actually saw the video on Twitter and said he liked it, which means a lot.

[@astroknight2828]

The JLI was very readable and enjoyable around my childhood days.In fact, i used to buy JLI paperbacks every chance i get.JLA was the ideal team but as far as good stories,Keith Giffin with the exception of Grant Morrison had them all beat.I love those stories.Especially with Martian Manhunter as the real leader and straight man of the team.

[@nope5657]

The best JL book.

[@visualvandal3986]

Who’s here after seeing all the leaks for the new Superman movie

[@Im.myfuture]

Me too bud. Frankly it’s just what DC needs right now.

[@GuardianKyle]

Who else would have loved a Spin Off of Justice League Unlimited with the International cast!

[@darkorhino]

The yellow cat which became Guy Gardener's nemisis 😂😂 This series was the genesis of the Guy + Ice romance. When Despero hurt Ice, Guy unleashed his ring on him...

[@captainwhitebread4616]

Everyone has their take on the "best" era of the League. This will always be mine. Giffen and DeMatteis gave us heroes who were also human...not deeply flawed, but with the quirks and idiosyncracies that all of us have. Ironically, J'onn J'onzz may have been the best example.

[@theunknown7441]

After I finish my gaming backlog its back to reading comics anyone knows what to read first before DC metal.

[@gabriellamarche4818]

Justice League Detroit before was really underrated!

[@sitoudien9816]

When was the last time a comic was actually FUN to read? It was like reading a sitcom. I ate it up. It didn't take itself so seriously. Current heroes look like they sucked on a lemon and became bitter!

[@Karl_Burton]

My favourite run of anything. pity you missed out the 'I can't believe it's not the..

[@OwenLikesComics]

Missed out or am I saving it for its own video down the line? 🤔

[@Karl_Burton]

@@OwenLikesComics Good man

[@joshuaforde1043]

Can we admit that if the JLI came out in the 2010's, it wouldn't have lasted a year? Assholes would have been all over the internet complaining how the creators have betrayed their childhood. They may have even gotten hate mail and death threats.

[@joshjones9749]

I feel like an animated JLI comedy would be awesome. The possibilities for comedy and stories are endless. Kind of like what Harley Quinn is doing but not needing to be as violent or vulgar.

[@buffbeenstuffed]

Based on this video I am now going to purchase a justice league international volume this week.