Rating:  -
From beginning to end, this book is gorgeous. This hardcover slipcased edition is a tactile wonder. Everything from the cover to every single page has a pleasant, glossy sheen not found even in other DC Absolutes. Now in previous absolute editions, I have lamented the inclusion of both a slipcase AND a dust jacket, (hello, redundant!) I am pleased that this book features both, because it's just more canvas to feature the Ross's to-die-for art.
Now if you're expecting to see a lot of the Justice League together, you'll be disappointed because 2/3 of this book is Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel in their own stories. However, the 80 page LIBERTY AND JUSTICE story that concludes the book is the cream of the crop. If you need a bigger JLA fix, then look to Ross's series JUSCICE.
In short, this should be on the shelf of any DC comics fan, and considering that the BATMAN and WONDER WOMAN paperbacks are selling for more than this collected edition, it's a friggin' steal at 32.99.
Rating: -
EXCELLENT! Astonishing artwork and vivid stories that do justice for these classic DC heroes. NUFF SAID!
Rating:  -
I find Alex Ross to be the best artist in the comic book industry, period. Some people say that a comic shouldn't be painted, but they're just being closed minded. It's about time anyway, especially with some of the work out there being done today. Some comic book artists need a lesson in proportion and figure study, that's all I'm saying. (And for some inkers, a class about understanding the role of light and shadow wouldn't be too bad a thing to take either.)
Anyway, like I've probably hinted, I bought this book because of the art. And considering Dini's past experience, I'd expected the writing to be pretty good as well. Unfortunately, it's not all that great. Most of the stories don't use word bubbles (excluding the Justice League story,) in what I'm guessing to be a sort of different take on the standard comic book. I have nothing against that move, but what came out of it was rather flat. A narrative, I believe, doesn't conjure as much interest as dialogue (which would be word bubbles.) Not that there isn't any sort of dialogue in these stories, there are, but more room is taken up by the thoughts of the narrator, which would be the lead super hero in each story. Of course, to read the inner workings of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman sounds like great fun, but it just comes out rather bland and uninteresting.
Two stories that I think worked the best were the Batman and Captain Marvel stories. The two that I think were the least engaging were the Superman and Wonder Woman ones. Others may think differently, but we all have different opinions, so it's up the person. All of the stories in the book deal with humanity issues, which is a nice change. And the Justice League comic isn't bad. And Alex Ross is doing his Alex Ross thing. So overall, if you want the art, just buy it, considering the savings you get with Amazon. If you're more the person that wants an interesting and engaging storyline, you might want to look elsewhere.
Rating: -
I own the single books from Dini/Ross teamup. Great books. They capture the essence of each character to build upon it a very meaningful and clever tale. Nothing to add about the art: Ross is well known and always getting better and better, with panels as evocative as the prose. The hardcover edition is the perfect way to enjoy these masterpieces (even if a bit heavy to handle.....). But if you are looking for extra material (as the new edition of Mythology) you could be disappointed.
Rating: -
Actually, this edition is more a 7 and a half stars worth of material. The writing, which is both accesible to children as to adults, tells the very human stories of legendary DC Universe heroes like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman among others trying to make the world a better place in their own respective ways.
The writing by Dini is excellent, showcasing an understanding of the human qualities of the superheroes few writers seem to understand let alone place on paper.
The real reason why anyone would buy this would be Alex Ross' artwork. Its stunning realism and attention to detail makes the worlds of the heroes come to life in ways seldom seen in comic books.
This book also comes with plenty of supplemental material by Ross such as unused artwork and promotional material for DC.
Rest assured, however, that Dini's writing and Ross' artwork are reson enough to shell 50 dollars (less even from certain sellers here on amazon). You won't be disapointed. Highly recommended.
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