On Young Justice

Maybe it’s just because I'm a teenager, the same age as the Young Justice team members, but I’m already addicted to the new series. I like to think the wry humor of the creators of Young Justice would appeal to anyone. The portrayal of the young superheroes seems fairly accurate, or as accurate as any story about teenagers with superpowers can be. The scene is, of course, already set up for some entangling romances and confrontations with parents. However, someone ought to inform the writers that *d’uh* is no longer an acceptably hip phrase.

One of the aspects of this series that makes it more substantial is a subtle social commentary. The last two issues have dealt with the recent teen shootings that have had the nation in an uproar with a suitably tongue-in-cheek method.

If you would rather think of your comics as escapism, The series is perfectly acceptably as just a normal villains vs. heroes routine. The creators wisely introduced a teenage villain (although his portrayal doesn’t seem as age appropriate as that of the heroes), and have pulled in the usual dark god (this one based on Hindu myths, lending a flavor of exotica and authenticity).

At some point, the girls are going to have to develop a few more strengths to even begin to compete with the guys for attention. And the writers might do well to remember that females don’t count as a minority anywhere except in comic-book land.

In the most recent issue, number ten, the team has pulled together to fight the villain who is, as often is the case, a dark god attempting resurrection though dark and foul means. The power struggle over who gives commands continues, but doesn’t overly interfere with the fight, at least not yet. Impulse continues to afford comic relief, but this time it actually doesn’t have to do with his tendency to act before he thinks. My main complaint is that we are left dangling in suspense over the fate of Traya’s mother. The obvious solution is for Cyclone to rescue her, but I like to think the writers will either manage the rescue with typically humorous flair or avoid the obvious entirely.

Although the Young Justice series has a few minor weaknesses, I’m confident they will shortly be straightened out. Despite the flaws, the series is still thoroughly enjoyable. I might even say addictive.