Source: JLA/Avengers #3-4 (2003)
Type: Crossover anomaly
In 2003, Kurt Busiek and George Perez did a better version of DC vs. Marvel, and in fact a better Crisis than any since (or possibly including) the first. JLA/Avengers is what a big crossover event should be like, and the fact that it's a cross-company crossover makes it all the more magical. It doesn't end in Amalgamation, but the Marvel and DC universes do co-exist at a dimensional intersection for a while (incredibly, Busiek makes this an awkward one-night stand between Eternity and Kismet), and Captain America lends Superman his shield. And then for a single page, Supes wields Thor's hammer and brings in the Power with a capital P.
I could probably write a while swathe of articles based on this project (which IS in continuity, since Krona's cosmic egg was seen again), but if I stick to Superman for now... Anyone else notice that Supes and Cap are the two who are best attuned to their home universes, to the point of becoming really edgy when in the wrong one? And since these guys are the oldest of each present, it makes perfect sense. Like Cap, most Marvel heroes are "ordinary men" (at least in some ways), lower powered but full of heart. They live in the real world of World War II and American politics. And like Superman, DC's heroes are bigger than life, epic in scope, and live in iconic cities that never were. Cornerstones both.
JLA/Avengers would be cool even if it only had the Perez artwork going for it. That is has a resonant story that pays tribute to both comic book worlds and what makes each one special... that's the proverbial cherry on top.
Type: Crossover anomaly
In 2003, Kurt Busiek and George Perez did a better version of DC vs. Marvel, and in fact a better Crisis than any since (or possibly including) the first. JLA/Avengers is what a big crossover event should be like, and the fact that it's a cross-company crossover makes it all the more magical. It doesn't end in Amalgamation, but the Marvel and DC universes do co-exist at a dimensional intersection for a while (incredibly, Busiek makes this an awkward one-night stand between Eternity and Kismet), and Captain America lends Superman his shield. And then for a single page, Supes wields Thor's hammer and brings in the Power with a capital P.I could probably write a while swathe of articles based on this project (which IS in continuity, since Krona's cosmic egg was seen again), but if I stick to Superman for now... Anyone else notice that Supes and Cap are the two who are best attuned to their home universes, to the point of becoming really edgy when in the wrong one? And since these guys are the oldest of each present, it makes perfect sense. Like Cap, most Marvel heroes are "ordinary men" (at least in some ways), lower powered but full of heart. They live in the real world of World War II and American politics. And like Superman, DC's heroes are bigger than life, epic in scope, and live in iconic cities that never were. Cornerstones both.
JLA/Avengers would be cool even if it only had the Perez artwork going for it. That is has a resonant story that pays tribute to both comic book worlds and what makes each one special... that's the proverbial cherry on top.
Comments
I think it could have been fun seeing Cap wearing Green Lantern's ring. It's about will, right? And who has more than Captain America?
Roger
One of my favorite little side bits was the whole Green Arrow/Hawkeye rivalry. Intentional or not, I had never realized how much alike these two characters had been painted in their respected comic universes.
From the brash attitude to the bird-themed girlfriends, it was kind of eerie to see played out.