The superhero team-up to end all team-ups is getting a second life. Marvel and DC Comics are set to reissue the landmark 2003 crossover event, JLA/Avengers, as a series of facsimile editions, beginning this May. The four-issue miniseries, penned by Kurt Busiek and illustrated by George Pérez, brought together the Justice League and the Avengers in a story decades in the making.
The revival will unfold monthly, with Marvel publishing issues #1 in and #3 in . DC will follow with issue #2 in and the final installment, #4, in . Each issue will be presented in its original format, complete with classic trade dress and wraparound cardstock covers and will also feature new variant covers.
JLA/Avengers wasn’t just a crossover; it was an event. At the time of its release, the sheer ambition of uniting DC’s and Marvel’s flagship teams felt almost impossible. The story itself saw the Justice League facing off against Terminus, the cosmic destroyer, while the Avengers contended with the alien starfish Starro. These initial conflicts served as a catalyst, sending each team on a quest into the other’s universe, with the fate of both realities hanging in the balance. The series was a showcase for both Busiek’s storytelling and Pérez’s detailed, dynamic artwork, bringing together a staggering number of iconic characters.
The decision to revisit this crossover now comes amidst a period of increased collaboration between the two publishing giants. Over the past year, Marvel and DC have released several crossover projects, including the Deadpool/Batman and Batman/Deadpool one-shots. This renewed spirit of cooperation appears to be a deliberate effort to capitalize on fan enthusiasm for these shared universe concepts.
For those unfamiliar with the original run, JLA/Avengers represents a high watermark for superhero storytelling. It wasn’t simply a brawl between heroes; it was a thoughtful exploration of different approaches to heroism, power dynamics, and the very nature of reality. The series tackled complex themes while delivering the kind of large-scale action that fans expect from these iconic teams. The creative pairing of Busiek and Pérez was particularly crucial to its success. Busiek, known for his work on Marvels and his deep understanding of superhero lore, crafted a narrative that respected both universes. Pérez, a legendary artist celebrated for his meticulous detail and ability to render large casts of characters, brought the crossover to life with stunning visuals.
The facsimile editions are more than just reprints; they’re a preservation of a significant moment in comic book history. By presenting the series in its original form, Marvel and DC are allowing a new generation of readers to experience JLA/Avengers as it was intended. The return of this series also fuels speculation about future crossovers. While nothing has been officially announced, the success of these recent collaborations suggests that more ambitious team-ups could be on the horizon. Fans have already expressed hope for projects like a Batman/Hulk treasury edition or a new iteration of the X-Men/New Teen Titans crossover.
Preorders for JLA/Avengers #1 Facsimile Edition are currently open at local comic shops. The staggered release schedule throughout the summer provides a unique opportunity for fans to revisit this classic event or discover it for the first time. The return of JLA/Avengers isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it’s a reminder of the power of shared storytelling and the enduring appeal of these iconic superheroes.
