Justice League Vol. 1 Extinction Machines Review: Worth It?
DC Rebirth marked a massive shift for the comic book giant. It was a promise to return to the core of what made these heroes legends. At the forefront of this initiative stood the Justice League.
But does Justice League Vol. 1: The Extinction Machines deliver on that massive promise? You are looking for a definitive answer. You want to know if this trade paperback deserves a spot on your shelf.
Writer Bryan Hitch and artist Tony S. Daniel team up here. Their goal was simple: go big or go home. They aimed for a widescreen, blockbuster feel right out of the gate.
This review breaks down the script, the art, and the overall experience. We look at the pacing and the team dynamics. By the end, you will know exactly if you should hit that buy button.
Let’s get right into the action.
Highlights
- Series: Justice League (2016-2018)
- Format: Trade Paperback (Vol. 1)
- Writer: Bryan Hitch
- Artist: Tony S. Daniel & Bryan Hitch
- Key Characters: Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman (Pre-Flashpoint), Jessica Cruz, Simon Baz, Aquaman, Flash, Cyborg.
- Vibe: High-octane sci-fi disaster movie.
- Best For: Fans of large-scale action and detailed artwork.
The Premise: Earth Shattering Stakes
The story wastes zero time. From the very first page, the threat is global. Actually, it is cosmic. Something ancient is waking up inside the Earth.
We aren’t dealing with a simple bank robbery here. We are dealing with The Kindred. These represent a force that claims to be the true owners of the planet. They are awakening, and the process is tearing the world apart.
Thousands of people are dying. Cities are crumbling. It feels like a summer blockbuster movie in comic form. The stakes are immediately set at maximum volume.
Batman is coordinating the defense. Wonder Woman is on the front lines. But the team is fractured. They are missing a Superman they can trust. The New 52 Superman is dead. In his place is an older, more experienced Clark Kent from a timeline that no longer exists.
Simultaneously, we have rookie Green Lanterns. Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz are trying to fill Hal Jordan’s massive boots. They are unsure of themselves and unsure of each other.
The plot revolves around these “Extinction Machines.” These devices are activating all over the globe. The League must split up to handle multiple catastrophe points at once.
Script Analysis: Hitch’s Widescreen Approach
Bryan Hitch is known for his work on The Ultimates. He loves big concepts. He loves disasters that feel impossible to stop. In The Extinction Machines, he leans heavily into this strength.
The script moves at a breakneck pace. There is very little downtime. Characters shout orders. Buildings fall. The earth shakes. If you enjoy adrenaline, this book has plenty of it.
Hitch creates a sense of urgency that is rare. You genuinely feel like the heroes are out of their depth. They are reacting, not planning. This creates a chaotic energy that drives the page turns.
However, this speed comes with a cost. Because the action is so relentless, quiet character moments are scarce. We get glimpses of their internal struggles, but the focus is clearly on the external threat.
The dialogue is functional and military-like. Batman barks commands. Cyborg spouts technical data. It fits the situation, but do not expect deep philosophical debates here.
The inclusion of the Kindred as villains is interesting. They are a faceless, overwhelming force. They serve as a plot device to force the team to work together. They are not the most memorable villains, but they do their job well.
The real strength of the writing lies in the stakes. Hitch convinces you that the world really might end. That tension keeps you reading.
The Pacing Problem
Some readers might find the pacing exhausting. It is constant noise. There is barely a moment to breathe between disasters. For some, this is thrilling. For others, it might be overwhelming.
If you prefer slow-burn mysteries, this might not be your jam. This is pure action. It is loud, bold, and aggressive.
Art Style: Visual Storytelling at its Peak
This is where the book truly shines. Tony S. Daniel provides the pencils for a large chunk of this volume. His work is simply stunning.
Daniel knows how to draw superheroes. His Batman is imposing and shadowy. His Wonder Woman is powerful and graceful. Every muscle is defined. Every costume looks perfect.
The splash pages are incredible. There are moments where the sheer scale of the destruction is breathtaking. The detailed debris, the energy blasts, the facial expressions—it is top-tier work.
Visual storytelling is key in a book this chaotic. Daniel manages to keep the action clear. Despite the madness on the page, you can follow the flow of the fight.
Bryan Hitch also contributes art to the volume. His style is slightly different but fits the tone. He excels at drawing massive technology and cosmic backgrounds. The “Extinction Machines” themselves look alien and terrifying.
The colors are vibrant. They pop off the page. The green energy of the Lanterns contrasts beautifully with the dark, gritty destruction of the cities. It is a visual feast.
If you buy comics primarily for the art, this volume is a winner. It looks expensive. It looks like a high-budget production.
Team Dynamics: Old Faces, New Friction
The most interesting part of this volume is the team roster. This isn’t the classic Justice League we all know. It is a team in transition.
Superman’s Role: The Pre-Flashpoint Superman is the elephant in the room. The League doesn’t know him. They just saw their friend die. Now, a man with his face is flying around.
Batman is suspicious. Wonder Woman is grieving. Superman just wants to help, but he is wary of this world. This tension adds a nice layer of drama to the action.
The Rookie Lanterns: Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz bring a fresh energy. They are not confident gods like the others. They are scared. They make mistakes.
Jessica’s anxiety is handled well. She questions her place on the team constantly. It makes her relatable. Seeing her step up despite her fear is a highlight of the book.
Aquaman: Arthur Curry gets some cool moments. The threat involves the Earth’s core and oceans, so he is in his element. He feels powerful here, not like a side character.
The team does not function like a well-oiled machine yet. They are messy. They argue. This makes their eventual victory feel earned. They have to overcome their internal issues to save the world.
Expert Tip: Reading Order Context
This volume is the start of the Rebirth era for the Justice League. You do not strictly need to read the previous New 52 run to enjoy this.
However, knowing that the “New 52” Superman died right before this helps explain the tension. If you want the full picture, check out “The Final Days of Superman” before starting this.
Also, keep an eye on Cyborg. His connection to the technology in this book sets up major plot points for later volumes.
Verdict: Buy or Skip?
So, is Justice League Vol. 1: The Extinction Machines worth your money? The answer depends on what you want from a comic.
If you want a smart, introspective character study, this might not be it. If you want a massive, loud, gorgeous action movie featuring the world’s greatest heroes, this is a must-buy.
It sets the stage for the Rebirth era effectively. It establishes the new team dynamic. It looks incredible.
Pros:
- Incredible artwork by Tony S. Daniel.
- High stakes that feel genuine.
- Interesting tension with the new Superman.
- Great introduction for Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz.
- Fast-paced action that never slows down.
Cons:
- Plot can feel chaotic at times.
- Villains lack deep personality.
- Little room for quiet character development.
Final Score: 8.0/10
For fans of DC Comics, this is a solid addition to the collection. It captures the grandeur of the Justice League perfectly.
Conclusion: Justice League Vol. 1 Extinction Machines Review: Worth It?
Justice League Vol. 1: The Extinction Machines is a thunderous start to the Rebirth era. It brings the scale and spectacle that fans expect from the premier super-team.
Bryan Hitch delivers a script that keeps the heart rate high. Tony S. Daniel provides visuals that are worth the cover price alone. While it sacrifices some depth for speed, it remains a highly entertaining ride.
The friction between the members makes the team feel real. The inclusion of the rookie Lanterns adds a necessary human element. It is a big, bold superhero story.
If you are building your DC Rebirth collection, this volume is a key piece. It defines the status quo for the Justice League for years to come. Grab a copy, sit back, and enjoy the fireworks.
For more reviews on the latest and greatest in the comic world, keep browsing Hero and Villain World.
FAQ
Yes. This is the beginning of the Rebirth run. While some backstory helps, the book explains the current situation well enough for new readers to follow along.
This is the Pre-Flashpoint Superman. He is the older, married version of the character who replaced the younger New 52 Superman after his death.
It is recommended but not mandatory. The trade paperback usually collects the Justice League: Rebirth #1 issue which sets up the context.
The art is shared primarily between Tony S. Daniel and Bryan Hitch. Both are high-quality artists with similar realistic styles, so the visual flow remains consistent.
The Green Lanterns are Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz. Hal Jordan is off-world during this arc, giving the rookies a chance to shine.
