JLI’s debut issue is snappy and fun, and attractive, even if it lacks any truly outstanding qualities. The cast is mostly pretty B-list, but colorful, and if Rocket Red’s overdone Russian-speaking-broken-English schtick is a bit grating, this is still clearly a team that can produce some fun banter and fights with variety.

Booster Gold is probably the most interesting bit here, because his role as team leader is something he, surprisingly, really doesn’t want. It’s interesting to see this media hound shrinking at this sort of attention, and he could have an interesting arc as leader of the team.

As compared to its heavy-hitting counterpart, JLI #1 offers a better mix of story, character, and action to start with, and is probably more indicative of what the comic will be like in the long run. It’s not incredible, but it’s enjoyable.