This is easily the most entertaining cross-over event that DC has done in a *long* time, if not ever (with CRISIS being the sole possibility for "More Entertaining Line-wide Event").  Morrison writes is big, bold strokes, harkening back to his amazing "New World Order," (JLA 1-4) "Rock of Ages," (JLA 10-15) and the angel two-parter in JLA 6-7.  Everything in ONE MIL is *big* and bombastic.  And it's completely exhilirating.  I sincerely hope that the energy of DC ONE MIL carries over to Morrison's writing on JLA once DC ONE MIL is over, as JLA has become a bit stale as of late. 

The Justice Legion A investigates the annihilation of Montevideo, which was apparently caused by an errant nuclear missile (originally targeted for Washington, D.C.).  Meanwhile, Firestorm, the Ray, Blue Beetle and the Martian Manhunter also investigate the goings-on in Montevideo, while the Atom encounters the Hourman virus up close and personal and Vandal Savage plots the destruction of the world. 

I enjoyed practically everything in this issue.  It was absolutely wonderful to see such little-used DC heroes as the Atom, the Ray, Firestorm and the Blue Beetle being used again.  Firestorm, in particular, had been gone from the pages of a DCU comic for ages.  To see them all return and contribute to a major DC event story is even better.  It's a writer utilized the characters of the DCU, and Morrison does it without, (a) taking away from the plot or (b) hopelessly confusing the reader.  Very nice stuff.  I enjoyed the Oracle-Atom interchange, because it brought back fond memories of John Ostrander's SUICIDE SQUAD, which featured the two character for a few issues. 

Morrison also imbues the members of the Justice Legion A with personality (which probably ought to have been done in #1, but what the hell).  While none of them are interesting enough to warrant their own series', it's nice to see them as something beyond stock super-beings. 

The one thing I *really* like about the Justice Legion A is their powers. Last issue, Superman displayed a few of his to our Superman, including his "super-ESP."  This issue, the Aquaman of the future shows the ability to bond water molecules in free-floating air.  Big, wonderful stuff. 

Vandal Savage is also a fabulous villain.  He isn't complex, but he is superbly evil.  He defines the term "love to hate."  He's evil, and he knows it, too.  He doesn't hide behind some thin pretense, like being a monarch or religious leader.  He's a villain.  And he loves it.  And, *I* love it, too. 

Semieks' art is also quite nice.  It's not spectacular, but his figurework is solid, the action scenes are more than coherent, and the background art is also solid.  All in all, it's just very solid art.  His designs for the Justice Legion A are also growing on me, issue by issue. 

The only faults with this issue are the lettering at the beginning of the issue (the Blue Beetle's journal text is somewhat difficult to read) and two story points I disliked.  I dislike the fact that the JLA didn't even appear for one panel in this issue (apparently, they're busy in their own titles) and I also dislike the fact that this issue's cliffhanger (with the Titans in the nuclear-equipped Rocket Red suits) is resolved in other comics.  Hopefully, Morrison will at least make a note of it next issue. 

Beyond that, however, this mini-series is going along swimmingly. 
 

Score:  A    
  

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