By Jonathan Edwards

Last week, I took a more big picture and thematic look at these JLA one-shots with Justice League of America: The Ray Rebirth #1. I talked a lot about how the very design of each one seemed to reflect the respective character that they were reintroducing. And then, after all of that, this one had to go and be written differently. Damn it, Jody Houser and Steve Orlando. Joking aside, Justice League of America: Killer Frost Rebirth #1 really does change things up. The origin story we get for her is little more than the Cliff notes version,  probably because this is the same version of the character that was introduced during the New 52 a couple years back. Additionally, I stated that the previous one-shots felt more like they were a part of a miniseries rather than multiple standalone titles. I feel similarly about this one, but I'd be inclined to think of it as part of Justice League Vs. Suicide Squad more than any other limited series.

After all, Killer Frost was added to the Squad just in time to show up in that crossover, and then this one-shot pretty much picks up right from where that book's conclusion leaves her. I don't want to say too much, as the final issue of JLvSS is new this week as well. Although, I will say that it does finally make some sense of the "spinning out of the pages of Justice League Vs. Suicide Squad" blurb that's appeared at the beginning of DC's summaries for each of the one-shots, even though it's completely inapplicable to three out of the four.

In short, Justice League of America: Killer Frost Rebirth #1 is concerned with Frost's last days under the direct supervision of Amanda Waller. Do you need to have read Justice League Vs. Suicide Squad #6 to understand what is going on and why? No, not really. It's set up in such a way that knowing simply that she is joining the JLA is more important than the exact how or why of it. We learn very quickly that Waller's not too happy about Frost's new gig, and, as is expected from Waller, she does one hell of a job of showing it. What follows is a battle of wills between Frost and Waller. Interestingly enough, I'm not completely sure how to interpret the ending. I have a presumption, but there're some details in the art and writing that do make me wonder if it's really that cut and dry.

One thing this book does have in common with the other one-shots is strong art. I quite like Mirka Andolfo's pencils and unobtrusive inks. There's some really nice nuance in the facial expressions of her characters, and that's something I'm kind of a sucker for.  On top of that, Arif Prianto's color add some really nice pop that rounds it all out. Overall, I think this might actually be some of my favorite artwork to come from these one-shots.

And with that, all that's left is to wait for the main attraction, Justice League of America: Rebirth #1, to be released in a couple of weeks. Really, this has been a whole month of setup, and I'm looking forward to see where all of that will lead. Despite its difference from them, I still think you should check this out if you've been enjoying the other JSA one-shots. Additionally, if you've been following Justice League Vs. Suicide Squad, I'd recommend grabbing this as well. Because, it's really does feel like an epilogue of sorts to the whole event. 

Score: 4/5

Justice League of America: Killer Frost #1
Writers: Jody Houser, Steve Orlando
Artist: Mirka Andolfo
Publisher: DC Comics