Avengers/JLA #4 Facsimile — George Perez’s Wraparound Finale Returns
Kurt Busiek and George Pérez’s legendary DC/Marvel crossover reaches its explosive conclusion. This facsimile edition captures the historic moment when the Justice League and Avengers face the ultimate threat to reality itself.
There are crossovers, and then there is the one that actually bridged a divide. The JLA/Avengers limited series, written by Kurt Busiek with art by George Pérez, wasn't just a meeting of superheroes; it was a structural miracle. Seeing the Justice League and the Avengers occupy the same narrative space felt like a cheat code for comic fans, and this new facsimile edition brings that experience back to the shelf. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s a masterclass in pacing and team dynamics from two of the industry’s greatest storytellers.
In this fourth and final issue, the stakes have moved beyond simple villainy. The two universes are violently merging, forcing both teams to fight not just for victory, but for existence itself. Cities and histories are shifting and reforming in real-time, creating a surreal backdrop for the heroes' struggle. The only way to restore the natural order is to confront the source of the chaos: Krona. It’s a desperate, all-out assault that requires the two teams to operate as a single, unified force.
The reason to grab this specific issue is Pérez’s art. The wraparound cover is iconic, but the interior spreads during this finale are where the magic truly lives. You can watch Pérez handle a massive ensemble cast with the precision of a conductor, ensuring every hero has a moment without cluttering the page. The visual storytelling here is dense but clear, a hallmark of his work. If you’ve been wondering where to start with the DC/Marvel crossover conversation, this is the payoff that justifies the buildup.
If you’re diving into this finale, consider pairing it with the earlier issues if you haven’t already. The slow burn of the premise makes the explosive ending hit harder. And for those who love the mechanics of how these worlds collide, there’s a certain quiet pride in owning the facsimile of the original printing. It’s a piece of comic history that feels fresh again, thanks to the strength of the script and the art.
Heads-up on the variants: the Perez wraparound tends to move faster than the rest of the stack. It’s the one people gravitate toward first, the one that screams on the shelf. If you want that specific cover art, it’s worth keeping an eye on the stock. This isn’t just a comic; it’s a monument to what happens when the best writers and artists from two universes decide to play together.