For decades, comic book enthusiasts dreamt of a crossover that would unite the iconic heroes of the Justice League and The Avengers. Their wishes were finally granted in 2003 when DC and Marvel collaborated on a historic crossover event. However, prior to this monumental achievement, there was an earlier attempt to merge these two super-teams in the 1980s, a venture that ultimately failed due to complexities surrounding intercompany politics and disputes.
Recently, Marvel editor Tom Brevoort provided insight on his blog, The Tom Brevoort Experience, shedding light on the original Justice League/Avengers crossover that didn’t materialize. His post features an extensive analysis by DC editor KC Carlson, titled ‘When Titans Clash!’—a piece originally intended for the hardcover collection of JLA/Avengers released in 2004.
Brevoort lauds Carlson’s piece as the “most complete accounting of the project that I’ve ever become aware of, ”although it was ultimately excluded from the final collection. Carlson explains that the piece was omitted because it portrayed each party unfavorably. This narrative delves into the various factors that led to the crossover’s collapse.
Excitement in the Air: DC & Marvel Assemble an All-Star Creative Team for JLA/Avengers
Collaboration and Early Plans
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, DC and Marvel explored various crossovers, starting with the landmark Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man in 1976. The growing anticipation for a Justice League and Avengers collaboration prompted both companies to initiate plans in 1982. With a contract signed, the creative team was appointed, with DC overseeing editorial direction and Marvel managing marketing and distribution.
The legendary artist George Pérez was chosen for artistic duties, known for his prior contributions to both the Justice League and Avengers monthly titles. Acclaimed writer Gerry Conway was selected to craft the story due to his extensive experience with both teams. Using the collaborative Marvel Method, Pérez would begin illustrating based on Conway’s plotted outline, to which scripts would follow.
However, tensions arose when Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter deemed Conway’s initial plot unsatisfactory, leading to its outright rejection. The complications escalated from this point, impacting the project’s trajectory.
The Unraveling: Challenges of the Original JLA/Avengers Crossover
Despite revisions made to the storyline, Gerry Conway’s updated plot faced rejection yet again. Diverging accounts from both DC and Marvel evoke a history rich with rivalry; DC representatives argue that Shooter refused to provide constructive feedback, while Shooter and his team believe the plot was irreparable.
Carlson’s article discusses how months of deadlock culminated in a crucial phone conference between Shooter, DC editor Len Wein, and Marvel editor Mark Gruenwald. They attempted to brainstorm solutions to the plot’s issues. As conflict persisted, Pérez began his illustrations despite the lack of formal approval—compounding existing tensions.
The editorial divisions became apparent, as eloquently noted by Michael Eury in Back Issue #1: “These two editorial camps were incompatible. It was the ultimate DC vs. Marvel battle.”Following a very public war of words between Shooter and DC’s Dick Giordano, resulting in Conway’s eventual exit from the project in 1983, the crossover was declared dead in 1984 when Pérez had to step away from the project.
Resolution: The Long-Awaited Release of JLA/Avengers in 2003
Ultimately, the original Justice League/Avengers crossover was officially canceled due to the loss of its prominent artist and internal conflicts. The dynamics between Marvel, under Jim Shooter’s strict governance, and the more relaxed approach of DC under Dick Giordano made collaboration challenging. As a result, intercompany relations frayed amidst unresolved tensions.
A decade passed before Marvel and DC collaborated again, with the mythos surrounding the Justice League/Avengers narrative continuously growing among fans. In 2003, circumstances aligned perfectly, enabling the return of the legendary George Pérez to finally illustrate his dream project alongside writer Kurt Busiek.
Interestingly, Pérez was under contract with Crossgen during this time; however, a special clause permitted him to work on JLA/Avengers. The story maintained parallels with the original plot, featuring powerful entities from both universes tricking the heroes into doing their bidding. Exiled Oan Krona famously wagers against Marvel’s Grandmaster, orchestrating a competition between the superhero teams. The series was celebrated by fans and marked a sales success but served as a bittersweet farewell, being the last collaboration between the two comic giants to date.
Reflecting on the JLA/Avengers Project: A Complex Tale of Collaboration
The Sweet Redemption: A Better Crossover Emerges
As fans today eagerly anticipate more crossovers between Marvel and DC, the barriers to such collaborations are arguably greater than they were during the initial JLA/Avengers negotiations. With Marvel under Disney’s umbrella and DC entrenched within Warner Bros. Discovery, the internal complexities have multiplied, creating a landscape rife with challenges for any potential partnership.
While it’s regrettable that the original crossover never came to fruition, the eventual release of JLA/Avengers proved to be a monumental and ambitious endeavor, incorporating nearly every character from both teams to create the quintessential superhero crossover. Rather than just a single, abbreviated issue, the JLA/Avengers series unfolded over four detailed 48-page installments, entirely illustrated by Pérez. If this is indeed the last collaboration between the two titans, the 2000s series offers an unforgettable and fitting tribute to their histories in comic book lore.
Source: The Tom Brevoort Experience
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