While I was aware of Alan Moore's stint on Supreme, during which he added an incredible amount of history and totally redefined the hero, I did not know of his involvement with this particular title until the trade paperback release. For those of you who are fans of his work on Supreme, you owe it to yourself to pick up JUDGMENT DAY.
The plot, in short: the Awesome Entertainment superhero community is shocked by the murder of Youngblood member Riptide. The prime suspect is fellow Youngblood member Knightsabre; however, during the trial, it is revealed that details of the case originate at the dawn of time. What follows is a series of flashbacks over thousands of years in the Awesome Comics universe, building to a surprise conclusion. As in Supreme, Moore weaves a very complex story, strengthened by the involvement of "Silver Age" characters he introduced in Supreme, as well as analogues of other famous comic and literary characters. As a result, Youngblood is provided with a history of sorts. The framing story is illustrated by Rob Liefeld, with the flashback sequences handled by a host of guest-artists, including Chris Sprouse and the great Gil Kane. Also included is an overview of some of Moore's other Silver Age characters, in a story that is a tribute to, and illustrated by, Gil Kane. Additionally, there is a kick-off for another Youngblood series featuring Shaft, Suprema, and a handfull of new characters.
So, the story alone warrants 5 stars. What really solidifies the rating for this book, however, is the message that Alan Moore presents to the reader: the fact that Youngblood and other Liefeld characters are angry, bloodthirsty, conflict-motivated anti-heroes that changed the face of comics for the worse. He shows that, compared to the comic characters of yesteryear, this type of character is ridiculous and irrelevant. It's so fitting that, as the members of Youngblood listen to testimony during the trial, they begin to realize that they are out of their league. Rightly so! What's so amazing is that Moore could present this message with Liefeld's say-so. Who knows... maybe Liefeld has actually come to realize this?
But even if Liefeld's approach to superheroes has possibly matured, his artwork certainly hasn't. It amazes me that, after 15 years in the industry, the man still has no understanding of layouts and anatomy.