Justice League of America #228

Published in July 1984, Justice League of America #228 serves as the first chapter of the 'Detroit Era' transition, a period marked by a significant shift in the team's roster and tonal direction. Following the departure of core members like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, the issue focuses on Aquaman's decision to disband the original incarnation of the team and move operations to a bunker in Detroit. This transition was intended by writer Gerry Conway and artist Chuck Patton to revitalize the title by introducing younger, more diverse heroes like Vibe, Gypsy, and Vixen, reflecting the evolving landscape of 1980s superhero comics.

The creative direction of this era was met with mixed reactions from long-time readers, as the departure of the iconic 'Big Three' was a radical change for a title that had been a pillar of the DC Universe for decades. Chuck Patton's dynamic illustrative style sought to ground these new characters in a grittier, more modern urban environment, steering the Justice League away from their traditional satellite base and into the reality of street-level conflict. While historical reception often highlights the friction of this lineup change, the issue remains a pivotal milestone for its role in redefining the scale and scope of the Justice League during the mid-eighties.