Secret Origins #36

Secret Origins #36 was published by DC Comics in December 1988 as part of a long-running series dedicated to retelling and updating the backstories of various established characters. The issue notably focuses on the origins of the Justice League of America, specifically centering on the silver age incarnations and the dynamics that led to their formation. It serves as a bridge between the classic continuity of the 1960s and the modernized, grittier landscape of the late 1980s DC Universe.

The issue features an iconic cover illustration by Kevin Maguire, a key artist during this era who was instrumental in defining the tone of the Justice League International period. Maguire's design approach focused on expressive, character-driven panels that emphasized humor and interpersonal friction, a departure from the purely stoic portrayals of the past. The issue was generally well-received by fans of the era for its archival value and its success in synthesizing decades of sprawling continuity into a cohesive narrative.

The interior narrative was crafted to honor the legacy of the original Gardner Fox stories while incorporating the editorial polish required by the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths status quo. By revisiting these foundational moments, the creative team aimed to ground newer readers in the history of the Justice League while providing long-time collectors with a definitive account of the team's first mission. It remains a hallmark of the 'Secret Origins' title's objective to serve as a comprehensive historical record for the publisher.