Comic Book Resources has interviewed DC Executive Editor and JLA Editor Eddie Berganza about the in progress “Reign of Doomsday” crossover. The crossover features the return of Doomsday – the monster that killed Superman – and its hunt for the four successors (Superboy, Cyborg Superman, Steel, and the Eradicator) who appeared after it had killed Superman. This crossover has interest for JLA fans as Justice League of America (vol. 2) #55 forms its third-chapter and the four-chapter, Superman/Batman Annual #5 will be written by JLA writer James Robinson.

The inclusion of the Doomsday crossover into the JLA title was an attempt to pile the pressure on the team:

Berganza: One of the key factors for me as “Justice League” editor was that James really embraced this, and it was coming in the middle of his Eclipso story line. We talked about how it always seems that the villains are very polite and take their turns, but the reality is that they’d all attack at once. [Laughter] So here we’re in the middle of an Eclipso attack, and the League gets sideswiped by Doomsday, who came out of nowhere.

Berganza also talked about the Cyborg Superman’s death wish and how James Robinson is using the crossover as a chance to pursue the aftermath New Krypton’s destruction.

CBR: The other key part of this story is that James has been developing the legacy heroes in the League. In the original “Reign of the Supermen” story, the stand-ins took a major role, but the wider supporting cast from Supergirl to Lois Lane to other DC heroes like Bruce Wayne all had a part to play in the bigger event. In what ways does James’ story mirror that idea?

Berganza: Well, not only do we have a reflection of what happened back then, but there’s also the new element James is bringing into it, which is that on the character’s mind is “Hey, this is Superman’s killer. What chance to we have to survive this? What can we put against him?” It’s almost like fighting a force of nature, which ups the ante a lot. And James really wants to say, “This is the Justice League.” They’re not just standing by. It’s a real team that’s fighting back, and each of them has something to prove whether it’s Supergirl or Dick as Batman. Even, let’s face it…you’ve got Congorilla and Starman. [Laughter]

I’m sure I can hear teeth grinding at the statement “James really wants to say”. I like the title, but the constant need for this group to plead for acceptance as the Justice League is getting really old. Nevertheless, the JLA part of the crossover looks interesting even if the overall idea of it is rather hit and miss.