Comic Review: Justice League #6
It's a big, balls to the wall, blockbuster joyride that thankfully has good pacing and compelling characters to boot.
rating: 4.0
As we come to the 6th issue of DCs flagship series we also reach the climax of our debut arc. #6 opens to find Superman captured with only Batman to save him while the rest of the team take on Darkseid in a pulse pounding battle to defend the planet from enslavement.
The fight itself is what you would expect at this point from the series with some welcome surprises. Writer Geoff Johns was smart to allow Aquaman & Wonder Woman pivotal roles in Darkseids defeat, their fighting tactics were a continuation from last issue - in what I originally thought was just a throwaway gag but seeing it in action was very satisfying and very, very bad ass. Its nice to see the team banding together and working as one to get the job done, even if they still dont see eye to eye. Narrative also shifts in this issue to the perspective of a public member which eventually lead to a big I see what you did there moment from Johns that stands as an endearing way to close of the first chapter of DCs New 52s, even if the narration at times feels more like an after thought, due to being introduced this late in the story.
Jim Lee once again is on top form and its no surprise; this action heavy issue contains 9 splash pages, each as jaw dropping and gorgeous as you would expect from Lee. Even with the books four inkers (regular inker Scott Williams along with Sandra Hope, Batt Irwin and Mark Irwin), the style is pretty consistent with very little noticeable difference as you move from page to page.
Its also worth noting that this issue contains a seven page back up story, which surprisingly follows the red hooded woman seen throughout the New 52 known as Pandora, by writer Geoff Johns and artist Carlos DAnda (Batman Arkham City Prequel). As exciting as this story was it brings far more questions about Pandoras involvement in the new DCU to the table than it answers. Johns is obviously setting the chessboard for something big in the universe but its still too early to get a clear look at the bigger picture, the story is only getting started and Im hopeful that the journey were about to witness will be a satisfying one. Art by DAnda is one of the highlights of the back up story. With his expressive, vibrant style hes always a joy to see and Im glad hes getting this level of exposure.
Ive said it before and Im sure to become a broken record about this but for what Justice League is and what it needs to be it does the job to a great degree. It's a big, balls to the wall, blockbuster joyride that thankfully has good pacing and compelling characters to boot. Im glad to say theres no sign of me getting bored with this series so far and I hope this winning streak will continue throughout the coming months.