Comic Review: Justice League #11

Comic Review: Justice League #11

DC Comics

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Francis Manapul

The Earth is drowning.  The world’s heroes were transformed into sea-monsters.  Black Manta now rules the seven seas.  Needless to say, this isn’t a good week for the Justice League.

Justice League #11 picks up right where the Justice League/Aquaman Special left off.  Similar to how issue #10 started out with a flashback to Arthur Curry and his father, this issue begins with a flashback of Mera and her father.  In this issue, Aquaman and Wonder Women search for the Graveyard of the Gods.  Meanwhile, on Earth, Mera, Superman, and the Flash must defend Earth against the mysterious liquid that turns everyone into sea monsters.

This issue delves deeper into the lore of Atlantis.  While the last issue of this story went all-in on the action, this issue tries to explain things a little more.  Mera is on the hunt for the Tomb of Arion while Arthur and Diana search for Poseidon.

I feel like Snyder is throwing a lot at us at once, which has its ups and downs.  Despite Snyder’s crazy and complex explanations for things in this book, I never really felt confused.  Although many complain that they don’t know what’s going on half the time in this book, I don’t really get that.  I think Snyder does a good job of explaining what everything is.  However, I feel like all the crazy, outlandish concepts can be a little tiring at some point.

Nevertheless, this issue is still endlessly entertaining.  The character interactions in this book are really great.  We rarely get to see Mera and Superman spend time together, so I was glad to see these two in the same panel.  I say it again and again, but Snyder’s real talent on this book is making the DC Universe feel connected.

Perhaps my favorite moment in the issue though was Jarro calling Batman his dad.  I was sad to see Starro die in No Justice, but if that’s what it takes to get Jarro, it was well worth it.

What more do I have to say about Francis Manapul on art duties?  I feel like, at several points in No Justice, Manapul was a little rushed, but here Manapul is on the top of his game.  Some of my favorite panels in this issue take place in a beautifully drawn desert.

Overall, Justice League #11 is a strong continuation of the Drowned Earth.  I’ve been a fan of this arc from the start and this issue is no exception.  One thing I would have liked to see is more dialogue between Mera and Black Manta, but that’s just a minor complaint.  If your a fan of Justice League or Aquaman, this issue is sure to please.