Justice League #4
DC Comics
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Jorge Jimenez
Snyder’s tenure on the Justice League continues with an all-new issue. I recommend taking a deep breath before continuing with the review.
The Justice League is split into sub-groups as they deal with various threats, mostly from the Legion of Doom. While Flash, Aquaman and Wonder Woman try to stop Grodd and baby Turtle from fully charging the still force, Cyborg and John fight Sinestro, who has unleashed the full force of the invisible spectrum on them. Meanwhile, J’onn and Superman are battling the giants inside the Totality, and Hawkgirl and Batman are dodging attacks by the Joker and Lex Luthor, respectively. Also worth mentioning is that Hawkgirl and the Joker are inside J’onn, while Luthor and Batman are inside Superman. Yeah…
If you’re confused, don’t fret – I’m as confused as you are. This is the issue where everything seems lost so expect to see the team gaining ground next issue.
What works
Scott Snyder’s story is so outlandish and so confusing that it leaves you saying “what the actual hell” every other page. the scope is massive, the stakes are through the roof and the threats are extreme.
This issue gives us a look at the events from the perspective of the Legion of Doom. I was sad and a bit angry when they decided to take Luthor back to his villainous ways, but seeing this malicious version of him is weirdly joyful. We are also rewarded with some superhero ass-whooping, handed out by the mustachioed lantern, Sinestro.
But the main star of this issue is probably the best telepath in comic books – Gorilla Grodd! He disposes of his adversaries with mind tricks while standing still and explaining his evil master-plan to Flash. It’s so corny, yet so great.
The art is another aspect of the book worthy of praise. Jorge Jimenez does a wonderful job, which is further complemented by the coloring, handled by Alejandro Sanchez. Everything is well layered and nicely textured and the art alone offers some great visual storytelling. Which is great, this being a comic book and all.
The paneling is also really good. There isn’t anything crazy about it, nothing too exciting, but it keeps the book flowing nicely and easy to read. A perfect example of substance over style, which I am a big fan of.
Are there ANY complaints?
I seriously can’t find much to complain about in this book. It’s so freaking good! Some might say it’s a bit inaccessible and they wouldn’t be totally wrong as it requires some previous knowledge of the characters and some of the events. But then again, most team books are like that and, frankly, inaccessibility is a term regularly associated with comic book. Especially long-running superhero comic books.
I also don’t really like the Joker’s presence in the book so far. It feels really off and out of character for him and the rest of the Legion of Doom. Frankly, there are Batman villains far better suited for the team and the role, Hugo Strange being one of them.
Final thoughts
Get this book. Fast. It’s got a crazy plot and great characters. It has amazing art and perfect pacing. It features invisible evil planets and heroes and villains shooting at each other in other heroes’ bloodstreams. It’s got a super-intelligent gorilla with a human baby on it’s chest. I mean, what more can you ask for? Giant all-knowing super-beings? Yeah, it has those too!
Justice League #4
Scott Snyder's tenure on Justice League is proving it self to be a home run with a great story, great characters and great art. A must buy!
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