The Good
Geoff Johns is a crafty fellow. This team and it's existence is filled with so much subterfuge and last issue ended with a crazy cliffhanger that no one really saw coming. There's been a lot of talk and speculation. The great thing is, we get some answers in this issue. Whenever the fate of a character is hanging in the balance, it's easy to leave it hanging for a bit to add to the suspense. That isn't something Johns needs to do. He cuts to the chase and moves on the the next story point.
Aside from that, we also finally get to see Simon Baz enter the picture. Amanda Waller wants a Green Lantern on her team and with the incidents that arose shortly before Baz became a Lantern, he's sort of at the mercy of the government. The great thing about the possibility of Baz on the team is he's the outsider. He's new to the world of superheroes and superpowers. He gives the perspective of the everyman. And it's not a spoiler but his appearance could mean more B'Dg.
The introduction of the Secret Society of Super Villains in the New 52 has added a great feeling of the unknown. It almost feels like a huge threat to the DC Universe has come out of nowhere but of course their roots go back to JUSTICE LEAGUE #6.
With so much going on and the revelations in each issue, you can't help but get excited for whatever may be in store for the next issue. I would have never chosen these characters for a book I would be so into but it's the writing and situations that makes it stand out.
Brett Booth finishes his mini-run on the series. It feels like each panel must have oozed off the tip of his pencil. There is such a sense of fluidity and seeing the members of the Society creates a feeling of excitement.
The Bad
The story is progressing. There were a couple points that seemed too sudden. Of course this is just the fifth issue and there's plenty more to come.
The back up just didn't really click with me this month. Seeing Martian Manhunter fleshed out has been great but this one just didn't do it for me. It does set up some stuff for J'onn but I'll have to wait and see what happens next.
The Verdict
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA continues to be a fun wildcard series. There's no telling what will happen with this team. That very idea is illustrated in this issue. It seems this ragtag group of characters couldn't have what it takes to make it, especially under Amanda Waller's strict rules but somehow Geoff Johns is giving them the edge they need to impress everyone. With each issue, the characters grow more interesting and you have to wonder what Johns' long term plans are. Brett Booth does a great job adding his personal touch to each character and makes the action flow across the page. There were some points that felt too sudden or convenient but for the sake of the bigger picture, it makes sense. Each time I read this series I can't decide if I enjoy this or JUSTICE LEAGUE more. Johns knows how to bring the fun and excitement to his stories.
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