JLA #43

So this is the first issue of the storyline that shown us Batman is able to take anyone down given time to plan, and the right way to deliver it. It all begins with the real villain of the peice, Ras Al Ghul. He is punishing a follower for killing one of only two cubs of a rare species of cat.

After that, we start to visit the members of the JLA one at a time as they are each taken down. In the meantime, the entire world is stricken with the inability to read. With only Flash, Wonder Woman and Superman remaining, we find out why Batman was not around to help them. Ras has stolen the bodies of his parents.

Not only is this a set up issue, it is easily one of the best you will ever read. The complete chaos that Ras puts the world into, and the ease with which he takes down the JLA, really gives us a better view as to the extent of his organization. Far more so than we have gotten in the past.

Considering all of the information we are given, the book is an incredibly fast read also. Thankfully, Howard Porter has stayed on as the artist, and he brings Flair to the proceedings. Mark Waid, he is so far giving us one heck of a nail biter for a story.

Over all, and excellent book.