The Omega Effect
Geoff Johns and Jim Lee have been delivering a new origin story arc for the Justice League set five years in the past. All six heroes have come face to face now and have also witnessed Darkseid arrive and make his presence known.
The issue opens up with Flash and Superman trying to outrun Darkseid's Omega beams. Superman is hit by the blast and looks as if he is being taken away to Apokolips. After Superman is taken captive, Green Lantern rages an all out war against Darkseid. His attempts prove futile as Darkseid disposes of him easily. One thing I didn't like about this was that during Green Lantern's multiple attempts at defeating Darkseid, all the other heroes just stood by and watched. That seemed very unrealistic. I'm sure seeing how Hal continued to take a beating over and over again, one of the other heroes would have came to his aid, especially either Aquaman or Wonder Woman. Cyborg I can understand not jumping into the fight since he's just recently gone through a life-changing experience. I just don't see how characters such as Aquaman and Wonder Woman can stand by idly while another human takes a beating and ends up with a broken arm.
I wasn't crazy about the Green Lantern and Batman scene where Batman revealed his secret identity. The reason I didn't like it was that Batman ripped off his Bat symbol from his chest and took off his cowl -- but for what purpose? What advantage did he gain from this? From my perspective, he gained nothing. So if that's the case, it doesn't exactly seem like something Batman would do. Letting himself be taken captive was definitely believable but I don't think he would do so without his cowl on. Minor out-of-character writing aside, I am eager to see what Batman does on Apokolips.
While reading this issue, and the issues prior to this one, you can clearly tell who Geoff Johns favors the most. So far Green Lantern and Batman have been the two characters during this series with the most lines. This being the first full issue involving all six members, Johns for whatever reasons, neglects Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Cyborg. Superman is taken out in the first few pages leaving the majority of the issue for Green Lantern's fight against Darkseid and then his heart to heart with Batman. I'd like to see Johns change his approach on this matter going forward. Why write a team book if you're simply going to neglect certain characters? I don't think fans anticipated this new Justice League series being the Green Lantern show. I for one want to see more of the other characters.
Jim Lee continues to maintain the standard his artwork is known for. So long as his name is attached to a comic, you never have to worry about the artwork. I don't think he ever really disappoints. While I liked the cover for the issue I don't quite understand the absence of Batman from it. He's a part of the team and should have been in the cover as well. Not sure why he was neglected.
For the most part this issue was pretty enjoyable. I only disliked the Green Lantern/Batman portion of it. It still lacks something that sets it apart from the standout series of the New 52. I didn't end up with that same feeling I had after finishing an issue of Scott Snyder's Batman or an issue of Geoff Johns Aquaman. Regardless, you do get the feeling that the series is taking strides in the right direction.
Rating: 3.5/5