David Finch hits the bench, with Geoff Johns calling in pinch hitter Brett Booth to wrap up the first arc “Justice League of America.” However, don’t let this last minute creative change trick you into passing this issue over, as the duo stealthily deliver what could be one of the single biggest moments of the New 52 yet.
Written by Geoff Johns (Backup Written by Matt Kindt)
Illustrated by Brett Booth (Backup Illustrated by Andres Guinaldo)The League uncovers the leader of The Secret Society of Super-Villains—but can such a diverse group of heroes defeat the collective might of the Society? And in the backup story, Manhunter goes behind the scenes to learn more about the Secret Society!
A few years ago, in the build-up to “Infinite Crisis,” back when DC knew how to generate fan interest, the publisher released a $1, 80-page comic appropriately titled “Countdown to Infinite Crisis.” That issue, coincidentally co-written by Geoff Johns, featured the unexpected death of the fan favorite Blue Beetle, Ted Kord. That singular event took the comic world by storm, and helped change the face of DC comics for years to come. Now, in the build up to the next heavily touted event, “Trinity War,” Johns appears to pull a similar trick once again. If everything is as it seems (Johns leaves very little wiggle room) then this ballsy issue will have even the most jaded super hero junky talking.
Backing up a bit, this issue begins by picking up on threads from Jeff Lemire’s Green Arrow-centric backup that ran in “Justice League” #13. It seems the new Secret Society are communicating via skull-emblazend coins, operating on an unknown frequency. To investigate the coin, Amanda Waller calls in a specialist on super human energies. Long time DC fans will recognize this particular character as one of the most deplorable villains of the previous decade. However, it seems Johns is repositioning the character, as said individual bears little resemblance to his/her (trying to stay spoiler-free here) former self. Whether or not this character remains on the side of the angels or not remains to be seen, but it would be terribly ironic if the New 52 redeemed this otherwise irredeemable villain, when it has cursed several others.
With a lead on the location of the Secret Society’s base, the League sets out to literally “storm the castle.” Steve Trevor gives the team their very own “Quinjet,” with a fun, though slightly forced, revitalization of a dated “Wonder Woman” concept. From here, stuff happens, and not in a boring, derogatory kind of way. Shadowy backers of the Secret Society step out of their shadows, and things generally go south for the good guys.
As mentioned earlier, Brett Booth fills in for the meticulous and slow paced David Finch. While Booth’s art lacks the intense detail and craft of Finch’s, his softened lines make for a book that is more engaging and dynamic overall. Characters, especially their facial expressions, are extremely animated. Booth’s signature style caries a heavy 90’s tinge, which will polarize many. It’s hard not to think “this book looks like “Team 7″ wishes it did,” but the style isn’t necessarily fitting for one of the New 52’s highest profile titles. However, the art improves as the issue goes on, largely thanks to Andrew Dalhouse’s moody colors, as scenes like the two page scuffle with the Shaggy Man are hard to scoff at.
Writer Matt Kindt continues his backup feature highlighting the enigmatic Martian Manhunter. Unlike the “Shazam” backup in “Justice League,” Kindt’s stories expand on Manhunter’s experiences in the main feature, rather than telling a specific arc. There are the signs of a possible overarching story, however, as another flashback continues to flesh out Jonn J’onzz revised history. Kindt provides an updated and in depth look at Martian civilization/culture, as well as a new justification for J’onzz weakness to fire. Kindt makes the most of his eight pages, but his story reads more like an impersonal history lesson than an intimate look at the Martian Manhunter’s past. Artist Andres Guinaldo, along with inker Walden Wong and colorist Wil Quintana, delivers a striking look at Martian landscape and architecture. On one noteworthy two page spread, Guinaldo spins a typical panel layout on its center axis, telling a visual story of Martian history that moves out the page, towards the reader.
Johns has become defined by his ability to nurture underused characters, his knowledge of and love for DC minutiae, and his propensity for disturbingly graphic violence. “Justice League of America” #4 encapsulates all three of these aspects. The main feature’s final pages will incite equal parts rage and apathy, and perhaps appropriately so. It’s hard, as someone familiar with mainstream comics, to look at an issue like this and be anything be anything but cynical, to expect any kind of lasting change, let alone good change. However, as referenced before, Johns has told wonderful stories out of terrible circumstances. If nothing else, collective comic-dom’s interest in “Trinity War” has likely ticked up a few notches.
Final Verdict 7.2 – Browse. This may or may not be the next “water cooler” moment.
