“Justice League of America” #6 benefits greatly from the ‘Trinity War’ crossover, as Johns, Lemire, and Mahnke deliver what is, arguably, the best issue in the series yet.
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Lemire
Illustrated by Doug MahnkeTRINITY WAR CHAPTER 2! The War of the Justice Leagues continues as one hero is arrested and another goes rogue. Who is responsible for the evil that has infected the League? And who is the true killer? Only the Question knows the answer…
Sandwiched between “Justice League” and “Justice League Dark,” “Justice League of America” acts as connective tissue between the first chapter’s game-changer and the inevitable mid-arc revelations to come. To this end, this second chapter does a great job of slowing things down, exploring the large cast of characters’ moods and motivations.
Many have pointed out the apparent influence of Man of Steel on this crossover’s inciting incident. Whether or not Superman’s controversial action in the film affected the events of ‘Trinity War’ is up for debate, but most will likely agree that ‘Trinity War’ handles the subject of a murdering Superman with more reverence for the character’s history. While the mechanics behind the apparent “murder” are still up in the air (hints of foul play abound), Johns and Lemire spend a lot of time making one thing clear; no one is more devastated than Superman himself.
While Man of Steel failed to offer closure for its climactic final moments, “Justice League of America” #6 offers the logical follow-up. In a scene similar to Man of Steel’s military interrogation scene, Superman offers himself over freely to A.R.G.U.S. custody. He spends his incarceration mourning not only the victim, but the family that is now broken. Regardless of what happens next, Superman has been irrevocably changed.
Though much of the issue is, understandably, centered around Superman, Wonder Woman shares a fair amount of the stage as well. As character that has seemed strangely segregated over the past couple of years, ‘Trinity War’ goes a long towards integrated Brian Azzarello’s fantastic revamp into the greater DCU. Wonder Woman is in a unique position to play a central role in ‘Trinity War.’ Obviously she is a member of DC’s Trinity of heroes, but her relationships with Superman and Steve Trevor give her a unique position in the ongoing affairs between the Leagues. Also, her Greek heritage makes her a fantastic POV for exploring the mysteries surrounding Pandora. However, it’s disappointing that the origin presented here seems to contradict the origin presented by Ray Fawkes just weeks ago.
In fact, the “Trinity of Sin” is easily the weakest link so far in this crossover. Though not quite as bad as Pandora’s quick in-and-out last issue, the Question’s monologue, acting as the issue’s framing device, is a little over the top. The silly “Watchmen”-esque phrasing aside, Question’s narration is plagued with the much of the same dreary, self-depricating reflection that has defined Pandora and Phantom Stranger over the past few years. Hopefully, by the end of ‘Trinity War,’ these characters will have developed into more than the persecuted plot devices they are often presented as.
It’s safe to say “Justice League of America” hasn’t been in a great place artwise in its short life. While a fan favorite, David Finch’s work was critically divisive at best, and Brett Booth’s quick fill-ins after the inevitable delays seemed unbefitting of the book’s high profile. Fortunately, Doug Mahnke, free from his years of fantastic service on “Green Lantern,” is the artist this book needed and deserves. Doug Manhke is no stranger to the JLA, having illustrated the book under Joe Kelly’s quirky run. The usual army of inkers, including Chistian Alamy, Keith Champagne, Tom Nguyen, and Mahnke himself, work together almost seamlessly. While not quite the dynamic spectacle of “Justice League” #22, Mahnke’s slick pencils help sell the issue’s slower, character driven story.
Just two chapters in, ‘Trinity War’ continues to buck expectations, offering more up more than just standard “Hero vs. Hero” fare. Johns and Lemire are finally rekindling the “lived-in” feel of the pre-New 52 universe, without negating two years worth of world building. In many ways this feels like the New 52’s version of “Identity Crisis,” as small, personal event, with a central mystery and strong hook. Whether or not it follows in those controversial footsteps, it seems like ‘Trinity War’ may be the kick in the pants the New 52 has needed.
Final Verdict: 8.4 – Buy. Great art and a fun mystery make this one worth checking out.
