Lex Luthor a hero? Intrigue? A tantalizing tease of a page that promises big changes for the future of the New 52? Batman proving why he’s the Justice League’s greatest asset? The Doom Patrol! All this and more is contained in the fun and highly emotional “Justice League” #33 by writer Geoff Johns and artist Doug Mahnke.
Written by Geoff Johns
Illustrated by Doug MahnkeThe shocking conclusion to “THE INJUSTICE LEAGUE” leads to a startling confrontation with the all-new, all-dangerous Doom Patrol! And in the wake of it all, a secret will be revealed that will bond two members forever – and break two members apart. Plus, Shazam unlocks a new power that will send a shockwave through the League.
“My name is Lex Luthor and I am one of the world’s greatest heroes.” Lex has appeared to at least partially proven this statement with his actions during and after the events of “Forever Evil”. But does he have ulterior motives?
In “Justice League” #33, the meaning of events and characters’ motivations are not exactly easy to discern. The continuation of Niles Caulder and his Doom Patrol’s story continues in this issue, with their future quite hazy at the moment. The new Power Ring, Jessica Cruz, has a large role in this issue and remains an intriguing character that struggles between the light and the dark. The League appears stronger than ever despite its shakeups and the future, judging from this issue, only promises upheaval.
(Side note: the solicit does not match what happens in the issue. Maybe we’ll get all that next issue!)
There are high stakes to many of Johns’ stories, with both physical action and character interaction pushing the plot forward. It’s fun to see Caulder and Lex clashing with their fists as well as their brains. We don’t know much about Caulder and his Doom Patrol, but Johns has definitely set up this modern iteration of a classic team to be major players in the future. One of Johns’ strengths (and one of the ways he sets the stakes high in a story) is to create threads that are slowly weaved from issue to issue and lead to resonant payoffs. Whether teasing us with one page that is a continuation from “Forever Evil” and promises a threatening adversary or writing a convincing and poignant conversation between heroes, Johns is able to meld plot and character without sacrificing one for the other.
Johns is not only adept at writing fun superhero stories, but also bringing his heroes to life and transforming them into emotionally relatable characters. Like he has done with Shazam and others in the pages of “Justice League”, the new bearer of the mantle of Power Ring has a moment to shine in this most recent issue. A crucial moment for Jessica Cruz and the forward momentum of the book’s future occurs between her and Batman, demonstrating the difference between good writing and bombast for its own sake. Cruz, like Johns’ reinventing of Hal Jordan and his creation Simon Baz, is being set up as hero with a possible path to redemption.
Batman is the central hero who has the most pivotal moment to shine in this issue. Johns demonstrates the depth and complexity of the Caped Crusader and shows why he may be, despite his humanity, the most powerful member of the Justice League. In this particular scene, Johns is able to write a character known for his cold demeanor and add a tenderness that does not feel forced or unnatural. Batman’s dialogue is moving and never stilted, echoing the rest of the issue’s dialogue. Whether writing new or iconic characters, Johns erases any semblance of artificiality and is able to surprise the reader.
Artist Doug Mahnke and inker Keith Champagne are essential ingredients in such a fun book. A two page splash fight scene at the beginning of the issue contains a throwback to the old comic book days of yore by having a roll call of heroes on the sides of the pages. On the left is listed “The Justice League: The World’s Greatest Heroes”. On the right is the Doom Patrol roster (otherwise known as “The World’s Strangest Heroes”). With Element Woman grasping Wonder Woman and Shazam and Batman holding on to Elasti-Girl’s arm for leverage, Mahnke is able to express the playfulness of Johns’ story and prove the nicknames of both teams. The mixture of light and dark comes through in both the writing and the art.
Continued belowThere are a few hiccups in Mahnke’s art that don’t match the overall beauty of the issue. Superman’s costume appears awkward, with the collar appearing particularly exaggerated in various scenes. Wonder Woman and Superman’s faces appear greatly aged toward the end and could be the result of rushed art. It’s only on the three pages before the beautiful (and humorous) last page where the art appears wonky. During the rest of the issue, Mahnke imbues great detail to the characters’ faces. Lex Luthor’s anger, disgust, and appropriate sneer pop off the page numerous times. In one humorous scene, Superman’s forced grin seems painful for the Man of Steel to muster (and for good reason).
Andrew Dalhouse’s colors add a richness to the proceedings that doesn’t overwhelm the art. Each individual costume is colored to perfection, expecially Lex Luthor’s iconic green and purple armor. Its metallic nature comes through and even appears worn on the front of the armor. The green flames and smoke emanating from Power Ring appear thick and electric.
Although not every character of the Justice League has a moment to shine in this month’s issue, Johns gives every player in this particular issue a chance (whether large or small) to shine. Johns is an expert at juggling characters and plot points and still tell a poignant tale with characters deserving of our adoration and concern. This is a perfect place to jump into the world of the Justice League because big things are about to happen. The conclusion to the “Injustice League” storyline only intensifies and piles on more complications to the everyday lives of the DC Universe’s greatest superhero team.
Final Verdict: 9.0 – “Justice League” #33 may be the end of an arc but it’s the beginning of a drastic new direction for the World’s Greatest Heroes. Geoff Johns has big plans for the team and possibly the entire DC universe.
