Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE #43
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Jason Fabok
Colorist: Brad Anderson
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Publisher: DC Comics
Chapter Three of “Darkseid War” continues, as Batman has staked a claim to the Mobius chair, Superman and Lex Luthor must work together to survive on Apokolips, and Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor come face to face, with the Justice League stuck in the middle.
What I Liked
Often times lettering is overlooked in comics, but the first thing I took away from Justice League #43 was the lettering from Rob Leigh. There was the unique take on Batman’s voice on the Mobius chair, along with each “PING” from a Mother Box, and slave chants on Apokolips as they attacked Superman and Luthor. Leigh’s lettering took center stage right along side artist Jason Fabok cinematic approach to storytelling. One unique panel showed Superman trying to use his X-ray vision on Apokolips. His vision was stunted from the lack of sunlight. Then there was shock and fear on his face when he realizes he’s bleeding after combat.
Speaking of Superman and Lex Luthor, Geoff Johns crafted plenty of character moments between the two of them. A powerless Superman had to depend on Luthor on more than one occasion. Superman makes an offhand remark that without his powers, he’s human. Luthor takes offense to this and says that Superman will be powerless. He’ll never be human. Just the type of thing I would expect Luthor to say.
Having not read many Wonder Woman stories, I am glad to see her take center stage in such a large event. With such a large cast to juggle, Johns keeps the internal narrative focused on Diana. Wonder Woman even leads the Justice League into battle against their enemies.
Finally, there are many sides to the “Darkseid War” conflict. It is the Justice League versus the Anti-Monitor/Grail versus Darkseid. This keeps things from turning into a typical good guys against the bad guys battle. How can the Justice League stand against two formidable forces?
What I Didn’t Like
With long events, the middle portion can tend to drag along. Splitting up the Justice League helps ensure this takes place. Superman/Luthor are on Apokolips, Batman/Green Lantern are going to travel to the multiverse, and Wonder Woman is taking the Justice League to Earth. While I have faith that the middle portion of “Darkseid War” will still be compelling, the fear of stagnation will always be there in an event series.
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
