Justice League #14
Robert Struble
Recap
Batman, in his frustration over losing the Totality to Luthor and crew, is using Starro to mind-meld with Starman to unlock the secrets of the Totality and Source Wall. The experience, however, is not pleasant and Batman nearly dies before Superman arrives and rips Starro from Starman’s face.
On Thanagar Prime, Martian Manhunter, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern arrive, seeking answers regarding the Source Wall, the Totality, and Hawkgirl’s wings. They are greeted by the current Queen of Thanagar, Shayera Hol. She appears to be friendly towards the Justice League, inviting them to be her guests.
However, it’s not all as it seems. Shayera raises more questions than answers, especially since she shouldn’t even exist as she is one of the former lives of Hawkgirl. And when Hawkgirl gains a glimpse into Shayera’s mind, a horrible truth is revealed. But before the League can act, the soldiers of Thanagar lock them down, led by Hawkman.
On Earth, Starman suddenly erupts in energy as Superman declares they must evacuate the Earth before he explodes.
Review
Phase two of Snyder and Tynion’s massive undertaking into the Justice League takes us far away into a world that is more hostile than it should be. There are dark secrets on Thanagar, both in relation to the Nth metal, Kendra’s past, and J’onn’s people.
To be honest, this issue is almost perfect.
The art is amazing. My personal preference is for Cheung and Morales to have done the entire issue, but Segovia’s Thanagar is beautifully done. Every single panel of this book is pleasing to look at.
The smaller character moments really drive it home. Kendra is a woman trying to find out more about her past, John Stewart marvels at the architecture and J’onn J’onzz is just hoping to find any sign of his people. He’s a man totally lost in the universe.
And Batman’s guilt over having been bested by the Legion of Doom is the perfect way to write a hero who never lets weakness show.
However, I said it was almost perfect… Superman’s response at the very end had me rolling my eyes. I mean, I get it’s a comic book, but to say we have to evacuate the earth? In seconds? The cheese was too much.
Still, it’s only a small crack in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable book.
Final Thoughts
The creative team did wonders for this new storyline, especially focusing on Leaguers that aren’t usually in the spotlight. The art is fantastic and the story is filled with intrigue and mystery. It’s a great chapter and if you haven’t been reading Justice League, maybe now’s the time.
Justice League #14: Too Many Secrets
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10