Justice League #65: Synmar and Deathstroke versus the Justice League

Justice League

The Justice League is attacked on two fronts: Synmar finds Superman and most of the League at the Hall of Justice. Black Canary and Green Arrow are challenged by Deathstroke. Deathstroke attempts to kidnap Daemon Rose, but this isn’t the Deathstroke we expected. We learn more about Green Arrow’s new connection to Checkmate and how the spy-game was changed by Leviathan. Both battles go very poorly and leave us on explosive cliffhangers.

B-story

Batman seems very concerned about the Hall of Justice. We’re left without an explanation wondering what’s so important that Synmar shouldn’t gain access to the building.

The Words

I thought this with Justice League #64 too, but Bendis has a great grasp on the relationship of Green Arrow and Black Canary. Their scenes with Daemon Rose are excellent. The rest of the Justice League often have really odd dialogue that occasionally sounds like something “Batman would say”. Queen Hippolyta did not seem herself this issue.

The Art

This is the second issue for Steve Pugh, and he makes use of every corner of space to fit in this giant cast. I’d like to see him get an entire issue to work with. There’s a scene where Synmar attacks Hawkgirl. There’s so much power in one little panel on the page. It could have been a single, full-page image of Synmar screaming “Thanager!” Marquez’s cover looks cool, but it belonged on an issue of Checkmate not the Justice League.

Between the Panels

One thing that I’ve come to appreciate in Justice League is the character names and descriptions. They’ve been expanded in this issue to clue us into previous events. It’s quick. It’s informative, and I wish more comics did it. The panel work in this issue is inspired and used to enhance all of the action. Diagonal panels, overlapping panels, and binocular shaped panels help with the over-all flow of the comic. Josh Reed adds to the energy and dynamic of the action with sound-effect words.

Who’s in this Issue

• Synmar
• Black Canary
• Green Arrow
• Naomi
• Aquaman
• Hippolyta
• Hawkgirl
• Wonder Twins
• Flash
• Daemon Rose
• Deathstroke

Favorite Quote

“Excuse me, kid, I’m talking to my favorite person,” Green Arrow.
“Yourself?” Black Canary

Who will like it?

If you like the Wonder Twins or the classic Hanna-Barbera The Challenge of the Super Friends cartoon, watch for the Easter eggs in this issue.

Nit Pick

When did splashing an alien boy transformed into water allow Aquaman to fly? For that matter, Grodd can’t fly either. It’s difficult dealing with flight capable and ground-limited heroes, but this scene was just odd.

Comic Connections

• Wonder Twins (2019-) Vol. 1: Activate! collecting issues 1-6.
• Event Leviathan (2019) to see how the DC Universe’s spies are changed by Leviathan.

Justice League Dark

The threads of the two Justice League Dark plots come together this issue. Batman and Elnara fight to free Randhir who happens to know Merlin’s plan. If they can save him, the Justice League Dark might have a chance. The rest of Justice League Dark are joined by another regular JL member as they track down Merlin. Merlin was waiting for them.

The Words

Ram V knows his characters well. Batman sounds like a tech-whiz. Elnara a knight of old. Merlin a cocky villain.

The Art

With just two issues of Justice League, I’ve become a big fan of Sumit Kumar. The art in Justice League Dark is excellent once again from facial expressions, to action sequences, to giant monsters.

Between the Panels

There’s one scene with Elnara running that’s a brilliant use of motion. There are no panels, but it still works. You have to see it to believe it.

Who’s in this Issue

• Batman
• Thirteenth Knight, Elnara Roshtu
• Randhir Singh
• Merlin

Favorite Quote

“I know the truth of what Merlin is attempting to do,” Randhir