Justice League #66
Recap
Last time in Justice League, Synmar, an alien enemy of Superman, attacked the League at the Hall of Justice. While traveling, Green Arrow and Black Canary were confronted by Daemon Rose and someone pretending to be Deathstroke. In Justice League Dark, Merlin is attacking Atlantis. Batman and the Thirteenth Knight have entered the mind of Randhir Singh to save the telepath from himself.
Review
In United Order Part 3, we learn the truth behind Synmar’s attack of Earth. We also get to see how powerful the alien Synmar is compared to the entire Justice League with an all issue battle.
In Justice League Dark Drowned Secrets, Batman and Thirteenth Knight, Elnara Roshtu, finish freeing the mind of Randhir Singh while a combination of JL and JLD confront Merlin at Atlantis. Merlin’s creatures keep the League’s heavy hitters occupied while the sorcerer makes his next move. Having figured out Merlin’s end-game, John Constantine stands in Merlin’s way.
B-story
With only three pages to work with, Bendis continues the hero’s journey of Naomi — the newest member of the Justice League.
The Words
The quiet scenes between the fights shine through with strong dialogue and character relationships (Black Canary/Green Arrow and Synmar/Galana). Batman did not sound like himself in the Justice League story, but he was pitch-perfect in Justice League Dark. Hawkgirl’s words and plot use was disappointing.
The Art
Phil Hester jumps into the middle of this arc. His art style is very different than Steve Pugh. Hester has two, full page scenes, but he doesn’t utilize them well. Despite drawing two of the most powerful, physically dynamic characters in comics, Hester draws us a dull clash of titans. The other full page is a combination of character outlines with unending word balloons. It reminded me of the intro of Justice League Unlimited cartoon. On the flip side, there are many two-page, dynamic spreads. A good example is when the extra League members appear. There are a lot of characters, and there’s still energy happening to both pages. Superman and the United Order’s introduction would make a sweet poster.
In Justice League Dark, the art team of Kumar and Fajardo Jr. continue to wow us with their artwork. A lot of the action happens under water, and the characters look like they are floating; dealing with the problems of water fighting.
Between the Panels
The panel work in the battle scenes is really good. Overlaps. Panel border breaking. Odd shapes. The art team uses panels to increase the visual energy and confusion of a large-scale fight. In Justice League Dark, the two-page spread of Singh’s mind is a flawless use of uneven, modified panels.
World Building
We get a quick tour around the DC Universe with a glimpse inside the Daily Planet and mention of the Tower of Fate.
Who’s in this Issue
Justice League
- Superman
- Batman
- Aquaman
- Queen Hippolyta
- Synmar
- Galana
- Naomi
- Constantine
- Naomi’s parents
- Green Arrow
- Black Canary
- Wonder Twins
- Flash
Cameos
- Blue Devil
- Captain Atom
- Booster Gold
- Plastic Man
- Vixen
- United Order
- Lois Lane
- Perry White
- Jimmy Olsen
Justice League Dark
- Batman
- Randhir Singh
- Thirteenth Knight, Elnara Roshtu
- John Constantine
- Demon
- Zatanna
- Tempest
- Merlin
Favorite Quote
“I’ll take it from here.” Black Adam
Who will like it?
If you like to see the depth and scale of the entire DC Universe, Justice League #66 is for you. Our cast gets even bigger with cameos by many long-time fan favorite characters. We see scenes from the Hall of Justice to the Daily Planet to Atlantis.
Nit Pick
The entire Justice League and a bunch of fan-favorite Leaguers battling Synmar throughout the issue, and the cover has a flag.
I Need More
Black Canary, Green Arrow and Deathstroke have crossed paths many times. Check out some of the best:
Final Thoughts
I was a little shocked by the artist change in mid-story, but Phil Hester draws a good looking League and an entire encyclopedia of DC characters. Justice League Dark wraps up the current threads and prepares us for the next chapter.
Justice League #66 The Hall of Justice has Fallen
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 8/108/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 1/101/10