Justice League #9
Robert Struble
Recap
In the aftermath of the Legion of Doom’s play for the Totality, the League is very busy. Batman is having himself “rebuilt” (I have, in my mind, an image of Starship Troopers repairing the muscle), Superman is repairing the moon, and Wonder Woman and Aquaman are repairing parts of the Hall of Justice.
There isn’t much of a story here, instead, as the repairs are worked on, we’re given glimpses into several conversations. Batman and Superman discuss fixing the moon but also the extent of Batman’s injuries. They also delve into why Batman refuses to use magic to heal himself…why he never uses magic.
Flash listens to Stewart lament over his new emotional ring as they share some burgers.
Aquaman presses Wonder Woman as to why she is the only one who hasn’t set up her living space in the Hall.
Hawkgirl and Martian Manhunter spar, but her anger gets the better of her as she presses J’onn about her connection to the Totality, a question he has no answer to, but he once again requests that she accompany him to Thanagar.
And as it’s all completed, Batman summons the League for their next mission….
Review
It’s nice for once to see a more personal issue for the League. For the first time in 9 issues, nothing major happens. And it’s a pleasant relief. Snyder (and company) had been building and building and building, throwing in more and more it seemed and it was starting to feel overwhelming. But now, we get one of those books I haven’t really seen since the 90’s. It’s an issue that delves into their own relationships with each other and their anxieties.
You’ve got Superman just being…super, and calling Batman out on his bullshit. Wonder Woman feeling a lack of belonging with Aquaman offering therapy. Hawkgirl feels like her destiny is out of her control and worried she’s been betrayed by one of her own. John Stewart is having to reconcile his disciplined self (that was honed from years in the military) with letting his emotions rule his new ring.
It’s a good issue. Maybe not great, but still a good read. The flashing through the various domains of the League within the Hall is easily my favorite, getting to see what each member likes and hearing their mentality as told by Aquaman.
The art is a bit of a mixed bag. Not always great, but I must say, I love Jimenez’s Hawkgirl. And he really does a fantastic job of showing the emotional pain on her face. But some of the Superman scenes just don’t blow me away.
Overall, it was nice to take a step back and relax with the League as they all try and figure out their next moves. Snyder started the League off with a massive bang and now we get to enjoy the League as individuals before they dive back into their next big adventure.
Final Thoughts
It’s a fun look at the League and how they’re dealing with the fallout of the Legion of Doom’s attack and attempted theft of the Totality. It’s an enjoyable issue but unfortunately, it’s probably a fairly forgettable one.
Justice League #9: Time Well Wasted
- Writing - 7/107/10
- Storyline - 7/107/10
- Art - 6/106/10
- Color - 6/106/10
- Cover Art - 6/106/10
