The Justice League has faced gods before, but what about Kryptonian gods? Much like Superman being stronger than humans, would the Kryptonian gods be stronger than Earth’s gods? It’s a fun idea and certainly raises the stakes, but is it good?
Justice League #6 (DC Comics)
It’s clear writer and artist Bryan Hitch understands big action. This book is big, from the cinematic panels to the double page spreads, which lends itself to the do or die event-like feel to the series. All of the Justice League are being pushed to the max in this volume and in particular Wonder Woman who now sits in Olympus awaiting whatever Rao, a god from Krypton, has in store for her.
Why does this book matter?
The heroes are separated and losing the battle; Superman is getting his ass whooped, Flash is trying to make sense of what is going on, Aquaman is trying to keep Atlantis safe and Green Lantern wants to get home (which is tough to do when you’re 250 thousand years in the past on Krypton. Very cool story element to explore there!)
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Hitch has made this book feel like a good Michael Bay film and that includes the quieter, contemplative moments. Maybe it’s the angles he’s picking – a lot from down low looking up at our characters – but there’s always a looming, grand scale feel over everything. That makes this read feel tense and every moment feels as though it counts. I’ll admit some of the characters appear to be waiting around for something to happen, namely Green Lantern and Wonder Woman, but again they seem to be only preparing themselves for a battle they aren’t even sure they can win.
It doesn’t look like they’re under water does it?
Somehow the way Hitch draws characters makes them look more real. From the characters’ postures to their musculature to their facial expressions — everything looks very organic. This goes a long way in making superheroes frail and breakable.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Ultimately not a lot happens. There are big explosions, a reveal at the end that could change everything (don’t they all) and new directions for heroes to go in, but once you take away the big action sequences this is a transition issue.
Some might cry foul on what is appearing in these double page spreads too. While one double page spread does show the sheer force going on I’m going to take a guess and assume most folks would rather see more of Superman than in one hundredth of the page while the rest is crumbling ice.
Is It Good?
This is a fun chapter due to the big action, but the plot progression is lacking and this is more of a transitional issue than anything else.
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