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“The Sixth Dimension” storyline by Scott Snyder and Jorge Jimenez has juggled so much while building towards DC’s Year of the Villain. The arc has given Batman and Superman touching moments that flesh out the characters nicely. In the conclusion to the arc out today, the creators aim to resolve a lot while roping us in with the feels.
So what’s it about?
The official summary reads:
The “Sixth Dimension” storyline wraps up in this oversize issue as Superman faces down the World Forger to save the Justice League! Can Superman withstand the might of a being that can create worlds from nothing?! Plus, with the Justice League away, Mr. Mxyzptlk’s been wreaking havoc! Can anyone on Earth stand up to the fifth-dimensional menace?
Why does this matter?
To say this arc is epic is an understatement. Its ability to go big with its stakes and character arcs are all evidence of the fact that comic book storytelling does things no other medium can. I imagine this arc might go down as one of the greatest JL stories ever. All this is to say, read this damn finale!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Touching.
Credit: DC Comics
This issue opens with Superman as a boy learning from his Pa Kent how to make a fire. At the time it seemed silly since he could do it with his eyes, but it’s not about the fire. It’s about carrying on knowledge from the past, or as Clark’s dad puts it, it’s about imagining we are everyone in between. It’s a statement that builds in the issue, bringing a climactic action-packed moment to a highly satisfying emotional crescendo. I continue to marvel at how Snyder continues to find deep meaning in superhero comics and he does so again here triumphantly.
There is, of course, a ton of action to be had in this issue thanks to Batman’s turn as the heel. That, along with the fact that the Justice League must fight versions of themselves, both give this story ample superhero comic action and intrigue. At its core, this is Superman’s story, although Batman gets a moment that’ll make fans of his smile from ear to ear.
Jimenez continues to show how damn good comic art can be on a fun/action scale but also a deeply moving one too. There’s a frame-worthy full page spread that’s deeply moving. The scripting makes you believe we are put here to become better together, and the art supports that. Perfectly crafted close-ups of Superman and his emotions help craft moving moment after moving moment. Adding to this is the complexity of color by Alejandro Sanchez. The effects surrounding Forger is just one example of how good this book can look.
The superhero action is intense. I mean…a giant Martian Manhunter? Yes! Credit: DC Comics
It can’t be perfect, can it?
The last 16 or so pages by James Tynisha IV and Javier Fernandez do wrap up a plot thread or two, but feel a bit tacked on. It’s a setup for the summer event essentially. The art is a starkly different kind that’s darker and less full of life. Call it an exposition and plot mover and not much more.
Is it good?
A fitting conclusion that is heartfelt and strong. A superhero comic that’ll hit you right in the feels, Snyder’s Justice League is proof enough these stories will never die.
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