The comics community has known for a bit that Joshua Williamson will be killing the Justice League as he builds to the upcoming Dark Crisis, and it’s here in Justice League #75. This issue pays off big time if you are looking for action or following the stories since Infinite Frontier. Williamson has been showcasing heroes in incredible moments, and this issue is no exception, with impressive art by Rafa Sandoval. So get your tissues ready, and let’s dive into the death of the Justice League.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Justice League #75!
The regular cover by Daniel Sampere and Alejandro Sanchez immediately gives the sense that this will be a historical moment in the DC Universe. I love the way Daniel and Alejandro capture the main characters of the Justice League and how their pain and body language showcases the hurt they are going to experience. Something this cover also does is makes me wonder…is the cover a clue? The cover is not a moment seen in the issue, and considering the JL has been fighting the rising Great Darkness, that is quite a bright moment for the league. Or maybe it is just the light at the end of the tunnel? Time will tell.
Once you get past that cover, Williamson wastes no time collecting the players and grouping them. From the locations where the League members are gathered, those points help to make this a modern, relevant issue as it reflects areas in current DC comics. Once the Justice League members get their bearings, they quickly team up with the Justice League Incarnate. As I mentioned earlier, the limited series Infinite Frontier and Justice League Incarnate have been significant issues building towards this moment. Williamson does a great job with this issue by not having that continuity be baggage for readers just joining in, and also, it builds majorly for those who have been following.
The stakes are high when you have a multiversal Justice League team up with the world’s greatest superheroes. Williamson does just that with his threat to both leagues and the multiverse. The main villain is someone you’ll recognize from Crisis on Infinite Earths, and they will probably be the leading player in Dark Crisis. I like this pick for the villain, as they do a great job tying in the original Crisis with this upcoming sequel event; it gives the event a stronger hold on the DC Universe. I am also intrigued by Williamson’s pick for surviving member. What will they do to avenge the fallen? This issue lays the groundwork perfectly to set the stage later.
The art that showcases these moments is by Rafa Sandoval with inks by Jordi Taragona and colors by Matt Herms. The art team does a beautiful job making spectacular moments that will be perfect for the second print cover. Almost every Leaguer gets a great moment, but Green Arrow steals the show. The best part is that he wasn’t even supposed to be there. John Stewart also receives a great page showcasing his new status quo. When the trinity of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman meet their moment, it is an excellent callback to Barry Allen’s death in Crisis. Every two-page spread in this comic is just jaw-dropping and poster-worthy.
Justice League #75 is a significant issue that showcases a major moment in DC history and will pave the way to Dark Crisis. The only thing I wished for more of in this issue would’ve been a narrative. The big sales pitch for this was that it would be like the Death of Superman in his famous issue #75, hence the numbering, but there was no attachment to any character. That would’ve helped me feel more instead of just being a spectator of the event. I know my hype is still up there, and this was an essential step towards the Dark Crisis. So, don’t forget to get the next piece in DC’s Free Comic Book Day issue, and keep an eye on Shadow War by Williamson and Flashpoint Beyond as they play their parts in this event.
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