[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Pencils: Robson Rocha
Summary
Max Lord has taken over the world! Using the power of the heart of darkness, Max has taken control of the Justice League! Using the full power of earth’s most powerful heroes, he makes the world submit in literally minutes. But something is wrong, and soon Max might be dealing with powers that he never fully understood like he thought.
Positives
Williamson really puts all the cards on the table with this issue! This issue is basically Max Lord’s “victory parade” as he’s captured Amanda Waller and bragging about his new utopia, which is in reality ultimate chaos. Only the Suicide Squad along with Batman remain, and they have to face the might of the Justice League! I enjoyed the battles, the sense of urgency on each page, and the overall pacing of the book which is intense all the way to the end.
Negatives
First of all let me say, I am a Batman fan. I have always been a Batman fan, and will continue to be a Batman fan. I say this however — how many times does Batman have to save the Justice League? I have no problem at all with Batman being the hero that he is, but he’s constantly the last man standing no matter what the situation, and in this issue he’s the one that puts the team together to take on his own Justice League! It just seems that after stories like “Forever Evil,” “Justice League Vs. Masters of The Universe” and a few more titles, I wish a different route would’ve been taken. I understand that he’s the ultimate tactician but on this team he has Deadshot, Killer Croc, and Harley Quinn — all enemies of his. However, with the world on the line, suddenly everyone listens to Batman’s orders?
Verdict
Williamson does a great job with the story, although I just really wish it was someone other than Batman that has to save the League. Nothing against Batman who’s a favorite of mine, I just find it hard to believe that everyone no matter who automatically listens to him because of the situation. Now that he’s put this “Justice League” together to save his friends, I can’t wait to see how next issue plays out!
