COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Justice League #42

GEOFF JOHNS’ REDEMPTION

For the record, I have serious respect with Geoff Johns in regards of narrating superhero tales with the love and spice of Silver Age superhero sensibilities, as shown in his saga-scaled Green Lantern run. However, my sole and huge misgiving with his writing perspective is his take on the Dark Knight. It is true that his two volumes Batman: Earth One tale are both critically and commercially well-received, particularly the second volume, but still, I feel that he diminished the awesomeness of my all-time favorite superhero. For examples, he had Hal Jordan punched Batman in Green Lantern: Reborn #6. He had Batman worn the Green and Yellow power rings which personally thought looked goofy for my taste. And, he portrayed the anger filled, vengeful but untested and error-filled Bruce Wayne in Batman: Earth One Volume One.

But now, upon learning the direction of the latest DC event in the pages of his few remaining titles, Justice League, entitled THE DARKSEID WAR, I begin to set aside by long-held misgivings on Johns and give his latest Justice League #42 a genuine two thumbs up on portraying my NEW 52 Caped Crusader.

Picking up what was left behind in issue #41 (the first chapter), the premier superhero continues fighting the mysterious Grail and the Anti-Monitor, while Mister “Scot” Miracle went alongside with the Amazonian Myrina Black somewhere in Athens, Greece and Superman and Lex Luthor find themselves in all places: Apokolips. Johns, as usual, wants to balance three separate but interconnecting narratives to give a sense of equality of vocal perspectives among protagonists and antagonists. However, it is understandably clear that the big guns deserve a larger portion of Johns’ dialogues. For examples, Darkseid’s seething but controlled anger ooze with the potential glimpse of an unhinged god’s wrath. The exchanges between Scot and Black neatly present the contrast of urgency and irrationality. And, Wonder Woman’s point-of-view almost dominates this chapter, particularly in fighting an insurmountable opponent and a more powerful counterpart. Thus, despite the seeming dominance of the big characters, this second chapter does not feel so overcrowded at all. Almost all characters involved here have their moments. Many of them show their darkly pessimistic views, but observe how Shazam and Cyborg briefly exchange banter which is equally witty and hilarious (i.e. “We call him Pavarotti.”). However, Johns’ cleverness in handling plot twist takes a rather unexpected level when the most dangerous man in the world becomes “a GOD”. This is why my faith to Geoff Johns is virtually restored and I will continue investing on this rather page-turning Darkseid War event.

Of course, this issue’s commendable view is impossible without the highly stunning and hyper-detailed illustrations by Jason Fabok that can surely win new comic readers aboard. His interpretative view on the ever depressing atmospheric setting of Apokolips is simply, ironically, breathtaking. Even so inside the equally gloomy palace of Darkseid and the backgrounds are virtually unmatched, even to David Finch’s standards (sorry, Finch). Fabok’s art alone marks an unnerving feel on the events to come with this series. More so his inking style is simply unparallel that connotes the dreadful horizon and the seriousness he undertakes in crafting a worthy DC event yet. I must made special mentions to Brad Anderson who serves the series’ colorist who contemplates so well with Fabok’s impeccable artwork. The artistic duo is a true well-oiled unstoppable force to be reckoned with. And, Rob Leigh nails the lettering department so perfectly to the timing and emotional projections of the characters involve here. Darkseid’s dialogues are chilling enough, but Leigh further intensifies the god’s lines. What more on the “New God” which I believe; convinces me that this issue alone is a true masterpiece in superhero team narrative.

In conclusion, Justice League #42 shifts to a more grand scale of storytelling and artistic prowess that further shows no stopping right now. Johns remains consistent and he should be. And Fabok’s art is already beautiful and even metamorphosing into something majestic, similar to Jim Lee’s artistic heydays. And, my superhero transforms into what I always insist in the first place. The Darkseid War is FANTASTIC!