JUSTICE LEAGUE #11

[ COUPONS FOR ALL ] 

What the heck is an Element Woman? Is it a female who looks like Ron Perlman? You know, that chap from Hellboy. That likes to play with a baroque toy. One purchased by that bloke who appears German. No. Not Writer: Geoff Johns; Artist: Jim Lee; and Publisher: DC Comics in August 2012. Someone else more dictatorial. Dan... hint, hint!

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

Have you ever eaten a whole bag of coffee before, and then tried to run the marathon in a cemetery? Well, if you have, you'd have a pretty good idea what the Justice League must feel like in this third part of 'A Villains Journey'.

• Picture the scene if you can be bothered; the Justice League are currently as emotional as a woman during her time of the month.
• They are wary after their battle with David Graves.
• They are deterred when Wonder Woman kick's Green Lantern in his nuts for the entire world to see.
• They are relieved when Batman and Cyborg finds out about David's origins and his whereabouts.
• And then they are wary again when they find dead men tell no tales.

Ohhhhhhhh!

Meanwhile, in the 'Shazam' back-up feature, Dr Sivana find's himself having to help some angry looking chap called Adam. Whereas Billy Batson find himself running away from trouble, then in a train, and --- KA-BOOOM --- in a cave!?!?!

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

There were two pieces of dialogue that floated by yacht in this issue.

Firstly, I got a kick out of the last sentence spoken by Steve Trevor in the League part of the tale -- 'You're too late' -- because that summed up what happened really, didn't it?

And secondly, when Flash answered Green Lanterns question about why Wonder Woman does not listen to him by stating -- 'Superman's better with words than you. And he's more charismatic. Taller too'. -- I thought that was painful, honest, and kind of funny, huh?

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

OK, I know that it wasn't meant to be amusing, but I pissed myself laughing when Wonder Woman went all menopausal and started hitting Green Lantern and then Superman. Conceptually it was how this battle was constructed that made me gaff, because there was an almost un-needed tone to it.

Also, I another thing that I thought was just great; was the whole Shazam back-up feature -- particularly Billy helping Freddie, plus the twist at the end of it. Brilliant.  

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

I am afraid to say that the best thing about this issue is also the worst thing about it too. You see, within the confines of this particular tale, there was no point to the heroes battle at all, except to highlight that Wonder Woman is feeling guilty of how she treated Steve in the past.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: Now the stand out thing of me was the 'Shazam' back-up feature where Billy found himself in that cave at the end of this tale. It was just how this whole segment was constructed that I really liked -- one minute one things was happening -- the next minute, something else -- and BANG! -- pure magic baby.

ART: The double page spread of Wonder Woman breaking open Green Lanterns giant green bubble was pure bliss in pencil-ed form, wasn't it? Heck, anything that Jim Lee does in cinema-scope is a blast in my book. Very dynamic indeed.

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

STEVE'S SISTER, TRACEY: I hear that actress, Naomi Watts, is very good at channelling emotion at times. Well, that's what her current partner, Liev Schreiber, says anyway.

DAVID GRAVES: Hey! Do you know what else Liev Schreiber says? He says 'I'd play a good masked villain who can beat up the Justice League'! He told me this after Naomi Watts cried for no apparent reason what so ever.

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

Beware Of A Woman Wearing A Metallic Bra. Her Point's Have Sharp Edges Don't You Know.   

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

OK, so this story was basically a step by step tale involving some in-fighting and a bit of female emotion, correct? Therefore, why not compare it to the Eurythmics / Aretha Franklin power ballad 'Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves'. Makes sense if you are a woman.

FINAL thoughts...

Overall this wasn't a bad issue really. OK, so the Justice League part of the tale made me laugh for all the wrong reasons, granted. But then again it did redeem itself by issues end. Plus the Shazam back-up is a right blast.

My only hope now is that the powers that be will allow this team have a personal adventure, rather than just be a part of the next mega-crossover event -- 'Trinity War' -- as insinuated by Dan Didididididoooo at comic-con. Come on Jim and Geoff, show your stuff, and don't bend over backwards to Mister Moustache. 

MARKS out of 10? 9