JUSTICE LEAGUE #4

[ SPLASH THE CASH ] 

There once was a man called Darkseid. Who was a member of a very strange breed. The New Gods were their names – a race who liked to play games – with some chocolate and stack of weed. Now what does all of that mean? Well, just ask Writer: Geoff Jones; Artist: Jim Lee; and Publisher: DC Comics in January 2012.

So what’s the story morning glory?

Now this fourth instalment of Justice League, is a two strand story with an additional question thrown in at the end for dramatic effect.

Part One – Poor Vic – Due to the efforts of his scientist father, Silas, Victor Stone is now a changed man. He is a super-powered cyborg you see, with an arsenal at his disposal, primed to kick ass and take names.

But only if he can come to terms with his newfound condition first that is.

Part Two – A League Of There Own – With para-demons running riot around the world, can the sudden emergence of the sea King, Aquaman, help turn the tide of battle? Well, he thinks so, especially with his commanding presence and the sea-creatures at his disposal.

However, Green Lantern may disagree with Aquaman's stance.

The Question – F*ck – What do you think happens when Vic finally bumps into the League, just in time for the arrival of the evil mastermind, Darkseid? 

BOOOM!

What is the most memorable sentence spoken in this issue?

I liked it when Green Lantern queried Batman’s ‘off panel’ laughter, by saying to him ‘Are you laughing Batman? At a time like this?’.

Batman must have seen the sales figures on this book, huh?

Was the story any good?

Again, as with the previous issue of this team tale, there was not that much story to this story. Granted, the League is now fully formed (in a manner of speaking), the style of this series is now set in stone (kind of), and when personality was on show (especially from Batman, Green Lantern, and Aquaman) it was all very nicely done also.

Still, very pretty looking – not enough plot.

Was the art any good?

Yes – damn you Jim Lee – your pictures have taken over Geoff’s words on this book – plus – you draw a mean splash page to boot.

Personally speaking, I particularly liked ‘Darkseids’ arrival’ (very sinister), and the ‘Aquaman segment’ to this tale (as bold as bold can be).

But on occasion, you can see when Jim is ‘fudging things’ art-wise, because his background work is laced with superfluous cross-hatching.  

What is the best thing about this issue?

In my opinion, the best thing about this issue, was the two things that it was created for – Aquamans introduction and Darkseids arrival. Visually, they were both very bold, very colourful, and very dynamic in the execution. Moreover, I did like Aquaman’s ‘attitude’ in this issue (very ‘alternate’), as well as that scene where Green Lantern touches Wonder Womans lasso (should have been her ass).

What is the worst thing about this issue?

The lack of story does let this issue down quite a bit. OK, I understand that most of us fans are just happy to see the ‘main League’ back in action again. Nevertheless, it would have been nice for this ovaral arc to have had some grounding ‘story wise’, instead of a very nicely drawn and ‘drawn out’ battle sequence.

Also, Vic? What’s going on with that? Not too sure about this myself at the moment. Is history being re-written for the sake of re-introductions? Seem so, huh?

If you could sum up this issue in a phrase or saying, what would that phrase or saying be?

English comedian, Harry Enfield, had a character that was very annoying, yet very enjoyable to watch at the same time – his name was Mr ‘You-Don't-Wanna-Do-It-Like-That’. His catch-phrase was ‘Its only meeee!!!!’.

Appropriate, don’t you think?

If this issue were a movie, an object, or a piece of music, what would that be and why?

Now in the best possible sense, this issue reminded me of ‘undercoat’. You know what I mean by this, right? The paint based soluble that goes ‘underneath’ the final veneer.

Regrettable, but true.

What do you think would have made this issue better than it was?

More – More – More – that is what this series needs. More characterisation, more story, and more plot.

Apart from that though, looks very nice.

Final thoughts...

Now I know that I can be harsh on this book at times, and I know that I have currently lumped it in with the ‘style over substance’ category of the DCnU. Still, I do have to say that it is one of those books that I always’ look forward to reading every month – I just wished that it was better is all.

Marks out of 10? 7.5