Justice League #47 “Darkseid War Act III, Chapter 1: Gods of Justice”
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Jason Fabok
Colors by Brad Anderson
After a slight delay in getting Justice League #46, we now have a quick turnaround for Justice League #47! The first thing I want to say is how amazing Fabok’s art is! We all know the guys is amazing – arguably the best in the business – but I tend to forget how stunning his work is until I open each issue! So with that praise out of the way, let’s jump into this issue!
This arc has been one hell of a ride, and in my opinion, the best Justice League story since the launch of the New 52. Johns is knocking it out of the park with this story, and it feels like a natural progression since it’s pulling from his earlier arcs – most notably Forever Evil. This arc IS a big event, but unlike previous major events, it wasn’t overhyped (remember the buildup to Trinity War and Forever Evil?), and so far the payoff of the actual narrative has been better. Wonder Woman is the lead in Darkseid War, but the plot is evenly divided amongst the team. With a great build into a battle between Darkseid and AntiMonitor, the shocking conclusion of the fight, and now the aftermath that is essentially the calm before the storm, I’m forced to sit on the edge of my seat from month to month waiting for the next issue.
If you read my review for the last issue, then you know that while I enjoyed it, I was a little disappointed because it served as more of a reminder of the events that have taken place rather than progressing the plot. Looking back on it, I do feel as though it was somewhat needed, especially for those of us that are reading the story as it’s released. Unfortunately, this issue doesn’t kick the plot into high gear either, however, there is a lot of set-up and it’s damn good! So good, in fact, that I’m actually more excited for this book to pick up momentum again, because the stakes are now even higher.
AntiMonitor is preparing to destroy the earth. The Justice League is fractured since half of it’s team members are compromised with new godhood, and with that new abilities, focuses, and in some cases, priorities. On top of that, the introduction of new characters such as Grail, Mister Miracle, and Big Barda, are all bringing about a new energy and excitement. And to up the stakes even more, this issue features select members of the League breaking into Belle Reve to free the only people who actually have a history against AntiMonitor – the Crime Syndicate… and naturally, things only get more complicated! I’m seriously ticked that I now have to wait a little more than a month to get the next issue…
The Art: I started this review by praising Fabok, but I’m going to shower him with more praise! The man’s art is near perfection! As much as I love seeing some artistic touches that serve as an artist’s signature, Fabok plays into realism so heavily that he can’t be touched! I would even go as far to say that he’s surpassed his mentor, Mr. Jim Lee, at this point! Just look at the detail he executes: facial features, the way the character’s move… he tells his own story, and it looks effortless… So good!
Breakdowns can be found in the spoiler tag.
The Good: The best thing about this issue are the things that are to come. If you had any anticipation about where this plot is going/ that battle that’s to come, then buckle up because you’re only going to be more excited after this issue!
It’s a “Miracle!” The predominate focus of this installment is on Mister Miracle, Big Barda, Cyborg, and Power Ring teaming up to break the Crime Syndicate out of Belle Reve. Honestly, the best part of this is Miracle and Barda because they are written SO WELL! I look forward to each scene they’re in because they bring such a strong energy – all of it stemming from their chemistry with one another. With so many of the books that cover consisting of gloom or relationships that are written incredibly poorly, it’s refreshing to see a couple that love, respect, and enjoy each other as much as these two do. I HOPE, with all of my heart, that the creative team opts to bypass tragedy for these two during this arc because there’s a bright future for these characters if they do. I mean, seriously, how could you not smile when reading this page, and following panel.
The Crime Syndicate. These guys made a huge, albeit brief, impact during Forever Evil, and bringing them back into the fold now is really exciting. There are currently only three remaining members, and if you were like I was, then you may have been a little naïve in your expectation of what they were going to offer. The characters, specifically Ultraman and Superwoman aren’t quite what or who they were when we last saw them.
Ultraman has essentially turned into a shriveled cowardly version of the man was knew, and his characteristics are closer to those of the former Power Ring than his own. Look at the guy! He looks like he could be a meth addict. Someone give him the moon, or whatever it is that he needs for power… or don’t. I don’t know.
Superwoman, on the other hand may not be as capable as the team had originally hoped since she’s severely pregnant. That being said, as most women are, she’s pretty hormonal due to the pregnancy, so who knows what she’ll bring to the table. Whatever it is, I get a sinking feeling that her child is EVIL. Like, spawn of Satan, Anti Christ, 666, World War III, Armageddon levels of evil. Anyone else get that feeling?
The third and final member, Owlman, is currently the only Syndicate member that appears to have any level of sanity. We know Luthor has had him in hiding, but with Luthor on Apocalypse, there’s no certainty on where he’s been hiding, or what he’s been up to.
Oh, and it looks like there might be two additional members of the Crime Syndicate, and there is NO TELLING what this means for both the future of the Syndicate, as well as the League. Could this have been part of the Syndicate’s plan all along, or an attempt to reclaim glory combined with perfect timing?
And that’s not the only surprise in this issue… Remember how last month I wasn’t sure who the shadowed figure was that was connected to Grail’s transformation into the god of antimatter? Well, we get our answer here, and it’s just another x-factor with a big fat question mark above him in regards to which side he’ll play for.
If anything is guaranteed, I’m willing to bet that he’ll go after Batman to retrieve his Infinity Chair!
The Bad: The ONLY thing I didn’t like about this issue is the bit with Supes and Diana. I’m not a fan of Super Douche, and his motivations don’t make any sense!
“I only want to see how strong you are. That’s all.” What? Someone knock this psycho out! I mean seriously, what kind of meat-head comment is that? I’m half expecting him to see Ultraman and say, “Do you even lift bro?” I understand he’s driven by violence and battle now, but this doesn’t feel as though it were full thought through.
Recommended If:
- You like comics.
- You have any taste at all.
- Why are you still looking for recommendations? Read the freaking Darkseid War if you’re not already!
Overall: Yet again, Johns’ proves why he’s one of the best in the business, with Darkseid War not only serving as one of his best works, but one of the best stories in comics today! Hold on to your butts because this is clearly just the calm before the storm!
SCORE: 8.0/10
