Justice League of America 9
Matt Kindt, Tom Derenick
Forever Evil Crossover
Spoiler alert! You have been warned!
The new (for now) creative team of writer Matt Kindt and Tom Derenick have officially just taken over Justice League of America, or, as I have come accustomed to calling it, “that one crossover tie-in comic that’s four bucks every month and doesn’t really do a whole lot but doesn’t actually suck so I keep buying it anyway.” And, true to form, this issue, though not accomplishing a great deal, moves the plot from point A to point B with good artwork, well-written dialogue, and doesn’t completely break continuity set up with other books across the DC Universe. Forever Evil rages on, and these pages show us a little more of what we already knew was going on behind the scenes.
Martian Manhunter and Stargirl continue their journey to save the various members of all three Justice Leagues, currently trapped in their own prison cells within their minds, showing them their greatest weaknesses and/or their greatest fears. But then, surprise surprise, J’onn learns that he’s stuck in his own version of Hell as well, because of his inherent need to not only understand everyone, but be the hero, save everyone, and in conclusion, actually be better than everyone. But he knows something’s up because, duh, he’s the Martian Manhunter and he’s not only mysterious, but also awesome, so his ace in the hole so-to-speak is in his young and naive (and therefore guiltless) friend and teammate, Stargirl. Naturally, she saves not only herself, but him as well. Just in time to escape the prison and be ambushed by the Secret Society, who are now going to try and kill her. Oh. And Martian Manhunter might be stuck in her head now. Like I said. Point A to point B. But effective storytelling nonetheless.
This series just cannot seem to find its footing. It’s essentially backup stories that should be taking place in both Justice League and Justice League Dark, but work better without taking several issues to complete each story. That being said, I do enjoy it and will be sticking around until Jeff Lemire takes over writing duties and the team and name changes to Justice League Canada. Because, you know, there’s apparently a lot of interest in that. So, until that final fateful day, count me in. I’m just hoping that the rest of the issues until that moment offer up a little more than just adding to the other Justice League books. That would take this from a good book to a great one.
My Rating: 4/5
