Writer: Tynion IV / Artists: Mahnke, Mendoza, Quintana / DC Comics
Rule of Cruel
Can y’all believe it’s been 5 issues of Justice League already? This twice-a-month schedule ain’t no joke. Technically though, there’s only been 4 issues of Justice League, as issue #5 is actually Legion of Doom #1. Recently, Scott Snyder tweeted out a pretty dope concept: every few issues, readers would get the story from the LOD’s perspective. The cover of the book even crosses out the title, having fun with the anarchistic theme the book takes on. Another thing that accompanies the change of perspective is the change in creative team. James Tynion IV, Doug Mahnke, and Jaime Mendoza take the helm this time around instead of Snyder and Jiminez/Cheung.
I like this a lot. It keeps the book fresh and interesting, while those working on it prolong their longevity with a little break every now and then. It’s gotta be a bit of a logistical challenge, but I think in the long run it’ll work out. The seamlessness of the transition was surprising. Normally when creatives behind the scenes switch up, it feels like a massive breach in continuity. This didn’t feel like that…instead, it’s the other side of the coin, so to speak. Of course the omniscient narration helps things feel consistent, but overall Tynion IV, Mahnke, and Mendoza carry the torch well.
Injustice Is Justice
This issue is a flashback, catching you up to the LOD’s motives, members, and mission. Lex Luthor has a vision / narcissistic dream of the future one million years from now, ruled by villains (or essentially, terrible people). He tirelessly searches for a way to make his vision of the future a reality in his time.
What is really intriguing to me about this vision is how Luthor perceives it. It frames the villain’s goals in an entirely fresh way that doesn’t seem as mustache-twirling as it could have been. Luthor thinks that everyone should just be who they truly are, instead of forcing false versions of themselves to the forefront. If you’re a generally bad person, just lean into it instead of trying to be someone you’re not. So from his perspective, the Justice League is trying to force an ideal that isn’t inherent in the universe and is ultimately made up. That ideal is justice.
This stuff is getting deep, man — but a good deep. It makes me happy that differing philosophical ideologies are at the root of the conflict. It makes things much more compelling.
Even with a different creative team, Justice Lea—I mean Legion of Doom #1 delivers everything we’ve come to expect from this title along with a fresh perspective: both on the page, and behind the scenes.
9.7 Villainous visions of the future out of 10
Reading Justice League? Find BNP’s other reviews here.
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