Justice League #27 Review

Writer: James Tyinon IV / Artist: Javier Fernandez / DC Comics Directly following the events of last issue, Martian Manhunter is held captive in a cage by none other than Lionel Luther. The problem with that is that he’s been dead for years. Hawkgirl, tired of J’onn’s shit, comes to his rescue where it’s revealed that it isn’t actual Lionel Luthor, but an android created by Dr. T.O. Morrow, who’s apparently been working with the Legion of Doom for a bit. It’s been a delight to see Hawkgirl take action. She’s the low-key leader right now. Keeping a fractured J’onn intact while calling plays like a quarterback for the rest of the team. She’s with the shits. J’onn’s really gotta get it together. The dude is folding under pressure. He is so hellbent on finding Lex Luthor that he’s putting the state of the universe at risk. It’s all contingent on the memories he has of Lex as a child. He was present when J’onn was brought here and he was always nothing but kind to him. J’onn believes that that kid is still inside Lex deep down. Even though Lex is supposed to be dead right now.

One of my issues with this issue (lol), and this arc as a whole so far, is that Lex Luthor’s (fake) death is such an important part of this story. But he didn’t actually die in this book. His death was the inciting incident of The Year of the Villain, a new DC event where Lex dying sets a plan into place where his wealth is spread out to all the villains so they can go and murk their superhero nemesis. Luth…