JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #19 (DC COMICS)
A return of a dangerously evil figure haunts the JLU!
After the events of “Absolute Power”, the Brainiac Queen was thought to have been defeated. Since then, the Justice League has gone through a series of changes. Expanded Roster. DC K.O. Even villains being members as part of an amnesty deal.
With the team struggle without Superman in their current ranks, they will be tested by a threat that nearly took out every superhero and villain!
JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #19 by Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain & Ariana Maher continues its’ “Amnesty” storyline.
Let’s get a look at what is transpiring now.
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Waid finds new ways to push the heroes buttons in this new programs’ infancy. Jim Gordon laying into Batman over this action makes a bold statement to begin. It reflects many people’s opinion of the move. No matter what the heroes are trying to persuade, the writing shows it falls on deaf ears. This gets a real temp in the room moment with Livewire and Creeper. Considering both are members, their voices reflect the doubt in Batman’s plans. This gives way to a mission that should be routine, but is anything but.
Neutron’s attack spins into a more complicated affair due to one figure. Lex Luthor has taken every single liberty involved with this initiative. His prodding of Batman’s authority shines at certain times. Even with the great action taking place, Luthor commands each scene he’s in. he sly delivery of his words moves events into his favor. This allows another villain to take hold of the moment. The end result is a PR move of grand proportions. Luthor’s games work to where Batman’s don’t. Even with the side quest surrounding Terrific’s team, no one hold this moment like Luthor. It is upstaged by the closing pages. An evil being has returned and their sights are fully set on destroying all in their way. Get ready.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Mora and Bonvillain open with a full page shot of Gordon yelling at Batman. Their rooftop talk echoes much of the senior JLU leadership. Panels show how they are trying to reclaim public trust. This becomes increasingly difficult with each panel. Ryder’s haunting words take up greater importance with the conviction on his face. This leads directly into a new mission at hand. The half page image kicks off a tense situation showing this unit poised to strike.
Readers get rising action as the unit goes to work. As the fight starts turning, Batman’s disdain starts seeping through his mask. It serves as a good pivot point to Terrific and his crew. Events here are very direct except one. Anytime fans get Mora drawing alien dinosaurs and laser beams, it’s a win. As events go back to Earth, the panels pick up speed. Luthor’s calm demeanor takes over when “familiar” press rush to interview him. This allows another member to jump into the shot. It all leads into the moment the team needed with Luthor grinning from ear to ear. This allows for the final pages to start up the next threat. The closing page is a full shot that spells nothing but certain doom for the already fragile team.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
In Luthor we trust?. Waid sees the legendary villain take over the Amnesty movement with devilish style. Mora and Bonvillain deliver on monster action in-between the drama. Excellent storytelling fitting for the world’s greatest superheroes (and villains).
Let me know your thoughts on Justice League Unlimited #19 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
