The new New Gods have arrived.
This new issue of Justice League kicks off the second act of the ongoing Darkseid War storyline. Following last month’s big death, the various members of the League are grappling with their new transformations and an uncertain future. In some ways this issue reads more like an interlude chapter, one tasked more with setting the stage for the various Darkseid War tie-in issues than continuing the war between the New Gods of Apokolips and the Anti-Monitor. But given how dense this story has been so far, taking some time to slow down and regroup is hardly the worst idea. And between the snazzy visual style and the big character moments, this issue still has plenty to offer.
As much as Jason Fabok has been crucial to the success of this series lately, it’s hard to notice his absence too much when Francis Manapul is the one filling in for the next two months. Manapul’s art never fails to leave a strong impression thanks to his striking design work and equally striking use of color. And really, what better corner of the DCU to direct those talents than the New Gods? Manapul gives his style an extra Jack Kirby-style flair as he explores the bold imagery and major transformations in Johns’ story. Given Manapul’s past experience with the Flash, it’s no surprise that the pages featuring the newly transformed Barry Allen are among the most stunning in this issue.
While the overarching plot slows down and many of the villains disappear this month, the script still impresses as it explores the physical and psychological transformations the various League members are experiencing. Here again, Barry stands out as he deal with being possessed by the Black Racer and essentially morphing into the New 52 version of the Black Flash. The scenes focused on Luthor and Superman on Apokolips are also great fun to read, as Luthor finds himself confronted with a very different Man of Steel who no longer regards him as a peer on any level.
This issue also taps into one of the more memorable ideas in Final Crisis that was subsequently abandoned in the New 52. Final Crisis was predicated on the idea that the Fourth World was ending and making way for the Fifth World – the so-called “age of men as gods.” This issue explores that notion in a new form as Batman, Flash, Superman, et al become the new New Gods. More than simply being a story of a cataclysmic battle between good and evil, it seems The Darkseid War has ambitions to explore what DC’s iconic heroes stand for in this new era.
Justice League slows down a bit as it enters the second act of The Darkseid War, but there’s still plenty to like in this new issue. Francis Manapul’s striking designs and vibrant colors alone are worth the price of entry. And with a deeper look at how the Justice League’s respective transformations are affecting them, this conflict is only growing more interesting and unpredictable.
