Rating: 3.5/5 – Finding out where the heroes are.
Justice League of America number eight is the first issue after Villains Month and ties directly into the Forever Evil Crossover. Writer Matt Kindt and artist Doug Mahnke tell a solid story that gives us a glimpse into just where the heroes ended up after disappearing at the end of the Trinity War.
This issue focuses in on Martian Manhunter and Stargirl as they awake to find themselves in some type of prison that has openings into other “worlds”. Within each of those worlds are the heroes from the Justice League. As Martian Manhunter descends into each world, he finds that the prison is adapting to each hero, tapping into their mind, making their powers irrelevant. Superman’s guilt for killing Dr. Light has him trying to fly so fast he’s attempting to turn back time, while Shazam has let his inner kid out unleashing all his powers on a city that keeps rebuilding itself. There’s even a great scene involving the Flash where he’s telling Manhunter everything that he’s done so far this morning, from learning Russian to reading the files on the JFK assassination. Kindt writes the dialogue perfectly so as you read it, it feels rushed. Artist Doug Mahnke draws a close up of Flash’s eyes so you can see the pressure he feels from doing so much in such a short amount of time. It’s a powerful scene that shows Kindt’s understanding of the characters. Not every scene or prison world is as interesting as the last, but it feels like a lot of story in the one issue.
Mahnke’s art is great as usual, but as we’ve come to expect with his art and the Justice League series, four different inkers help out on this book. I’ve mentioned it before in previous reviews of Mahnke’s work, but it gives the book that inconsistent feel at times. It’s enough of a difference to be noticeable. I’m not sure what the reason DC continues to do this, but I wish they’d narrow that number down.
Although the ending is a bit weak, I enjoyed this issue and look forward to what’s next. This looks as though it will be a must read when taking into account the Forever Evil series, so I’m glad I enjoyed it.
Reviewed by: Shawn Hoklas – shawn@comicspectrum.com
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