DC comics reviews for 4/17/19

Justice League #22

Justice League is operating on a high level right now. Regardless if it’s Scott Snyder writing of a utopia Sixth Dimension with a dark side or James Tynion IV expanding the backdrop of the Legion of Doom, the book is on fire.

For this issue, Tynion teams with artist Frances Manapul to tell Perpetua’s origin as well as those of her three children – The Monitor, The Anti-Monitor and The World Forger. Tynion does an excellent job of explaining why Perpetua is such a terrifying force, one that even left The Monitor worried. At the heart of this story is purpose and what happens when a being isn’t ready to move on when their purpose is complete. It’s a great premise for a big bad and taking the time to establish this was a centuries old issue that helped create various crises gives it even more weight.

Manapul largely set the stage for this era of Justice League as he penciled the bulk of No Justice. As the story unfolds, it’s clear Manapul was the ideal choice for this chapter as he’s done so much to build the foundation for this run. Manapul uses some striking inks to convey the darkness of this story. It makes for an impressive effect.

Impressive is the best word for this issue. While it’s a quick detour from the Sixth Dimension storyline the timing feels right as the arc heads to its conclusion. This kind of interlude is necessary to highlight the larger stakes the Justice League has to face. This book just keeps on delivering some of the best reads in DC every other week and isn’t stopping anytime soon.

Rating: 10 out of 10