Justice League #20 – Scott Snyder, Writer/Plot; Jorge Jimenez, Artist/Plot; Alejandro Sanchez, Colorist
Ratings:
Ray – 9/10
Corrina: A “Duplicate” Justice League. Maybe?
Ray: Last issue threw the Justice League into an alternate world, a seemingly utopian future overseen by a Superman who went decades into the future in the Sixth Dimension – only to reveal that the entire thing was a ruse run by an impostor as the real Superman was trapped in limbo. Knowing that reality while none of the heroes do, Justice League #20 proves that there are few things scarier than perfection. While this new world supposedly takes place in the aftermath of the battle with Perpetua, it also shows a reality where the League supposedly achieved perfection. Each member of the League is given something they deeply want – Wonder Woman is shown a reality where New Themysrica shares its wisdom with all heroic women. John and Barry are shown to be science buddies running the world behind the scenes. Kendra and J’onn are married, with a half-Martian, half-Thanagarian child. Bruce sees a world where Dick carries on his legacy – although he’s the first to notice some holes in the world.
Speaking of fantasies, the most entertaining scene of the issue takes place outside of the Sixth Dimension, as Jarro is shaken out of an elaborate dream sequence where he’s Robin by Mera and Starman. This series needs so much more Jarro. Even though there’s very little action in this issue, every scene is packed with tension. The scenes between J’onn and Kendra, in particular, are fascinating, as their son Shayne seems to know more about the world than he’s letting on and is terrified by the truth. Then there are the Luthor segments – we’ve already got Mr. Mxyzptlk, and now the issue seems to be dropping hints that we’re getting Bat-Mite soon. Snyder and Jimenez are setting up yet another thrilling sequel to Dark Nights: Metal, exploring the worlds of the DC Multiverse and revealing the dark secrets beneath the shining cities. This series has gotten better with every arc so far.
Corrina: Jarro has to be the best creation of the whole series. He shouldn’t work because he certainly doesn’t fit in Gotham. But he fits so well for Batman in this series.
As for the plot, well, we’ve seen many versions of the JL over the years. This turned out to be an interesting one, particularly the designs not only of the older Justice Leaguers but the world they supposedly built. It’s those designs that are the star of this issue, along with the contrasting segments of Superman attempting to escape from where he’s been trapped.
The not-real child of J’onn and Kendra has so much personality in his few panels. (Perhaps he and Jarro should team-up.) Alas, it seems J’onn is destined to lose this child as well. (Minor kvetch: why is Kendra always in a romantic relationship in all her incarnations? )
This reality is obviously a side-trip before tackling the overall problem, where the Earth is hurtling toward its doom, but it’s a worthy one.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
Disclaimer: GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
