We meet Doctor Arthur Light, far from the evil villain he was in the old universe. This version is a loving family man who unfortunately works for ARGUS, so things are obviously not going to go well for him.
Elsewhere, the Justice League of America attempts to gain further insight into the Secret Society, having already sent Catwoman to infiltrate their ranks. The rest of the team boards their new air-bound base, a nod to a classic piece of DC’s history. Several classic Justice League villains are reinvented here, Professor Ivo, Copperhead and the Shaggy Man pop up to cause trouble. The issue ends with the biggest cliffhanger I’ve ever read! So shocking that my reaction was probably the opposite of what writer Geoff Johns hoped, “That’s not real!”
The art is really great this issue. The story telling is quite fluid and the fight with Shaggy Man in particular is very fast-paced. And Catwoman’s acrobatics are well illustrated as well. The facial expression are excellent – you can just read so much emotion in certain shots, like one of Stargirl in particular that oozes defiance and determination, so great job to penciller Brett Booth.
This book is unfolding quite differently than Justice League, which is all huge, bombastic, epic adventures. This book is quieter, slower and more methodical. In JL, there isn’t really a clear leader, with all of the characters sort of respecting one another, whereas here Steve Trevor calls all the shots with the others following his lead. Their dynamic is very military. It’s interesting that so many classic League villains are being integrated here rather than in the “flagship” series. It’s nice though and hopefully will appeal to classic fans.
The one slight drawback for me is the Martian Manhunter backup feature which simply doesn’t appeal to me. It’s pretty and all. I just didn’t think it was interesting.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #4
Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils by Brett Booth
Cover by David Finch and Sonia Oback
