Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Jason Fabok; Brad Anderson; & Carlos Mangual
‘Lego’ Variant Cover Art by Joshua Middleton
SUMMARY:
Published under The New 52 banner by DC Comics for January 2015, the start of The Amazo Virus is entitled “Chapter One: Quarantined.” More than five hundred citizens are critically ill from a mutated virus that Lex Luthor spawned using an artificial enzyme he took from Amazo. The likely fatal symptoms include a normal human’s manifestation of a dangerously random super-power.
Among the casualties are Aquaman; Shazam; Green Lantern Jessica Cruz; Cyborg; and Flash. Due to their non-human existence, Wonder Woman & Superman are immune to this plague. Knowing his own sister is a victim, Luthor admits to Wonder Woman he has 24 hours or less to concoct an antidote before the Leaguers die.
In a ravaged Metropolis, Batman & Superman desperately search for the elusive ‘Patient Zero,’ who likely carries the necessary anti-bodies for a cure. While Steve Trevor and Luthor discuss the sole option for curing this ‘super-disease,’ an unknown enemy is seeking assassins to carry out a high-priced hit on Luthor.
Note: Though the image isn’t available here, artists Jason Fabok & Brad Anderson created this issue’s main cover.
REVIEW:
What pops out most is the outstanding glossy visuals by the art team, especially top-caliber renditions of Wonder Woman and Lex Luthor. The same applies to Batman and the New 52 Superman. Writer Geoff Johns’ ‘super-plague’ storyline inevitably has a few gross moments, but his concept (Luthor as the League’s savior) makes for an intriguing read. Although this storyline starts under way, Johns sufficiently clues in readers re: the backstory. His dialogue for various sequences (i.e. Luthor & Wonder Woman; Luthor & Captain Cold; Batman & Superman’s scenes) is excellent. As a complete package, Justice League # 36 definitely proves well-played!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The “Channel 52” column offers a two-spread promoting a Harley Quinn Holiday Special. The single-page “DC All Access” promotes Meredith Finch & David Finch’s arrival as Wonder Woman’s new creative team.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
