Written by Geoff Johns & Allan Heinberg
Art by Chris Batista; Mark Farmer; Rob Leigh; & David Baron
Cover Art by Rags Morales & Mark Farmer
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Crisis of Conscience, Part Four,” this issue was published by DC Comics for November 2005. Martian Manhunter’s losing battle vs. Despero takes spiraling them from the trashed JLA Watchtower to San Diego where Aquaman awaits them. The League (Superman; Wally West’s Flash; Green Arrow; Black Canary; Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern; Hawkman; & Zatanna Zatara) are deadlocked over againy removing knowledge of their secret identities from a defeated Secret Society’s minds. Zatanna abruptly quits the team and seeks solace with Wonder Woman & Supergirl on Themyscira.
While Aquaman & Martian Manhunter’s battle against Despero escalates underwater, Wonder Woman consoles Zatanna that they both may have to repeat their controversial choices, if necessary. In the Batcave, Batman & Catwoman’s examination of a deactivated Red Tornado is interrupted by Despero. The villainous alien telepath soon has three Leaguers under his mind control. It’s the set-up for this storyline’s conclusion in JLA # 119.
REVIEW:
To co-writers Geoff Johns & Allen Heinberg’s credit, they coherently rotate screen time among the Leaguers and accomplish plenty in the process. Their only abrupt transition is switching over from Aquaman & Martian Manhunter’s action sequence to Zatanna and Supergirl in quiet conversation on Themyscira. Impressively, the necessary storytelling elements are cohesively in place (including events that occur off-screen) for a rousing Justice League adventure. Even better is an intriguing cliffhanger that leaves wide open what might well transpire in the next issue. Nicely supported by the art team’s B+/A- caliber visuals (including a superb cover image), JLA # 118 proves a complete entertainment package for DC fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
On the single-page “DC in Demand” column, there are thumbnail cover reveals for All Star Superman # 1; All Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder # 2; Supergirl # 2, and a pivotal JLA # 119.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
Note: The complete JLA: Crisis of Conscience trade paperback is highly recommended!
