Written by James Robinson
Art by Brett Booth; Norm Rapmund, Andrew Dalhouse; & Rob Leigh
Cover Art by Brett Booth & Andrew Dalhouse
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Eclipso Rising: Part Two – Mayhem,” this Reign of Doomsday tie-in was published by DC Comics for May 2011. Aboard the orbiting Emerald City, Jade and Jesse Quick watch over a crippled Alan Scott. They are startled by the invasion of Eclipso’s Shadow Army. Surveying what’s left of New Krypton in space, the dark Supergirl, Alpha-Lantern Boodika, and Dick Grayson’s Batman are assaulted by Doomsday. Even boosted by Blue Lantern Saint Walker and the League’s alien Starman, the heroes are badly outmatched. Pursuing Supergirl, Batman, and an injured Boodika, Doomsday breaches the League’s Watchtower satellite.
At the Emerald City, Jesse Quick must flee with Alan Scott while Jade defiantly faces Eclipso. Against the Shadow Army, Donna Troy desperately needs help, as another Leaguer falls to Eclipso’s spell. The dual storylines diverge: the Emerald City invasion continues in Justice League of America # 56 while Batman & Supergirl’s battle vs. Doomsday transfers over to Batman/Superman Annual # 5.
Notes: The main cover deceptively advertises the Hank Henshaw Cyborg Superman’s presence, but it’s a last page cameo. Though the image isn’t included here, a variant cover by Dan Jurgens, Norm Rapmund, & Andrew Dalhouse exists.
REVIEW:
Adequately balancing Eclipso’s Shadow Army and Doomsday, writer James Robinson improves upon a disappointing Issue # 54. For instance, Robinson does terrific work in terms of character chemistry between Jade and Jesse Quick; Dick Grayson and Supergirl; and the team battle sequences. The guest presence of Boodika and Saint Walker add some further depth, at least to balance out Doomsday’s one-dimensional presence.
Even more so, the art team’s visuals (including the cover image) are exceptionally good. Representing the last JLA’s last incarnation prior to the New 52 re-launch, Justice League of America # 55 makes an fine showcase.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The single-page “DC Nation” column is replaced by a Catwoman-themed advertisement for the DC Universe Online game. Editors Eddie Berganza & Rex Ogle newly institute a 1½-page letters-and-answers column, which includes a cover reveal for Justice League of America # 56.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
