Written by James Robinson
Art by Daniel Sampere; Miguel Sepulveda; Wayne Faucher; Andrew Dalhouse; & Rob Leigh
Cover Art by Brett Booth; Norm Rapmund; & Andrew Dalhouse
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for August 2011, Eclipso Rising reaches its penultimate issue: “Part Five – The Destined and the Dying.” With the Moon severed in half, the Earth faces a catastrophic fate. The League (Jesse Quick; Donna Troy; Dick Grayson’s Batman) with guest stars Green Lantern Alan Scott, Blue Lantern Saint Walker, & Obsidian launches a final blitz against Eclipso’s Shadow Army.
As the Emerald City crumbles, the League divides its forces — among the battles is Obsidian vs. The Shade. Congorilla’s expertise as a sniper might be his team’s last chance. A flashback shows Batman’s counter-strike strategy, as Saint Walker realizes that Donna Troy’s noble spirit embodies ‘God’s positive light.’ In direct combat, Donna fights Eclipso before the villain’s mystical blade makes a devastating strike.
Notes: It’s deceptively advertised that Cyborg; Red Tornado; and the Bulleteer make guest appearances, but they aren’t in this issue. Though an image isn’t available with this comic, artists Aaron Lopresti & Hi-Fi generated a variant cover.
REVIEW:
Despite some artistic turnover (i.e. Daniel Sampere replaces Brett Booth on penciling), this issue’s visuals continue the storyline’s top-caliber imagery. Despite some plot-related inaccuracies, the terrific cover image is another vital asset. Writer James Robinson’s storyline proves somewhat confusing (jumping back and forth from the present-time battle to the League’s pre-battle strategy session), but it’s still a gripping read. Justice League of America # 58 is proof of why Robinson’s League is often an underrated gem.
Note: Curiously, in a two-page battle spread on pages 4 and 5, Dr. Light II and a blue head-finned alien hero join the League’s assault, but these two characters don’t appear again in the issue.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
DC Design Director Jim Fletcher plugs the release of Green Lantern movie mini-busts. There is also a dubious eight-page Subway ad insert where NBA player Blake Griffin and racecar driver Carl Edwards team up with the Justice League vs. Gorilla Grodd’s forces. Editors Eddie Berganza and Rex Ogle flippantly provide a 1½-page letters-and-answers column, which includes a grotesque cover reveal for Justice League of America # 59.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
