Written by (See Credits Below)
Art by (See Credits Below)
Cover Art by Stanley Lau
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for June 2011, this ‘giant-sized’ one-shot is broken into ten chapters. Divided into duos, eighteen members of the Justice League are mysteriously dispersed (and consigned) among nine levels of Hell. Dark forces angle the League’s own personal demons to heroes vs. one another.
- Fraud: Batman & Plastic Man. Writer: Adam Glass & Art Team: Dennis Calero; Hi-Fi Design; & Jared K. Fletcher.
- Anger: Green Arrow & Ragman. Writer: Adam Glass & Art Team: Mikel Janín; Hi-Fi Design; Jared K. Fletcher.
- Heresy: Donna Troy & Bulleteer. Writer: Steve Yockey & Art Team: Marco Castiello; Vincenzo Acunzo; Barbara Ciardo; & Pat Brosseau.
- Limbo: Superman & Red Tornado. Writer: Pepe Caldelas & Art Team: Emanuela Lupacchino; Guillermo Ortego; Stefani Rennee; Dezi Sienty; & Diego Garcia.
- Violence: Hawkman & Etrigan the Demon / Jason Blood. Writer/Artist: Joe Prado, with Rod Reis & Travis Lanham.
- Greed: Fire & Lobo. Writer: David Macho & Art Team: Miguel Munera; Javier Mena; & Travis Lanham.
- Gluttony: Oracle (Barbara Gordon) & Booster Gold. Writer: Marc Bernardin & Art Team: IG Guara; Rodney Ramos; Marcelo Maiolo; & John J. Hill.
- Treachery: Zatanna Zatara & Green Lantern John Stewart. Writer: Roberto Cruz & Art Team: Rodney Buchemi; Jose Marzan; Nathan Eyring; & Dave Sharpe.
- Lust: Wonder Woman & Supergirl. Writer: Frank Mastromaro; & Art Team: Vicente Cifuentes; Kyle Ritter; & Carlos M. Mangual.
- Ruins: The Justice League. Writer: Adam Glass; & Art Team: Scott McDaniel; Hi-Fi Design; & Travis Lanham.
The final chapter reunites the League, as someone may make an ultimate sacrifice to thwart the end game of nefarious Lord Satanus, in a bid to get even with his meddling sister.
Notes: Despite his cover appearance, the Martian Manhunter isn’t in this storyline. Also, the last page erroneously depicts Power Girl instead of Supergirl.
REVIEW:
As a sequel to the Reign in Hell mini-series, this special’s best asset is the art squad’s frequently impressive visuals, including an excellent cover image. Another intriguing element explores the various League tag-teams that wouldn’t normally pair up. Some of these duos (i.e. Hawkman & Etrigan; Zatanna & John Stewart) have some neat writing while others (i.e. Fire & Lobo; Batman & Plastic Man) prove better than expected.
Perhaps the best duo is Green Arrow and Ragman facing off, as writer Adam Glass does some inspired work with these two guys. The other duos are relatively conventional, though a hero (in two different versions) to whom Wonder Woman and Supergirl are both attracted may prove a surprise.
However, this grim storyline’s plodding may prove tiresome to casual fans. To consolidate a more compelling tale and focus on individual depth, nine Leaguers would have sufficed in exploring the various levels of Hell. This storyline also might have made more sense in smaller doses as a cliffhanger serial where the chapters could be a back-up feature for ten months in the Justice League’s monthly title.
Still, Justice League 80-Page Giant 2011 delivers superb art and enough story to make it an engaging read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a six-page Batman: Arkham City # 1 preview entitled “Ruins.” The single-page “DC Nation” column honors the late Dwayne McDuffie.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
