Written by Gerry Conway
Art by Chuck Patton; Gene D’Angelo; Rick Hoberg; Mike Machlan; & John Costanza
Cover Art by Chuck Patton & Mike Machlan
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for June 1985, this 32-page issue showcasing Vixen is entitled “In the Shadow of the Ox.” At the Justice League’s new Detroit bunker, a skeptical Superman, Wonder Woman, and Flash (Barry Allen) confront Aquaman’s team. A dismayed Zatanna Zatara witnesses Vixen’s rivalry for Dale Gunn’s affections. The JLA is disturbed by Aquaman’s telepathy reining in an irate Vixen (and previously Steel).
To rescue elderly Mother Windom, Vixen defiantly confronts her despised uncle, General Mustapha Maksai, now dubbed ‘The Gored Ox.’ Transformed into a bloodthirsty man-ox, Maksai faces off vs. Vixen in a lethal showdown to contest the mystical Tantu Totem’s destined owner.
Notes: See also Issues # 234-235 re: the Vixen vs. Maksai storyline. This story also acknowledges the onset of space-time fluxes caused by the Crisis on Infinite Earths series.
REVIEW:
Gerry Conway’s JLA Detroit squad steps up their game in Issue # 239. In addition to a well-played Vixen showcase solidifying her origin, Conway makes good use of a stop-over from Wonder Woman, Flash, and Superman. Impressively, all of DC’s necessary creative elements are in place, including excellent visuals. Case in point: the excellent cover image is a spot-on tease. No matter how maligned this era of League history has been, this underrated issue merits re-discovery.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a two-page “JLA Mail Room” letters-and-answers column, as well a single-page “Meanwhile …” column from DC’s Dick Giordano.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
