Written by Alan Burnett. Art by Ed Benes; Peter Pantazis; Rob Leigh; & Sandra Hope.
Back-Up Story Written by Dwayne McDuffie. Back-Up Story Art by Jon Boy Meyers; Mark Irwin; Rob Leigh; & Pete Pantazis.
Cover Art by Ed Benes & Alex Sinclair.
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Sanctuary, Part Two,” DC Comics released this issue for April 2008. The League (Superman; Wonder Woman; Batman; Hawkgirl; Black Lightning; & Red Arrow) face the surrender of several super-villains seeking diplomatic asylum at the Hall of Justice — among The Key and Doctor Polaris. These criminals dread the rumored inhumanity otherwise awaiting them on the secret ‘prison planet’ in another galaxy. While the JLA seeks further intel, Amanda Waller covertly sends her Suicide Squad to invade the Hall of Justice’s Watchtower satellite.
In the Red Tornado’s six-page back-up tale, “Meanwhile, Back at Owl Creek Bridge …,” the League’s cybernetics experts seek to soon reunite both the Tornado’s virtual self and his soul with a new (partially-constructed) android body. Within the Hall of Justice’s high-tech lab, the Tornado’s wife, Kathy, and young daughter, Traya, observe Batman; Zatanna Zatara; Dr. John Henry Irons; The Metal Men’s Dr. Will Magnus; and The Doom Patrol’s Dr. Niles “The Chief” Caulder at work. The question is: does Red Tornado’s mortal family wish to risk losing him again?
Note: Though included on the cover, neither Black Canary nor John Stewart’s Green Lantern appear in this issue.
REVIEW:
Both stories, in terms of their writing and visuals, deliver well-played DC entertainment. In particular, kudos should go to artist Ed Benes for providing further evidence that he is definitely one of the industry’s best pencillers.
For fans, Justice League of America # 18 is a recommended read worthy of ‘staying tuned.’
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In the “DC Direct” column, DC’s VP of Design & DC Direct Creative, Georg Brewer, heralds the start of the 2008 convention season. Included are thumbnail cover reveals for Death of the New Gods # 6; Superman/Batman # 46; and Justice League of America # 19.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
