Written by: J.M. DeMatteis and Bruce TimmArt by: Thony Silas and Tony Avina
Cover price: $0.99
Release Date: July 11, 2015
Extra! Extra!
The first issue of Justice League: Gods and Monsters was a great setup for what's to come. We got a peek at the awesome Forever People and their eccentric creator, Jackson Alpert and caught up with Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Some time had passed since the individual origin stories that preceded this bit of the story, but J.M. DeMatteis did a great job of catching everyone up quickly and seamlessly. These aren't the Trinity we are used to and the world they live in treat them accordingly. We are still a ways from the formation of the Justice League and I'm intrigued with how DeMatteis is going to bring such diverse characters together and how he will make us even like such a dark collection. This issue begins the process as we see more of this interesting world and it's flawed heroes. Does that make it good? Let's find out...
This week starts with a continuation of last issue with the narrator describing the first time the world got a good look at Superman. We see that any good he might have done was quickly washed away by his brutality and arrogance. DeMatteis makes sure that the reader knows that this Superman is above everyone and he knows it. We also get a quick look at Lois Lane and even though this is an alternate universe, she is quick, brash and in Superman's face. It's clear now that she has been the narrator and DeMatteis couldn't have picked a better person for the job.
DeMatteis then opens up this world a little more as we get several reactions to Superman. Lex Luthor doesn't trust him (shocker, I know) and PRESIDENT Amanda Waller is worried. Worried about what Superman could do to her political career, that is. Again, some things never change.
If you read my review of last issue, you already know how pumped I was to see the Forever people in this book. We get some more of them this issue and continue seeing that they will be on the opposite side of the Justice League when they get around to forming. In fact, their actions this issue kick the process into high gear. Under the guidance of Alpert, they are traveling the world, putting an end to anti Forever People sentiment. They aren't hurting anyone (unless you consider peaceful mind control hurtful), but that's not the issue here. The problem is jealousy...Superman's jealousy.
The issue ends with Superman discussing these "New Gods" with Batman and while it felt a little weird to see them as somewhat friends already, I really enjoyed the scene. You can almost see the gears turning in Superman's head when it comes to dealing with the Forever People and while Kirk is a genius, he still tries to manipulate him into helping. Superman's arrogance strikes again. He does throw an idea at Batman that seems to have hit home and the issue ends with both going their own way...for now.
This issue was another winner. DeMatteis gives us a larger view of the world and seeing Luthor, Lane and Waller was awesome. While I loved seeing more of the Forever People, the character work DeMatteis gave us with Superman was the highlight. I love that I hate him so much right now. I also love the idea that the Justice League may form out of his arrogance and insecurities.
I also, also loved Thony Silas' art. His style really fits this story well and this issue looked better than the last one, if that's possible. I can't wait to see more of the Forever People because his versions are top notch. It also makes me miss Batman Beyond 2.0 even more.
Bits and Pieces:
J. M. DeMatteis opens up the world of Gods and Monsters this issue and I loved everything we see. Favorite characters are introduced and we get a glimpse of the reason the Justice League will eventually be formed. It's not exactly heroic, but that's what makes it so great. Thony Silas' art is a treat to look at and the story is moving ahead and in a different direction than I ever imagined. I want more now!
9.5/10
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