Justice League #17 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Ivan Reis & Paul Pelletier

I have been thoroughly enjoying this series, and with the new Justice League of America starting this week hopefully we'll have double the fun. This storyline has been brilliant, and I'm really looking forward to seeing exactly how it affects the future issues of this series, Aquaman, and even the new Justice League of America series.

Plot

The final battle begins, as the Justice League make a final fight against the Atlanteans, and Aquaman faces of against his brother the Ocean Master in a fight for the crown of Atlantis.

Review

This was a brilliant way to end the Throne of Atlantis storyline, and Geoff Johns has done a fabulous job. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this issue as the storyline so far although good has been slightly unpredictable. What I liked most about the writing however was that although it showed a brilliant climax to the story, it also showed teasers for things to come, and showed that Johns was thinking ahead. Although Johns centered most of this final issue around the final confrontation between Aquaman, and Ocean Master it was still nice to see that he gave time for the other characters to have there moment, and I especially liked that he showed non League members like Hawkman, and Firestorm, especially Hawkman considering he'll be apart of the Justice League of America.

Once again Ivan Reis produces some of the most beautiful artwork I have ever seen. As I've said before I will miss him on Aquaman, but he is much more suited on this series. Reis' artwork is very detailed, and looks nothing shy of epic. Some of the pages are that vastly character/item contented (especially the double page landscapes) and there isn't any lack of detail, whereas a lot of artists wouldn't focus much, or sometimes any effort on the detail for background characters, but Reis does. The emotion throughout was also very nice, especially during the Aquaman/Ocean Master fight, as it's obvious that Aquaman doesn't want to fight his brother, but it's came to the stage that Aquaman is that frustrated that he can't hold anything back. It was also nice to see some art from the new Aquaman artist Paul Pelletier in a couple of pages at the back. I usually complain when more than one artist work on the same comic, but it was nice this time round, as it was only a few pages, and it mainly centered around the future of Aquaman. Rod Reis, and Nathan Eyring also produced some amazing colours throughout this issue, making Ivan Reis, and Pelletier's artwork look even more beautiful than it already is.

How can I do this review without talking about the Aquaman/Ocean Master battle. It was nothing short of epic, and I'm glad that it ruled the majority of the issue. It was really interesting as it got to the point that although Aquaman didn't want the throne of Atlantis there was no other way to stop the fight than to go for it. Although some people may have worked out the ending of the fight I won't say it, as I don't want to deliberately spoil it, and apologies to anyone that's worked it out. The thing I loved most about this fight was the emotion, as it was obvious that Aquaman was in two minds during the fight, whilst it mainly showed his frustration, and anger. The Ocean Masters actions during the fight were also interesting as he appeared to show little concern for Aquaman, whilst stating that he loved him, and always wanted a brother, which I didn't quite buy. In saying that it was very difficult to understand what was true and not from Ocean Master, as when he was fighting Aquaman he showed no remorse, and had evil intentions in his expressions, but at certain points he looked slightly sorry, which made it slightly confusing.

The only disappointing thing in the story was the involvement of Vulko. After revealing that he caused this I was expecting a lot more to be shown between Aquaman and Vulko during this issue, but nothing much happened. Although Vulko produced an explanation for his actions it appeared that the main reason for this to be in the story was to have a cliffhanger conclusion to the last issue of Aquaman.

I'll finally talk about how this leads into the future of the Justice League. It has been shown back in Justice League #12 that this there was going to be a second Justice League team, in another title, and the series has been gradually leading up to this ever since. What I liked about this story line is that it gave the perfect reason for this secondary team to come into existence, and it also leaves questions about what this means for the already established Justice League. It's obvious that the League alone isn't enough to stop ever threat, and even the now know this themselves, but with someone like Amanda Waller leading this new team will the current League be seen as friends or foes.

The only thing that I was slightly upset at was that the Shazam! (Billy Batson) back-up story was missing. It's been the thing I most look forward to in this series, but overall I'm actually happy that it's missing, as the issue really needed all of the 30 pages to tell the remainder of the story in.

Final Verdict

This was a fantastic climax to a fabulous story. Between Johns writing, and Reis' artwork it is an phenomenally epic issue, and it leaves so many possibilities for the future of the series. I would highly recommend this issue, the series, and this entire story, as they are all brilliant. I'd also recommend getting the new Justice League of America series, as with this finale is a huge teaser for that series.

Rating: 5/5

Aquaman #16 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Paul Pelletier

As I said in my Justice League #16 review, I wasn't originally planing to review this issue, but as I'm wanting to review the final issue in the crossover I thought that I might as well review the other two issues, and have a complete review on the storyline, which has been very enjoyable.

Plot

With the Justice League out of play Cyborg has had to make a drastic decision, acquiring new temporary members as reinforcements. Also there is a shocking twist to the story.

Review

This was a brilliant issue, and although it wasn't as good as Justice League #16 it was still a very good issue. Geoff Johns has done a fabulous job on this series, and he continues with this storyline. What I've loved about this story is that both this series, and Justice League have a very different feel to each other, as Justice League focuses on the bulk of the action, whereas this series doesn't have as much action taking the story away from the fight against the Atlanteans to delve deeper into the story, and focus more on Aquaman than the story already does. As I half said in the last sentence, although there isn't as much action in this issue, it does develop the story more than the last issue, which is very nice.

The art in this issue was very good, and Paul Pelletier has done a decent job. Pelletier has proven over these last couple of issues to be a good replacement for Ivan Reis, and although it's nowhere near as good as Reis' art it is still very good, and shows that the series is in good hands for the future. The detail in Pelletier's art is brilliant, as he really puts a lot of effort into it, especially when drawing The Trench, which isn't any worse than the way Reis drew them. I also like the emotion he puts into the characters, as it really helps to show how the characters are feeling, especially in the fight sequences.

The last issue showed that Cyborg has expanded the Justice League, all be it temporary. This was a very interesting thing to follow in to this issue, as it's showing the coming of the Justice League of America series. It also shows that the seven members of the Justice League, or in this case five aren't always enough to win the fight, as if Cyborg didn't call in the reinforcements there probably wouldn't be anything for the remaining League members to return to. I also liked that Cyborg was able to take charge, as this shows the potential for a brilliant Cyborg related story sometime in the future.

I also found the upgrades to Cyborg interesting. Although it's obvious that Cyborg can be upgraded it hasn't really been shown so far, so it was nice seeing it happen now. It was also interesting to see that Cyborg was willing to take away a bit more of his remaining humanity to help save the Justice League, and end this war.

Whilst this is happening Aquaman breaks of a ice pod, and finds out that Batman is also in one. Aquaman takes Batman's pod along with him as they search for Wonder Woman, and Superman communicating along the way, but Aquaman also has to deal with the Trench along the way.It was interesting to see that Batman wanted out of the pod, and I would have thought that he wouldn't need Aquaman to tell him that his suit wouldn't be able to take the pressure of the water around him. Besides that this was a very interesting sequence which produced some brilliant action, and a lovely conversation between Aquaman, and Batman.

Although I said that this issue developed the story more than the last issue, the reason it sin't quite as good as the Justice League issue is the lack of action, and the art. As I said I loved Pelleteir's artwork, but I couldn't rate it as high as Reis' so have to knock something of for that, and although I liked seeing the development of the story I much preferred the fight sequences in the last issue, and also thought that this issue wasn't as good due to the lack of appearance from Ocean Master. It wasn't far of though, and it was minor things that dropped the rating.

I'll finish by talking a bit about the ending. Like usual I won't go into details to avoid spoilers, but I will say that it was a very shocking, and surprising turn of events, and adds ton's of suspense for the final issue.

Final Verdict

This was a tremendous issue, and this has been a fabulous storyline. I'd highly recommend this issue, and the story, as they have both been phenomenal, and I'd also recommend the other issue in both this series, and Justice League, as both series have been brilliant before this storyline.

Rating: 4.5/5

Justice League #16 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis

Initially I wasn't going to review this issue, or the remaining issues in the Throne of Atlantis crossover due to not being able to review everything I wanted to. I however wanted to review the final issue of the crossover, and thought that it wouldn't make sense missing a couple, so went back to review this issue.

Plot

Aquaman has to fight between both sides, and the rest of the Atlantean army coming to play, leaving little hope for the surface dwellers.

Shazam! Part 9

In the backup story featuring Shazam! (Billy Batson), Shazam!, and Black Adam finally meat each other in an epic fight.

Review

This crossover has been truly brilliant, and although the first two parts weren't perfect the storyline is finally becoming strong. I've loved most of Geoff Johns work over the last few years, and although this series has had a few rough patches, it has been one of my favourites. The way he integrates all these characters is just brilliant, and he knows exactly when to add some development to the team. After the gripping conclusion to last issue I was really looking forward to this issue, and where Aquaman's allegiances lie. What I've especially loved about this storylines is how Johns has been able to connect the two series together, and how he's taken every character into consideration, even though it mainly centres around Aquaman.

Although I'm still slightly upset that Ivan Reis won't be drawing Aquaman any more I'm very happy that he's moved onto this series, and overall I think he's more suited here. Although Aquaman is a brilliant comic with all the additional characters floating about in this series it needs a brilliant artist, especially now that Jim Lee won't be on it any more as he will be working on a new Superman series with Scott Snyder. This was also the best storyline to do the switch, as due to Aquaman being the main character it makes the transition from both series a lot smoother. Anyway Reis once again blows my mind with his artwork, and everything looks amazing, and I truly think that Reis can jump on any series and make it look beautiful. The fight sequences in this issue were epic, and Reis really produced the goods, making them look even better than they were. The detail in his artwork is also outstanding, and it doesn't matter if it's a vast picture with many characters, a fight sequence, or an emotional sequence, the detail's always perfect.

As I said earlier the conclusion to last issue really set the tone for this issue, but it was the fight sequences that really made this issue as good as it was. To be honest most of the issue is a gigantic fight, and although that's not always a brilliant thing this time it was. Although epic giant fight sequences don't really tend to push a story forward much, and usually are added to give some excitement, and add to the page count. Johns however was able to progress the story through the fight sequence as the dialogue was brilliantly written. Besides the dialogue the art in the fight sequences really shone through, and between both the art, and the writing it lead for a very exciting, and dramatic sequence.

The thing that really showed in this issue was the Ocean Master's characteristics. Although Aquaman fans will know that Ocean Master is a villain it is this story that shows this for the first time since the New 52. This issue shows that Ocean Master isn't willing to listen to anything that Aquaman has to say, and it looks like he's using this as the perfect opportunity of attacking the surface more than actually wanting to protect Atlantis.

The most interesting part about this issue was how the Justice League and Aquaman got along together. As I've already said the ending of the last issue was very interesting, and it was mainly due to finding out where Aquaman's allegiances lie, so seeing him fighting the League (all be it half-heartedly) was interesting, and what was more interesting was how little the League understood Aquaman. You'd have thought that the League would have supported Aquaman, and although at the end of the day they need to think of the rest of the world first they should have left Aquaman to try and sort things out for a bit longer. This however really eat into Ocean Master's hands, and Aquaman decided what side he was on, although I won't spoil that.

Another thing I loved during this issue was when Superman got really angry. Although Superman has been angry in the past I can't recall ever seeing him as mad as he is during this issue. The art from Ivan Reis, as well as the colouring from Rod Reis is in my opinion what really helped to show this as it was simply amazing, and showed that they can even make this very angry expression look beautiful.

Whilst all this is happening Cyborg takes Dr. Stephen Shin and Vulko to the Justice League Watchtower I don't really want to talk much about what happens in this sequence as it will most likely spoil the ending of the issue, but I will say that it's very interesting, and the ending of the issue is awesome.

The Shazam! back-up story continues to get better and better, with this being the best part yet. I've really been looking forward to the fight between Shazam! and Black Adam finally happening. Gary Frank continues to do an amazing job on the artwork, and it really bring the right tone to the story, as it's full of brilliant details, and great emotions. What I liked most about this part of the story was that for the first time since becoming Shazam! Billy realizes that he's not quite as invincible as he thought he was. What I liked better though was that Billy wasn't just going to sit back and take it, and that he stuck to character by standing up to the bully. The issue once more has a terrific ending which makes me want to see the next part of the story.

Final Verdict

A brilliant issue, and the best part in the Throne of Atlantis storyline yet. I would highly recommend this issue to anyone, as well as the story so far, as it's been a very good story.

Rating: 5/5

Aquaman #15 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Paul Pelletier

This has been a fantastic series, and I have really enjoyed seeing Aquaman as in a brilliant series. Like many other great characters, Geoff Johns has done an amazing job of bringing them back to form, and I don't think this series would last long without his brilliant writing.

Plot

This issue sees a continuation of Justice League #15, where a lot of the land has been covered in water. Aquaman, and Batman save as many people as they can in Gotham City, whilst Superman and Wonder Woman does the same in Metropolis. Aquaman also confronts Ocean Master in this issue.

Review

A brilliant continuation to a great story. Geoff Johns has done a brilliant job continuing this story, and I love how even though it benefits reading Justice League #15, this issues been written in a way that you don't real have to. I've also liked how he's made this issue centred more around Aquaman, whilst keeping the other characters involved. I did however think that the story hadn't progressed as much as I'd hoped it was but hope the next part will. This issue story wise was however better than Justice League #15, and with the Ocean Master being properly introduced to the story the rest should be even better.

The art from Paul Pelletier was very good, but not fantastic. I knew the artist replacing Ivan Reis wouldn't be better than him, but I think that after becoming accustomed to his great art that Pelletier's art looks more worse than it actually is. His art on the whole is actually very good, it's just the odd inconsistency, and lack of detail that lets it down slightly. I also thought that he drew the movement of objects like fire and water brilliantly, and that he showed the anger in Ocean Mater's face perfectly. I also liked how he drew the other members of the Justice League in this issue, but did think that their hair looked a bit odd at times, especially whilst moving or in the distance.

Wonder Woman Defending Superman

Near the start of this issue Superman is trying to reason with Vulko, but after Vulko, who's in a panic and hurry, punches Superman, Wonder Woman steps in telling him that she will decapitate him if he does that again. With Superman and Wonder Woman spending as much time as they have together recently it was interesting seeing Wonder Woman defending him, although she probably would have anyway. It was also nice to see Vulko having a role in this story as I've been quite interested in finding out what he knows, and can do, since Aquaman #0.

Batman and Aquaman Escape Death

The interaction between Aquaman and Batman in this issue was also very interesting, and I liked that Batman started to understand how hard this situation is for Aquaman. It was also interesting to see how they both reacted to the situation at hand, with Aquaman hoping for a peaceful solution, and Batman seeing the more realistic solution of taking Ocean Master down.

It was also nice seeing Mera still have a role in this series, even if it isn't much, as she's been a great side character throughout this series, and helped Aquaman a lot. It was also interesting to see that the assault from Atlantis was to much for her, and although she tried very hard to help, her powers weren't enough.

The Trench also make a brief appearance in this issue, which is interesting as they haven't been in the series for quite a few issues. It will also be interesting to see what part if any these creatures have in this story, as if they are involved than the Justice League's job will be even harder than it already is.

The Justice League Steps In

Nearer the end of this issue Aquaman requests to have a shot at bringing Ocean Master in quietly, by himself. The anger in Ocean Master, whilst talking to Aquaman is easy to see, and he appeared to be more angry after finding Aquaman than before. During this conversation the Justice League decide that it's not going as easy as Aquaman said it would, and step in. This movement angers Ocean Master even more, and also makes Aquaman question even more about who's side he's on. This sequence alone looks like it's going to make the story even better, as with Aquaman torn between the Justice League, and Atlantis it will be interesting to see who he chooses.

Final Verdict

This was a tremendous issue and a great continuation to what is looking to be an brilliant story. The only reason this loses a couple of points in the ratings is because the story hasn't progressed quite, as much as I hoped it to be, and the art isn't fantastic. I would however still recommend this issue, as well as Justice League #15 which was also out this week, and am looking forward to the continuation of this story in Justice League #16.

Rating: 4/5

Justice League #15 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis

I have been a fan of this series since the start, and although it's had a couple of rough patches it's still been an excellent series, and one of my favourites in the New 52. Geoff Johns has done an excellent job writing this series, and although I was a little upset when I heard Jim Lee wouldn't be doing the art after issue12, his replacement Ivan Reis is just as good. Reis addition to this series does however mean that he will no longer be doing art on the brilliant Aquaman series, but Aquaman's loss is Justice Leagues gain.

Plot

After being accidentally attacked by missiles, Atlantis initiate the Atlantean War Plans, and engulf Gotham City, and Metropolis, as well as other locations in water killing people. This issue also sees Superman taking Wonder Woman on a date.

Shazam! Part 8

In the backup story featuring Shazam! (Billy Batson), Shazam stops multiple robbery attempts and also learns that he can fly.

Review

This was a brilliant start to the Throne of Atlantis crossover. It isn't the best issue of Justice League I have ever read, but it is slightly better than the last issue, and very good considering that it's starting a brand new story, which crosses over into another series. I liked how Johns continued this from the last issue of Justice League with Superman and Wonder Woman continuing their discussion from the last issue, and how this new story is slipped in during this. I also loved how the Justice League was split into smaller groups, with Aquaman and Batman working together, Superman and Wonder Woman working together, and Cyborg in the Justice League Watchtower. The location of Flash is also questionable during this issue, but I just assume that this didn't affect him, or he was preoccupied with something else.

As I said I loved the art, and warmly welcome Ivan Reis as the new Justice League artist. His art in Aquaman, and Blackest Night was brilliant, and having already drawn most of the Justice League members in the past, whether in the regular universe, or the cover of Earth 2 #1, so he was the perfect choice to replace Jim Lee as the artist on Justice League. Don't get me wrong I loved Tony Daniel's art over the last couple of issues, as I said in my reviews, but Reis' art has something more appealing towards it. He's also the perfect choice for this story because he's been drawing Aquaman for over a year now, and with this story mainly focusing on him and Atlantis, it makes sense to have Reis. Besides this Reis art is simply beautiful, and has ton's of detail. Rod Reis also does a brilliant job with the colouring of this issue, and he really makes Ivan Reis' art even more beautiful. I especially like how he get's the shine on the costumes, mainly Superman's S.

Aquaman in Gotham

Aquaman visits Gotham in this issue to ask Batman for help. I wouldn't have seen this coming, as with both characters being very proud and stubborn I'd have thought that Aquaman would have only asked for help at the last resort. I did however like that Aquaman starts by helping Batman, and that he acknowledges that they don't always see eye to eye. It was also interesting in this issue, as Batman appears to be sorry for Aquaman when he tells him about being torn between the land and the sea. I also found it funny when one of the cops who's cousin works in Boston (where Aquaman's from) makes jokes comparing Batman and Aquaman after another Cop asks if his cousin works with Aquaman, like James Gordon works with Batman.

It was also interesting seeing at the start of the issue the reason why Atlantis put it's War Plans into effect, and it also leaves a lot of questions about who changed the co-ordinates of the missile. This did however give Ocean Master the perfect excuse for attacking the land, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was somehow behind it.

Superman Explaining to Wonder Woman
why Clark Kent is his Mask

Superman continues explaining to Wonder Woman about why Clark Kent is his mask, and not Superman. Although there was all the Throne of Atlantis stuff going on in this issue this was the sequence that I liked the most. Any Superman fan knows the reason for Clark Kent being Superman's mask, but it was interesting seeing him explain it to Wonder Woman, who doesn't know much about secret identities, as she's always Wonder Woman. The date between Wonder Woman and Superman in this issue was also interesting, and I loved that Clark showed her how to hide her identity like he does, by putting glasses, and a suit on her, and having her hair tied up.

Shazam Can Fly

The Shazam! backup story was once again brilliant, and always worth reading. Although it's not been the best part in the Shazam! story it was still very fun and the set up for the next part was brilliant. Gary Frank really does a terrific job on the artwork, and really brings this story to life, with ton's of detail. I also enjoyed seeing Shazam! fly for the first time in this issue, and how he reacted to the prospect of being a child again. Freddy Freeman has also been a brilliant friend to Billy and it's nice that Billy becoming Shazam! has made them closer friends, as they were far from friends at the start of this story. It was also nice to see Shazam! stopping robbers, and I'm really looking forward to the next part, which should be the best yet.

Final Verdict

A good start, and I hope that this will be a great crossover. I would highly recommend this issue, as well as Aquaman #15, which was also out this week, and am looking forward to Justice League #16, and the continuation of the Throne of Atlantis storyline.

Rating: 4/5

Aquaman #14

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Pete Woods & Pere Pérez

This has probably been the most surprising series that has came out of the New 52, also being one of the best things to have come out of the New 52. Before this series I had a huge disliking for Aquaman, and was guilty of being one of the many who thought he was nothing more than a joke, which this series has proved wrong. When I heard about this crossover I was very excited as I've been loving Geoff Johns work on this series as well as his work on Justice League, so having a crossover involving the two was bound to interest me.

Plot

This issue starts in 1820 with a Captain of a ship capturing and killing an Atlantean who resembles Aquaman. The story then jumps to the present where Aquaman asks for information from his half-brother the Ocean Master, and Black Manta is locked up in Belle Reve Prison.

Review

I enjoyed this issue and it was a very good prelude to what I hope will be a fantastic story. Johns has done an amazing job in this issue and I loved how he tied the small back story at the start of the issue into the main plot. I also liked how whilst revealing tiny amounts of Atlantean history, whilst leaving more questions to be answered. The way he's introduced this story with Aquaman talking with his half-brother was interesting, and along with Garth this gives a brilliant question of who truly should be king of Atlantis. I'm also interested to see how Johns is going to continue this story into Justice League, and would have probably preferred them to have made an appearance in this.

The absence of Ivan Reis' art on this issue is noticeable and it's sad to see him leave this great series, but I look forward to seeing him draw Aquaman along with the Justice League and what a better place to start than this story. I never expected Reis' replacement to do a better job than he did, but Pete Woods, and Pere Pérez's did a good job on the art in this issue, and Reis' replacement could have been a lot worse. Their art on the character's was very good, but there wasn't quite as much detail in their art than I'd hoped for and some of the panel's were inconsistent. I liked how they drew the Ocean Mater and liked how he was in the shadows most of the time, with the cover being the only place where you get a proper look at his face. The cover itself had good art, and I loved how with the Ocean Master it had shark's swimming behind him, showing that he's got a vicious side.

I loved how Aquaman used the fish to help him get a hold of his half-brother in this issue, as although it's one of Aquaman's less interesting powers, it's still one of his main ones and should be shown every once in a while. It's also a nice way to ease newer readers into the series, as even if they don't know much about Aquaman they will probably know he talks to fish. I don't want to see this become a recurring thing, but it is nice to be reminded of another thing Aquaman is know for. It was also nice how Ocean Master recognised straight away that his brother wanted to talk with him, and that he didn't keep him waiting.

Ocean Master's involvement in this issue was very interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing how big a role he has to play in this story. I liked that he was in the shadows for the entire issue, and that we didn't get to see him. It will also be interesting to see where is allegiances truly lie as behind Aquaman's back he appears to be conspiring against him, and as Aquaman fans prior to the New 52 will know Ocean Master was never a friend of Aquaman's. I will also be interested to see what the child Ocean Master spoke of, named Garth's role will be and if he is Tempest, who was once Aqualad.

Black Manta's appearance in this issue was also interesting, and I liked how we got to see where he landed up after his fight with Aquaman last issue. It was also interesting to see where Black Manta was going to be as Cheetah (Minerva) mentioned about his arrival near the end of Justice League #14. I will also be looking forward to seeing what role he will have to play in this story, if any, and what will become of him if he's not involved. I also found it interested how Black Manta made it clear that he had no desire to join Amanda Waller's Suicide Squad.

Final Verdict

This was a good prelude, but nothing special. If you loved Reis' art don't expect to be blown away by his replacement, but be reassured that it isn't bad. I am still looking forward to this story and expect it to be brilliant. I would recommend this issue as it has a insight of what's to come in the main story, but if you're only bothered about the main story I would recommend waiting till Justice League #15.

Rating: 3.5/5