Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis
As a whole this series has been fantastic, and although it's not been the best that DC has produced, it hasn't been far off, having produced some fabulous storylines so far. The current Trinity War story that finishes this issue has however intrigued me the most recently, and I look forward to seeing how it leads into Forever Evil.
Plot
All the heroes have assembled in Greece, with Pandora's Box turning everyone against each other, with The Outsider makes this play to his advantage.
Review
This was a phenomenal issue, and easily the best issue in the story, ending on a high note. Geoff Johns has done a great job in wrapping this story up, whilst also setting the following storyline up perfectly. The drama, and suspense in this issue was also amazing well handled, as Johns managed to give the perfect tone for this issue, making it exciting, whilst also being entertaining. The dialogue in this issue was also spectacular, as with the amazing action in this issue you could easily forgive less than perfect dialogue, but you don't have to with this, as it's simply amazing, being extremely dynamic. I also loved the revelation of all the mystery, and look forward to seeing what Johns has in store with Forever Evil.
The art from Ivan Reis in this issue was simply astonishing, and truly some of the best work that he has every produced. From the amazing re-telling of previous Justice League events at the start of the issue, to the phenomenal action in the present, Reis managed to excel in all areas. The detail was also outstanding, as with all that was happening in this issue you'd probably expect very small imperfections, but if there are, they're hard to notice. I also loved the amazing emotion that Reis showed on the characters, which was simply fantastic, adding a lot of depth to the issue. Reis' layouts were also once again sensational, being very dynamic, and I especially loved all the double pages that he added.
This issue would start with a quick re-telling of the Justice League's adventures up till now, whilst also telling The Outsider's story. Now I found this a very interesting way of allowing new readers to quickly get up to date with the events that the Justice League have been a part of. I also loved this monologue from the Outsider, giving an insight into his personal journey as well, building up to the revelation of who he truly is. I also loved how this mystery was solved, and I was surprised that I didn't catch on as to who he really was sooner.
This issue would also have a huge fight between all the superheroes over Pandora's Box. I just loved how it started gradually, going from Constantine warning them, to a full scale war. I was also happy to see some re-drawing from The New 52 FCBD Special Edition as although there was some minor changes, it shows that this is truly the same event that was teased all that time ago. I also loved the dialogue during this sequence, and I loved that we got to see some of the characters deepest, and truest feelings, as although it's the box that has turned them bitter, it's obvious that the characters actually have these feelings, which was nice, making it feel more realists.
The revelation of the Outsiders traitor was also revealed in this issue, and although I won't go into any details, or reveal their identity as to avoid spoilers, I will say what I thought of this revelation. To be honest I wasn't that surprised as to who the traitor was, and although this choice worked well with the story so far, it would have been nicer for it to have been a bigger surprise, with more shock value to it. I did however love the reactions from the character to this revelation, and look forward to seeing if there's any follow-up to this in Forever Evil or not.
Final Verdict
This was a truly amazing issue, and a phenomenal way to end the story. It managed to end this story on a shocking, and entertaining note, whilst setting up the next storyline perfectly. It also had plenty of action, as well as tremendous suspense, drama, and excitement. The revelations within were also outstanding, and due to this I can't wait till Forever Evil. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, but would also recommend the entire story as well, as there's only one reason to get it otherwise. That reason would be for anyone who's missed this but is getting Forever Evil, as this is a great set-up for that.
Rating: 10/10
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Mikel Janin
This series has been amazing ever since Jeff Lemire took over, and although it has been variable over just how good it is as of recent, it has always been at least good. The Trinity War story that it is in the now has also been great, as although the last part wasn't spectacular the story has a whole has been.
Plot
Madame Xanadu is coming to terms with what is actually going to happen, while there is a fight for Pandora's Box, with Shazam (Billy Batson) makes a dramatic return.
Review
This was a brilliant issue, and much better than the last part of Trinity War, but not quite as good as the last issue from this series. Jeff Lemire did an amazing job of continuing from where the last part left off, creating a very exciting issue. I've really enjoyed how Lemire has managed to keep the Justice League Dark feel about this series during this storyline, as although it ultimately follows on with that story, it still feels very much like a JLD issue, having all the characters present. I also loved the action that Lemire added to this issue, and found it to be very spontaneous, and exciting, being very entertaining, and unique.
The art from Mikel Janin was absolutely amazing, and although there was one thing that I didn't like about the art in this issue, that was more due to Jeromy Cox's colours, as the red on Shazam wasn't as slick as it's been in the previous parts of this story. The detail in Janin's art was however brilliant, with everything looking perfect, and crisp. I especially loved how he drew the characters, and more so how he showed their facial expressions throughout this struggle, feeling that the change in their attitudes caused by the box was perfectly shown. The action was also explosive, and exciting, with a very dynamic layout throughout.
This issue would show would be narrated by Madame Xanadu, and show her starting to understand what's about to happen. I've always found Madame Xanadu interesting throughout this series, and I was very happy when I first noticed what her role in this story would possibly be. This however has shown us more, and her narration in this issue was very gritty, and interesting, adding a brilliant overtone to the issue. Xanadu's role in this issue also added more mystery as well, creating brilliant build-up.
This issue would also see the return of Shazam, as following his encounter with John Constantine, and how Constantine tried to steal his powers in Constantine #5, he hasn't featured in the story. I was happy to see him return, but I was more happy that it managed to quickly sum up what happened in Constantine #5 for anyone who hasn't read it, as although I read it myself, it's nice to have that for people who haven't. I also loved the new attitude that Shazam brought in this issue, as following the way he was treated by Constantine he has a very different view of being told what to do, and that was obvious in this issue.
The most exciting part of this issue would have to be the huge fight that would take place between all the heroes around Pandora's Box, and even Shazam once he arrived got involved, with the box having an affect on anyone nearby. The dialogue during this was also great, as it was nice to see all these proud superheroes talk in such a manner, making things even more exciting, with the fighting itself being very explosive, and entertaining as well.
Final Verdict
This was a great issue, and although not the best in the story so far, a big improvement over the last part, setting the finale up perfectly. It also had great drama, and action, with explosive action, and entertaining dialogue. Due to all this it's easy to recommend this, and I'd also highly recommend the rest of the story, looking forward to the final part even more now.
Rating: 8/10
Writers: Geoff Johns & Jeff Lemire
Artist: Doug Mahnke
Since this series started it has been very good, as although some issues haven't been spectacular, they have all been amazing, and very interesting. The Trinity War crossover event itself has also been very exciting, and although the first JLA part wasn't amazing, the story so far has been.
Plot
With the teams now being a mixture of all three groups, going in three different directions, one heads to look for Dr. Psycho, whilst another are at The House of Mystery, and the third are looking for Pandora's Box.
Review
This was a brilliant issue, but nothing spectacular, feeling much like a filler, setting up the final part of the story. I did however feel that Geoff Johns, and Jeff Lemire did a great job of the writing on this issue, as despite the lack of much proper story development, there was plenty of suspense, and drama, as well as a little bit of action which was exciting, but at the same time nothing special. I have however found the interaction by these mixed teams to be very interesting, as although I never expected things to go this way, it has given for a very unique direction, with Johns, and Lemire doing a great job of building on that in this issue. The series has however once again not done much to help the quality of the story.
Doug Mahnke did a great job of the artwork, with his art on this issue being much better than it was last issue, feeling less crowded, or rushed, with the detail being much better. I also loved Mahnke's layouts, as it gave great tone, and depth to the story, making it feel more dynamic. Mahnke also drew the characters brilliantly, and especially Wonder Woman, as although she didn't appear much during this issue, Mahnke made her look amazing. The small bit of action during this issue was also amazing, being very explosive, with the artwork being very vibrant. The character emotions were also handled perfectly, as Mahnke did a great job of showing what the characters were feeling throughout the issue.
This issue would introduce Lex Luthor into the story, as whilst getting told that he may soon be a free man, he is more interested in the headline talking about how Superman killer Dr. Light. Now I initially questioned the sudden appearance of Luthor, but thinking forward to the upcoming Forever Evil story arc, it would make sense for him to have a role in this story seems it'll play into Forever Evil, which Luthor will be a key character in. Besides that I loved how he was used, as although it was nothing special, it was very interesting, and believable, and I look forward to seeing what role, if any that he'll have in the remainder of this story.
Whilst this was happening the Justice League team that sided with Superman were heading to Pittsburgh, where they would find Dr. Psycho, the man they believed caused Superman to kill Sr. Light. Now I don't know a lot about Dr. Psycho, bar the fact that he's usually a Wonder Woman villain, but I was interested to see him in this issue. I did however feel that his presence was just a stepping stone for the JL, as although the sequence he was in was dramatic, and interesting, it didn't really do much for the development of the story, revealing to the JL something that the reader already knew, which could have easily been told over a couple of pages.
The Justice League team that stayed with Steve Trevor where at the House of Mystery during this issue, trying to work out what the Phantom Stranger did to Batman, Katana, and Deadman in The Phantom Stranger #11. I found it nice how the issue easily moved round the events of Phantom Stranger, meaning that people who missed it wouldn't be too confused. I did however also feel that this was another unnecessary sequence, as although there needed to be clarification as to whether these characters would return, it could have also been done quicker. The sequence itself was however still very entertaining, with some interesting dialogue.
Final Verdict
This was a good issue, but probably the worst in the story so far. It had some interesting points, also having some brilliant drama, and suspense, but overall it didn't too much to develop the story, and felt like a filler issue, with the sole purpose of setting up the final two issues in the story. I would however still recommend it, but only to people considering getting the entire story, or who have been getting the story so far, as it's a good continuation, but would be too confusing on it's own.
Rating: 8/10
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Mikel Janin
This has been one of the more surprising series I've read, as it's been amazing, and I have loved every issue since Jeff Lemire took over. I have however been more interested in the crossover that it's a part of, Trinity War, and am happy to see the Justice League Dark finally have a proper role in it.
Plot
As Wonder Woman goes to the Justice League Dark for help, Phantom Stranger warns the other Justice League members to stop her, whilst the Question (Vic Sage) tries to help Superman.
Review
This was an amazing issue, and a great continuation from the last issue, which was slightly slow. Jeff Lemire has done a superb job with this issue, balancing it perfectly, by having enough action to keep it entertaining, and exciting, whilst also making some shocking changes to keep the story dynamic, interesting, and even more exciting. Lemire has also done a great job of adding more mystery to the story, making me question even more about what is actually behind this, and what will happen next. He also added a lot of tension, and drama, and although this issue didn't have as much excitement as the first part, it was just as exciting due to the changes made.
Mikel Janin once again amazes me with his great artwork, as although he's always done a great job of drawing the JLD, I wasn't sure if he could keep the same level of quality when it comes to adding more characters. I however should have never doubted him, as his art was amazing, and he did a great job with all the characters, and I'm sure he'd do a great job on any Justice League title. His art was so fabulously detailed, with a nice crispness to it, as well as a very dynamic layout, which adds more drama to the story. Janin also did a great job of the small pieces of action in this issue, and overall made everything look spectacular, and intense.
Finally all of the Trinity of Sin have been shown in this series, with Phantom Stranger making his first appearance in this issue. The whole Trinity of Sin involvement was one of the key things that I was looking forward to with this series, as although Pandora is a fairly new character, I have always been interested in the Question, and Phantom Stranger, and although the later has had his own series for about a year, it's nice to see him in a story that I'm reading, as was seeing the Question in the New 52 for the first. I also found his presence in this issue to add more depth, and mystique to it, and also questioned why the JL had no problem trusting him.
This issue would continue Wonder Woman wanting the JLD's help, with every on bar John Constantine being happy to help. The conversation between Wonder Woman, and the JLD (Constantine in particular) was also interesting, and very entertaining, with tons of mood, and drama. I also stated the reasoning that the JLD were introduced last issue, which was looking for the missing Madame Xanadu, and although it was kind of obvious it was confirmed in this issue. It was also nice to see what actually happened to Xanadu, and the events shown just leave even more questions to be answered, keeping my interest.
Probably the most interesting event in this issue would be when the remaining Justice League members (from both teams), intercepted the JLD, leaving each team to decide what side they were on, forming two teams sharing members of each group. I found this very interspersing, and besides the tension it adds, it also leaves the question of what will come out of this. Another thing that I enjoyed about this entire situation was the interaction that everyone had with each other, but the one that appealed to me the most was between Constantine, and Zatanna, as I loved their interaction in the past, and have missed it since she left the JLD.
Final Verdict
This was a fantastic issue, and an fantastic continuation to the crossover. It may not have had as much action as the first part, but it made up in excitement with fabulous confrontations, and entertaining interactions. It also had a lot of drama, and mystery to it, with tons of depth as well, keeping me very interested in the further development of the story. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, as well as the rest of the event, and hope that it has converted some off you into JLD fans.
Rating: 5/5
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis
This has been a brilliant series over the last couple of years, and although it's not always been amazing, it's usually been good. It is however this crossover that excites me more, as I've been looking forward to it since it was teased in The New 52 FCBD Special Edition last June.
Plot
As Shazam (Billy Batson) heads to Kahndaq to scatter Black Adam's ashes, he is intercepted by the Justice League, who in turn are intercepted by the Justice League of America.
Review
This was an amazing issue, and a brilliant way to start to Trinity War. Geoff Johns has done an amazing job of starting this story, making it both suspenseful, as well as exciting. I also loved how added to the suspense was a layer of mystery, with some action not necessarily being clean cut, leaving questions opened. I also feel that Johns has moved on perfectly from all the set-up in both Justice League, and Justice League of America, with even the conclusion of the Shazam back-ups playing a role. The action was also handled perfectly, though there was the odd controversial moment that will rile some people up, though I personally think that adds to the drama, and suspense.
The art from Ivan Reis was as usual, amazing, and I'm extremely happy that he's returned for this story. The detail in his work is simply outstanding, with very few imperfections, which are usually in character's that are in the distance. Reis' layouts were also brilliant, adding more depth to the story, as well as adding to the overall tone, and drama. Where Reis excels though is in his action sequences, as he draws some of the most explosive action sequences that I've ever seen in comics. Reis also does a fabulous job with the character's, and especially showing their feeling, and emotions, with the facial expressions being extraordinarily good.
This issue started with a woman visiting Madame Xanadu who whilst reading her fortune cards learns of the upcoming Trinity War. Now this was a nice way to start the issue, and with the story apparently being centred around magic, and the Trinity of Sin it was fitting to have a magical character start the story off. The sequence itself also added some suspense, and mystery to the issue, giving the issue that much more of an atmosphere. It also acts as a brilliant way to introduce the Justice League Dark into the series, as although she left them at the end of the last issue of Justice League Dark, she's bound to be the reason for them joining this fight.
The way that Shazam was introduced into this story, and how he inadvertently caused the start of this war was nice, making the conclusion to his back-up story much more impactful, as well as a brilliant way of introducing him into the DCnU properly. I also loved how during this you could still tell that there was a kid controlling this metahuman, and it was interesting to see Shazam, and Superman square off, and how Shazam reacted to that.
Now what I was waiting for in this story was to see the two Justice League's square off, and although the issue builds up to this, we get to see the start of the fight in this issue. Now this is brilliant, as it means that readers don't have to wait to see the teams square off. It does however give Johns an interesting task of pacing this fight, and I'm sure he'll find ways to have breaks that will make the story stretch the six issues. I also loved how there was a little controversy in this fight, and although it's bound to make people upset, I feel it adds more excitement.
Final Verdict
This was a amazing issue, and the best that this series has seen since Throne of Atlantis. It was very exciting, with suspense, and drama evened out through the issue, with some mystery added in. It also had some amazing action, and some questionable events, making me want to read the next part of this story even more than I would have before this issue. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue as it's amazing, and exciting. It also appears to be a vital story for the future of the DCnU so I'd even recommend it to non JL, JLA, or JLD fans.
Rating: 5/5
Writer: Ray Fawkes
Artists: Daniel Sampere & Patrick Zircher
This was a series that I was originally going to pass on, but due to the fact that Pandora will supposedly play a big role in Trinity War, I decided to get this issue, and the other two that tie in with the crossover, as well as the one issue from The Phantom Stranger, the only other series I wasn't previously getting.
Plot
After freeing the Seven Deadly Sins, Pandora is punished alongside The Question (Vic Sage), and Phantom Stranger, being collectively called the Trinity of Sin. Pandora now has to spend eternity walking the Earth, whilst trying to atone for her sins.
Review
Although this wasn't an astonishing issue, it was still very good, and an interesting insight into Pandora's past. Ray Fawkes, who currently co-writes both Justice League Dark, and Constantine with Jeff Lemire did a great job with this issue, and he put real emotion into the Pandora character, showing that she wasn't as bad as her tale would appear. I also loved how he spent time telling how she spent her time through the years, and how he showed the determination she had to atone for he sins. I also loved how he handled the Seven Deadly Sins, and the Circle of Eternity as after seeing them briefly in Shazam back-ups in Justice League, it's nice to see them in more depth. It was however slightly slow at times, and this is what let the issue as a whole down.
The art from Daniel Sampere, and Patrick Zircher was very good, and although the change is noticeable, due to their styles being similar, along with the fact that Hi-Fi (Brian Miller) does all the colouring, makes it flow very smoothly. I did however much prefer Sampere's art, as although both artists art was highly detailed, and dynamic, Sampere's was much smoother, which appealed more to me. Zicher did however do a great job of the few action sequences he worked on, as although they weren't startling, they were very dramatic. Sampere's did however also do a better job of showing Pandora's emotion, and the character expressions, as although Zircher also did a good job, especially with Greed, the smoothness of Sampere's art just made his stand out more, feeling much more emotional.
The issue starts by showing Pandora prior to releasing the Seven Deadly Sins, and it shows a woman who cares for her family a great deal, actually going to gather myrtus berries to help heal what I assume is her brother. This begs the question even more of how this young girl could possibly release the Seven Deadly Sins. We don't however have to wait long, as during her hunt for berries, she finds a gold skull, and picks it up, which release the Seven Deadly Sins. Now to me this is an easy mistake, and I found the punishment from the Circle of Eternity to be a bit harsh. This does however add to her character, making her more innocent, unlike what she appears to be prior to this issue.
Pandora would then go through the time trying to atone for her sins, learning new things along the way. Now I found this interesting, and although due to the time moving quickly, not allowing us to get a proper look at any particular period, it hurts the story's structure, making the story feel rushed. None the less it was interesting to see her try and confront the Seven Deadly Sins, as well as see the different time periods. There were also some parts that were much more dramatic than others, which made up for the lack of structure.
The story eventually takes us to the present, showing Pandora in the current world, still continuing her quest to defeat the Seven Deadly Sins. Now I won't go into much detail about the story, as to avoid spoilers, but I will say my thoughts on what was easily the best part of the issue. This sequence sets up the Trinity War crossover perfectly, showing that Pandora will have a big role to play. It also kind of showed how certain series' stories tie into this which was also nice. The dialogue and conversation that Pandora had during this sequence was also interesting, and very dramatic, making me more excited for Justice League #22 which is out next week.
Final Verdict
Although not the best start to a series, this was a interesting issue, showing how Pandora came to walk the Earth as an immortal. It also featured the Seven Deadly Sins, as well as the Circle of Eternity, even briefly featuring the other two members of the Trinity of Sin, the Question, and Phantom Stranger. The issue was also the perfect set-up for the Trinity War crossover, and although it'll probably not be necessary to read this in order to enjoy the main part of Trinity War, I'd personally recommend this, as although it wasn't brilliant, it was nice to see Pandora's origin, and how Trinity War came about.
Rating: 3/5
