Opinion about this super-hero event series has been some of the polar we've seen in comics lately, as my colleague Randy Lander's review this week, as compared to this one, attests. Meltzer's script is a strong one as it breathes real emotion into longtime characters. The problem is that the impact of that script and the plot depends largely on the reader's familiarity with the characters and DC continuity. Longtime (and by longtime, I mean those with a couple of decades or more under their belts) DC super-hero fans are bound to be thrilled with Meltzer's efforts, but others will no doubt feel left out of the loop. Whether or not this title will be seen as a storytelling success will lie with how effective it is at drawing in a new audience, given the glut of mainstream media coverage the series has sparked.
A group of Justice Leagues believes they know who targetted Sue Dibny, the wife of the Elongated Man, for death... and why. They're confronted by two other JLA members as to their secret plans, and as a result, they are forced to confess past sins. Meanwhile, Dr. Mid-Nite begins his autopsy and makes a shocking discovery. And overhead, in orbit around the Earth in a secret meeting place for the costumed criminals who plague the colorful champions, a deal is struck that will give the Justice Leaguers a major problem.
The most striking thing about Morales's art in this issue is how he exaggerates the heroes' eyes. The characters' eyes are unusually large, and it reinforces the emotional extremes they're going through, not only as a result of the murder but due to the remembrance of their past actions. He and Bair bring an appropriately grim and mature mood to the story. The colors don't get too dark, though, which helps to remind the reader of the wondrous side of these characters.
In this issue, Meltzer addresses such minor continuity points as Dr. Light's change in personality in Wolfman and Perez's New Teen Titans and whatever happened to the 1970s Injustice Gang's satellite headquarters. For those of us who remember those little nuggets of yesteryear, it's a lot of fun to revisit those ideas. For those who are unaware of those older stories, this script will no doubt prove to be frustrating at times. Part of me suspects that those who are enjoying this book and those who aren't might also fall into two other noted comics fan categories: those who started out as DC readers and those who discovered comics through Marvel.
There's definitely an accessibility problem at play in this book, but there's no denying that Meltzer's script captures the emotionally turbulent effects of the plot. He pays tribute to the wonder of yesteryear while bringing a dark and mature credibility to the fantasy. I expect that many will react negatively to the notion of the heroes' ethically questionable choice that's at the heart of this issue's plot, but I felt Meltzer handled it well. He makes it clear the choice wasn't an easy one, and it makes a lot of sense that people who deal with the worst the world has to offer might have trouble holding onto their ideals.
