The strengths of the Joe Kelly and Doug Mahnke run on this title remains the same as what they were when this creative team debuted; dynamic, detailed artwork and immense, clever concepts converge in a cerebral super-hero story. Unfortunately, the same weakness is to be found as well, and that's inaccessibility. This story can be rather confusing at times.
The Justice League is trapped 3,000 years in the past, working to free the Atlantean people form a live of slavery and to free their one-time teammate Aquaman from a watery prison. Meanwhile, the Batman is struck down with a fever, raving about death, and that doesn't make Green Lantern feel at all at ease, given that he's seen visions of the Justice League's death. Speaking of which, seven powerful mystics gather elsewhere, preparing a full-on assault to prevent the doom that they believe the JLA represents.
Mahnke's art is as sharp as ever, due in small no part to the fact that he and inker Tom Nguyen have been gelled as an art team for the past few years. The artwork here -- especially in the issue's closing cliffhanger scene -- boasts a strong Frank (New X-Men) Quitely riff, but the trademark sharp edges and thick lines of Mahnke's style are still to be found throughout the issue.
What struck me the most about this issue is how effective the dialogue is in conveying the characters' emotions. Wonder Woman's empathy for Aquaman's plight really comes shining through, as does the Batman's feverish confusion. Green Lantern's fear is quite palpable, and his desperation brings suspense to the story. That's no small feat, given that the reader is well aware DC isn't about to kill off seven of its most popular characters.
But boy oh boy, is this story confusing. Few of the new antagonists are actually named, and exactly what their goals may be -- benevolent, malevolent or something else? -- isn't entirely clear. I follow this title closely and even I was lost during several scenes in this issue. A lot more in the way of exposition needs to be injected into these JLA scripts, not just to keep readers interested in this story, but to generate a buzz around the return of Aquaman and the accompanying new ongoing series.
