Though my concerns about the accessibility of this particular story arc persist, the split storytelling focus -- alternating back and forth between the core "Big Seven" in the past and the fill-in team in the present -- works quite well. Furthermore, I'm thoroughly enjoying seeing seven unlike teammates learning to gel as a single fighting force. Kelly's definitely having more fun playing with these new JLAers.
Something's thrown the whole freakin' planet off-balance, threatening to decay its orbit. Turns out that the world's water is being drawn to the site of the recently risen ruins of Atlantis, where the JLA discovers a sixty-foot undead sorceress mucking about. Worse still, she has the powers of anyone she absorbs into her massive frame, and that includes Zatanna and Tempest. Meanwhile, Nightwing tries to figure out what Faith's story is and why the team -- and his mentor, Batman -- have been so accepting of this mystery woman.
Guichet's work makes a consistent tone with that of regular penciller Doug Mahnke, and he captures the twisted, supernatural tone of the conflict nicely. He really captures the strong, playful personality of Faith nicely as well. The fight scenes get a bit hazy at times, though, as though the artist(s) were rushing to get through the page. The crisper, clearer quality returns during the quieter conclusion of this chapter of "The Obsidian Age." I love the look of the ghost the heroes encounter.
The new, less experienced JLA is definitely the book's greatest strength at the moment, and I hope after the resolution of this story arc, they aren't cast aside. The reader can easily share in Nightwing's down-to-earth reactions to the insanity that's going on around him, and the diversity of the lineup is impressive. Seeing Jason Blood in action as opposed to Etrigan was a great idea, as was moving Major Disaster into a more competent, responsible phase of his life with losing the character's rougher edges.
I'm guesing this story arc is going to read much better in collected format, because Kelly has really come up short in the exposition department. JLA is the flagship title of the DC Universe (or at least, it used to be if it isn't anymore), so it stands to reason that every issue will be someone's first. The Justice League is turning young heads, serving as a reminder of the importance of accessibility.
