Justice League #21 Review

by Hussein Wasiti on April 03, 2019

Written by Scott Snyder and Jorge Jimenez
Art by Jorge Jimenez
Colouring by Alejandro Sanchez
Lettering by Tom Napolitano
 
There's something about the Justice League that differentiates itself greatly from other superhero teams. While most team books seem more concerned with delivering high-octane action and witty banter between beloved characters, the Justice League relies on something a little bit more universal; that is, justice. Or justice as it relates to morality and ethics. See, the Justice League has been sporting the main hitters of the DCU since the JLA days, so the morals of the Trinity are at the forefront of the group. While Snyder and this book's rotating art team have been delivering on said high-octane action, this issue delves into a unique moral dilemma that makes the Justice League so special.
 
I won't discuss this much because I think this issue should be read completely fresh. This is a mostly dialogue-driven issue and I found that to be a pretty bold choice by this team, and Jorge Jimenez in particular. He is co-plotting this arc and he manages to keep this conversation-heavy issue interesting and fast paced, as he peppers wonderful environments and expressive faces throughout. His colourist Alejandro Sanchez keeps things ethereal and cosmic. There's a heavy use of various shades of blue and this is contrasted very strongly with an enormous splash of red near the end of the issue, which was a stunning and beautiful visual change. Tom Napolitano's lettering is masterful; the first page of the issue in particular is a perfect example of how essential the letterer is when it comes to guiding the reader. Artistically, this book is stunning.
 
Scott Snyder impresses with his story here. As I mentioned before in a little detail, this issue employs what I think makes this group unique, in that the biggest heroes of the DCU are represented and their actions and choices can affect an entire multiverse. It's truly compelling and highly original stuff that Snyder brings to the table; justice versus doom seems to be what the overall thesis of this run is, and the League is confronted with a similar choice. What is the difference between justice and doom? Can the use of one achieve the other? Should doom be used to bring about justice? Is that true justice? I find the best kinds of team stories revolve around these character and theme-based plots rather than the usual punchy affair.
 
Snyder and Jimenez, and the entire art team, are doing a great job with this arc. Each issue is building and building to a massively larger story and things certainly get really interesting by the end of the issue. I'm looking forward to what's next.
 

Our Score:

9/10

A Look Inside