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Justice League (2011)
Justice League, Volume 6: Injustice League
SUPER VILLAINS TOOK OVER THE EARTH.
AND IT TOOK A SUPER VILLAIN TO TAKE IT BACK.
When the extradimensional evildoers called the Crime Syndicate invaded our world, they took down the heroes of the Justice League in seconds. Only an alliance of criminals — led by Lex Luthor — turned the tide and freed the planet from their iron grip.
Now Luthor is being hailed as a hero. His crimes have been forgiven. And the secrets of the super heroes are his to exploit…
When Luthor demands a place on the Justice League as his reward, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman have no choice but to allow it. This way, they can keep their greatest enemy under close watch and harness his incredible genius against the even greater threat on its way.
Yet, Luthor claims he’s truly a changed man, ready to use his gifts to help the heroes, not destroy them. Truth? Lies? Either way, the Justice League will never be the same…
Collects: Justice League #30-39.
AND IT TOOK A SUPER VILLAIN TO TAKE IT BACK.
When the extradimensional evildoers called the Crime Syndicate invaded our world, they took down the heroes of the Justice League in seconds. Only an alliance of criminals — led by Lex Luthor — turned the tide and freed the planet from their iron grip.
Now Luthor is being hailed as a hero. His crimes have been forgiven. And the secrets of the super heroes are his to exploit…
When Luthor demands a place on the Justice League as his reward, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman have no choice but to allow it. This way, they can keep their greatest enemy under close watch and harness his incredible genius against the even greater threat on its way.
Yet, Luthor claims he’s truly a changed man, ready to use his gifts to help the heroes, not destroy them. Truth? Lies? Either way, the Justice League will never be the same…
Collects: Justice League #30-39.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2015
45 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,718 books2,410 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
September 15, 2025
(A-) 80% | Very Good
Notes: Breezes by, banter's fun, humor's sharp (not overdone), the second part has brilliant art: its story tense, adeptly spun.
Notes: Breezes by, banter's fun, humor's sharp (not overdone), the second part has brilliant art: its story tense, adeptly spun.
June 24, 2017
4.5 stars
Fuck it.
Not everyone is going to agree with me, but I just loved this!
I'm sure I'm going to look back and find plot holes, or inconsistencies in the ways characters acted during the story. But my initial impression is that I had a great time reading this sucker. I can tell because I have a giant grin plastered on my face right now. And to me, the most important thing in a comic book is that it makes me smile.
Ok. So, let me just hit a few of the plot points for Injustice League. I'm going to try my best not to give major spoilers, but I've seen people bitch about the weirdest stuff. So if you are one of those weird people? Now is a good time to turn back.
You will be missed. Goodbye!
You wanna know what I really loved the most?
Well, I'm going to tell you anyway.
A lot of the complaints about DC center around their lack of levity. It's like everything seems to be set in Gotham these days. Or at least, that's the feel of a lot of DC's stuff these past few years.
No jokes, people! Comics are not a laughing matter!
Except, they are. Especially superhero comics. It's what turned me on to them to start with. You know what making fun of yourself when you realize you're more than a little ridiculous is called?
A sense of humor.
And Justice League has one this time around!
I'm not saying that volume 6 is a laugh-a-minute, but Johns managed to squeeze in some pretty decent one-liners throughout the story.
Shazam...well, Captain Marvel, but who the hell knows he's called Captain Marvel, amirite? You say Captain Marvel to anyone, and their mind immediately goes to this:
Where was I?
Oh, yes. Shazam!
So Billy Batson gets to play a role in this one, thanks to Lex Luthor giving him an invite to the New Watchtower. He's a kid in a grown-up body, but instead of making him angsty, Johns played it up for comedic effect. Were they all winners? No. But I give him an A for effort.
By the way, I take back everything I said about Johns hating Wonder Woman in Justice League, Vol. 1: Origin .
She. Is. Badass!
My only complaint is that I didn't feel like this one had very much of my favorite guy, Aquaman, in it. He was there, but I don't think he even spoke. Or if he did, I certainly can't remember what he said.
Come on, he's so cool! Give the guy some lines!
Flash got to play more of a role than usual, and I thought he was showcased pretty well. Sure, his connection to the Speed Force is a big plus, but that isn't what makes him such a great character.
It's his humor & heart that makes him great.
And, in this title at least, he's done right.
He uses his super speed to go get ice cream cones for little kids who were in the middle of the Justice League's battle zone. He makes fun of Batman when he's too serious. And he's the guy who's entrusted with the care of an emotionally damaged woman, who was taken over by the Crime Syndicate's Power Ring. Cuz he's sweet. And good with the loonies.
If the writers of the Flash title would stop fucking with the Speed Force & tossing him through time, they could come up with a pretty incredible comic book for this guy. He's like Superman in that way. Once you forget the core of what makes him awesome and just focus on the powers?
It turns into the shittiest reading experience ever.
WhereTheFuck do you find an awesome cat like that?!
Mine just poops in the box, then hisses at me till I clean her shit up. Whoever said rescue animals were grateful, hasn't met Selina.
Look at her...plotting against me. Waiting to dirty up her litter box.
Bitch.
Off track again...
Oh! Ok. I was wrong, the lack of Aquaman wasn't my only complaint.
Cyborg. Poor, poor Cyborg!
Does anyone else notice that every fucking time he uses his super-special computer brain to hack into something, he ends up getting totally fried?!
EVERY TIME.
They need to stop him the next time he says he's going to hijack an evil entity's circuits, intervention style!
Look, Victor, we know you want to help. But, apparently, your programming isn't All That, buddy. We love you, and just want the best for you. Now...go back to the Watchtower and monitor the shit out of that place.
Or.
He could come through a story without having to go get completely rebuilt & rewired by his dad. Just a suggestion, DC. Just a suggestion...
You already know from the cover that Lex Luthor becomes a member of the Justice League in this. Unless you're stupid. And if you are, then you should have heeded my warning at the beginning of this review. So, shut your freak mouth, and sit back down.
Now how he manages toblackmail worm his way on to the team is a whole different mess of spoilers. And I'm not going into it. However, I will say that I thought it was pretty cool. I mean, why would they ever let him on the team? Well, I thought this gave a convincing reason.
Plus, none of them trust him, so it made for some fun reading.
Guess who makes an appearance?!
The Doom Patrol!
Yeah, I didn't really know who they were, either.
But that's ok! I'm willing to learn. And it looks like they may play a bigger role in some future stories. I'm kind of intrigued to see what's in store for this team. I'm also hoping they get more mileage out of these guys than they did when they tried to revive the Metal Men.
Anyway, this was total movie popcorn. If you're looking for a comic with all of the Meaning Of Life shit, go somewhere else. Justice League is just good fun with capes and tights. Those of you who have loved the previous volumes will probably enjoy this one as much as I did.
Thank you to NetGalley & DC for a digital copy to review.
Get this review and more at:
Fuck it.
Not everyone is going to agree with me, but I just loved this!
I'm sure I'm going to look back and find plot holes, or inconsistencies in the ways characters acted during the story. But my initial impression is that I had a great time reading this sucker. I can tell because I have a giant grin plastered on my face right now. And to me, the most important thing in a comic book is that it makes me smile.
Ok. So, let me just hit a few of the plot points for Injustice League. I'm going to try my best not to give major spoilers, but I've seen people bitch about the weirdest stuff. So if you are one of those weird people? Now is a good time to turn back.
You will be missed. Goodbye!
You wanna know what I really loved the most?
Well, I'm going to tell you anyway.
A lot of the complaints about DC center around their lack of levity. It's like everything seems to be set in Gotham these days. Or at least, that's the feel of a lot of DC's stuff these past few years.
No jokes, people! Comics are not a laughing matter!
Except, they are. Especially superhero comics. It's what turned me on to them to start with. You know what making fun of yourself when you realize you're more than a little ridiculous is called?
A sense of humor.
And Justice League has one this time around!
I'm not saying that volume 6 is a laugh-a-minute, but Johns managed to squeeze in some pretty decent one-liners throughout the story.
Shazam...well, Captain Marvel, but who the hell knows he's called Captain Marvel, amirite? You say Captain Marvel to anyone, and their mind immediately goes to this:
Where was I?
Oh, yes. Shazam!
So Billy Batson gets to play a role in this one, thanks to Lex Luthor giving him an invite to the New Watchtower. He's a kid in a grown-up body, but instead of making him angsty, Johns played it up for comedic effect. Were they all winners? No. But I give him an A for effort.
By the way, I take back everything I said about Johns hating Wonder Woman in Justice League, Vol. 1: Origin .
She. Is. Badass!
My only complaint is that I didn't feel like this one had very much of my favorite guy, Aquaman, in it. He was there, but I don't think he even spoke. Or if he did, I certainly can't remember what he said.
Come on, he's so cool! Give the guy some lines!
Flash got to play more of a role than usual, and I thought he was showcased pretty well. Sure, his connection to the Speed Force is a big plus, but that isn't what makes him such a great character.
It's his humor & heart that makes him great.
And, in this title at least, he's done right.
He uses his super speed to go get ice cream cones for little kids who were in the middle of the Justice League's battle zone. He makes fun of Batman when he's too serious. And he's the guy who's entrusted with the care of an emotionally damaged woman, who was taken over by the Crime Syndicate's Power Ring. Cuz he's sweet. And good with the loonies.
If the writers of the Flash title would stop fucking with the Speed Force & tossing him through time, they could come up with a pretty incredible comic book for this guy. He's like Superman in that way. Once you forget the core of what makes him awesome and just focus on the powers?
It turns into the shittiest reading experience ever.
WhereTheFuck do you find an awesome cat like that?!
Mine just poops in the box, then hisses at me till I clean her shit up. Whoever said rescue animals were grateful, hasn't met Selina.
Look at her...plotting against me. Waiting to dirty up her litter box.
Bitch.
Off track again...
Oh! Ok. I was wrong, the lack of Aquaman wasn't my only complaint.
Cyborg. Poor, poor Cyborg!
Does anyone else notice that every fucking time he uses his super-special computer brain to hack into something, he ends up getting totally fried?!
EVERY TIME.
They need to stop him the next time he says he's going to hijack an evil entity's circuits, intervention style!
Look, Victor, we know you want to help. But, apparently, your programming isn't All That, buddy. We love you, and just want the best for you. Now...go back to the Watchtower and monitor the shit out of that place.
Or.
He could come through a story without having to go get completely rebuilt & rewired by his dad. Just a suggestion, DC. Just a suggestion...
You already know from the cover that Lex Luthor becomes a member of the Justice League in this. Unless you're stupid. And if you are, then you should have heeded my warning at the beginning of this review. So, shut your freak mouth, and sit back down.
Now how he manages to
Plus, none of them trust him, so it made for some fun reading.
Guess who makes an appearance?!
The Doom Patrol!
Yeah, I didn't really know who they were, either.
But that's ok! I'm willing to learn. And it looks like they may play a bigger role in some future stories. I'm kind of intrigued to see what's in store for this team. I'm also hoping they get more mileage out of these guys than they did when they tried to revive the Metal Men.
Anyway, this was total movie popcorn. If you're looking for a comic with all of the Meaning Of Life shit, go somewhere else. Justice League is just good fun with capes and tights. Those of you who have loved the previous volumes will probably enjoy this one as much as I did.
Thank you to NetGalley & DC for a digital copy to review.
Get this review and more at:
September 6, 2016
Solid narrative!
I got this in its single comic book issues, but I am using this TPB edition to be able of writing a better overall review about the whole story arc.
Creative Team:
Writer: Geoff Johns
Illustrators: Ivan Reis (chapter one), Doug Mahnke (chapter one to four), Scott Kolins (epilogue).
AN UNCERTAIN NEW WORLD
We need to make a stronger Justice League…
The whole planet was in control of the Crime Syndicate, a super-team of villains who where parallel Earth’s counterparts of the Justice League. In barely seconds they imprisoned the Justice League, and likely in hours, they coordinate most of the criminals to be their enforcers, and then the world was theirs.
With the Justice League out of the picture, the only hope for humanity fell in…
…Lex Luthor!!!
Lex Luthor got together a strike team made mostly by super-villains with the clear objective of saving the world.
And he did it!
He lead the team who rid of the menace of the Crime Syndicate.
Now, Lex Luthor is the most acclaimed hero of the world.
However, Luthor knows that there is something pending.
The Crime Syndicate escaped from their own dimension due some big menace, bigger than themselves, bigger than Darkseid, something that took Earth-3 to its ruins.
Lex Luthor knows that his Earth needs to be prepared and to acomplish this...
...he needs to be part of the Justice League!
And now, in the aftermath of the interdimensional invasion of the Crime Syndicate where the Justice League was unable to be effective, now the general opinion is favoring Lex Luthor and the Justice League lost the people’s vote of confidence.
The presence of the Justice League never had a full approval by Earth’s population, but they were doing their job: Keeping safe the planet. Nevertheless, after the menace of the Crime Syndicate, they shown unable to do their job, and therefore humanity is even more reluctant to trust the Earth’s safety in the hands of aliens, amazons and atlanteans.
And now, humanity have a new hero, a human hero without mask...
...Lex Luthor!!!
SYNDICATES AND PATROLS
Not everyone wih super-powers can be an inspiration.
The Crime Syndicate was beaten, but hardly we have seen the last of them.
During the battle against the Crime Syndicate, the ring of Power Ring fled to look a new host, a new captive of its fearful power.
One of the most dangerous weapons in any universe is on the loose.
But soon enough will find its prey, a woman of this Earth, full of fear, just perfect to be the next Power Ring. And which side will be?
Superwoman is in prison, BUT she isn’t alone...
And certainly, the most dangerous member of the Crime Syndicate is out there, scheeming, planning.
Meanwhile, a new super-powered team is rising, the Doom Patrol, the world’s strangest heroes.
The Doom Patrol is made of freak accidents having a second chance, a chance to save the world, which in paper looks good, but in the heat of the the battlefield its premise may get messy.
If the “good-looking” Justice League is suffering of distrust by Earth’s populations, what chances may have the “monster-like” Doom Patrol?
LUTHOR’S LEAGUE
What does Batman bring to the table? ... With me around, do you even need him?
Lex Luthor is publicly accepted into the Justice League as a dangerous ruse by Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman to expose whatever Luthor may be planning.
However, with the losing of their previous Watchtower, now the League is operating from a new watchtower financed by Lexcorp, even Luthor is now paying for the any damage provoked in their battles, and now that Luthor hired Captan Cold as his new Head of Security at Lexcorp, soon enough Cold will be taging along too with the League.
So which ruse is really playing here? Theirs’ or Luthor’s?
Is it wise to get into mind games against Lex Luthor?
Oh, and Lex Luthor found out Batman’s big secret, how much time will he need to learn the others’ secrets?
I got this in its single comic book issues, but I am using this TPB edition to be able of writing a better overall review about the whole story arc.
Creative Team:
Writer: Geoff Johns
Illustrators: Ivan Reis (chapter one), Doug Mahnke (chapter one to four), Scott Kolins (epilogue).
AN UNCERTAIN NEW WORLD
We need to make a stronger Justice League…
The whole planet was in control of the Crime Syndicate, a super-team of villains who where parallel Earth’s counterparts of the Justice League. In barely seconds they imprisoned the Justice League, and likely in hours, they coordinate most of the criminals to be their enforcers, and then the world was theirs.
With the Justice League out of the picture, the only hope for humanity fell in…
…Lex Luthor!!!
Lex Luthor got together a strike team made mostly by super-villains with the clear objective of saving the world.
And he did it!
He lead the team who rid of the menace of the Crime Syndicate.
Now, Lex Luthor is the most acclaimed hero of the world.
However, Luthor knows that there is something pending.
The Crime Syndicate escaped from their own dimension due some big menace, bigger than themselves, bigger than Darkseid, something that took Earth-3 to its ruins.
Lex Luthor knows that his Earth needs to be prepared and to acomplish this...
...he needs to be part of the Justice League!
And now, in the aftermath of the interdimensional invasion of the Crime Syndicate where the Justice League was unable to be effective, now the general opinion is favoring Lex Luthor and the Justice League lost the people’s vote of confidence.
The presence of the Justice League never had a full approval by Earth’s population, but they were doing their job: Keeping safe the planet. Nevertheless, after the menace of the Crime Syndicate, they shown unable to do their job, and therefore humanity is even more reluctant to trust the Earth’s safety in the hands of aliens, amazons and atlanteans.
And now, humanity have a new hero, a human hero without mask...
...Lex Luthor!!!
SYNDICATES AND PATROLS
Not everyone wih super-powers can be an inspiration.
The Crime Syndicate was beaten, but hardly we have seen the last of them.
During the battle against the Crime Syndicate, the ring of Power Ring fled to look a new host, a new captive of its fearful power.
One of the most dangerous weapons in any universe is on the loose.
But soon enough will find its prey, a woman of this Earth, full of fear, just perfect to be the next Power Ring. And which side will be?
Superwoman is in prison, BUT she isn’t alone...
And certainly, the most dangerous member of the Crime Syndicate is out there, scheeming, planning.
Meanwhile, a new super-powered team is rising, the Doom Patrol, the world’s strangest heroes.
The Doom Patrol is made of freak accidents having a second chance, a chance to save the world, which in paper looks good, but in the heat of the the battlefield its premise may get messy.
If the “good-looking” Justice League is suffering of distrust by Earth’s populations, what chances may have the “monster-like” Doom Patrol?
LUTHOR’S LEAGUE
What does Batman bring to the table? ... With me around, do you even need him?
Lex Luthor is publicly accepted into the Justice League as a dangerous ruse by Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman to expose whatever Luthor may be planning.
However, with the losing of their previous Watchtower, now the League is operating from a new watchtower financed by Lexcorp, even Luthor is now paying for the any damage provoked in their battles, and now that Luthor hired Captan Cold as his new Head of Security at Lexcorp, soon enough Cold will be taging along too with the League.
So which ruse is really playing here? Theirs’ or Luthor’s?
Is it wise to get into mind games against Lex Luthor?
Oh, and Lex Luthor found out Batman’s big secret, how much time will he need to learn the others’ secrets?
August 1, 2019
Is that Lex Luthor weaseling his way into a Justice League group shot?
Yes, yes it is. Weasely bastich!
After the Forever Evil storyline in which Luthor helped defeat an evil greater than himself, Lex has a change of heart (heh) and wants to join the Justice League and wants to do good (again, heh).
Oooh is that champagne?….No, nope, just no.
But Batman, after some cool quips,…
…persuades the JLA that it’s best to have Lex closer, better to keep an eye on him – giving credence to the old axiom: “keep your friends close, your enemies closer still, keep Black Canary even closer than that…”
Wait…what?
First mission: A creepy Green Lantern ring appears…
…and goes on a rampage, inviting the New 52 Doom Patrol to rumble with the JLA…
…forcing Batman to give cuddles and hugs.
Second mission: Somehow, Lex Luthor's canister that says “In case of Superman, bust this thing open” gets accidently busted open releasing some crazy killer Amazo virus into Metropolis…
No worries, Batman’s a scientist and he’s on the case.
Sh*t!
Bottom Line : I purchased this at my wife’s insistence.
Me: “Honey, can I buy this?”
The Love of My Life: “Are we going shoe shopping next?”
Me: “Uh…yes?”
The Love of My Life: “Good, then you can buy it.”
It was in the bargain bin and yes, it was a bargain. I haven’t been much of a Geoff Johns fan, but this was an easy, breezy
December 5, 2018
I have to say, I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this. I feel like DC has been limping along and then they come out with this.
Lex Luthor wants to join the justice league. He saved the world and he wants to continue that. At first, I felt like this was crazy. It seemed like a really bad idea, but you know something. It's a fantastic idea and it works so well. There is a virus that is released that affects people and meta humans. We didn't see much of Flash or Aquaman, but they were here.
It's not perfect, of course, but this is one of the better issues I've read of DC lately for the big super heroes and I want to acknowledge that. It was very good. It makes me want to read the other comics of some of the members and then I remember how terrible some of them are. Superman and Wonder Woman are almost different and new characters and they are simply terrible. STill, I'm wondering what I'm missing. Who knew DC still had anything left.
Don't get me wrong. I grew up on DC and I really liked them better until they forgot who their characters really well and Marvel began telling amazing stories. Marvel earned my trust while DC kept messing up. Maybe I'll give the single character threads another chance. Who knows, I guess it comes down to time. I would love for DC to start getting things right again. I do think they have some great characters if they can only remember who they are. It's ok to not make every character dark.
Lex Luthor wants to join the justice league. He saved the world and he wants to continue that. At first, I felt like this was crazy. It seemed like a really bad idea, but you know something. It's a fantastic idea and it works so well. There is a virus that is released that affects people and meta humans. We didn't see much of Flash or Aquaman, but they were here.
It's not perfect, of course, but this is one of the better issues I've read of DC lately for the big super heroes and I want to acknowledge that. It was very good. It makes me want to read the other comics of some of the members and then I remember how terrible some of them are. Superman and Wonder Woman are almost different and new characters and they are simply terrible. STill, I'm wondering what I'm missing. Who knew DC still had anything left.
Don't get me wrong. I grew up on DC and I really liked them better until they forgot who their characters really well and Marvel began telling amazing stories. Marvel earned my trust while DC kept messing up. Maybe I'll give the single character threads another chance. Who knows, I guess it comes down to time. I would love for DC to start getting things right again. I do think they have some great characters if they can only remember who they are. It's ok to not make every character dark.
June 24, 2016
This is set in the aftermath of discovering that there is a parallel earth where the Justice League is bad. The JL has Superman's arch-nemesis Lex Luthor clamoring to join, and doing good deeds (for his own intentions), and a young woman is claimed by the Dark Green Lantern Power Ring (one that feeds on fear instead of will). The JL steps in to help her before the ring destroys her and those around her, and a virus is released from Lex's lab that causes humans to manifest metahuman power. It also attacks members of the League with disastrous consequences. Obviously, the League has their hands full.
I didn't find much to dislike about this volume. Plenty of action and suspense, and some nice twists.
I didn't find much to dislike about this volume. Plenty of action and suspense, and some nice twists.
December 5, 2018
Lex Luthor tries to force himself into the Justice League! This volume mainly deals with the fallout from Forever Evil. It's nice to see some subplots in the Justice League. It's usually just a bunch of punching the universe's biggest threats. I loved the reintroduction of the Doom Patrol. Maybe we can get Geoff Johns to write a spinoff book for them. The Amazo virus story was exceptionally good. You get to see a lot of Lex Luthor's machinations. Doug Mahnke and Jason Fabok handle most of the art and you can see why they are 2 of DC's top artists.
July 14, 2015
Spoilsies ahead!
Remember how the last volume ended? The Justice League were gone, the Crime Syndicate ruled the world, and Cyborg and the Metal Men were about to take the fight to the villains.
Cut to the opening of this volume: the Crime Syndicate have been defeated, the Justice League are back, and Lex Luthor is a hero. Wha happen? If you just read this series’ volumes, you wouldn’t know. You have to have read Forever Evil in between Justice League Volumes 5 and 6. I think most readers of Justice League would’ve read Forever Evil anyway but still... Justice League remains this weird dumping ground for extraneous issues making it very inconsistent.
So Lex is a hero and for some reason he wants to join the Justice League who are rightly suspicious. This storyline occupies a large segment of the book. The Justice League know Lex is working a subversive angle, Lex knows he’s faking being a hero, the reader knows Lex is faking - so why is there so much space dedicated to this pointless story?! It’s not interesting to read!
Besides Lex, Captain Cold and Shazam are now part of the League but there’s no discussion over their joining - they just seemingly show up at the Watchtower (which is miraculously rebuilt in no time) and everyone’s fine with it. Captain Cold - seriously? Nobody thinks he’s not up to something either?
Most of the Crime Syndicate were wiped out but some are still hanging around and the mysterious threat that wiped out their world in Earth-3 is still coming for this Earth - though that’s only background noise in this book. Superwoman’s in jail but preggers and crazy and Power Ring goes looking for a new host - a scared (and boring) woman called Jessica Cruz. Forever Evil’s stink is not going away just yet!
Geoff Johns gives the Doom Patrol some more pages in this book but writes them pretty poorly so they don’t come off as a very fun group. We do however see one of the rare occasions where the Justice League are actually saving people instead of fighting each other.
The second and final storyline in this book sees Neutron unleash the Amazo virus from Lex’s lab turning every Tom, Dick and Harry into a superhero zombie. Except most of the Justice League are taken out and it’s up to the trinity - Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman - along with Lex, to save the day. So it’s yet another Justice League story where only part of the Justice League are involved.
Amazo’s able to manipulate the powers of the superheroes he encounters so when he fights Superman, he can fly, use heat vision, etc. When he fights Batman he… sprouts giant bat wings?! Batman isn’t an actual bat, man! The superhero zombie crap also gives us page after page of bad clichéd dialogue, “You cannot stop us”, etc.
Captain Cold’s character design shifts with the rotating roster of artists, Doug Mahnke, Jason Fabok and Ivan Reis. In one issue Cold looks like a skinny teen, in the next he looks like Duke Nukem with lamer shades. Also, Power Ring’s logo looks like a four leaf clover for some reason!
I didn’t totally hate the book - Power Ring runs on fear and seeing Batman, who models his look on that emotion, talking Jessica into controlling her fear was good. Wonder Woman vs the zombie league was cool. And while I felt the book was overlong at 10 issues (the volume collects Justice League #30-39), I’m sure fans will appreciate getting two complete story arcs in one volume rather than just one or one and a bit (to be concluded in some other volume).
Despite specific problems with the book, my biggest was just a lack of interest. I didn’t care about seeing Lex joining the League or seeing a few of them fighting Amazo. Some fans might love it though - it just wasn’t for me. And this series has had worse volumes like Volume 3, which replicated a lot of Aquaman Volume 3, and Volume 4, which was a collection of random storylines.
In the end, Justice League, Volume 6: Injustice League is a bit too dull for my taste. Geoff Johns is running low on ideas and energy at this point and it’s probably best if somebody else steps in to give the title a shot in the arm.
Remember how the last volume ended? The Justice League were gone, the Crime Syndicate ruled the world, and Cyborg and the Metal Men were about to take the fight to the villains.
Cut to the opening of this volume: the Crime Syndicate have been defeated, the Justice League are back, and Lex Luthor is a hero. Wha happen? If you just read this series’ volumes, you wouldn’t know. You have to have read Forever Evil in between Justice League Volumes 5 and 6. I think most readers of Justice League would’ve read Forever Evil anyway but still... Justice League remains this weird dumping ground for extraneous issues making it very inconsistent.
So Lex is a hero and for some reason he wants to join the Justice League who are rightly suspicious. This storyline occupies a large segment of the book. The Justice League know Lex is working a subversive angle, Lex knows he’s faking being a hero, the reader knows Lex is faking - so why is there so much space dedicated to this pointless story?! It’s not interesting to read!
Besides Lex, Captain Cold and Shazam are now part of the League but there’s no discussion over their joining - they just seemingly show up at the Watchtower (which is miraculously rebuilt in no time) and everyone’s fine with it. Captain Cold - seriously? Nobody thinks he’s not up to something either?
Most of the Crime Syndicate were wiped out but some are still hanging around and the mysterious threat that wiped out their world in Earth-3 is still coming for this Earth - though that’s only background noise in this book. Superwoman’s in jail but preggers and crazy and Power Ring goes looking for a new host - a scared (and boring) woman called Jessica Cruz. Forever Evil’s stink is not going away just yet!
Geoff Johns gives the Doom Patrol some more pages in this book but writes them pretty poorly so they don’t come off as a very fun group. We do however see one of the rare occasions where the Justice League are actually saving people instead of fighting each other.
The second and final storyline in this book sees Neutron unleash the Amazo virus from Lex’s lab turning every Tom, Dick and Harry into a superhero zombie. Except most of the Justice League are taken out and it’s up to the trinity - Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman - along with Lex, to save the day. So it’s yet another Justice League story where only part of the Justice League are involved.
Amazo’s able to manipulate the powers of the superheroes he encounters so when he fights Superman, he can fly, use heat vision, etc. When he fights Batman he… sprouts giant bat wings?! Batman isn’t an actual bat, man! The superhero zombie crap also gives us page after page of bad clichéd dialogue, “You cannot stop us”, etc.
Captain Cold’s character design shifts with the rotating roster of artists, Doug Mahnke, Jason Fabok and Ivan Reis. In one issue Cold looks like a skinny teen, in the next he looks like Duke Nukem with lamer shades. Also, Power Ring’s logo looks like a four leaf clover for some reason!
I didn’t totally hate the book - Power Ring runs on fear and seeing Batman, who models his look on that emotion, talking Jessica into controlling her fear was good. Wonder Woman vs the zombie league was cool. And while I felt the book was overlong at 10 issues (the volume collects Justice League #30-39), I’m sure fans will appreciate getting two complete story arcs in one volume rather than just one or one and a bit (to be concluded in some other volume).
Despite specific problems with the book, my biggest was just a lack of interest. I didn’t care about seeing Lex joining the League or seeing a few of them fighting Amazo. Some fans might love it though - it just wasn’t for me. And this series has had worse volumes like Volume 3, which replicated a lot of Aquaman Volume 3, and Volume 4, which was a collection of random storylines.
In the end, Justice League, Volume 6: Injustice League is a bit too dull for my taste. Geoff Johns is running low on ideas and energy at this point and it’s probably best if somebody else steps in to give the title a shot in the arm.
November 25, 2016
Loved the first half. Second half is okay.
So let's discuss what was good and bad. Lex putting himself on the Justice League is gold. He has Batman by the balls, he spits truth at every corner, and the whole team really hates him. It's just such a joy to watch and then see him basically bitch slap them all. Tears of joy throughout my years. So much fun.
THen we get to the...you guessed it, zombie like outbreak (Cause we need more zombies right?) everyone but Lex, Superman, and Wonder Women are effected. So now they must find a cure! DUM DUM DUM!
It has good moments (especially the whole "Fuck you assholes, you all created issues too" but it's by the numbers and the end results in "everyone is okay" because it's superhero comics. I never felt, for a moment, anyone would die. So it seemed bit meh, they could have done way better ideas to build Lex up.
Either way entertaining but not as amazing as I hoped. On to the final two parts!
So let's discuss what was good and bad. Lex putting himself on the Justice League is gold. He has Batman by the balls, he spits truth at every corner, and the whole team really hates him. It's just such a joy to watch and then see him basically bitch slap them all. Tears of joy throughout my years. So much fun.
THen we get to the...you guessed it, zombie like outbreak (Cause we need more zombies right?) everyone but Lex, Superman, and Wonder Women are effected. So now they must find a cure! DUM DUM DUM!
It has good moments (especially the whole "Fuck you assholes, you all created issues too" but it's by the numbers and the end results in "everyone is okay" because it's superhero comics. I never felt, for a moment, anyone would die. So it seemed bit meh, they could have done way better ideas to build Lex up.
Either way entertaining but not as amazing as I hoped. On to the final two parts!
June 14, 2017
I tend to like the Justice League but the focus on Luthor kind of killed this for me. And why only a short mention of Owlman and Superwoman's baby—that storyline wasn't resolved and honestly I'm wondering if they were forgotten ... Nevermind, I just spoiled myself because I don't care about them. The answer is here if anyone is curious.
This whole volume just felt like an epilogue to Forever Evil with a wacky virus thrown in. And seriously ... Amazo? And I thought Bizarro was bad ... 🙄
Then finally, surprise! My favorite superhero, Green Lantern is back! -said nobody
This whole volume just felt like an epilogue to Forever Evil with a wacky virus thrown in. And seriously ... Amazo? And I thought Bizarro was bad ... 🙄
Then finally, surprise! My favorite superhero, Green Lantern is back! -said nobody
May 29, 2024
It's a flashy showcase of epicness over substance that plays in the big leagues but sits at the lower end of the table. Lex is the centre piece, and most of the Justice League are sidelined to play forgettable pawn parts as a result. Worth a go, especially for Luthor fans, there's a lot to like despite the fact it lacks the whole package.
October 5, 2015
4.5 stars
This collection tells the story of Lex Luthor joining the Justice League and the friction that causes between him, Superman, and Bruce Wayne.
The art is solid, storytelling is solid, overall a high-quality volume.
This collection tells the story of Lex Luthor joining the Justice League and the friction that causes between him, Superman, and Bruce Wayne.
The art is solid, storytelling is solid, overall a high-quality volume.
April 8, 2016
I wasn't quite as in love with this as some on here. It was ok. Nothing more
October 20, 2021
WHAT AN EPIC READ!
It starts with Lex joining the JL or trying to make his case and even figuring out Bruce's identity and fighting him sort of and then we see the two go at it and how he has reformed and then Captain Cold joining in and the drama that follows but its when the Amazo virus is unleashed on the world and everyone is infected and they develop powers before dying and pandemic and contagion, its upto JL to stop this and witness the birth of an old enemy given form.
Its an epic story with lots of distrust and tension but increases the drama and I love seeing the heroic side of Lex and how he deals with the threats and this contagion storyline was great seeing Batman develop powers and the tension that follows is great and also new enemies emerging like Amos Fortune, leader of the Royal Flush Gang and Amazo. Good stuff but its the art of Jason Fabok which is so good, top-tier and each panel is a wow factor to look at and marvel at.
It starts with Lex joining the JL or trying to make his case and even figuring out Bruce's identity and fighting him sort of and then we see the two go at it and how he has reformed and then Captain Cold joining in and the drama that follows but its when the Amazo virus is unleashed on the world and everyone is infected and they develop powers before dying and pandemic and contagion, its upto JL to stop this and witness the birth of an old enemy given form.
Its an epic story with lots of distrust and tension but increases the drama and I love seeing the heroic side of Lex and how he deals with the threats and this contagion storyline was great seeing Batman develop powers and the tension that follows is great and also new enemies emerging like Amos Fortune, leader of the Royal Flush Gang and Amazo. Good stuff but its the art of Jason Fabok which is so good, top-tier and each panel is a wow factor to look at and marvel at.
April 18, 2025
A heavier volume this time, and Batman gets a decent role, it took 6 volumes to find a good role for him to contribute to the JL, and funny enough, the green lantern pops back in the end, so we might see more quips between them in the coming volumes.
This time Lex Luthor from Superman's universe takes the centerstage of the story, as the reformed latest member of the JL, Shazam has joined too, but his valuable contribution is yet to come maybe?
Still the Injustice league and the mysterious world destroyer are running in the background, it is simmering but when will it come to a boil?
MiM
This time Lex Luthor from Superman's universe takes the centerstage of the story, as the reformed latest member of the JL, Shazam has joined too, but his valuable contribution is yet to come maybe?
Still the Injustice league and the mysterious world destroyer are running in the background, it is simmering but when will it come to a boil?
MiM
September 29, 2019
A long story of the heroic side of Lex Luthor, the Justice League after Forever Evil, and the Amazo virus. Gorgeous art and colors.
March 9, 2016
Continuing Geoff Johns's epic Justice League saga, Lex Luthor has just assisted with stopping the Crime Syndicate, the evil JL analogue from Earth-3. With extreme reservations (and shrewd maneuvering on Luthor's part), Lex joins the Justice League. The volume also deals with the League's efforts to help the unwilling new host of the evil Power Ring, and the release of the deadly Amazo virus.
This feels like a quintessential Justice League collection, and it was certainly the most fun and satisfying portion of Johns's run yet. Luthor is the showstealer here, alternately appearing to have turned over a new leaf and then showing signs that he might not truly have changed. Captain Cold also gets some nice scenes as he joins LexCorp as head of security and eases into being a "good guy". Most of the League get a chance to shine; interactions between Superman and Batman exude teamwork and trust, and the moments with Cyborg playing straight man to Shazam's teen persona were fun. Every issue with art by Ivan Reis and Doug Mahnke was excellent, and the supporting artists were a nice occasional change of pace.
This feels like a quintessential Justice League collection, and it was certainly the most fun and satisfying portion of Johns's run yet. Luthor is the showstealer here, alternately appearing to have turned over a new leaf and then showing signs that he might not truly have changed. Captain Cold also gets some nice scenes as he joins LexCorp as head of security and eases into being a "good guy". Most of the League get a chance to shine; interactions between Superman and Batman exude teamwork and trust, and the moments with Cyborg playing straight man to Shazam's teen persona were fun. Every issue with art by Ivan Reis and Doug Mahnke was excellent, and the supporting artists were a nice occasional change of pace.
September 28, 2021
Ok, can Lex Luthor be on the up and up? Have we been wrong about him all along?
I doubt it, but he sure is convincing.
After dispensing with The Crime Syndicate, Lex makes his bid to become a member of the Justice League.
If the old saying is true "When it rains it pours", that is an adequate description of this story. Everything and anything that can go wrong does and with the help of Lex Luthor (yes i said Lex Luthor) the Justice League are able to save the day.
Excellently written, beautifully illustrated, this TPB is worth every penny. From it's intriguing dialog to it's well executed plot lines, this one is going to be a re-read for sure.
I doubt it, but he sure is convincing.
After dispensing with The Crime Syndicate, Lex makes his bid to become a member of the Justice League.
If the old saying is true "When it rains it pours", that is an adequate description of this story. Everything and anything that can go wrong does and with the help of Lex Luthor (yes i said Lex Luthor) the Justice League are able to save the day.
Excellently written, beautifully illustrated, this TPB is worth every penny. From it's intriguing dialog to it's well executed plot lines, this one is going to be a re-read for sure.
December 15, 2019
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
While the threat born from the epic Forever Evil crossover event was dissolved before Earth saw its end, there are several seeds of destruction planted in the story that promises a chaotic confrontation in the near future. For the time being, the aftermath is essentially focused on Superman’s greatest nemesis and his sudden absolution by the people around the world following his act of heroism. To be seen as a hero and not the root of all evil is indeed something new for Lex Luthor. However, the troubles that have been rerouted towards Earth by the Crime Syndicate bide their time and what is in store for the heroes of the universe is likely going to be beyond their wildest nightmares. Superstar writer Geoff Johns and a league of fantastic artists—including Doug Mahnke, Jason Fabok, Ivan Reis and Scott Kolins—continue their journey into bringing to life one of the greatest Justice League comic book run of all time as they explore old and new enemies in the midst of an impending pandemonium.
What is Justice League: Injustice League about? Following the arrival of the Crime Syndicate and their despicable attempt at world domination—needing a new home now that they have lost their own world to the hands of an unknown yet powerful entity—Lex Luthor has garnered the attention of humankind with his triumphant and honorable leadership that allowed him to become Earth’s saviour. While the public opinion is favourable and has helped him sore to success post-invasion, the Justice League is still skeptical of this man’s true intentions. Unfortunately for them, their latest member of the Justice League is none other than Lex Luthor himself but he’ll have to prove himself to the eyes of these heroes if he is to be trusted. Collecting Justice League #30-39, this volume collects two story arcs with one serving as an introduction for fearful Jessica Cruz and the second presenting an unlikely alliance to stop a virus from destroying the planet.
Considering how uncommon it is, it is such a treat to get two story arcs in one volume. However, were they any good? The first story arc focused on an origin story for Jessica Cruz, the latest victim to the Power Ring’s ring. While Lex Luthor attempts to blackmail his way to a seat at the Justice League’s inner circle and the world learns of the benefits that come from treating him as an ally rather than a villain, Jessica Cruz struggles with her new fate as a host to an evil ring that has a mind of its own. The second story arc introduces the Amazo virus, a secret weapon developed by Lex Luthor that is suddenly and accidentally released and threatens humankind with its extinction if the remaining heroes, including Lex Luthor himself, don’t create a cure in time. Throughout these stories, there are some subplots that are introduced and superficially-explored, e.g. the Doom Patrol’s introduction, but the spotlight remains on Lex Luthor and his ability to prove himself to the Justice as a hero of the universe rather than the bringer of doom.
While the volume was thoroughly action-packed from start to finish, there were too many elements that were slightly far-fetched attempted by writer Geoff Johns and other plot decisions that were too obvious in their nature, leading the reader on, although they could already guess where things were going. Besides these issues, the artwork continues to be decent in this volume. It is particularly incredible when artist Jason Fabok takes the lead as his visual style is exactly what the Justice League comic book series was meant to illustrate, an approach that is able to both capture the epic scale of the event while also encapsulating the emotional depth of the characters, from joy to fear. The colouring is also excellent and doesn’t fail to portray a darker tone to the story while allowing superpowers to add the flashy and colourful tones. A controlled-dose of humour throughout the banter also contributes to the lighter tones to an otherwise darker story.
Justice League: Injustice League is an action-packed chapter serving as an aftermath exploration of Lex Luthor’s challenge to win his spurs to the eyes of Earth’s greatest heroes.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
_______________________
Two story arcs in one volume. Were they any good? The first one was basically an origin story for Jessica Cruz and the second one focused on a massive bioweapon. The overarching subplot was focused on Lex Luthor trying to prove himself to the Justice League as a hero of the universe.
A bit sad that they didn't build up the Darkseid War arc a bit more here and left a gazillion plot holes and loose threads for us... For now.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
March 18, 2019
The one-two punch of Forever Evil and this follow-up makes up the best part of Geoff Johns' strangely uneven run on Justice League. I'm not sure why this is, but I wonder if leaving his writing duties on Aquaman and Green Lantern freed him up to focus more heavily on this series.
He really hit his stride here as we follow the fallout from the Crime Syndicate's occupation and Lex Luthor begins to bum rush his way into the League because, you know: he's a real-deal superhero now. Again, I really enjoy Luthor's character and I love how he's now a beloved celebrity after saving the world. He has everything he's wanted and his already big ego is enlarged even more. But he still has that little shred of morality that keeps him charming.
The introduction of the Jessica Cruz character is fascinating as well being the new bearer of the parasitic Power Ring from Earth 3, which chooses weak-willed hosts unlike the green lantern ring. To see her character arc in this is enjoyable, especially knowing where her story goes in the Rebirth era as she comes into her own as a hero.
This is definitely the best story arc in Geoff Johns' Justice League series and one of the top stories in all of the New 52.
He really hit his stride here as we follow the fallout from the Crime Syndicate's occupation and Lex Luthor begins to bum rush his way into the League because, you know: he's a real-deal superhero now. Again, I really enjoy Luthor's character and I love how he's now a beloved celebrity after saving the world. He has everything he's wanted and his already big ego is enlarged even more. But he still has that little shred of morality that keeps him charming.
The introduction of the Jessica Cruz character is fascinating as well being the new bearer of the parasitic Power Ring from Earth 3, which chooses weak-willed hosts unlike the green lantern ring. To see her character arc in this is enjoyable, especially knowing where her story goes in the Rebirth era as she comes into her own as a hero.
This is definitely the best story arc in Geoff Johns' Justice League series and one of the top stories in all of the New 52.
June 24, 2017
4.5 Stars
This was a good volume. We had the aftershocks of Forever Evil, which has basically turned Lex Luthor into a hero in the eyes of the public even though I'm sure he's still the same old Lex at heart. There's also the matter of the evil Power Ring floating around looking for a host, and Owlman is still lurking in the shadows as well.
In addition to that, a deadly "Amazo" virus developed by Lex Luthor is released by accident, and we end up with a zombie Justice League, at least for the human members. This creates the New 52 version of Amazo, who isn't an android this time but instead an infected human. (The Amazo virus gives regular people super powers which eventually kill them, but Amazo is patient zero.)
The art is exceptional in this volume as well, and the strength of the story only reinforces Geoff Johns reputation as a solid writer. I would recommend this volume to any Justice League fan.
This was a good volume. We had the aftershocks of Forever Evil, which has basically turned Lex Luthor into a hero in the eyes of the public even though I'm sure he's still the same old Lex at heart. There's also the matter of the evil Power Ring floating around looking for a host, and Owlman is still lurking in the shadows as well.
In addition to that, a deadly "Amazo" virus developed by Lex Luthor is released by accident, and we end up with a zombie Justice League, at least for the human members. This creates the New 52 version of Amazo, who isn't an android this time but instead an infected human. (The Amazo virus gives regular people super powers which eventually kill them, but Amazo is patient zero.)
The art is exceptional in this volume as well, and the strength of the story only reinforces Geoff Johns reputation as a solid writer. I would recommend this volume to any Justice League fan.
July 19, 2017
So much to like about this volume that I'll give the, em, "inconsistent" art due to employing a bevvy of very different artists (at least 4 distinct pencillers across 10 issues) a pass and heap the praise on storytelling that ticks all the usual Justice League boxes, with a few pleasant surprises along the way.
Key highlight for me? The ongoing power struggle between Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor after LL figures out he's Batman and confronts him with it in Wayne Manor. The dialogue outright crackles, great scenes!
Key highlight for me? The ongoing power struggle between Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor after LL figures out he's Batman and confronts him with it in Wayne Manor. The dialogue outright crackles, great scenes!
August 11, 2015
Geoff Johns was born to write Lex Luthor stories, loved this vol of the Justice League!
December 14, 2017
This is the strongest volume of Geoff Johns Justice League I've read so far. Especially the second half about the virus which is drawn by Jason Fabok. Really taking a liking to his art.
August 18, 2015
The stories in the Injustice League collection do something important for the Justice League series that launched DC’s New 52 era.
They make the book interesting.
The problem with Justice League over much of the past few years was that it just wasn’t that memorable. The series featured most of DC’s heavy hitter characters. Key writer Geoff Johns helmed it. A-list artists like Jim Lee and Ivan Reis kept the book looking great. But other than the Trinity War and Throne of Atlantis crossovers, most fans would be hard-pressed to tell you what actually happened in those first couple years.
The team was mostly absent from its own series for months during the Forever Evil event. But that series planted the seeds that made the arcs collected in Injustice League the best of the current series to date. And it was such a simple idea: after saving the world, Lex Luthor joins the Justice League.
Luthor has always been one of the comic book world’s most complex villains. Concluding that the potential threats facing Earth are more important than his personal antipathy toward super-powered beings, Luthor systematically goes about convincing the skeptical League to induct him. Injustice League also brings aboard several other new cast members who add some welcome spark to the mix. Shazam finally joins after several appearances as a back-up feature. Captain Cold, another quasi-reformed villain, doesn’t quite join the League, but as Luthor’s new right hand gets involved in their adventures.
The first arc in Injustice League introduces another important new addition. The ring that belonged to the villainous Power Ring seeks out the fear-crippled Jessica Cruz and forces itself on her. The League intervenes when Jessica can’t control the ring, coming into conflict with the Doom Patrol (the original line-up plus erstwhile Leaguer Element Woman). Jessica becomes a League associate by arc’s end, working with the team to contain the ring’s power.
That flows into the next arc, “The Amazo Virus.” The press conference announcing Luthor’s League membership is interrupted by an assassination attempt that unleashes a virus Lex had created and shelved a few years earlier. The Amazo Virus shuts down the powers of most super beings (except Superman and Wonder Woman), but also gives normal humans temporary powers (before killing them). With most of the League stricken, Luthor, Superman, Wonder Woman and Captain Cold wind up in an uneasy alliance to stop a deadly pandemic.
Freed from the macro-concerns of DC’s publishing initiatives, Johns finally gets to focus on the personalities of the team in Injustice League. Bringing Luthor and Captain Cold aboard adds a lot to the book’s dynamic and Johns uses both characters quite effectively. While Superman and Lex get a good spotlight, Johns also explores fascinating interactions between Luthor and other members, especially Batman. That clash of intellects is one of the arc’s chief attractions. The new Power Ring is also a great creation and adds some interesting drama to the character mix. Shazam is still developing as a League member, but Johns zeroes in on a Shazam/Cyborg friendship that shows real potential. And Captain Cold is a great wild card.
The “Amazo Virus” arc mixes things up quite nicely. It spotlights Luthor’s strengths and weaknesses in dramatic fashion (and Johns makes sure fans know that Luthor is no Boy Scout). Cold gets some great moments in this arc, especially an interaction with Wonder Woman that could have been a throwaway, but instead winds up revealing a lot about both characters in only a couple panels. Injustice League is the best work Johns has done on the series since its re-launch and is a nice reminder of what the writer can do when not burdened by extraneous concerns.
Veteran artist Doug Mahnke handles most of the first few issues collected in Injustice League (with assists from Ivan Reis and Scott Kolins). He does his usual widescreen, classic work. Mahnke makes the most of the large canvas that a book like Justice League provides and his style is clean and reader-friendly. He’s been a “go to” artist for DC for years for good reason. But more exciting is the emergence of Jason Fabok as the title’s regular artist in the “Amazo Virus” arc. Fabok had developed a good rep on several Batman family projects before landing on Justice League. His detailed, dynamic pages recall some of the best of star artists like Lee, Byrne and Perez. He does some really nice character work and is deft at some of the arc’s more complex action sequences. It’s a strong step forward for Fabok that is cementing his place on the comic book creator A-list.
Injustice League is a good jumping on point for new readers. The creators provide all the info necessary to pick up the action fairly easily. As the most consistently entertaining stretch this volume of the series has produced, it’s worth your time and money.
A version of this review originally appeared on www.thunderalleybcp.com
They make the book interesting.
The problem with Justice League over much of the past few years was that it just wasn’t that memorable. The series featured most of DC’s heavy hitter characters. Key writer Geoff Johns helmed it. A-list artists like Jim Lee and Ivan Reis kept the book looking great. But other than the Trinity War and Throne of Atlantis crossovers, most fans would be hard-pressed to tell you what actually happened in those first couple years.
The team was mostly absent from its own series for months during the Forever Evil event. But that series planted the seeds that made the arcs collected in Injustice League the best of the current series to date. And it was such a simple idea: after saving the world, Lex Luthor joins the Justice League.
Luthor has always been one of the comic book world’s most complex villains. Concluding that the potential threats facing Earth are more important than his personal antipathy toward super-powered beings, Luthor systematically goes about convincing the skeptical League to induct him. Injustice League also brings aboard several other new cast members who add some welcome spark to the mix. Shazam finally joins after several appearances as a back-up feature. Captain Cold, another quasi-reformed villain, doesn’t quite join the League, but as Luthor’s new right hand gets involved in their adventures.
The first arc in Injustice League introduces another important new addition. The ring that belonged to the villainous Power Ring seeks out the fear-crippled Jessica Cruz and forces itself on her. The League intervenes when Jessica can’t control the ring, coming into conflict with the Doom Patrol (the original line-up plus erstwhile Leaguer Element Woman). Jessica becomes a League associate by arc’s end, working with the team to contain the ring’s power.
That flows into the next arc, “The Amazo Virus.” The press conference announcing Luthor’s League membership is interrupted by an assassination attempt that unleashes a virus Lex had created and shelved a few years earlier. The Amazo Virus shuts down the powers of most super beings (except Superman and Wonder Woman), but also gives normal humans temporary powers (before killing them). With most of the League stricken, Luthor, Superman, Wonder Woman and Captain Cold wind up in an uneasy alliance to stop a deadly pandemic.
Freed from the macro-concerns of DC’s publishing initiatives, Johns finally gets to focus on the personalities of the team in Injustice League. Bringing Luthor and Captain Cold aboard adds a lot to the book’s dynamic and Johns uses both characters quite effectively. While Superman and Lex get a good spotlight, Johns also explores fascinating interactions between Luthor and other members, especially Batman. That clash of intellects is one of the arc’s chief attractions. The new Power Ring is also a great creation and adds some interesting drama to the character mix. Shazam is still developing as a League member, but Johns zeroes in on a Shazam/Cyborg friendship that shows real potential. And Captain Cold is a great wild card.
The “Amazo Virus” arc mixes things up quite nicely. It spotlights Luthor’s strengths and weaknesses in dramatic fashion (and Johns makes sure fans know that Luthor is no Boy Scout). Cold gets some great moments in this arc, especially an interaction with Wonder Woman that could have been a throwaway, but instead winds up revealing a lot about both characters in only a couple panels. Injustice League is the best work Johns has done on the series since its re-launch and is a nice reminder of what the writer can do when not burdened by extraneous concerns.
Veteran artist Doug Mahnke handles most of the first few issues collected in Injustice League (with assists from Ivan Reis and Scott Kolins). He does his usual widescreen, classic work. Mahnke makes the most of the large canvas that a book like Justice League provides and his style is clean and reader-friendly. He’s been a “go to” artist for DC for years for good reason. But more exciting is the emergence of Jason Fabok as the title’s regular artist in the “Amazo Virus” arc. Fabok had developed a good rep on several Batman family projects before landing on Justice League. His detailed, dynamic pages recall some of the best of star artists like Lee, Byrne and Perez. He does some really nice character work and is deft at some of the arc’s more complex action sequences. It’s a strong step forward for Fabok that is cementing his place on the comic book creator A-list.
Injustice League is a good jumping on point for new readers. The creators provide all the info necessary to pick up the action fairly easily. As the most consistently entertaining stretch this volume of the series has produced, it’s worth your time and money.
A version of this review originally appeared on www.thunderalleybcp.com
July 19, 2015
Lex Luthor is working with the Justice League. Of course he is. But before you start screaming "contrivance!" I would say: Of course it's a contrivance! But what matters is... does it work?
Yes. Yes, it does.
Luthor adds some much needed drama into what can, at times, be a staid formula. (Baddie / virus / conspiracy happens. Justice League punches things until it goes away. Lather, rinse, repeat.) Here we get the usual badness to contend with, but having Luthor worm his way into the mix dials everything up a notch. I won't go into details for fear of spoilers - I'll just say that Geoff Johns knows how to get a lot out of Luthor as a character, and his inclusion here is most welcome.
Also, this volume collects 2 full arcs, making this top value for the Justice League faithful. Jason Fabok and Doug Mahnke's art are always reliable - both are the kinds of artists you want on a flagship title like this one. Scott Kolins also steps in for one issue - which is fine, although his style isn't complementary to the other artists, and his sense of proportion is sometimes off.
Overall this was an entertaining read, which is all I really want from a title like this. Anything more is a bonus.
Yes. Yes, it does.
Luthor adds some much needed drama into what can, at times, be a staid formula. (Baddie / virus / conspiracy happens. Justice League punches things until it goes away. Lather, rinse, repeat.) Here we get the usual badness to contend with, but having Luthor worm his way into the mix dials everything up a notch. I won't go into details for fear of spoilers - I'll just say that Geoff Johns knows how to get a lot out of Luthor as a character, and his inclusion here is most welcome.
Also, this volume collects 2 full arcs, making this top value for the Justice League faithful. Jason Fabok and Doug Mahnke's art are always reliable - both are the kinds of artists you want on a flagship title like this one. Scott Kolins also steps in for one issue - which is fine, although his style isn't complementary to the other artists, and his sense of proportion is sometimes off.
Overall this was an entertaining read, which is all I really want from a title like this. Anything more is a bonus.
April 6, 2017
Each volume of Justice League New 52 is better than the next and this one is the best so far! The story picks up after the events of "Forever Evil," with Lex Luthor being hailed as such a hero for his part in defeating the Crime Syndicate, that he lobbies to become a member of the Justice League. What ensues is the pure melodrama that I love that so often accompanies super hero group comics- some members doubt Lex, some believe him, a secret, hidden, crippled sister, , a secret pregnancy, a secret identify exposed, a secret, lethal toxin let loose on the city turning some of the heroes into monsters, and my favorite- a cameo from the Doom Patrol!
September 25, 2015
Good! So this Volume of Justice League take place after Forever Evil, and for the most part its very good! So Lex and Captain Cold are both considered heroes after saving the world at the end of Forever Evil, and with that consideration they want in on the Justice League! It was interesting how it was villains playing the part of heroes even though there still evil with hidden agenda's! There was very interesting dynamic between Lex and Batman which is cool! Definitely read Forever Evil before this but overall this was a great read!
May 17, 2016
It took me way too long to read this one because of other obligations, so I didn't feel very connected to this one. But it was still great! Fresh ideas all over the place here.
July 28, 2016
What a finish! Still kicking myself in the rear for missing out on this great series. Playing catch-up thanks to these collections. Getting them in hardback for the most part, so they look good on the shelf as well. Great storyline. I have read Justice League Vols. 1, 6, and 7. I have #8 on order, and I just picked up
and
, and will follow those two up with
. Working my way back. Will probably pick up one or two of the Forever Evil spin-off collections. I am sticking with Justice League with the Rebirth relaunch titles (plus Suicide Squad and Deathstroke). This collection had everything I like and even added a zombie like virus! Great writing and art, a perfect combo.
and
, and will follow those two up with
. Working my way back. Will probably pick up one or two of the Forever Evil spin-off collections. I am sticking with Justice League with the Rebirth relaunch titles (plus Suicide Squad and Deathstroke). This collection had everything I like and even added a zombie like virus! Great writing and art, a perfect combo.Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews