Review: Justice League #21

One thing you cannot say about Scott Snyder“s Justice League is that it is short on ideas. Since the early stages of Metal, he has been building this massive scope of a narrative that continues to grow larger and larger. At times it is easy to get lost in all the plot minutia so an issue like this is welcome as it takes a step back to refocus on the conflict that is in front of these characters. Where you have larger than life characters trying to make decisions that have no possible right answer.

This is the third part of the ”˜Six Dimension“ arc as the majority of The Justice League have found themselves in a future world that has been able to solve many of their lingering problems. However, it is obvious things are not as they seem as Superman is being trapped by a powerful being that has taken up his identity in hopes of shaping the upcoming future. Major secrets are revealed in this issue as the Justice League learn the true reason they were brought to this world. The question is if they can agree on the right course of action on how to get out.

Snyder continues to push these characters into places where they clearly are not comfortable being. Finding issues that will drive them to make decisions they typically would make simply because there is no other course of action. That was one of the best elements of this issue, especially in how Batman is being positioned within the fabric of the team. It starts with a conversation he has with this future version of Dick Grayson as they discuss how they were able to bring peace to Gotham. They had the type of genuine conversation that is so rare for Batman. One where his persona of the Dark Knight can be put on hold in order to show his more human side.

If there is a downside to this issue it is that the central debate that becomes the heart of the story while well constructed is challenging to connect with. The Justice League have to determine how to stop reality itself from falling apart, but how they are making that decision requires the connecting of many dots including predicting the future, multiverse ultra-powerful beings, traversing all time and space and with so much going on it feels more like a hypothetical question than an immediate disaster. There are so many moving pieces that the foundation of this story is forever in flux. When you have an issue like this that anchors the story with the personal dilemma Batman is facing it is not nearly as noticeable. By building further upon that personal connection and crafting more within the team the story will be even stronger.

What is strong is the art of Jorge Jimenez. This is not an easy issue to draw as so much of it consists of characters having conversations. When the action does occur he makes it work. The way he constructs the opening of the issue as Superman is fighting for his life has so much energy and force. Such as positioning each thrown fist in a separate panel to represent the endless barrage of punches. Alejandro Sanchez“s colors add a great deal of life this his work as well. How the Sixth Dimension has this constant coating of light to further the calming effect of that world. When Dick and Bruce are having their conversation you can see a sense of calm on Bruce“s face that is a welcome reprieve from his typical dour state. This is exactly how moments should work.

Overall Thoughts:

When reading Scott Snyder“s Justice League the joy he has putting together these massive stories is infectious. Even when things get unnecessarily complex the underlying wonderment of what is happening can make the journey well worth it. Justice League #21 may be most notable for the major reveal that occurs, but what makes it work as an issue are the smaller character moments that put a personal dilemma inside this otherworldly conflict.

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Story and Plot: Scott Snyder and Jorge Jimenez
Words:Â Scott Snyder
Art: Jorge Jimenez
Colors: Alejandro Sanchez
Letters: Tom Napolitano

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Daniel Clark

A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.