Justice League #26 Review

Monitor Duties

Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Javi Fernandez
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: June 19, 2019
Cover Price: $3.99

I have been liking the Justice League book and while Scott Snyder announced that he is making this into an Event book had me excited initially, I am a little bit concerned.  I mean, I love and think that the Justice League book should be the place to be in the DCU, but calling it an Event book brings certain expectations with it and also brings out the boo birds who are looking for anything to complain about.  So, did this first issue calm my nerves a bit?  Let's see...
James Tynion jumps onboard this issue and he has brought his usual narration boxes with him.  It's not too overwhelming, but I just wish he would ease up a bit.  His issues often feel more like school lessons than comic books, but I guess I'm more of a "show me not tell me" kind of guy.  All that said, I like most of what he is selling here.

This issue sets up a whole lot and most of the here and now is told through Martian Manhunter or those wondering about Martian Manhunter.  After returning from the 6th Dimension and finding out about Lex Luthor's offer, he is trying to figure out and find Luthor himself.  You see, there are rumors all over the place of a hooded figure and Jonn is on the case.  I really like seeing the detective part of Jonn in full effect here.

While this is going on, the rest of the League are on a recruitment drive that would make this man's army blush.  It gives Tynion and Javi Fernandez ample opportunity to have some fun, but in the end, it is just window dressing...so far.  The big moment was when the World Forger reiterates that he needs to find his brothers, but again, that's for another day.

The issue then gets Kendra and Mera heavy which is fine with me because I love both of them, but when the conversation turns to Shayne, it felt a little cringe-worthy...mainly because we saw Hawkman just pages before.  I don't know how others will feel, but the total blind eye approach to Hawkman/Hawkgirl is starting to get to me.  The issue ends with more Martian Manhunter and while I wish the cliffhanger was a little more of the Luthor Down Under variety (right mate?!?), it was still pretty cool.

This issue is pure setup, but I understand it was needed to get us going out of the 6th Dimension story.  If you like tons of fun cameos and the promise of something really big, I think you will enjoy what's going on here.  If you have been disappointed with the lack of focus on some of the League (Wonder Woman, John Stewart...), the idea of an expanding roster may frustrate you more.  I am kind of in between all of that and will remain cautiously optimistic that Snyder and Tynion can keep a handle on this big story and steer it into some kick-ass waters.

I am normally not a Javi Fernandez fan (it's just a style thing), but last issue and this one are some of his better work at DC.  I haven't become a fanboy or anything, but it didn't detract from the issue and for that I am thankful.

Bits and Pieces:

Scotty Snyder says the Justice League is now an Event book and James Tynion makes it feel that way right off the bat.  Of course, that can be a good and bad thing and while the jury is still out on whether or not they can make it work, this issue has my hopes up a bit.  If you haven't been reading Justice League up until now, you might want to at least check this issue out and see if it tickles your fancy.

8.0/10