Comic Review: Justice League #9 (DC Comics)

Everything is a process, and in order for progress to occur, a gradual process is needed. And in regards to the Justice League, who have gone through a brutal journey to obtain the totality, now take the time to recuperate.

As Superman takes the initiative to repair earth’s moon, Hawkgirl undergoes sparring with Martian Manhunter, The Flash and GL stand watch over the JL museum, Aquaman and Wonder Woman discuss mysterious occurrences in their respective worlds, and Batman undergoes surgery to repair the damage that was inflicted on his body.

What threats await Superman within the broken depths of the moon? What answers await Aquaman and Wonder Woman along with the realm of magic? Will Batman remain out of action given his current state? And will the Flash and Green Lantern manage to overcome boredom?

This was a nice one-shot issue that just focuses on the Justice League’s recovery since their battle against the Legion of Doom for the Totality. Snyder continues to build off from his strengths in regards to Batman and Superman’s respect for each other as comrades. When Snyder was writing Dark Nights Metal, I remember enjoying how well Snyder understood Batman and Superman’s friendship, writing them as brothers in arms that look out for each other. I always get frustrated when most writers try to write Batman and Superman off as just teammates that have weird vendettas, or that Batman and Superman must always fight since everyone and their mother these days like to constantly go the Frank Miller route. But thankfully Snyder doesn’t do that. He continues to build that bond that Batman and Superman have as respective allies that look out for each other, in some ways kinda reminds me of the double date issue that Tom King had written.

The writing and dialogue between the characters in this issue is very strong, catering to the personalities of each character respectfully. Given that this series takes inspiration from the classic DCAU, it’s just nice seeing these characters speak to each other as friends beyond just being superheroes. The scenes with Flash and Green Lantern hanging out and chatting are fun, and the similarities that Aquaman and Wonder Woman have in regards to their situations and lineages to the gods is nice to see.

Each pair that Snyder has written is so well handled because, despite the contrasts in power, and personality, there are similarities that each character relates to, that readers can also relate to. The banter is handled well and the story is well balanced, not so heavy in any crazy larger than life, world-ending threats, but just a regular patrol and stroll for the heroes that remain cautious in a post source wall broken universe.

Now in terms of the art… JORGE JIMENEZ!!! Man! He continues to impress with his artwork, laying out the pages and panels beautifully and making every panel stand out as much as a splash page. But what’s great is that he doesn’t overwhelm readers with a ton of images and action. He keeps things structural, streamlined and simple, letting his graphic narrative style do all the talking as it accompanies Snyder’s script. Sanchez colors are beautiful and vibrant breathing a different kind of energy within Jimenez’s artwork, crafting a cinematically enjoyable experience on a two-dimensional plane.

Justice League issue 9 is a simple Issue but a fun and enjoyable issue that wraps up things from the prior arc with a nice bow tie. It’s a fun breather issue, and one that is well worth the time as Snyder, and Co gets the ball running. Definitely a nice addition to the new comic Wednesday pull list.