Thanos #6 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Phoenix Egg, Phoenix Force, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #6, Thanos #6 review, The Black Quadrant, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #6

Review by Paul Bowler

A reunion is on the cards in Thanos #6 as the Mad Titan faces his greatest battle of all in this stellar Marvel Comic series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin. Thanos is dying! Defeated as he searched for a cure by the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, he was imprisoned. Now, as Thanos seeks to escape from his interstellar jail, Thane’s secret pact with the mistress Death to kill his father finally nears fruition, and soon two of the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe face-off as the galaxy trembles before their might!

Yes, the cosmic you-know-what hit’s the proverbial fan in Thanos #6 after that certain “something” Thane’s audacious heist with Starfox, Nebula, and Tryco Slatterus set out to steal from Terrax the Terrible actually turned out to be a Phoenix Egg, and writer Jeff Lemire quickly addresses the grievances that Thane’s allies have about being so grossly misled into doing his dirty work for him. The Phoenix Energy will enable Thane to reclaim everything that he’s lost since his powers were taken from him, but his associates aren’t going to stand idly by and just let him take it either! Meanwhile, Thanos faces an army of jailers, but even with his powers faltering the Mad Titan’s resolve is undiminished, and he confronts his fate as a warrior, a conqueror of worlds, and a God who has even make reality itself cower before his power.

The distinct air of all-pervading doom that closes in around Thanos in this issue is brilliantly offset by his determination to be free of those who have so blatantly disrespected him. Jeff Lemire has skilfully crafted the events around the Mad Titan’s rapidly declining health to a point where you feel like you are right there with Thanos, as every step, every bone-crunching blow, begins to feel weaker and more laboured that the last. Likewise, Thane’s betrayal of his allies is master class in characterization, snappy dialogue crackles with tension, hitting all the emotional beats, before the realization of the ultimate sacrifice that has been made finally becomes frighteningly apparent.

When it comes the depiction of Thanos’ plight in this issue, artist Mike Deodato’s rendition of Thanos’ pure rage and undiluted contempt for the wave after wave of opposition he’s forced to bulldoze his way through to obtain freedom, is stunningly realized with an opaque series of panel layouts that dynamical relay the bone-crunching action. I especially like how Deodato angles the entire page during two key instances to accentuate the drama, giving added credence to Thanos’ waning power and the shock turn of events over on Terrax’s starship. There are some stunning emotional scenes from Dedato as well, the fury of Tryco Slatterus, self styled Champion of the Universe, feels at being betrayed is so palpable in one scene it almost eclipses Thanos‘, and Thane’s anguish at betraying Tryco is so clearly evident its almost heartbreaking. Color artist Frank Martin uses a palette of rich vivid tones to accentuate every scene, even the panel layouts are heightened as they intercut between sold backdrops of burnt orange and stark white hues that uncannily seem to give an almost cinematic quality to the visuals they frame as each scene moves seamlessly into the next.

But it is in the showdown between father and son where Jeff Lemier’s powerful storyline comes full circle. Mistress Death’s machinations have brought everything and everyone in this saga to this point, there is no turning back now, and Mike Dedato and Frank Martin pull out all the stops to ensue that the final scenes in this issue are every bit as breathtaking and jaw-dropping as the journey that has brought Thanos to this fateful moment.

Thanos #6 brings the first chapter in this epic storyline to a shocking close. The fantastic creative team of Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin have done amazing things with this new Marvel Comics series already. The scope and scale has been unparalleled, its been unflinchingly brutal at times, and I’ve been gripped by every twist and turn in the plot since the first issue. Now they’ve set Thanos on a path unlike any he’s walked before and I can’t wait to see what happens next in the aftermath of this issues cataclysmic standoff.

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire/ Artist: Mike Deodato / Colorist: Frank Martin /

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles  / Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

Variant Cover: Jamal Campbell

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Thanos #5 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #5, Thanos #5 review, The Black Quadrant, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #5

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #5 finds the Mad Titan incarcerated in a top secret prison in deep space after his ignominious defeat at the hands of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard; something that would never have been possible but for the startling fact that Thanos is dying! Thanos’ ailing condition and his desperate attempts to find a cure might ultimately prove to be his undoing, but the Shi’ar Empire are not the only ones seeking to destroy him… Thanos’ own son, Thane has forged an alliance with Starfox, Nebula, and Tryco Slatterus to kill Thanos, but non save Thane are aware of the real power behind his dark scheme – the mistress Death herself!

He may be down, but Thanos is certainly not out, and this latest issue of Marvel Comics superb ongoing Thanos series from writer Jeff Lemire, artist Mike Deodato, and color artist Frank Martin illustrates just how abominable and devious the Marvel Universes big bad can be – especially when the stakes are this high.

The space station where Thanos is being held utilizes the highest security and fail-safe measures imaginable, its capable of restraining cosmic-level menaces, and the initial stages of Thanos’ imprisonment have even been overseen personally by the Shi’ar Imperial Guard itself. The ruthless Warden Daak has the utmost confidence in his facility, but despite his weakened state Thanos’ predicament has made him more dangerous than ever, and writer Jeff Lemire quickly builds the nerve-jangling tension as the Mad Titan’s confinement brings dire consequences for those foolish enough to imagine that such a feat could ever be possible.

As Thanos languishes in his interstellar gulag, Thane’s plot to destroy his father takes a new turn when he, along with his uncle Eros, the former Avenger known as Starfox, with the mercenary Nebula, and Tryco The Champion of the Universe set out to steal something from Terrax the Terrible that they need to further their nefarious cause. Of course, Thane’s new allies know nothing of his secret pact with Death, let alone the full extent of the web of deceit he has woven around them to entice their help in acquiring his goal.

Mike Deodato’s artwork stunningly realizes the deep space prison facility where Thanos is being held. This huge impregnable fortress is an imposing sight, suspended in the depths of space, and the detail Deodato lavishes on the oppressively gloomy interiors equally matches the awe-inspiring spectacle of the exterior. Likewise, the scenes on Terrax’s space craft are equally as impressive. The distinctive bold overlaying panel structure Deodato employs perfectly conveys each and every beat of Lemire’s fast-paced script, with some brilliantly crafted character moments, and Thanos’ inevitable breakout being the undoubted highlight of the issue. The colors by Frank Martin accentuate the deep shadows of Thanos’ detention with a vivid contrast of orange and red hues, whilst the dusky metal shades withing Terrax’s ship are offset beautifully by the stealthily progress of Thane’s colourful associates towards the vault deep inside the hulking vessel.

This issue of Thanos has a quirky interstellar a heist movie vibe to it. There is some great banter between Thane’s team as well: with Starfox’s gift for the gab getting their foot in the door, Tryco’s wry observations of Eros’ conversational skills are priceless, whilst Thane continues to play his cards close to his chest, and my favourite bit of the whole escapade comes when Nebular acrobatically steals Tryco’s thunder before he can even finish his sentence! While Thanos himself doesn’t feature quite as much as I would’ve liked, the antics on Terrax’s ship more than makes up for it, and everything builds towards a cliff-hanger so jaw-dropping it will totally blow you away.

Thrilling, brutal, and epic in scale, Thanos #5 elevates this new Marvel comic book series to a whole new level. Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin continue to bring remarkable new aspects and compelling insights into the Mad Titan’s shady world, with Thanos #5 potentially setting up one of the biggest smack downs Thanosthusiasts have ever seen!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato / Colorist: Frank Martin

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles / Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

Variant Cover: Rob Guillroy

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Thanos #4 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #4, Thanos #4 review, The Black Quadrant, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #4

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #4 delves ever further into the mad Titan’s dark world in Marvel’s new ongoing series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin. Thanos’ quest to find a cure for the mysterious aliment that is killing him led to a titanic face-off with Shi’ar Imperial Guard, but shockingly it was a battle that Thanos ultimately lost! Now even Thanos’ own son, Thane, conspires to destroy him. But as we will soon discover, this isn’t the first time that Thane has schemed to seize power from Thanos and claim his birthright…

When it comes to big-bad super-villains, there are few in the Marvel Universe that can match Thanos for his sheer raw power, ambition, and unflinching evil. This new series from writer Jeff Lemire, artist Mike Deodato, and color artist Frank Martin continues to raise the bar with each issue, the sheer scope and scale of the storylines and art constantly impresses, and Thanos #4 is arguably one of their best issue so far.

Following Thanos‘ defeat at the hands of the Imperial Guard on Gilgrath, the spotlight now falls on Thane, and writer Jeff Lemire skilfully uses this issue to explore the series of events that led to Thane’s current scheme to rid himself of Thanos once and for all. Unfolding across a series of intermittently spaced flashbacks Thanos #4 gives us a tantalizing insight into Thane’s previous bid to take control of The Black Quadrant with Ebony Maw, but Corvus Glaive is not to be underestimated, and Thane’s subsequent fall from grace and incarceration proves crushing both mentally and physically for the son of Thanos. The unlikely alliance between Thane and Tryco, The Champion of the Universe, is also explored by Lemire, and it is these scenes that ultimately drive the narrative whilst sublimely filling in their back story and motivations as time progresses.

The panel layouts are beautifully structured by artist Mike Deodato to great effect. The synchronicity that Dedato manages to strike with Jeff Lemire’s character driven script is astonishing, judicious use of compact panel layouts effortlessly draw you into the story, and even the big two-page action scenes have a distinct pace all their own that so indicative of Dedato’s work. There are some truly spectacular scenes too, with Black Order brothers battling, The Coven are also hauntingly realized as they attack Thane, later Tryco the Champion’s wry humour lightens the tone somewhat, but it is Thane’s experiences in solitary confinement that delivers the issues most powerful and disturbing moments. Frank Martin’s colors provide a glorious swath of rich crimson hues for combat, while a blend of cool shades masked in ominous shadows make Thane’s imprisonment feel every bit as cold and dark as Thanos’ heart itself.

With a deal forged in darkness, Thanos #4 seamlessly bookends with the present as Thane’s plan to kill Thanos with the help of his uncle, Eros (the Avenger formerly known as Starfox), the mercenary Nebula, and Tryco The Champion of the Universe, unites their collective fates in the most surprising way imaginable!

Thanos #4 gives us a fascinating, chilling, and increasingly insightful glimpse into the dark machinations that have shapes event in this new Marvel comic book series. Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin have truly excelled themselves again, as Thanos #4, with its engaging multifaceted storyline and fantastic artwork, reaffirms exactly why this series is such a compelling and gratifying sojourn to the darker side of the Marvel Universe.

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato

Colorist: Frank Martin / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin / Variant Cover: Joe Jusko

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Thanos #3 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #3, Thanos #3 Review, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #3

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #3 finds the mad Titan squaring off against the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, but they aren’t the only ones out for Thanos’ blood! Thanos may have reclaimed leadership of the Black Quadrant, but the unthinkable has happened; Thanos is dying! Having slaughtered his father, Mentor, for failing to find a cure for his God Cancer, Marvel’s big bad must now face the entire Imperial Guard. Meanwhile, Thanos’ son, Thane, has recruited his uncle, Eros (the former Avenger known as Starfox), along with the mercenary Nebula who once claimed to be the granddaughter of Thanos, and Tryco, The Champion of the Universe, to kill Thanos!

Thanos is without doubt the most powerful, ruthless, and fearsome God-like villain to have ever stalked the Marvel Universe. This new Marvel Comics ongoing series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin has proved to be revelation, epic in scope, with striking visuals to match, and its brought us a brilliantly dark and insightful glimpse into the mad Titian’s world as his quest to find a cure escalates and his enemies conspire to destroy him.

Having cut a savage path across the galaxies centres of healing in his pursuit of a remedy for his condition, the World Killer must now go toe-to-toe with the Imperial Guard! There’s nothing like a good smack-down between super-powered beings, especially when it’s on such a titanic scale as this, and writer Jeff Lemire goes for all-out blockbuster action as Thanos confronts insurmountable odds on Gilgrath on the fringes of the Shi’ar Empire. Lemire skilfully interspaces the bone-crushing action sequences with a fascinating trio of recollections about Thanos from interviewees that each have their own unique connection to Thanos, these dark vinaigrettes make the issue a compelling read, and the differing viewpoints offer a chilling and disturbing insight into Thanos’ past and his evil deeds in a way that is quite unlike anything we’ve experienced before.

The frenetically paced action is realized to perfection by artist Mike Deodato, with big, bold panel layouts relaying the battle between Thanos and the Imperial Guard in singular detail, there are times you’d swear you can feel every punch and bolt of energy as they simultaneously pound and crackle from the page, while closer knit layouts bring added gravatis to the memories and spectacles of the narrated trilogy of flashbacks. A rich, vivid palette of tones and shades are employed by colorist Frank Martin to great effect, providing an impressive contrast between past and present, and even the darker hues seem to take on a bold vibrancy all their own in the heat of Thanos’ fight with the Imperial Guard, and the stunning cover by Mike Deodato and Frank Martin is another eye-catching snapshot of the epic conflict that unfolds inside this issue.

The issue builds towards an exciting, earth-shattering showdown, as the big guns in this saga go head-to-head for what is possibly the most momentous development in this series so far! Thanos #3 is another excellent issue in this new Marvel comic book series, Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin have taken the scope of the storytelling and the impressive artwork to a whole new level of excellence for this issue!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato

Colorist: Frank Martin / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

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Thanos #1 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Civil War II, comics, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Thanos, Thanos #1, Thanos #1 review, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #1 marks the return of the most evil, villainous being to have ever stalked the Marvel Universe! Yes, the mad Titan, Thanos is back, and in this new ongoing Marvel Comics series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin, Thanos is hell bent on seeking revenge on anyone who stands in his way. Get ready to walk in the shadows as Thanos embarks on a deadly journey, where a reckoning with his own family soon awaits him…

Thanos is a godlike being of almost unimaginable power and he has returned to wreak his own unique brand of devastating wrath against those foolish enough to oppose him. Thanos is arguably the biggest, big bad the Marvel Universe have ever known. He’s left an untold level of destruction and chaos in his wake during his many attempts to conquer the universe, more often than not solely to impress the cosmic embodiment of death herself. Even Thanos’ homeworld, the moon Titan, is now in ruins, and following his most recent battle with the Earth’s mightiest heroes during Civil War II, where, despite their advanced foreknowledge of his scheme provided by the new precognitive Inhuman Ulysses, his enemies still paid a heavy price.

Everybody loves a good villain, and there’s something instantly compelling about them, and its great to see Thanos being explored in a new way in this series. Thanos #1 quickly establishes the new order former stooge Coryus Glaive has forged for himself since Thanos became more concerned with other matters, and under Glaive’s reign, the Black Order has prospered as order superseded chaos. Now the deposed tyrant Thanos has returned, and writer Jeff Lemire instantly presents us with a Thanos who is every bit as powerful and as ruthless as ever, but there is also a sense that something far more ominous is driving the mad Titan’s bid to reclaim his seat of power.

The characterization is absolutely spot on, but as well as capturing the pure malevolence and evil of Thanos, Jeff Lemire also quickly builds the mystery and intrigue in this issue as the self styled Champion of the Universe, Tryco Slatterus, goes in search of Starfox, with an important message and new mission that will in turn herald the ultimate challenge. The dialogue positively sparkles with dark wit at times as the plot begins to take shape under Lemire’s assured guidance, as Thanos returns to power, and these characters who have been circling each other for so long gradually embark on the dark paths that will inevitably bring them into conflict.

Right from its majestic opening in the Black Quadrant, through to Thanos’ titanic show of force to reclaim his throne, and the sweeping scale of the story as it unfolds, artist Mike Deodato ensures Thanos #1 is a blockbusting spectacle in every respect. Concisely structured pages deftly balance the action and character moments, glorious full page layouts dazzle as interlocking panels splice story and characterization seamlessly as one, and Deodato‘s rendering of the characters, especially Thanos, and the numerous locals are stunning. The palette of rich tones and shades from colorist Frank Martin complements Deodato’s art perfectly; sombre hues and deep shadows dominate the relentless advance of Thanos, while cool blue, green, and violet tones reflect the seedy nature of the space station Starfox is frequenting when Tryco Slatterus tracks him down.

Following some poignant reflection on a distant ruined world, the issue is rounded off with an epic secret that is so shocking it could quite possibly become the greatest betrayal of all… Thanos #1 is everything that fans of Marvel’s ultimate evil nemesis to creation itself, Thanos, could’ve wished for, and then some! I swear you can almost feel every thunderous step as Thanos inexorably stomps, blasts, and smashes his way back to reclaiming his throne, and Thanos even offers a deliciously wicked act of mercy too for good measure.

It’s clear from this first issue that we are in for one hell of a journey for Thanos and his extended family. Thanos #1 is a welcome darker themed offering from Marvel, with its great story by Jeff Lemire, superb art by Mike Deodato and colors by Frank Martin, and letters by VC’s Clayton Cowles, this is one Marvel Now title that you won’t want to miss!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato

Colorist: Frank Martin / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

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Justice League United #10 Review

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comics, DC Comics, Jay Leisten, Jeff Lemire, Jeromy Cox, JLU, Justice League United #10, Keith Champagne, Neil Edwards, The Infinitus Saga, The Legion of Super-Heroes

Justice League United #10

Review by Paul Bowler

The Infinitus Saga reaches its thrilling conclusion in Justice League United #10 as the Polaris System and the planet Thangar face a new threat. The bomb Brainiac 5 launched against Infinitus has created a black hole. Now the combined forces of the JLU, the Legion of Super-Heroes, the Rannian War fleet and the Thangarians must face this new crisis, and a terrible sacrifice will change the DC Universe forever.

Justice League United #10 brings this epic intergalactic team-up between the Justice League United and the Legion of Super-Heroes to a close as events build towards a cataclysmic finale as the black hole threatens everything. Its non-stop action all the way in part six of the Infinitus Saga! Jeff Lemire gives the impressive roll call of superheroes from the JLU and the Legion their biggest challenge yet as the black hole’s event horizon expands, threatening not only the Rannian and Thangarian battle fleet, but also the planet Thangar itself!

Even though the situation is becoming more critical by the moment, the JLU and Legion quickly spring into action, doing what they can to assist the evacuation of Thangar, while also attempting to weaken the effects of the black hole and move the combined Rannian and Thangarian war fleet away from the sector. There’s even time for one last skirmish with Byth, however, it ultimately falls to Brainiac 5 to devise a plan following a precog vision from Dream Girl that provides the course of action that is needed to save Thangar.

Suffice to say, it’s a fittingly complex and techno-babble infused solution. I really like how Jeff Lemire defuses the tension a little with a frantic Brainiac 5 shushing the level-headed Sardath and Animal Man’s reaction to their plan. This concluding part of the Infinitus Saga has some great character moments, and the banter and sense of camaraderie between the JLU and the Legion of Super-Heroes comes shining through in every scene.

Neil Edwards’s art makes every scene in this issue feel like it’s about to jump from the page. The scope and scale of Justice League United #10 is spectacular. Edward’s has clearly had the time of his life drawing this issue, and it shows. Likewise, the inks by Jay Leisten and Keith Champagne, together with the colors by Jeromy Cox are also excellent. There are so many standout moments: the scenes with Stargirl, Miiyahbin and Byth tumbling towards the swirling black hole are stunning, there’s Supergirl’s magnificent entrance as she races to the rescue, and the heart-stopping moment when Thangar’s fate hangs in the balance is superb.

As the Infinitus Saga draws to a close it establishes a new status quo for this corner of the DC Universe, and the wealth of social and political implications these sudden chances will bring are addressed to a degree here. It certainly sets up a lot for the future. There’s a good interlude with Brainiac 5 and Supergirl, and I especially liked the inspirational scene with Miiyahbin and two of my favourite Legionaries, Dawnstar and Wildfire.

Soon its time for the Legion of Super-Heroes and the JLU to say their goodbyes, before the Legion return to their own time – taking Ultra with them in the hope that 31st century medicine will be able to help his condition. The reunion for Adam and Alanna Strange and the JLU’s return to Earth contains lots of fun moments too, giving us an even greater sense of the characters lives outside of the team while also simultaneously bonding their newfound friendships.

The Infinitus Saga has proved to be a really exciting storyline, it’s made the Justice League United into a more cohesive team, and it was also a great to see the Legion of Super-Heroes return the DC Universe as well. I sincerely hope we get another team-up with the Justice League United and the Legion of Super-Heroes at some point, especially considering this issues primeval coda, there’s certainly great potential for it.

Justice League United #10 provides an exciting conclusion to the Infinitus Saga, with its tightly-plotted story by Jeff Lemire and fantastic art by Neil Edwards’s, this issue is one of the best yet and I’d highly recommend it.

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Justice League United #9 Review

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comics, DC Comics, Jay Leisten, Jeff Lemire, Jeromy Cox, Justice League United, Justice League United #9, Keith Champagne, Neil Edwards, The Infinitus Saga, The Legion of Super-Heroes

Justice League United #9

Review by Paul Bowler

The Infinitus Saga reaches a crucial turning point in Justice League United #9 as the Legion of Super-Heroes join forces with the Justice League United against the oncoming might of Infinitus and the ferocious army of Wraiths attacking the Polaris System. Fighting alongside the Thangarian and Rannian fleets near the planet Thangar, the JLU and the Legion must hold the line while Supergirl tries to save Ultra from Byth inside rift in space. With time running out and Infinitus growing stronger by the moment, Martian Manhunter desperately tries to reach out to Ultra’s consciousness before Brainiac 5 detonates a bomb capable of removing Infinitus from space and time forever…

Justice League United #9 continues the exciting interstellar between the Justice League United and the Legion of Super-Heroes as the battle against Infinitus rages in orbit above Thanagar. Part five of the Infinitus Saga is one of the most action-packed instalments so far. Jeff Lemire ensures the pace never lets up for a moment, skilfully keeping this epic space adventure and its vast roll call of characters on track, whilst still managing to give everyone a brief moment in the spotlight. The JLU and Legion of Super-Heroes make a terrific fighting force, and Supergirl’s battle with Byth gets really intense as the shape-shifters finally reveals his true form.

The camaraderie between the Justice League United and the Legion of Super-Heroes is also pitched just right by Lemire. “As long as the Legion lives…” Oh boy, that moment as the Legion and JLU race into battle against impossible odds is a real fan boy moment for fans of the Legion of Super-Heroes, and this opening moment really sets the tone for the rest of the issue. Now that Infinitus is almost as powerful as he was in the 31st century, and with the Wraiths becoming more tangible, Sardath and Brainiac 5 begin work on a bomb that could destroy Infinitus. When Thangar is attacked, the JLU and Legion divide their forces to send assistance, while Mon-El and Martian Marnhunter formulate a plan to help Supergirl fight Byth and rescue the young Ultra.

The frenetic pace of this issue doesn’t let up for a second, however, there’s still time for a few fun moments, especially when Green Arrow tries to emulate Ultra Boy’s rallying battle cry, and the scene where Bounding Boy springs into action is great too.

Justice League United #9 looks amazing, the pencils by Neil Edwards are as strong as ever, and all the characters look superb. Edward’s must have had a blast drawing this issue, JLU #9 is jam packed with so many characters and exciting battle scenes, its almost mind boggling, together with Inkers Jay Leisten & Keith Champagne, and Colorist Jeromy Cox, this book continues to deliver on every level with its incredible visuals and engaging storyline. Supergirl’s fight with Byth was another highlight this issue, especially Byth’s grotesque true form, and the page where Martian Manhunter freed Hawkman from Byth’s brainwashing was also particularly effective.

Justice League United #9 reaches a shattering conclusion just as it looks like everything might be resolved, its edge of the seat stuff too, and sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to The Infinitus Saga next issue. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the Justice League United and Legion of Super-Heroes teaming up like this during The Infinitus Saga, I love both teams, so I’m kinda sad there’s only one more issue to go, but I’m still keeping my fingers crossed the Legion will return one day in their own title again at some point. Justice League United #9 is another great issue, with its terrific story by Jeff Lemire and art by Neil Edwards; it’s a space epic not to be missed!

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Justice League United #7 Review

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comics, DC Comics, Jay Leisten, Jeff Lemire, Jeromy Cox, JLU, Justice League United #7, Keith Champagne, Legion of Super-Heroes, Neil Edwards, The Infinitus Saga, The New 52

Justice League United #7

Review by Paul Bowler

The Infinitus Saga continues as the Justice League United fight alongside the Legion of Super-Heroes against the shape-shifter Byth to decide the fate of the young alien Ultra who could grow up to destroy the 31st century. The JLU and Legion of Super-Heroes travelled to the Moon of Ryngor in the Polaris System where Byth captured and gained control over Ultra. The innocent alien was forced to open a rift in space, unleashing a fearsome army of Wraths. Now as Byth and his allies, Black Mass, and the newly resurrected Hawkman – who is also under Byth’s influence – escaped with Ultra, the JLU and the Legion must find a way to stop Byth from taking Ultra into the rift and save the universe as the Wrath’s advance into inhabited space.

Justice League United #7 sees this time-warping intergalactic team-up between the Justice League United and the Legion of Super-Heroes really hitting its stride, as writer Jeff Lemire pulls out all the stops for this third part of The Infinitus Saga. Now the initial differences and misunderstandings between the JLU and Legion of Super-Heroes has been resolved, the battle against Byth steps up a gear as their forces unite against the shape-shifter.

Despite their best efforts, and Equinox’s attempt to reach the child, Black Mass teleports Byth, Ultra, and Hawkman to safety, while the Legion and JLU suddenly find themselves beamed to Rann. While this opening skirmish is over relatively quickly, this slight pause in the action does give Jeff Lemire a chance gather everyone together and explore their characters a little more as they regroup and plan their next move. The sheer number of characters in this issue is quite staggering, yet Jeff Lemire somehow manages to give most of them a share of the limelight, while also establishing some great banter between them as well.

Justice League United #7 is a fine looking issue as well, the pencils by Neil Edwards are really good, the characters are all well defined, Jay Leisten’s inks with Keith Champagne accentuate the action nicely, and colorist Jeromy Cox dazzles with some gloriously vivid tones during the exciting battles and outer space sequences. The scene where Martian Manhunter attempts to use his telepathic connection with Ultra to reach the child after he has been captured are in stark contrast to the kinetic energy of the action scenes, and serves to really highlight the youngsters turmoil as J’ohnn and Byth vie for control in the psychic void between worlds.

Needless to say, I’m a big fan of the Legion of Super-Heroes, and I’m really pleased to see them back in action. Its also nice to see the Justice League United working so well with the Legion, they are shaping up to be a great team already, and the Legionaries even provide those unable to survive the vacuum of space with flight rings so they can join the battle.

Justice League United #7 closes with some spectacular scenes in deep space as the JLU and Legion of Super-Heroes set out to save the universe. Justice League United has taken a little while to find its feet, but things seem to be settling down now, and this issue is a very positive step in the right direction. I have to admit, the scenes were the JLU and Legion soar into space to fight the Wraths and rescue Ultra really made me smile. I’m loving this story with the Legion, I’d forgotten how much I’d missed them, and I hope the Legion of Super-Heroes will get their own title again one day. Justice League United #7 is an excellent issue, The Infinitus Saga is shaping up to be a really good storyline, and I look forward to seeing how this issues exciting cliff-hanger is resolved next issue.

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