Connect with us
Justice League of America #5 Review

Comic Books

Justice League of America #5 Review

In many ways Martian Manhunter is the least explored character with the highest potential in the DCU. He’s cold and unfamiliar, largely because his emotions are cold and his view of humanity is unfamiliar. He’s immensely powerful, yet kind at heart. In some ways you could compare him to Vision over in the Marvel universe. That makes me all the more interested in his featured play in this week’s Justice League, but is it good?

Justice League of America #5 (DC Comics)

Justice League of America #5 Review

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

This issue is all inside Martian Manhunter’s head as he assumes the role of a Japanese detective. He’s on the lookout for Martian cultists who are committing murders. Before he hops back into the role of Japanese detective though, the issue opens with him observing his JLA teammates.

Why does this book matter?

Manhunter is getting his own series soon so if you want a primer as to who this guy is this is the ideal place to start. This is also a done in one issue, so if you’re sick of long story arcs or event series this is a great place to get a quick and entertaining read from beginning to end.

Justice League of America #5 Review
So they’re having some kind of hero party?

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Frankly everything is good about this issue. The book quickly gets us inside Martian’s head and shows us the lonely nature of his existence being on the JLA. His alienation is self-imposed due to his inability to relate to his human counterparts, but it’s also due to his deep-seated issue of being the last of his kind. Matt Kindt and Rob Williams write a very meaningful issue, largely because Martian’s pain and loneliness is so relatable.

Making his alien nature more apparent is a short sequence where Martian assumes the role of a Japanese detective. As he rolls into the office he’s pretending to be a person all the while ruminating on the immoral nature of pretending to be someone he is not. That’s captivating and it’s fun to investigate the character and his morose nature.

Justice League of America #5 Review
Awkward!

When he does stumble upon a crime scene things get very real very fast and the concept behind the villain is quite interesting. The idea that a serial killer alien that needs its victims to continue to live is interesting. Plus this villain has mind reading powers similar to Martian which makes for an exciting climax to their battle.

The art by Philip Tan to open the book is quite dirty and messy as you’d come to expect from him. In a way though this is an interesting choice as the pages he pencils are those with the JLA present. His pencils make the human characters seem even more foreign and disturbing. The remaining pages are penciled by Jeromy Cox and they suit the dark nature the story takes in Japan. Martian Manhunter looks fantastic and truly this is how superhero comics should look. The design of the villain in this issue is nightmarish and tribal which suits the powerset nicely.

It can’t be perfect, can it?

Aside from some awkward art by Tan that can be forgiven as it suits the story? Pretty perfect.

Justice League of America #5 Review
Love this narration.

Is It Good?

A done in one story that delivers an effective psychological thriller and great narration? Sign me up. This is just as good as the awesomely disturbing and great Vision #1.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Comic Books

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024 Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Comic Books

DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

DC reveals ‘DC: Pride’ and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup