We’re nearly at the end, but how about some Lex Luthor vs. Batman in giant ships duking it out over a full-out war? That’s how Justice League #37 opens, and it’s an epic as literally thousands of characters rush at each other in battle. It’s the penultimate issue so likely you’re in this for the conclusion anyway, but is it good? There are some very cool visual storytelling mechanics at work here. After the first page, there are two double-page splashes that kick off what the good guys and bad guys look like as they rush at each other. It has some Braveheart vibes that you don’t always see in comics. Jorge Jimenez proves once again that his level of detail and attention to every figure makes a great page look one of a kind. The colors by Alejandro Sanchez are impressive too with details you may not necessarily pick up on first viewing (like the green glow on the ground below the running baddies) that add another layer of texture and detail. Snyder has fabricated an all-out war with Batman versus Lex Luthor to start this book, which adds ample interest and stakes to what comes after.
Much of this book is about some of the biggest DC heroes finding the energy and faith to bring the concept of justice into the minds of billions. Without their goodwill and thoughts, the heroes are lost. The doomsday clock is ticking ever closer to midnight and you can feel the intensity in each of these characters as they attempt to find a thread of hope.
Note the chest on the dude, bottom right. So cool!
Credit: DC Comics
Equally impactful is a scene with Hawkgirl, who is also barely keeping herself alive as Mobius attempts to take her out. This scene builds well against a Perpetua moment similar to the last issue, and thanks to the ramifications of that last issue, it means a whole lot more. There is an epic moment in this issue that’s absolutely genius and it’ll have your inner child cheering. It’s yet another big and brash idea that works so very well. Make no mistake, this series has been filled with crazy ideas that work thanks to the positive and super fun take on the characters. The universe hangs in the balance, but it’s so damn fun seeing them take their lumps and do what they can to fight back. Snyder seems to be saying we should never give up and by the end, it’s rewarding for everyone who didn’t.
There are a lot of moving parts in this issue and they come together at different times very well. Snyder and Jimenez do a great job supercharging the Justice League as they prepare for the final showdown, and I can’t wait to see what the reveal on the final page means for Perpetua. At the same time, there’s good development of characters and plot that’s bound to show up later.
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