DC Comics
Written by: James Tynion IV
Art by: Doug Mahnke
Inks by: Jaime Mendoza
Colors by: Wil Quintana
The foundation and formation of the Legion of Doom is the focus of this new issue of Justice League. The shattering of the Source Wall is bringing allies and enemies together to try and fight whatever is coming from the beyond, but Lex Luthor has something in else in mind when he confronts Sinestro. His argument is compelling and has a direct link to the events of No Justice. A link that explains Lex’s actions and his new mission. After convincing Sinestro that he doesn’t have to keep waiting to get what he wants, he wins the Yellow Lantern over to his side with the promise of greater power.
It takes more to convince Grodd that Lex has something worth offering and Lex’s offering to Grodd is more appealing than what he’s currently engaged in, but it takes more convincing than Sinestro. At the heart of the story is Lex’s journey. From his fledgling time as a hero to his discovery of a future society modeled after his beliefs, Lex has found a new and dangerous purpose. One that will have him using his greatest enemy to achieve his greatest feat.
Bringing in Tynion IV to write this issue was a great idea. You can see the subtle tonal shifts between Snyder’s writing and Tynion’s and they both work well in contrast to the different parts of the story. Tynion IV is able to convey a Lex that possesses a seething darkness and a subtle sardonic charm as well. Even though you know it’s going to be hard for him to convince villains like Sinestro and Grodd to fall under his banner, you find yourself rooting for Lex to find that thing that they both want and use his wit, charm and intellect to exploit it.
Doug Mahnke’s art work is incredible. Everything is given amazingly rich detail and his rendering of Lex is great. I loved the detail in the panels and everything looks ominous and rich in detail and shadow. Great looking book with an awesome story to tell.