For his second year on DC Comics’ flagship comic Justice League, Geoff Johns had big
plans in store for the World’s Greatest Heroes. He would re-introduce one of
Wonder Woman’s most dangerous foes and pen an epic crossover with Aquaman’s
book. These stories were collected in Justice
League Volume 3: Throne of Atlantis. In it, he explores the personal lives
of the League and has them face off in one of their toughest battles yet.
When last we left the League, Green Lantern had quit and
Superman shared a kiss with Wonder Woman. Johns leaves little room for the
characters to adjust to these changes in the team dynamic as he immediately
propels them into battle with the Cheetah. In this two-part story
re-introducing the villainess to the New 52 continuity, Johns portrays the character as a
viable threat to the League. He also manages to pay homage to the history of
the character and enhances her importance to Wonder Woman’s narrative by
weaving their origins together. This new Barbara Minerva is perhaps more
deceitful and more cunning than ever before. With the powers of a goddess at
her disposal, she’s also infinitely more powerful. Hats off to Johns for utilizing the character in such a prominent book and for showing her the respect she deserves. It proves that Cheetah is more than just some throwaway baddie.
The main attraction of this collection, however, is the
crossover with Aquaman titled “Throne
of Atlantis.” In it, the Justice League must face off against the threat of an
invasion from the forces of Atlantis.
The assembling of the issues here leaves much to be desired. There are
two versions commercially available – one that focuses on Aquaman’s title and
the other on the League’s. The latter leaves out crucial issues that explain
the main antagonist’s origins. That aside, “Throne of Atlantis” is arguably the
best League story told in the New 52 continuity up until that point. The armies of Atlantis are
extremely dangerous and they pose a very real threat to the League. As such,
the League calls in some reserves and we get to see a few friendly faces offer
their help (namely Black Canary, Black Lightning, Element Woman, Vixen,
Hawkman, Firestorm, and Zatanna). Mera is also placed front and centre. She
shines bright as the storyline’s breakaway character. She commands each panel
she’s in, so much so that it seems ridiculous that she’s not officially part of
the Justice League (seriously DC, make this happen!). Similarly, Johns does a
lot of great character work here. Cyborg feels more human than ever and there’s
a rather touching scene between he and the Flash. The budding relationship between
Wonder Woman and Superman is also written quite well.
Fans of the Justice League should not pass up the chance to
read Justice League Volume 3: Throne of
Atlantis. This collection of stories is thrilling and features some
excellent character development. The action is fantastic, the art is gorgeous,
and the villains are truly something else. Johns finds his groove in this trade
paperback. He continues to give Wonder Woman prominence in the League, portrays
Mera as the true badass that she is, and even teases fans with the appearances
of fan-favourites like Black Canary and Zatanna.
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