Review: Justice League United - The Infinitus Saga

With the galaxy in turmoil as a result of the menace known as Infinitus, the Legion of Super-Heroes travel 100 years into the past in order to prevent him from ever coming into being. There’s just one thing standing in their way – the newly formed Justice League led by Martian Manhunter. He and his teammates are unwilling to accept that an innocent life should be snuffed out due to the possibility of it turning evil later on. Thus begins a battle of wills between the Martian hero and the Legion’s Brainiac 5.

Justice League United Volume 2: The Infinitus Saga collects Justice League United #6-10, Justice League United Annual #1, Justice League United: Futures End #1 and Justice League: Futures End #1. It is written by Jeff Lemire, with art by Jay Leisten and Neil Edwards.

As a whole Justice League United has all the right components to be a successful book. It’s colourful, action-packed, and full of punchy dialogue. It also has arguably the most creative line-up for a Justice League splinter team Post-Flashpoint. From DC Comics’ beloved archer Green Arrow to the new heroine on the block Equinox, the roster is really unique. Of course, it certainly helps that writer Jeff Lemire develops tangible relationships between the characters. Animal Man and Stargirl act like siblings, while the latter forms a father-daughter type of bond with Martian Manhunter. There’s also a slight banter that exists between Green Arrow and Animal Man (unsurprising given the fact that Lemire has written both of their solo series).

The scale of The Infinitus Saga is grand enough to give this book a sense of gravitas. In other words, the events feel like they have substance and consequences. The Justice League aren’t just saving a city or even Earth, they’re saving the universe and the future. I can really appreciate this as too many comics these days get caught up in trying to be trendy or cute or funny to really give its protagonists a conflict that highlights their importance as heroes. Here, our protagonists duke it out on Earth and in space, as they battle against the Legion, Byth and (eventually) Infinitus. The conflict is very real and the stakes are high.

Where The Infinitus Saga falters is in its massive over-sized cast, which is largely due to the presence of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Now, I’m actually a fan of the Legion and think that as a whole they’re a fascinating section of the DC Universe. However, there are so many of them that Lemire himself has to write in jokes to acknowledge this. Their presence in the narrative clutters the flow and distracts from the main characters, which is a shame since the protagonists are truly worthy of further development. My biggest issue, and this is not directly solely at Lemire but at Legion stories in general, is that the Legion of Super-Heroes all too often seem like an amorphous blob of colourful heroes who are defined exclusively by their powers.  Because there are so many of them, there’s literally no way of distinguishing their personalities and developing them equally or even in a hierarchy. In The Infinitus Saga, Brainiac 5 is clearly the star. He’s the most fleshed out member of his team and has a distinct personality. Dream Girl and Wildfire are also given opportunities to shine. Other characters have moments (particularly showing off their powers), but this book will leave those unfamiliar with the Legion lost when it comes to understanding who these characters are.

At its core, Justice League United: The Infinitus Saga is a great sci fi adventure featuring a team-up between a rookie team of fan-favourites and the Legion of Super-Heroes. There’s tons of great action and funny dialogue to keep any reader engaged. This collection has its shortcomings, but it has heart. I can appreciate what Lemire was doing with this book, especially since it captures the optimism, spirit and overall do-right attitude necessary for any incarnation of the Justice League. It’s a solid effort that’s worth a read.

RATING: B