By Gail Simone & José Luis Garcia-López (DC Comics)
ISBN13: 978-1-84576-732-7
Gail Simone once again proves her sheer class as mainstream comics writer in this compellingly effective epic which was originally serialised in issues #16-21 of JLA: Classified. With the legendary José Luis Garcia López providing his customary magnificent artwork, as always, this tale examines the deadly ramifications when the World’s Greatest Heroes are deputised by the United Nations to remove a despotic General from power in a Third World nation.
By stepping beyond their usual police role the League are susceptible to politics’ oldest power-play. The defrocked dictator uses their actions against them to create a coalition among many equally-dubious regimes. Fearful that the superheroes may be turned upon them next, these nations put the vengeful General Tuzic in charge of all their metahuman and Special Resources.
What follows is a charged and telling drama as the counter-attack of the General threatens the entire world with plague and conquest and that even before his deployment of the uniquely powerful Hypothetical Woman…
Simone has a superb grasp of the dynamics of superhero storytelling and a wonderful ear for dialogue. Coupled with Garcia López’s astounding drawing the result is an old-fashioned “goodies-and baddies†delight. Fans of the form can take comfort that the Good Old Days aren’t quite over yet!
© 2006 DC Comics. All Rights Reserved.