JUSTICE LEAGUE #17

[ SLIPPERY SALE ] 

Now who doesn't like splashing about in water? It's far safer than sleeping with your daughter! OK, so it slippery at first. But then comes' a burst. Of ambrosia mixed in with wholesale slaughter. Well, it's either that, or something devised by the super-smooth creative team of Writer: Geoff Johns; Artists: Ivan Reis and Paul Pelletier; plus Publisher: DC Comics, in March 2013.

Using GENERAL terms, answer the following 4 questions about this FIFTH PART of 'Throne of Atlantis'.

• WHAT'S THE MAIN THRUST OF THIS TALE: With the Justice League and their reserve members by his side, Aquaman has to stop the war between Atlantis and Earth, by fending off his brother Orm's minions, and finding the man who instigated this battle to begin with -- Vulko.
• ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED: Yeah. Plus they stop a few bombs from exploding, whilst repelling some ugly looking watery w*nkers in the process.
• ANYTHING ELSE HAPPEN: Everyone gets wet.
• HOW DOES THIS STORY END: With Orm inside, with Aquaman a King, and with the Justice League on a villainous recruitment drive. No kidding!!!

Overall, what is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

By in large the majority of the dialogue on display in this issue was a pleasure to read. However, for me, the stand-out has to be Aquaman's opening monologue, when he said...

'My Father often spent his nights warning ships away from the shore. Sometimes he'd catch me staying awake to watch him work. He seemed frightened of something. He never told me what, until, one night, when the worst storm we'd ever seen hit the bay. He looked at me and finally admitted, "I'm scared they're coming after you, Arthur". I'd never been more terrified in my life'.

Now doesn't that sound very personal to you, dear reader? As if Aquaman is opening up his heart for what is yet to come.

What are the BEST bits about this issue?

(+) I thought the art by Ivan Reis and Paul Pelletier worked so well together, that I didn't even know there were two artists working on this book until afterwards. Bravo chaps. Complements to the max.
(+) I loved all of the super-hero cameos in this book. Zatanna. Black Canary. Hawkman. Excreta. Excreta. Excreta. All of them giving this adventure that extra bit of spice needed for a grand tale such as this.
(+) The ending to this tale was a right tease if ever I saw one. Aquaman off to play the King? The new JLA on the horizon? Orm in Blackgate? And The Scarecrow a member of the League? Wow! What a cliff-hanger those are, huh?

What are the WORST bits about this issue?

(-) Once the majority of the battle was over and done with, I wasn't very pleased with that section where Orm's Army 'teamed-up' with the League, and then, together, fought off the 'Trench' with some help from Vulko. Nah! It felt a little too much like Geoff saying 'Hurry up! We've got a couple of more pages to fill! Plus we have to find a way of getting rid of Vulko too'. Also, the nature of this 'coupling' didn't really come across very natural either. Enemies one minute. Allies the next. Ha! Don't make me laugh.
(-) No Shazam back-up feature? Noooo! Not fair. Especially since DC have charged the same price as usual! B*stards.

Pick TWO CHARACTERS out of this comic book, and compare them individually to a HONG KONG ACTION STAR.

ANDY LAU AS ORM: If Andy could pull of the same performances that he did in the Infernal Affairs films -- my God -- he and old fish-face could be one and the same person.

TONY LEUNG AS AQUAMAN: Same as what I just said up above, except replace Andy's name with Tony's name.

What WORD or PHRASE could you use to sum-up this story?

'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king' -- Desiderius Erasmus

What SONG, THEME-TUNE, or MELODY, would complement this tale, as well as add and extra dimension to it by default?

'SMOKE ON THE WATER' BY DEEP PURPLE: If you click on the video-clip below, you'd know exactly what I mean by this comparison. Not only would this song enhance this comic though, but it would also give it some additional smoky attitude.

ANYTHING Else?

Overall I thought that this issue of 'Justice League' was a fairly above average read. The art was magnificent. The story had a nice pace to it. And apart from a slight trip in the plot, all in all the conclusion to this tale was a right hoot too.

But my only concern, is will this title get overshadowed by the new 'Justice League of America' book? Personally speaking, I wouldn't want it to appear 'second string', all because DC Comics have some new characters to play with (if you know what I mean). Furthermore, I hope certain sub-plots within this series can come to fruition also. Like the Cyborg 'update', or the Wonder Woman / Superman shag-fest. 

Hint-Hint!

GIVE IT, IT'S DUES: If This Comic Book Was a Soft Drink, It Would Be a Toffee-Coffee Topped off With a Kick in the Nuts For Good Measure. One Part Earthy. One Part Sugary. And All Parts... Errr..  Moving.