Mild Mannered Reviews - Justice League Comic Books

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Justice League #44

Scheduled to arrive in stores: May 12, 2020

Cover date: July 2020

"Cold War" - Part One: "Monsters Within"

Writer: Robert Venditti
Penciller: Xermanico
Inker: Xermanico
Cover: Francis Manapul
Variant Cover: Nicola Scott

Reviewed by: James Lantz
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An Atlantean outpost has been been destroyed by gigantic creatures the Amazons had imprisoned in Tartarus centuries ago. The Justice League has successfully returned them to Tartarus. Yet, their victory is not without a price. Every member of the team, including Superman, lets their repressed resentment come to the surface. Things are about to get heated when the Spirit of Vengeance himself, the Spectre appears.

5Story - 5: While I thoroughly enjoyed Robert Venditti's first story arc in this series, it felt more like a Superman story with the League guest starring and helping out in a way that was similar to Brian Michael Bendis' "Metropolis Doom!". This opening chapter in "Cold War" feels more like a Justice League book. Venditti has found the voice he took a bit of time to express in this comic, and it's paying off. He has proven himself to be a great writer for the League more so with this issue than with any other.

The first part of this serial is a fairly fast one to read. Yet, it's also the perfect way to set up events that will occur in the next issue, By blending superhero action with elements of a Ray Harryhausen film, Venditti has written a really exciting comic. Just that last page featuring the Spectre will make you want to read the next issue.

5Art - 5: This issue is my introduction to Xermanico's art. I've got to say I like it. I hope he's more than just a fill-in. He should stay on this book as its regular artist.

5Cover Art - 5: The blurb was kind of unnecessary, but, putting that aside. This is a beautifully drawn main cover.

5Variant Cover Art - 5: This variant came at the perfect time. This image looks like it's meant to give much needed hope to the those who see it.

Mild Mannered Reviews

2020

Note: Except for digital first releases, the month dates are from the issue covers, not the actual date when the comic went on sale.

January 2020 February 2020 March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 August 2020 September 2020 October 2020 November 2020 December 2020

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