Mild Mannered Reviews – Justice League #69

Justice League #69

Scheduled to arrive in stores: November 16, 2021
Cover date: January 2022

“The Biggest Score Ever” – Part 1

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller: Phil Hester
Inker: Eric Gapstur
Cover: Yanick Paquet
Variant Cover: Alexander Lozano

Reviewed by: James Lantz

As the Justice League Dark deals with supernatural forces the main Justice League is dealing with Oliver Queen financing both the the League and a new incarnation of Checkmate. Meanwhile, there is a group of Deathstrokes dressed like Slade Wilson. They’ve been attempting to kill Leonardo Lane A.K.A. Daemon Rose, Superman’s brother in-law. There seems to be a larger plan in motion, one involving both Checkmate and the Justice League. How these Deathstrokes are involved, and if Slade Wilson has a part in it, is unclear. Yet, these teams of heroes will have their work cut out for them getting answers to their questions.

Checkmate and the Justice League have been led to believe that the group of thieves known as the Royal Flush Gang are the masterminds behind recent events. However, this could merely be meant to be a distraction for the real culprits. There may not be time to discover the truth as Kelex has warned of an unforeseen happenstance. Superman’s Fortress has been stolen.

Story – 5: As a single issue chapter during my first reading, this was all over the place. However, it seemed to make more sense the second time around. It does work better in Bendis’ entire DC Comics bibliography so far in their overall context. This includes his work on Superman’s main titles, Naomi, etc. Yet, it’s still an entertaining first part of a new serial. It just may not be the best choice as one’s very first comic book purchase because it picks up where previous books left off.


Art – 5: There are times when Phil Hester can be a bit too cartoony. His style took some getting used to in his early work. He has improved somewhat with this issue. I’m hoping he stays on as artist for the remainder of this story arc.


Cover Art – 4: While this wouldn’t be my first choice as a main cover, the art is well drawn. I’m not sure why the editorial team chose it. Perhaps it was to make the buyer ask the reasons for it.


Variant Cover Art – 5: The art is breathtaking on this variant. Alexander Lozano should do interior art for a special edition graphic novel for DC or Marvel.


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