Justice League: The Darkseid War: The Power Of The Gods by Peter J. Tomasi, Tom King, Steve Orlando, Frances Manapul, Rob Williams, etc. (graphic novel review)
I understand why there is confusion on one of the websites regarding the placement of ‘Justice League: The Darkseid War: The Power of the Gods.’ The second story demonstrates the merging of the Flash and the Black Racer, a necessary step prior to part 2 of ‘The Darkseid War’. I started the second part thinking I missed something so ended up reading this book next. When did Darkseid die? Since I was reading in bed and book 1 was downstairs, I chose to read this one first, thinking I might have missed something. When I came downstairs, I double-checked the ending. The Justice League were reacting to something, and the last page didn’t look that significant when it was next to a cover repro, and I probably mistaken it for that. I don’t think it really had that much impact, frankly, or it sunk in that the anti-monitor had killed him.
Anyway, I ended up reading this book after volume 1. You might find it easier to read after volume 2. The aftermath and the coping mechanisms of JL members with godlike abilities play a significant role in the story. Batman remains seated in Metron’s chair, utilizing his knowledge to prevent crimes from occurring and forwarding them to Commissioner Gordon, who is compelled to release them due to insufficient evidence. Instead, the Batman administers his own justice and scares the living daylights out of the imprisoned Joe Chill. Jailing methods on a DC Earth don’t appear to have any consideration for prisoner rights.
A dark energy Superman returns to Metropolis, appearing uncontrollable as he pursues pie. Jimmy Olsen attempts to physically bring Superman back to Earth, but his attempts are unsuccessful. Perry White, his boss, doesn’t mind if Superman saves the city.
Green Lantern discusses his history with his father, revives the Corps, and transforms into the god of light, just as you do. When I first opened the book, I thought the artwork in this section was a bit simplistic, but it actually worked well within the context.
Shazam has a different problem. Billy Batson discovers he now has a different choice, as the gods named after his powers are no longer alive.
Finally, Lex Luthor is back on Earth, and he’s a little deranged. It’s more important to keep an eye on the future.
Since none of these stories primarily focus on ‘The Darkseid War,’ reading them out of order shouldn’t upset you, but the lack of a volume number doesn’t help matters much either. The indicia doesn’t help much either.
Having read Justice League Volume 8: The Darkseid War Part 2’, I’ve now changed my mind. At various points along the way, a simple note stating “see such-and-such a story for details” would have resolved the issue decades ago. Alternatively, merging both books and splitting them into two distinct volumes could be a viable option. I understand that this could potentially disrupt the flow of the main story, but given that these are collected volumes, it shouldn’t significantly impact the plot.
GF Willmetts
October 2024
(pub: DC Comics, 2016. 200 page graphic novel softcover. Price: varies. ISBN: 978-1-4012-6424-3)
check out website: www.dc.com