Justice League #26 // Review
With the Legion working from the shadows, the heroes must reach out to their Multiversal peers to save the entirety of existence. Grabbing the reins once again, James Tynion IV and Javier Fernandez take over the title for this chapter, setting up an epic introduction to the upcoming Year of the Villain and Doom War story arcs. Filled with fan service to the max, this issue will be an instant fan favorite moving into the next major event for the title, Universe, and company as a whole.
After learning the truth about Lex Luthor’s supposed death, Earth lies under Martian Manhunter’s surveillance as he searches for the apex predator. Meanwhile, within the House of Heroes, the League have come to recruit their Multiversal counterparts in the battle against Pertpetua and the Legion of Doom. With the World Forger now by their side, a hint for his siblings must also take place for them to stop his mother from remaking this Multiverse in her wicked image. As Mera and Hawkgirl discover a convulsing Starman within the Hall of Justice, the two heroines must drop their personal problems and save their new teammates life.
From the massive group shots to the up-close action scenes, Javier Fernandez brings his best work to this issue. Although a stylized rendition of Martian Manhunter that doesn’t necessarily fit with the “house style” for the character, Fernandez’s interpretation is distinct and a welcoming look for J’onn moving forward. With so many heroes from so many fan-favorite earths, Fernandez leaves readers feeling like kids in a candy store as they clamor to name all their favorite Multiversal heroes. Hi-fi brings the perfect saturation to deliver the pop needed for such a broad array and renditions of characters to work with.
Once again, James Tynion delivers the best issue to date with the series. Tynion’s verbose and long-winded dialogue fits this speech and inner monologue filled issue to set the stage for the significant shockwaves yet to come. One of the few people who can take an idea from Grant Morrison, such as the House of Heroes, bringing it into the main title. The blockbuster nature and rich grandiose mythos are the perfect playgrounds for Tynion to deliver the exposition needed in theatrical fashion.
Whether Scott Snyder and Jorge Jimenez or James Tynion and Javier Fernandez, these creatives have their game plan so tight each issue only allows for the series to grow even stronger. While each writer has their strong suits over one another, the vast array of artistic talents to grace the pages of the series allow for varying flavors depending on the nature of each particular issue or story arc as previously seen with Jimenez on the last arc. This issue stands as another testament to the love and dedication these creators have for this series and the Universe as a whole.
Grade: A+
