This issue of the Justice League brings back the same foes that launched the series a few months ago. With Batman set up to take a large focus of this story, he actually features far less than expected, with both the Aquaman and Mera arcs taking centre stage. And rightfully so. With a change in the art style, which some may love and others may hate, Justice League #12 makes bold steps to ensure the conclusion of the tale, which will take place in the final part of the ‘Drowned Earth’ arc. This penultimate piece, therefore, seeks to bring a greater chance of success to the heroes as both Aquaman and Wonder Woman, as well as Mera, Superman and The Flash, make sudden breakthroughs.
A small, perhaps slightly shoehorned bit of backstory for Black Manta is also added. Justice League #12, in fact, opens with Manta bonding with his father, cursing the sea for everything it takes, especially from him and his family. His control over its forces now seem like it was a manifest destiny, with Manta taking full advantage of his newfound abilities, throwing his weight around with the other sea gods and eventually leading them to unleash the Death Kraken in the final part of the story.
Elsewhere, Batman has found an old Lex suit to jump into. He does this in order to sustain his injured body as he fights of the Legion of Doom. Heroically taking out many of its members, he is too late for Lex and Cheetah, with Lex claiming the doorknob once again and Cheetah destroying the key to the Graveyard to the Gods.
In the Graveyard of the Gods, it is revealed that Poseidon is trying to help Arthur and Diana. He reveals the true nature of Arion’s legend, with the sea god having poisoned his mind, influencing him to create the chaos that led to the imprisonment of the alien sea Gods. It is the actions of Poseidon that ultimately led to the demise of Arion as well as the subsequent madness of these gods.
Claiming some responsibility, Poseidon gives Aquaman the tools to fight, launching him and Wonder Woman back out of the Graveyard and back into the fight. Speaking of the chaos and the weapon that Arion first used, Mera has managed to uncover a part of this, fashioning it into her own weapon and using it to fight off the gods.
With Flash still resisting his aquatic turn into a fish-like creature and Batman about to be taken by the flood, the heroes might finally have a weapon to fight back with. As previously mentioned, the Death Kraken is, unfortunately, about to be released though, which could be the doom of them all.
Justice League #12 gave some good narrative reason for the evil god’s motives, as well as explaining some of the myths that have been previously eluded to. This successfully set up the final chapter of this arc, with an expectation that the waters will likely be removed from Earth again, with everyone turning back to normal.
The choice of artwork was not my preferred style. However, I acknowledge the skill required and the symbolic nature of what was put forward.
The Review
Justice League #12
Justice League #12 is still continuing the momentum of previous issues, leading us to what appears to be a strong and well-crafted conclusion.
Review Breakdown
- Storyline
- Artwork
