The Flash Volume 4: Reverse Review

Francis Manapul and Brian Bucellatto conclude their fantastic 25 issue run on fantastic the Fastest Man Alive – The Flash. The writer artist team reinvent one of the Flash’s best known villain’s in this murder mystery as The Flash chases down the deadly speedster who grows faster with each victim. The exciting story arc Reverse ends their run before a single issue crossover on the Batman origin event Zero Year. Collects issues: The Flash #20 – 25 and #23.2 The Reverse Flash.

Just when Barry Allen’s life seems to be settling down after the chaos that was his clashes with the Rouges and the invasion led by Gorilla Grodd on Central City. Barry’s life appears to be getting to a better place moving in with his girlfriend Patty Spivot and has rescued Iris West and the others who had been trapped inside the Speed Force. All appears to be good, until a super powered murderer starts killing those with a connection to the Speed Force. A new Flash epic stars here.

After the more fantastical elements have been dealt with in previous story arcs, the central conflict of Reverse is that of a murder mystery that’s a bit more grounded approach for a story. It’s a more compelling story than previous of the run so far, it exercises some restraint in its approach. The style of story and art by Manapul feels like the mystery stories that he worked with writer Geoff Johns on their 2010 series. The Flash can do almost anything but here he uses his scientist skills to help solve the grisly murders. With both Barry and Iris both targets of this killer, their proximity to each other may prove problematic for Barry’s relationship with Patty. With earlier Flash stories of the series having so much happen so fast, this story is slowly unraveled, just the way a murder mystery should. It has a greater emphasis on Barry’s police work and interpersonal relationships, adding more substance the world of the Flash. It also gives the core conflict a sense of urgency. The plot thickens at a slower pace than normal and it’s nice that the slow reveal gives the events ample room to breathe. Just as the killer's identity is revealed, the Villains Month issue steps back from current events and reveals the back story of the interesting villain, building anticipation and suspense for the overall story. The new take on the Reverse Flash is fantastic, his plan is a darker reflection of Barry Allen’s good intentions during the Flashpoint story by Geoff Johns in 2011.

The two year run by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato finishes on a high note, it’s a great ending story arc to their run on the Flash. Their Reverse story arc serves as a nice farewell to character that the creative team have handled so deftly. But before it can feel like a grand finale send off from the creative duo, they’ve one more story to tell. The Flash #25 is part of the Zero Year tie-in reveals Barry’s role during the Batman: Zero Year story. During Gotham’s blackout caused by The Riddler six years ago and before Barry Allen got the powers that made him The Flash. He responded to a call set out to Law Enforcement Agencies during their state of emergency, Barry is in Gotham helping out Harvey Bullock investigating a new drug on the streets of Gotham. In a surprising reveal it is the first meeting of he and Iris West. The two get on well and this flash back story sheds some more light on the chemistry between them, despite what is taking place in Barry’s relationship with Patty in present day continuity. The creator’s ability knack for characterisation carries the story through what would otherwise be a straightforward plot. It is an interesting tie to Zero Year with the focus on showcasing the kind of person Barry Allen is, with an eye on the hero man he’ll one day become.

The art thankfully remains one of the best parts of the series. Manapul and Buccellato fully perform art duties on their final story arc. In terms of art, the duo have been one of the most consistent on a comic series. Artist’s Scott Hepburn and Chris Sprouse pencil the Villain’s Month and Zero Year issues respectively, with original artists returning to their stunning art for the final few pages in Gotham. The art has always remained one of the greatest qualities of the stories, from the innovative layouts to the combination of soft tones and strong splashes of colour, everything about The Flash's visuals is executed with a level of sophistication that few superhero comics could match. In their final arc the two speedsters clash and produce incredible violent battles throughout the story that make the incredibly vibrant art alone makes this a Flash fight a standout of their run and one the Flash's greatest battles.

Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato wrapped up their epic Flash run by introducing Reverse-Flash in a big way.The final story arc Reverse, concludes the run by pair duo 25 issue run on the Scarlet Speedster. Reverse plays more to Barry Allen’s strengths as an Crime Scene Investigator while the events of the story further complicates Barry’s personal live with an ensuing love triangle between Barry Iris and Patty.While Buccellato would continue as a writer for the last few issues on the series collected is The Flash Volume 5: History Lessons before both creators brought their amazing talents to Batman Detective Comics with issue #30. The final story puts the Flash against a new version of an old enemy while returning the character to its stronger central theme of a murder mystery that Manapul started with previous Flash writer Geoff Johns. This was the story I was most looking forward to stars a new and interesting iteration of the Reverse Flash as well as a brilliant and fantastic end to the creative run of Manapul and Buccellto, concluding their stunning run of The Flash.

The Flash Volume 3: Gorilla Warfare Review

Gorilla Warfare is the third volume in the series featuring the Fastest Man Alive; the Flash, Central City has been invaded by Gorilla Grodd and his army as he sets out to conquer Central City and possess the powers of the Flash. It’ll take more than the Scarlet Speedster to stop them as the Rouges join the fight in protecting Central City. Collects issues #13 – 19 by writers and artists Francis Manapul and Brian Beccellato with guest artist Marcus To and Marcio Takara.

Gorrilla Warfare is an big and all out action story with the Flash and the Rouges take on Gorrila Grodd and his army of apes taking over Central City. For the third volume in the series its more straightforward and a simpler story while tying up existing plot elements making it a satisfying story. It brings a lot of elements of Barry Allen’s personal life to a conclusion while setting up a complicated love triangle in the near future.

The talking gorilla invasion element is a bit out there but the characters of the story acknowledge it which makes easier to accept by the readers if you’re not into that part of the Flash universe. Grodd is a long time villain of the speedster and since has been lightly featured in this New 52 series since it began. This story arc is the culmination of Grood’s earliest appearances in the series, and seeing as Volume 2 Rouges Revolution opened and closed with the simian it is a worthy inclusion that made for a great story.

While the stories and always developing one thing that stays consist is the amazing and stunning art from Manapul and Beccellato. Their art always continues to astound. They always employ an inventive layout and different elements of the setting to conjure up an impressive title page. The standout example of their art is during a nine page display of the Flash’s mind envisioning different outcomes of the big conflict. The lighting-shaped panels making their way across the pages building to a wonderful visual crescendo where the lighting becoming the end title page for the issue.

In the aftermath of the Gorilla Warfare arc, the volume concludes in a two part story with a story ex-Rouge member The Trickster who’s been accused of murder. The Flash sets out to prove his innocence and becoming more difficult when he loses his powers. The story with guest artist Marcio Takara is a nice way to wrap up a good book while teasing the next big villain for the next collection.

Gorilla Warfare is the third big action story that capitalises on many of the plot elements introduced since the series began while giving way to establishing new plot threads to cumulate in Manapul and Beccellato’s final volume of the series where they introduce their new version on a quintessential Flash villain The Reverse Flash.

The Flash Volume 2: Rogue's Revolution Review

The second collection on The New 52 series by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato co writers and artists of this collection off issues joined by other guest artists Marcus To, Scott Kolins and more. The Flash has escaped the speed force and made it back to a very different Central City, where the citizens have turned on the Flash. Meanwhile The Rouges are getting back together with their new powers and a new leader. Collects issues #9 -12, #0 and The Flash Annual #1.

This volume kicks off where the last book cliff-hanger left us. The Flash escaping the speed force and landing in the midst of Gorilla City and the recently crowned King Grood. Arriving in the secret civilization of talking gorillas with the Flash taking on Grood and learning about the prophecy about the speedster. This is my least favourite aspect of the Flash universe, but the creators acknowledge it by Barry referring to it like something out of a sci-fi movie. After Barry returns home he discovers he’s not the loved hero he once was. It brings a nice change to the story as Barry is hiding out in a rougher part of town. Barry’s life as the Flash is turned upside down and keeps his death a secret from his friends and girlfriend while he figures out what to do next. For a character that has always been so positive it’s interesting to see what he does next with his life in disarray.

The second volume of the Flash is heavy focus on the Rouges, the group haven’t always been the most imposing threat to the Flash or Central City but now has changed, it works brilliantly in tandem with Barry’s personal life in the state that it’s in.

The Rouges, the Flash’s great adversaries, this supervillain team make their debut in the series relaunch. No longer with weapons they now have the abilities of their weapons. So it’s not as easy for the Flash to just stop them by quickly disarming them. The Flash comes up against each member of the Rogues in a before they are recruited by their new leader for a big showdown with the Flash. The story building to an exciting clash between the Rouges and the Flash. The Flash Annual #1, keeps the suspense going after the thrilling issue that preceded it. The double length annual issue does some exposition into the history of the Rouges and how they got their new powers before returning the story to the big showdown.

The Flash #0 is collected at the end of the volume and is a welcome return to wonderful art of Manapul and Beccellato. A loose origin story, this issue details how Barry got his powers and motivation for becoming a hero. It’s less of a superhero story and more of an emotional story, the tender subject of his relationship to his parents and the murder of his mother forms the heart of the story. It introduces an intriguing new mystery and history to the death of Barry’s mother Nora and what his father had in connection with his wife’s murder/death. It’s a new twist on a familiar story but it’s ambiguous and left up to the readers interpretation of what happened? Is the reboot relying on the most recent retcon to Barry Allen’s history by Geoff Johns in the Flash Rebirth series or is this New 52 Flash setting up a new change to this element of The Flash?

Again the team of Manpul and Beccellato create some beautiful art for their story, doing art for the majority of the issue while artist Marcus To fills into for two issues before we return to the original and elegant art the series is known for. The Annual issue features several guest artists for the double length issue.

Rouges Revolution is a solid follow up focusing on one of the best elements of the Flash, his Rouges. The Flash takes on each member of the group individually before as they all band back together to take down the Flash. Along with Gorilla Grood at the start of the book setting up the next story arc Gorilla Warfare which I’m sure is to also include the Rouges in the third volume of the series.

The Flash Volume 1 Move Forward Review

The Flash Volume 1 – Move Forward is the first collection of The New 52 series. The Scarlet Speedster is back in this new series from DC Comics reboot offering a fresh start to many of its characters. Central City police scientist struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals making him the Fastest Man Alive. Writer and artist Francis Manapul with colourist create the most beautiful comic book series. Move Forward collects issues #1 – 8 of the series. 

The Flash is back in this exciting and thrilling collection of the first eight issues of this series. I’ve recently become a huge fan of the character and this new 2011 series is a great place to enjoy new Flash stories. Barry Allen had a brief comics return since his return after a 20 year absence, he starred again as the main Flash in the 12 issue series by Geoff Johns before the DC Universe was rebooted. The Flash is one character that greatly benefits from this relaunch, no longer tied down to the occurrence of his own death, the series can run afresh into a new and exciting series for the Flash.

In this new continuity Barry is no longer married to Iris West, their marriage new happened and instead has recently started dating co-worker Patty Spivot. It’s during their first date that our story begins at a Tech Symposium where a masked gang break in looking to steal a piece of technology. Barry gives chase but the gang get away in their plane, Barry saves one from the fall but learns that he died and not only that, but the unmasked dead man is someone Barry knows, an old friend, Manual Lago. Knowing that something doesn’t add up related to his friend’s death Barry carries out his own investigation at home an intruder enters and it’s an alive and well Manual.

The mystery deepens to what’s going on with his old friend who is being chased by the gang known as Mob Rule that leads to a city wide blackout. The Flash gains a new power set as he develops his mind to function with his Speed Force and the rest of his powers which he doesn’t have full control over yet. The Mob Rule story arc is great and gives the character a new villain to contend with. The Flash later comes face to face with a classic villain Captain Cold. The Flash isn’t the only character to gain a new power set, the new and improved powers of Captain Cold make for an exciting story. The way the plot jumps back and forth through time helps simulate the quick-moving nature of the book's titular character and makes the read far more engaging than it otherwise would have been if it chronologically moved from one beat to the next.

It’s a fantastic opening collection of issues to this new Flash series and I haven’t even mentioned the art yet. The art is amazing , it’s some of the most beautiful, dynamic and wonderful art ever created. It has a retro feel with water paints style of colouring. The layouts are wonderfully presented and are so creative. It’s one of those occasions where full creativity is given to a creator who is both writer and artist on a comic series giving full creative control on the story and art. It’s a visual treat. The artistry was one of the main reason I got into the series as I had enjoyed Manpul’s art on the previous 2010 series by Geoff Johns. Manapul’s art and creativity knows no end, the opening of each issue cleverly displays “DC Comics Presents The Flash” incorporated into the background of the scenes. The art is incredible and makes this series so fantastic.

This new series is a fresh start with some of the most charming and beautiful art you will see on a comic book character that suits so well to the tone of the hero and the series. An adventure story with the bright red clad hero. Looking forward to the second volume and later series. The book is fun to read and the art comes first place seeing the creativity and imagination of its creators is stunning and a joy to read and a pure visual treat.

Green Lantern: Revenge of The Green Lanterns Graphic Novel review.

Green Lantern Revenge of the Green Lanterns is the second collection of Geoff Johns relaunched 2005 Green Lantern series putting Hal Jordan once again back on the forefront of the Green Lantern title. In the this volume Hal teams up with old pal Oliver Queen/Green Arrowand later Batman before the main story of the book, the One Year Later event where Hal discovers the fellow Corps members he left for dead are alive. Collects Green Lantern #7 - 13 with art by Carlos Pacheco, Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis. 

Following Hal from the events of his resurrection and in the Green Lantern mini series Rebirth and the first volume of the series No Fear where Hal re-establishes his life in Coast City and as pilot while facing off with enhanced versions of the Manhunter Androids, Shark and Hector Hammond.

While Volume One: No Fear takes time to establishes Hal Jordan as Green Lantern once again on earth, this follow up dives straight into the action with three different stories. Classic team up of Green Lantern and Green Arrow open the collection for the two part story "A Perfect Life". Crossing over with the events of Infinite Crisis, Hal and Oliver take on the son of world conquer Mongul, here to finish his father's quest of conquering earth and subjects the duo the effects of the Black Mercy, a parasitic vine attaching itself to its victim giving them their vision of a perfect life while slowly killing them. It was a joy to see this concept that was first created for Alan Moore's Superman story, For The Man Who Has Everything in Superman Annual #1 in 1985.

"Branded", the second story is another team up with none other than the Dark Knight himself as the pair track down the hit man with the ability to make his tattoos come to life. Batman calls Hal for assistance while using the opportunity to test him and reconcile their differences. It was a good short story one that was crafted well to bring these two very different heroes together for a villain that they were well matched for while the two mend their relationship.

After those two fun team up stories we get to the real draw of the book, Revenge of the Green Lanterns. With issue #10 as part of DC Comics One Year Later event all titles jumped ahead one year after the events of Infinite Crisis. The story is interesting as Hal must face the consequences of leaving his fellow Lantern's for dead during the events of Emerald Twilight, the mid nineties story arc that led up to Hal's death. In that story Coast City had been destroyed by Cyborg Superman and Mongul. Hal tries to use his powers to rebuild his hometown but the Guardians of the Universe, the leaders and founders of the Green Lantern Corps who reside on the planet Oa forbid the act. Enraged Hal travels to Oa to and is confronted with several fellow Green Lanterns whom he stole the rings from and left for dead in space. Hal later went on to kill other members of the Corps and becoming a villain.

On the discovery that one of the Lanterns he left for dead is survived Hal and Green Lantern Guy Gardner led an a rescue mission to find these Lost Lanterns. Hal deals with the outcome from fellow corps members who hate him for all that he has done, once destroying the Green Lanterns Corps. Hal has a lot to overcome since being reinstated as a member and to make up for past actions he seeks to led the rescue mission to help redeem himself and save those he thought he had killed. Hal has to come face to face with those he's left for dead in the past and no wants to rescue. There's tension in this final story arc of the collection is action packed and exciting with great art by Ivan Reis. At this early stage in the series writer Geoff Johns is building towards the second of what's known as his Green Lantern Trilogy; The Sinestro Corps War. I've read several trades of his run on the series and this volume makes me want to get into more of Green Lantern run.

Revenge of Green Lanterns is an exciting and thrilling follow up to the previous collection No Fear. This includes a better series of stories, but then Green Lantern Volume 1 followed Rebirth which had a lot to live up to. This second volume consists of a central theme of more personal stories as Hal dreams of his perfect life that can never happen and reaching out to Batman on an emotional level. But Hal's biggest challenge is to confront the consequences of his actions of the past, rescuing those he left for dead who can never forgive him, it's hard hitting. I've been really getting more into Green Lantern recently and this book was a great read. I feel that's a great Green Lantern book in-between the massive epics of the John's Green Lantern series. This was great and well worth checking out. It was a book I was very interested and intrigued by about a year ago and it was definitely worth it.

Daredevil by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev Review

After reading all of Frank Miller's Daredevil work and Mark Waid's initial Daredevil series I decided to get into the other famous and excellent run on the character from the early 2000's by writer Brian Michael Bendis with artist Alex Maleev. These dark and gritty tales became a highly acclaimed run on The Man Without Fear. The main take away from the run was that it outed Daredevil's secret identity to the public, something that Matt Murdock had to deal with all the way up to Waid's 2011 run. So after completing and enjoy both Miller's and Waid's run on Daredevil I wanted to get into the other big run on the character in between both of the aforementioned writers.

Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev’s 50 plus issue stint on Daredevil remains one of the most influential creative runs in comics. Their run on Daredevil started in it's second series, starting in December 2001 until January 2006 was at the time was the longest running tenure on Daredevil, which was only surpassed last year.

Daredevil was started anew in 1998 with Kevin Smith's Guardian Devil story arc launched the new series. With issue #16 Bendis joined the series with Maleev joining with issue #26. Their award winning run lasted until issue #81, making it one of the longest running and most critically acclaimed runs for any writer on the character. Its been regarded as one of the greatest creative tenures in the comic giants history, stating that it rivaled Miller's influential work on Daredevil. 

These three massive trade paperbacks collect the entire Bendis and Maleev run. Each of the graphic novels collect around 20 issues, consisting of between 3- 4 story arcs of this best selling series.

Book 1 #16 - 19 and #26 - 40; Wake Up, Underboss and Out
Book 2 #41 - 50 and #56 - 65; Lowlife, Hardcore, The King of Hell's Kitchen and The Widow
Book 3 #66 - 81; Golden Age, Decalogue and The Murdock Papers, What If Karen Page Had Lived? and Marvel Ultimate Team-Up #6-8

Wake Up #16-19, with art by David Mack.
Ben Urich, Investigative reporter for the Daily Bugle. His current assignment is the murder trial of Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of Crime. So why is Urich spending all his time with the catatonic son of a costumed criminal and how is Daredevil connected to a child he doesn't even know?

Underboss #26-31
Newcomer Sammy Silkie, plans to overthrow the Kingpin/Wilson Fisk and take his place. There is a connection between this uprising and the contract on Daredevil's life? The pulp noir crime drama begins here as the creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev start their epic run on Daredevil, also features a special silent issue.

Out #32 - 40
Daredevil's secret identity is exposed to the world! Matt Murdock's most guarded secret is sold to a tabloid newspaper. What can will the Man Without Fear go to reclaim his life? The volume ends with a three part intriguing court room drama story with artist Terry Dodson.

Lowlife #41-45
Matt Murdock is forced to reckon with the problems and legal ramifications that emerged as a result of his public outing. One of Daredevil's most dangerous foes returns to take over the NYC underworld as Matt dwells on his problems, as a new love appears at the most dangerous and complicated time of his life.

Hardcore #46-50
Matt Murdock life gets a lot more troublesome. He's simultaneously faced with murder charges, a new romance, being outted by the tabloids, the return of one of his deadliest foe's Typhoid Mary and the Kingpin's attempt to restore his fallen empire bring on a shocking and surprisng ending.

King of Hell's Kitchen #56-60
A year on since Daredevil did the unimaginable, beating Wilson Fisk to within an inch of his life and declaring himself the new Kingpin. Now that the Yakuza has come to stake their claim for Hell's Kitchen, targeting Matt Murdock leading to an unforgettable battle royale.

The Widow #61- 64
The Black Widow returns to her ex-lover Matt Murdock, on the run she in laying low as Daredevil comes face to horrible face with Jigsaw as assassins are aiming for Blakc Widow's own head.

The Universe #65, Special 40th anniversary double length issue. This story backtracks over the time period that Matt Murdock was outed and fills in some holes in the already heavy plot from the points of view of other heroes in the Marvel Universe with guest artists while setting up the next story arc in the series.

Golden Age #66-70
Following his release from prison, Alexander De Bont, former Kingpin of Daredevil's earliest days. setting his sights on the outed Daredevil enlisting the help of classic Daredevil
villain, Gladiator. This unique story is told in three different time periods featuring distinctive art and coloring in each era. A classic crime noir story.

Decalogue #71-75
Covering what happened during Daredevil's year-long reign as the new Kingpin. His cleaning up of Hell's Kitchen revealed in all the bloody detail. Told from the perspectives of a support group who've been affected by Daredevil.

The Murdock Papers #76-81
The climatic end to Bendis and Maleev's epic run. Their award winning run has reached its conclusion. The return of Wilson Fisk makes was for a thrilling finale. Fisk has in his possession concrete evidence that Mudock is Daredevil and in exchange Fisk demands complete immunity for past crimes. Daredevil and guest stars are on the hunt for the papers in a stunning finale.

The end of this final volume also features bonus issues. What If Karen Page Had Lived? is an imaginary story if the worst event in Matt's life didn't happen, if she survived the attack spiraling off to another chain of events. the three part story collected in Marvel Ultimate Team-Up #6-8 features the escape of Frank Castle/The Punisher from prison with Spider-man and Daredevil after the dangerous vigilante.

Following Frank Millers momentous work on Daredevil, few writers achieved the same level acclaim. Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev became the next great creative team for The Man Without Fear, their award winning four year work was the next great Daredevil run.

It brought readers back to the crime noir roots of success that Miller planted over two decades earlier. Their work emulates Miller's time on Daredevil, integrating the street level tone that Miller introduced and making it part of Daredevil's character. Their first story arc; Underboss is influenced by Miller's seminal Born Again story, The Kingpin's knowledge of Daredevil's identity is now made public. Bendis takes what Miller had introduced and takes it to new heights without retreading old ground. Within the first year of their four year run it introduced the biggest change to the status quo for Daredevil on a level not seen since Miller's run. It laid the foundation for the stories to come and beyond that's felt all the way to current Daredevil series, showcasing that this newest run was off to a very strong start.

The stories centered on the daily humanity of the hero: Matt Murdock’s personal life. It reversed the narrative taking it from a typical superhero comic and making it into a crime story that included a costumed hero. Its grounded stories are so real are a reason behind its influence. Bendis understood that plot of stories is very important but so emotion and character that's even more critical. Matt Murdock was flawed man, sometimes his actions were so distanced from what we’d expect of a classic Marvel hero and as a Lawyer he repeatedly compromised his oath-bound ethics—but this enriched the mythology greatly. The art by Alex Maleev created certain visuals for the series that matched the dark and gritty storytelling. It had wonderful sense of mood: dark, gritty and foreboding.

The outing of Daredevil's identity is the single greatest element factor of the run, it a common superhero trope that's been explored in a way no other superhero comics had ever done. There was no quick fix or close call like so many other masked heroes have faced, it's existed all the way to the current series and it's due to be rectconned in the new Marvel Universe reboot; All-New, All-Different Marvel. The revelation made way for great stories to come for the series and The Man Without Fear.

Bendis and Maleev continued what Miller had started, in the 80's Miller redefined Matt Murdock's world, but Bendis has pushed it to new heights without retreading old territory. The run inspired Mark Waid's 2011 Daredevil series as a counterpoint to all the dark stories and misfortune the character had been put through. Bendis and Maleev's four year work on Daredevil continues to be one of the major high point of the characters history. It is the eptionme of dark gritty and realistic Daredevil. All collected in these three big paperback volumes giving over 50 issues of brilliant and unforgettable Daredevil stories.

Justice League Vol. 6 Injustice League Review

Injustice League is the next volume in the Justice League series by Geoff Johns. This latest volume's collection of issues is comprised of two story arcs from the series that follows up on the outcome of the Forever Evil mini series also by Johns. Now that Lex Luthor is a celebrated hero after defeating the Crime Syndicate and saving the world he seeks to join the Justice League. Joining the fight the approaching threat prophesied throughout the Forever Evil story arc. Doug Mahnke is artist for the first half of the book while Jason Fabok takes over on the second story of the book and is the newest artist on the series. Collects issues #30 - 39.

Lex Luthor - Hero, the former villain has saved the world from the Crime Syndicate after they easily took down those who had banded together to protect it; the Justice League. In their place an alliance of villains led by Luthor, he saved the world from their rule and now he demands his place as part of the Worlds Greatest Heroes as they prepare for an even greater threat that awaits them. It all makes from some stellar story telling and makes up to be one of the greatest collection of issues in the series since Throne of Atlantis. The last two collections the narrative was dispersed, the Volume 4 The Grid was part of the Trinity War crossover event and Volume 5 Forever Heroes was much better received as tie-ins to the brilliant Forever Evil event this latest collection gets back to its self contained single stories. 

The development with Lex Luthor gives a very intriguing new concept to the Justice League and the team wrestle with the decision of what to do. Superman is completely opposed to the idea while Batman feels it's the lesser of two evils, keeping one of greatest enemies under close watch. To learn more of the approaching threat that destroyed the Syndicate's home world, the League set out to find the latest host of the cursed ring that once belonged to Power Ring, the Crime Syndicate's version of Green Lantern. With this discovery leads to a new member of the expanding Justice League roster. With the conclusion of the Injustice League arc leads to setting the stage for the a thrilling story; The Amazo Virus. 

After the first arc establishes Luthor as part of the team the second story arc puts him on the front line with Superman Batman and Wonder Woman trying to stop the pandemic. This new take on classic Justice League villain Amazo, instead of the power mimicking android it's a infectious virus derived from the android that's already taken down the several members of the league while it gives humans a superhuman ability before it horribly kills them. It's Luthor's story, he remains at the forefront at the story arc where the league and the world need him most. Challenging him in his new superhero persona. Is the change genuine or all an act? In the aftermath of his grand victory in Forever Evil. The story continues to explore the growing emotional turmoil of whats driving him and playing up the mystery behind his motivations for joining the League. With a zombie movie vibe, it delivers a strong Justice League story anchored by a clever new take on Amazo and the unknown quantity that is Lex Luthor. he's presented in a complex and changing light. Captain Cold/Lenoard Snart is another new player in the book, after his part in the saving the world in Forever Evil, his past crimes have been pardoned and becomes Luthor's Head of Security at Lex Corp as well as his right hand man in the events of the Amazo Virus. He's part of some good moments in the story especially at the end of collection sealing his place in future Justice League stories. The book is filled with some great character moments, particulary the interesting dynamic between Luthor and Bruce Wayne/Batman. Throughout the book the team never fully trusts him, the reader and the league are always guessing is what is he up to, if anything? This makes the story so much more enjoyable.

New Artist Jason Fabok joins the series with this arc and provides some brilliant work for second half of the book, its a darker style, noir with a super heroic edge. The usual included extras are the character sketch book and variant cover gallery including both Batman and Flash 75 covers and Selfie and Monster variants too.

It's a great book, one of the greatest in the series since Throne of Atlantis putting the series back on fine form. With the Forever Evil miniseries gives way to a new status quo and for the Justice League. This ten issue collection of two stories with the first one being very good and the second being great with Luthor as part of the Justice League being the underlying premise makes for stories. The Flagship DC comics series is staying the strongest. It's a change in direction making it a good jumping on point for what is a relatively self contained story. The series feels renewed with a new sense of excitement, surprise and intrigue in anticipation for the next big story The Darkseid War.