Reviewer : Tim Byrne
Story Title : Crisis of Conscience (Part 1)
Writers : Geoff Johns & Allan Heinburg
Penciller : Chris Batista
Inker : Mark Farmer
Letterer : Ken Lopez
Colorist : Druid Baron
Editor : Mike Carlin
Publisher : DC Comics
In what is hardly a surprising move, in the current ‘Crisis’ driven DC universe, the JLA begin to deal with the tension within their ranks resulting from the mind-wipes performed on villains and heroes alike.
This issue is immediately placed in the sharpest of contrasts with the previous story-arc. Whereas that arc, by Kurt Busiek, was a universe crossing saga of the Justice League and the Crime Society facing off amid explosions and supernovas. Instead, in this story, we get an almost Bendis-esque parade of talking heads and agonizing consciences as the League ponders the possible decision to tell Batman about their actions.
Its almost trite to say so, but where this issue shines is in the characterisations. Although technically heroes, Johns and Heinburg succeed in imbuing all the JLA (with perhaps the exception of Black Canary) with a logical voice and motivation for their actions.
Even a (comparative) newbie to the DC Universe such as myself was able to discern the shades of difference between the attitudes of each of the characters, and usually appreciate the position of each side in each of the arguments.
It is comforting that the series is not dealing in absolutes. Sure, there is an argument that the mind-wiping was ‘wrong’ in an absolute moral sense. But for us as the audience or the writer to not see that the actions of the characters had legitimate motivations would be to take away the real drama of the story. That is to say, the most interesting conflicts are between two (or more) characters who both believe, with some sort of realistic grounds, that their attitude is justified.
And for those who have action needs that require satisfaction, the villains have their opinion, which they certainly want to be heard. The face-off at the end, while delaying the conversation that we’re dying to see, certainly promises some fireworks next month.
I like the art in this story, particularly the visceral feel given to the rescue by Hawkman of a particular character at one point, and also the stoic attitude of our favourite Martian throughout the central conversation.
Here’s hoping next month continues these stories.
