DC COMICS
WRITER: Brad Meltzer
ARTIST: Gene Ha
COVER: Gene Ha/Michael Turner

Red Arrow and Vixen are buried alive in a collapsed building and Vixen's animal powers just happen to have quit on her. This is a Justice League story unlike any other as the two characters simply struggle to stay alive and to find a way to escape. No villain is in sight, no fights take place, no other characters appear throughout the book. It is a suspenseful situation although not as suspenseful as it could be, since we all know that neither Red Arrow or Vixen will be killed off. But we do see both characters at their most vulnerable, facing a threat that simply can't be beaten up. The art by Gene Ha is a major asset to this issue, giving the protagonists a look of both vulnerability and toughness. Some of the scenes could have used more explaining though. Again, like the previous "Lightning Saga" story arc, the writer assumes that readers know everything about these characters and will instantly understand what they are doing in each and every panel. But even the geekiest comic-fan might have trouble understanding why Roy Harper is using arrows to plug holes. (Don't arrows punch holes in things?) Apparently, we are all suppose to know that Roy was using "glue arrows!!!" Well, not all of us are so smart. But we are smart enough to know when the writer is falling short. Three out of five stars.