Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Justice League: Elite #4

By Koppy McFad
October 16, 2004 - 14:26

This issue reveals some details into the private lives of the Elite including their internal and intramural conflicts. Considering this is just a mini-series, it seems rather self-indulgent to devote an entire issue to character development instead of working this element into a bigger story. The origins of the Elite are hinted at, especially Vera Black and we get an idea of how conflicted these characters really are. Perhaps the editors are confident this title will eventually become a regular series.

The story however fails to deliver in the end. There is a subplot over a potential traitor in the ranks, but it is later revealed to be a red herring for something less shocking. Some of the character developments, like Green Arrow finally hooking up with Raven Manitou's wife, seem forced, as though Kelly felt he needed to put some sexual tension in the story. The dialogue again suffers from Kelly's attempts to sound clever, which only end up looking dated and snarky. There is a scene of George W. Bush being insulted over the phone (although Bush is not suppose to be president in the DC universe) and a particularly clumsy reference to Demi Moore. Additionally, the attempts to build up suspense in the story simply don't work. There is a next issue but it is hard to be excited over what happens next.

Mahnke and Nguyen however continue to perform to high standards, switching from scenes of horror to ones of intrigue rather effortlessly. Their facial expressions and attention to detail are perfect for a series that combines the dark deeds of espionage with the larger-than-life world of superheroics.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12