JLA: Scary Monsters # 6 - Mobile Edition

DC Comics
JLA: Scary Monsters # 6
By Koppy McFad
August 24, 2003 - 14:57

DC Comics
Writer(s): Chris Claremont
Penciller(s): Josh Hood
Inker(s): Sean Parsons

The final chapter of this six-part story shows off all of Claremont's old strengths but also all of his old weaknesses. The story deals with some primal monsters who were sealed away by some Native American shamans years ago and are now breaking loose, right in an old mountain resort. Previous issues showed that while the League might hold the monsters off, the creatures were slowly gaining ground and slowly possessing some of the heroes as well.

Claremont can still tell a good tale showcasing the teamwork of a group of superheroes, even against overwhelming odds. He actually manages to create a sense that the League is besieged and endangered, which is quite a feat considering how powerful these heroes are. The scenes of physical combat are exciting and use the heroes' powers is effective.

But Claremont also continues to be very wordy, resorting to lengthy explanations of how the characters feel, what they think and how the dilemma is eventually resolved, instead of simply showing us how it happens. He also introduces a new politically-correct character, a gutsy, female descendant of Indian shamans and a Buffalo soldier, who is now the new romantic interest of the Martian Manhunter. As if the JLA needed any more new supporting characters.

Hood and Parson's work is adequate but is nothing special. They do monsters well but their humans seem a tad distorted. Their firearms and some of their furniture also look rather unconvincing. Considering that this is a JLA project, you would think they would have made sure it had extraordinary artwork. Frankly, it really looks like DC is trying to reel the readers in with covers by Arthur Adams without giving too much thought on the interiors.