Justice League #22

This issue kicks off DC's latest "Event," as the story crosses over between the three Justice League comics - this title, Justice League of America and Justice League Dark.

It's a magic-based story, as it brings in the mysterious trinity of grim magical characters - Pandora, the Phantom Stranger and the Question.

But at its heart, it's a return to the classic formula: heroes meet, have a misunderstanding, and then fight, fight, fight.

There are some differences, of course: this misunderstanding is going to roll across six issues and several tie-in comics; it requires the heroes to all act like morons (was the JLA only formed to fight the JL?); and the spark occurs during one of those shocking, "see if we don't get some media coverage out of this" moments.

There are several positive things about this issue, of course: the Madame Xanadu part of the story is interesting; the story finally brings a certain well-known (and recently renamed) character into the Justice League; there's a lot going on and characters galore; and the artwork by Ivan Reis is terrific.

I'm still not convinced about the story, but there's plenty of time to make it work. But the beginning leans a little too hard on the sensational (and a terribly out-of-character event) for my taste.

Grade: B+

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