This issue was great. Other than his last two issues I haven't been feeling McDuffie's work, but ever since his FC lead in the stories have been getting better.

In this issue we see Amazo on the loose and basically tearing through the JLA. I won't go into much detail (emerick does that so much better than I do), but we see lots of really smart fighting on both the heroes behalf and Amazo's behalf. Plus the mystery of what's happening with Vixen deepens. I'm looking forward to the next issue.

Highlights:

1) Anansi the Spider stops Zatanna's attempts to fix Vixen's powers
2) Amazo easily takes out Superman with a burst of red sunlight and almost kills the Flash with the combined powers of the JLA. He then takes out Firestorm by telepathically seperate his merged human minds
3) Wonder Woman, Black Lightning, Red Arrow, Hal and Hawkgirl hold their own against Amazo. Hal uses his ring to blow a hole in the android. The android then uses the phasing powers of Manhunter to escape to the lower area of the JLA HQ.
4) The JLA gather together to find Amazo.
5) Zatanna use her powers to teleport the civilians outside the HQ and remove the red sunlight from Superman's system
7) Superman, Canary and Zatanna are quickly taken out by Amazo using Firestorm's powers. (Amazo actually takes out Zatanna by using her powers to remove her mouth)
8) Vixen uses her power to drain Amazo of his power but soon finds herself overwhelmed with pain (this seems to be the work of Anansi). The book ends with Vixen on the ground in pain and Amazo about to kill her with Red Arrow's arrow.

3.5 out 5 for me. A very good issue

I was wondering how he did that actually (though it was cool). Maybe by copying Firestorm's power, he has access to whatever dimensional space Gehenna is stored in when Jason becomes Firestorm?


Ah okay, yeah that makes sense. I was trying to figure out how he'd phase with only the powers of those present, and chalked it up to an application of Green Lantern energy, but it makes heaps more sense if he just used J'Onn's power. Does that mean then that Amazo has the power of EVERY Justice Leaguer ever? I thought he was similar to the X-Men's Mimic or Rogue, in that he could only copy the powers of people in his presence?


I liked the splitting up, I always like when the JLA splits into little squads..

I REALLY liked this, and thought it was both pretty shocking and clever. I am assuming Vixen will have to absorb Zee's magic to restore her next issue..

All in all, I really liked this issue a lot. I am also hoping that Reddy gets into his body next issue in time to get some licks in himself.

I agree that Dwayne's JLA hasn't really been hitting it out of the ballpark, but I blame that on him being forced to tie in to outside stories constantly....now that he's allowed to just write his own stuff, I'm really liking it for the first time since the relaunch.

What bugged me was Amazo seemed to be able to spontaneously generate weapons without anything in the comic explaining or showing how in a split second, he has Hawkman's mace (though we don't see it when he's NOT using it), Red Arrow's bow and arrows (likewise, we never see a bow) and Batman's batarangs.

Presumably, he used Firestorm's power to create them, but that's the type thing that should be shown on page. I read the comic 12 hours ago and only just now thought of that as a possible solution. If they were colored green, then we could assume he's using his GL ring.

> Does that mean then that Amazo has the power of EVERY Justice Leaguer ever? I thought he was similar to the X-Men's Mimic or Rogue, in that he could only copy the powers of people in his presence?

I think this was brought up in issue 6 or 7. IIRC, the JLA was worried because about Amazo using the powers of the Atom, even though the Atom wasn't on the team


> I REALLY liked this, and thought it was both pretty shocking and clever. I am assuming Vixen will have to absorb Zee's magic to restore her next issue..

That would be interesting

> All in all, I really liked this issue a lot. I am also hoping that Reddy gets into his body next issue in time to get some licks in himself.

I agree

JLA 23
http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=9735
http://www.comixology.com/sku/MAY080199/Justice-League-of-America-23



And the art! Sorry, still really liking the art. It looks like a lot of effort and it seems to pay off...

Heh! Thanks for that, spiderprince!

Agreed!



And here's some character by character reactions...

s

p

o

i

l

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r

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Amazo: Great team-buster villain. Lives up to his cred here. Unfortunately, editorial mandate is (most likely) JLA cant die (maybe we'll get one this time?) so them surviving not one but multiple otherwise DEADLY attacks is more frustrating than cliche. Solid issue of fighting.

Black Canary: Just there. Well, at least just issue highlights her compassionate side a bit. Still havent seen her earn her chairwomanship seat yet.

Zatana: Remind me who Anansi this uhm spider-man is? Never liked her do-anything powers but she always looks great doing anything. At least here, it somewhat tries to show she has limits and cant practically take on any villain by herself - though she'e look great trying. She has a fine showing here.

Vixen: Interesting Animal Man tie in. Anyone already aware of this? Predicted this threat was headed to her showdown with Amazo but am interested and now blind to where it will go. (Hopefully, it's not as simple as Batman pushing Amazo thru the Slideways door.)

Steel: Decent cameo. Nice plot device to showcase Batman's mystique.

Batman: He's Batman.

Superman: Pawned again. At least, nice plot device to showcase... Firestorm actually.

Firestorm: Ha! Where Superman shows FS's strengths neatly, Amazo shows FS's kryptonite neatly. Still not familiar with the new hosts but this is a good way to show some focus.

Black Lightning: Just there. Might look for scan to add to the OMB.

Kendra: Just there. At least she got to deliver the best line: "I promise he's through."

Arsenal: At least they didnt play the Relationship Card. It was nice him following Diana's orders without specifically saying out loud, "Waah, but I'm more worried about Kendra."

Wonder Woman: Just there. "X amount of time." Is a much quicker reply than the lame excuse she gave Jeff. All defense and no offense is completely different tactic from Trinity vs Konvict.

Green Lantern: Forgot about him 'til he showed. Too many heavy hitters to believe they should lose this issue - with no casualties for sure at this point. Hal shouldve been experienced as Clark to know to take care of the civilians first.

FLASH: Wow, Wally continues to shine in this title! Awesome heroics. Enjoyed how his powers were handled here. Thought Speed Force was gone though. Also, this seems all for naught with the Flash Rebirth rumors...

---

Yeah I never get the complaints about the art. I think Benes is fantastic and in fact ever since I saw him draw of the JLA in an issue of Superman I was praying for him to come on this title.


lol no problem


It can be a bit cliche, but if its written properly enough I think it can work. This issue gave me some faith in McDuffie so I'm willing to wait and see how it all turns out.


Was nice to see that she's not a total &*^#. I like her tough, but compassionate attitude, I think it shows some good leadership right there.


If there's anyone who needs limits/more definition its Zatanna. Normally I don't like her (cept to look at) but I think she was used nicely here.

Plus I always get a kick out of reading her backwards spellcasting.


Yeah I liked that they showed Buddy. Shows the connection between their powers.


Agreed.


Yes. Yes he is.

Agreed


Was a bit confused about how Amazo was able to pull that off, but if he does have access to Firestorms powers I can he can take do that. I've been liking Firestorm so I'm hoping we see him pull himself together an get back in the fight.


Well he did throw in a nice save for Kendra.


Hopefully she delivers on that promise next ish.


I was hoping he'd have a stronger showing. I know he's just a guy with arrows, but still....


Eh, I gave up on Trinity. Was not doing it for me.

He just likes to blow apart things too much to worry bout little things like civilians lol jk

He definitely had the best showing imo this issue. I'm reminded why I like Wally so much.