Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 71/2/10
There is no dispute to what the New 52 series has done for D.C. Comics. It has made even the most dedicated fan of Marvel and the independent Graphic Novel publishers fall in love for the re-branding of one of the comic industries’ big two. Where at one time, with the absolute exception of Batman, the very possible concession to Wonder Woman and certainly in America, the absolute mainstay of the franchise Superman, there was never really anything for a lover of the comic book to latch on to and take to their heart.
Now in the New 52 series of books, balance has been restored, old characters feel as though they really belong in the comic world and in the imagination afforded humanity and a lot of that, especially in titles such as Aquaman and the Justice League, comes down to the sterling work of Geoff Johns and his excellent creative team.
The third in the Justice League volumes, The Throne of Atlantis, crosses over between Geoff Johns two discussed works and whilst if you have already read the Aquaman series of events, it still evokes a feeling of contentment, a satisfaction that comes from an enjoyable read and in which you can take abundant joy in watching the characters grow properly and not stuck inside a corporate machine that has forgotten the ideal of comic book writing. The Throne of Atlantis sees the angst and betrayal felt by all the team die to fall out of the previous volume, but none so more as Wonder Woman.
The first part of the story revolves around her and the torn dual nature of her own life, her growing longing for Superman and the unresolved way in which her friend Barbara has succumbed to the curse of the Cheetah. It is a tale worthy of filming, of capturing on the small screen or in expertly handled cinema style. It is, alongside the other titles in the range, a sure sign that D.C. Comics finally has the ammunition to go to the large screen properly. The Superman films of the past have been poorly handled, Batman veered between superb, sublime and down-right incredible to Earth shatteringly depressing and Wonder Woman has not had the right treatment with exception to the gracious portrayal in the 1970s. Time is fleeting but heroes never go out of fashion.
With fantastic artwork by long time collaborators Ivan Reis and Paul Pelletier, Justice League: Volume Three, The Throne of Atlantis is a readers dream.
Justice League: Volume Three, The Throne of Atlantis is available to purchase from Worlds Apart, Liverpool.
Ian D. Hall