The Good

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA was set up to be a team to take on the Justice League. From the first issue, we've seen that isn't the only fight they're preparing for. With Amanda Waller and Steve Trevor becoming aware of the Secret Society of Super Villains, the plan has been to have the team take them on as practice for the inevitable clase with the League. By attempting to send in a member as a mole into the Society, they are getting closer to actually discovering who they are.

Of course things won't go as smoothly as they hope.

Geoff Johns delivers a lot in this issue. It's the type of story where a lot happens in what feels like a few pages. Unlike other stories where this happens, it doesn't feel rushed or forced. We get a gradual build up as the event lead to a pretty crazy ending. It is definitely not an ending you'll see coming. Even though we're all comic book veterans in regards to insane cliffhanger endings in comics, this is still a moment where you'll want to ask Johns, "What the heck are you doing?"

Brett Booth begins his two-issue guest stint as the penciller. Right away he shows off by demonstrating Catwoman's agile nature and even the headshots of the members on the role call page gives tiny glimpses of their personalities. It's subtle touches like this that make me enjoy Booth's art. Norm Rapmund's inks and Andrew Dalhouse's colors adds to the entire package.

This issue's backup focus on Martian Manhunter by Matt Kindt continues to allow us into the mind of J'onn. It's great seeing his past unfold, getting these glimpses into his mind and thoughts. Martian Manhunter isn't a new character, even in the New 52, but it feels like we're only now getting to know him.

The Bad

Some may not agree but Catwoman's costume and proportions look a little silly on the cover.

Stargirl's hair looks different in the issue compared to her headshot image. Maybe it's the wind blowing through it?

The Verdict

Each issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA has been full of intrigue and excitement. Geoff Johns is weaving a complex and subtle web. With each issue, seeing more of the Secret Society of Super Villains, we're starting to see a different side to the New 52 Universe. The idea of this 'Society' being hidden and operating behind the scenes for the last 'five years' in the DCU is fascinating. Brett Booth's pencils are great and captures the feel and action of each character. The backup on Martian Manhunter continues to add depth to who he is. This is the sort of comic that makes me want to read more.

Does this mean that Catwoman's series is getting cancelled?

@dondave: no

Also, look at what is said in the last two issues of Trinity War: "A Justice League member thought dead is trapped on the other side."

Wow. Catwoman fixed her zipper. If this issue came out last month it would have been a WTF moment.
I really enjoyed this issue and I can't wait to see who will be a part of the Secret Society.

First, I love these Manhunter backups and I want to see more of them. Second, I totally forgot what I was going to say. It was important too, worthy of lots of spoiler markers. UGH.

Hurry up Friday! I really wanna read this!

I'm loving this title but a guest artist already ??? in issue # 4 and 5??? and on a hyped up book like this? C'mon DC please, Its annoying and it ruins the flow of the story. wtf guys plan better .

Highlight of the issue: The Invisible Jet!

Overall this was a solid issue. Those Martian Manhunter back ups are really great.

good issue. lots of cliff hangers. The Martian Manhunter story was a lot of fun too, and took a little bit of that creepiness that Johns has been playing at.

@sasquatch888: mankhe take over with issue #6

@sasquatch888: agreed dc has tendency of doing that

Great titles but I moved this to my Collect Later list, I can't afford every $4 comic.. I'll collect this before Trinity War begins.

Collect Later List

	1. ShadowmanOnce I collect all the issues I'm missing I will put it in the Pull List
	2. HellboyI have the 1st issue, Hellboy is one of my favorite characters so I'd like to read something with him in it. I have a lot to collect!...
	3. Fatale
	4. New Avengers
	5. Lobster Johnson: The Iron Prometheusread the preview, seems like something I would like.
	6. Creepy
	7. Avengers
	8. Savage Wolverine
	9. Justice League of AmericaI'll start to collect this when Trinity War begins
	10. Detective Comics
	11. Superman
	12. Aquaman
	13. The Phantom Stranger

The Shaggy looks like he's playing action figures lol

There wasn't any hesitation to throwing 5 stars on this one considering the graphically violent ending which will carry none of the storytelling weight that it should in genre fiction? Or how about this, would you want your daughter to pick up and read this issue? DC's penchant sex and violence is hitting a level of parody at this point. Also, I don't think anyone's ever used the terms "complex" or "subtle" to describe a Geoff Johns comic book.

it's an homage to this image.

@laserlambert: so I was right lol

i enjoyed it. Would give it 4/5

Good issue. I'm pretty sure what happened on the last page won't stick. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out. Also, those MM back ups are making me like the character more and more.

I read the entire issue without realizing that was the Shaggy Man, I just thought it was a Sasquatch or something...

Death of a female character, in a visibly grotesque manner, to insight how crude and evil a villain is to progress a story plot -_- C'mon son, that ish is getting REALLY old.. if this sticks.

Good issue overall. Can't wait to see were the events of this issue takes the series.

Can't wait to see some Stargirl action in this next issue.

Agreed. Hope DC takes a shot at givin him his own title. With the right writer, he's a total badass while still having depth.

This issue had the best Martian Manhunter back up to date. Really liked this one. I've never been a huge fan of Booth's art but he's a welcome replacement for David Finch. And speaking of David Finch, what is going on with Catwoman on this cover. She looks like a blowup doll. Her right arm looks like its made out of taffy or something. It's just all so wrong.

@dark_guyver: I do not think its going to stick very long I mean the character in question is on the 3 part Trinity War super cover thing. So unless Pandora's box raises the dead this is a fake out.

- I'm happy that Catwoman is finally dead ,however temporarily, as i utterly despise that character. However, this will undoubtedly be short-lived as Waller has been bringing people back to life left and right in the pages of Suicide Squad for over a year.

- Additionally, the thought of Bruce going up against the secret society , who evidently possess a map of the Batcave and know his identity, is interesting as well.

- I don't normally say this about John's work outside of GL, but i am pleased.

Soooo is Doctor Light NOT a rapist now??

Hmmmm, not sure how I feel about this issue.

I'm cool with it!

What about that cover to the next issue? Hmmm.

...no really, what?

He's just seen the light. Give it time.

Wait this is David Finch's LAST issue on JLA forever!?!?! and Brett Booth is taking over?!?!? NOOOOOOOOO i'm soooo lost...

@baberaham_lincoln: Booth is just a guest artist for this issue and the next. Then Doug Mahnke will be taking over with issue six.

@fastestblender: sounds to me like you need to find a different medium to read than modern comics if you dont want to find some of those elements you listed cause that sort of thing is very common. I thought the issue was pretty good

@fastestblender said:

A character dying doesn't bring storytelling weight? Seems like one of those " :O " moments, especially considering you wouldn't expect this to happen in a DC book (at least I wouldn't), and to a fairly known character to boot.

I'm confused as to why violence and sex seem out of place in comics? It's in novels, movies, music and everywhere on the internet. Look at the cover of this book, not many young daughters would beg their parents for this.

It was an amazing issue with an even better back story, I was on the verge of dropping this series but this issue alone turned me right around. Can't wait for more MMH.

This issue was...

PRETTY BAD

why the hell did this got 5 stars?

Gah!

GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAT issue

@arnoldoaad: oh quit your whining

how was Shaggy Man?

The issue was just OK, the Catwoman part of it comes across as a cheap gimmick. No on thinks that this has any long term significance other than a clumsy attempt at a emotionally powerful plot twist. Please. I like the run, but if Johns is resorting to this type of story line early, I am worried.