JSA Classified #39 - DC

For a final issue, this one was actually pretty decent. It wraps up the story-line where the people were stealing the boxers abilities. Last issue, while trying to figure out what was going on, Ted went investigating and ended up trapped in the contraption that he had come to destroy. This Dr. had figured out a way, basically, to sap the knowledge of fighters and then transfer it to younger people. The problem? It left the people giving the knowledge in a stroke-like state. Which is how Ted starts out this issue. But with his friends help, particularly Alan, he finds his way back. This time when Ted returns, the Dr. has given all the young boxers his abilities. Now comes the question . . can be beat himself? It was a nice story of tragedy over triumph, and was particularly heart-felt because he had done all of this for his old friend Jimmy Deacons. I was started to get a little bored with all of these Wildcat issues, but . . I have to admit that I enjoyed this one. Mike W Barr did the story, with Shawn Martinbrough on the pencils. However, this is another book that has sadly reached it's end. This one is particularly sad though because we're not going to have this outlet anymore for all of these JSA characters. Yes we'll see them every month in their own book, but . . you can only focus on so many characters in 20 pages a month. And, especially in the JSA, there's a lot of interesting and deserving characters. DC must have some big plans for the rest of the summer, and into the fall, because this is now 6 titles that have fallen to the wayside in as many weeks. It'll be interesting to see what they use to fill those empty slots. But I have to say, overall, this title ended on an up note. But I'll still miss it.

JSA Classified #38 - DC

Mike W Barr always writes a pretty intriguing story. I really don't think it was his fault that I was bored with this one. I think my disinterest comes from seeing so much of Wildcat in the last few issues. He's one of those characters that it's great to see him every now and then. The occasional team-up with Catwoman or the Huntress are usually pretty good. But, to much of him . . . is to much. This looks to be an interesting story, but . . I was just having a hard time getting in to it because I've seen enough of the character recently. Also, I wasn't overly thrilled with Shawn Martinbrough's art. It was ok. It kind of had that Phil Hester look to it. So while it's decent, and shows talent . . it's also, to me, kind of campy at the same time. Anyways, the combination, for me, really didn't work. Plus, when it comes down to it, Wildcat is no Batman. He tries to be a detective, but his fighting prowess takes him a lot farther than his brain ever will. I'm not saying he's dumb. But he usually stumbles his was in to situations, and then has to use his brawn to get his fat out of the fire. Like I said, it's ok every now and then, but since it's pretty much the same every time . . it gets tedious. I really do like the character. But with the huge cast of JSA heroes to choose from, can't we see a story about someone else? Occasionally?

JSA Classified #37 - DC

This issue was ok. I haven't really been thrilled with this story over-all. I don't know why. I can't really pinpoint the problem. It's just . . not very exciting to me. It's a story that just seems to me like it doesn't really make that much of a difference. B Clay Moore writes it, and Ramon Perez does the art. Basically, over the last couple of issues, Wildcat has found out that someone is using his old Gyms go train hired thugs, or mercs. They train them and then farm them out to the highest bidder. Ted doesn't really have anything to do with the Gyms anymore, but it bothers him that something that he started for such altruistic reasons is being sullied. All of this is happening in Gotham, but surprisingly he doesn't run in to the Batman. He does however garner the help of Selina, Catwoman. This part of the story I love. I love when these two work together. They make a great team, and they play off of each other very well. The two of them together make pretty short work of the ring-leader and his gang of graduates. And Ted has time to contemplate his role in the world. I think he's kind of felt out of touch lately, with all of the work he's been doing with the JSA. So getting out here in the alleys, and beating up a few common street thugs, has done alot for his self-esteem and self-purpose. Overall I thought it was a decent story, it was just a little boring.

JSA Classified #36 - DC

I bought this book because I enjoy this series. We get to see a lot of the characters that don't have their own title. But, Wildcat is not one of my favorite characters. So I didn't expect much from this story. But then, this issue . . . Catwoman joins the fun. I don't know what it is, but when these to get together . . it's really magic. Not romantic, or swooning type of magic. Just the magic that comes from 2 characters who, when portrayed together, in the same story, really pull off the team-work thing with little or no effort. Ted has heard some rumors about some funny stuff going on in his old gyms, so he's gone to Gotham to check it out. Last issue, after making his presence known . . . on the way out, he gets his keister handed to him. This issue starts with him coming out of it in Selina's apartment. Apparently she was watching him, and stopped them from killing him. From the looks of things, the gyms are being used to train new muscle. You know, for the mobs and gangs of Gotham. But, not only are they training them, they also seem to be familiarizing them with different heroes fighting styles. Which, apparently, is how they got the drop on Ted. At the same time Selina is looking in to a shipment of cats that are on their way to Gotham from Europe. Somehow the 2 cases are connected. Also Ted's having these recurring dreams about this guy who used to fix his motorcycle for him . . "Stretch". I'm not sure how he fits in to this whole thing, but I'm sure we'll find out next issue. B. Clay Moore writes the story. Last issue was ok, but it's 100% better, this issue, with Catwoman involved. Also Ramon Perez does the art. It's ok. The guy definitely has talent. But, that being said . . it's just not my style. However I did enjoy the book. Thanks, Selina.

JLA Classified #54 - DC

Roger Stern and John Byrne basically took a 2-story approach to telling this fable. The one story is the past. And the other is the present. In the past we see how Titus brought the JLA to the moon to, as he said, " . . to be your tomb!" It was a young League at the time. They had some experience working together as a group, but never against this much power. Also, at the time, Superman and Batman were really not much more than reservists. Of course they did show up to help their comrades fight this evil power. When the battle ended, they thought they had defeated him. And they left him buried on the moon in their stead. But, as is common in this genre, the dead don't always stay dead. The present story is when he comes back. What I feel is the difference in these 2 stories is their basic approach to fighting Titus. In the past they just tried to defeat him with sheer strength. Yes they used some team-work. And they took advantage of their strengths in their plan to take him down. But really, it was just a knuckle-fest. In the present, however, they work much smarter . . and not harder. They know their strengths and weakness' and have had much more time to work together cohesively. They know who's good at standing on the battle-line, and who's good formulating the strategy to take Titus out of the picture. And they trust each other to do their jobs. Also, with the defeat of certain enemies, they've gathered memento's and souvenirs. Very powerful souvenirs, which they have studied and know how to use. Even if someone has studied them, as a group, and knows how they operate, they can still throw a twist in to it here and there. Also, in the past, Wonder Woman wasn't part of the group, as she is now. Anyways, long story short . . to late . . they end up defeating him by dispersing him across time and the cosmos. They feel it's the end of his threat, but, I'm wondering, now that we know who he is, if he might not come back in the future to cause further mayhem. It was a decent story, by Stern, Byrne and Farmer. The real sad part though, for me, is that this is the last issue of this series. I really like what they've done here, and how they've used this book as a way to install some retroactive continuity. I thought it was a neat idea. But apparently they've got other plans. It was nice having another League book out there. Hopefully, there will be another. Please!

JLA Classified #53 - DC

This book gives us a little more depth in to the Titus story-line. Supposedly this "god" showed up in the beginning of the League's history. It's kind of a retro-active continuity, as it were. He called out a challenge to all the gods of Earth, but none accepted. So he began desecrating anything around the globe that was constructed in worship to them. That's how he gained the attention of the Justice League. But he's one powerful SOB, so he basically handed them all their behinds. But they rallied and pushed him against the ropes. Rather than surrender he offered them a proposition. He offered all of them the actual power of the gods, so they could better fulfill their lives missions. Of course they rejected him, and as a form of punishment he harnessed Hal's power ring and used it to take them all to the surface of the moon. My presumption is to bury them there. Obviously that didn't happen, because that was in the past. And somehow this story is going to teach them how to beat him now. Also, the funny thing about all of this is, all of them barely remember this even happening. I'm guessing that it's an implanted memory from Titus himself. If that's the case, I believe he may have over-reached himself. Next issue is the final chapter, and the final book in this series. Yes this alternative the the regular JLA title has run it's course. That's sad too, because I've really liked the stories here. It's nice to read the JLA book, with as large as it's cast is getting. But it's also nice to see these older stories, and various adaptations of the League throughout the years. I'm guessing, though, that there's going to be another JLA book hitting the shelves sometime soon. The League is just getting to big to contain all the characters, and stories in a single monthly issue. But I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

JSA Classified #35 - DC

I'm a big fan of Sean Chen's. But on this month's cover, I noticed something. Everybody has the same face. Just different colors. Sorry! Just something I noticed. Anyways, this was a pretty decent issue, actually. B Clay Moore, apparantly, is the writer on this series now. I liked this issue, because I liked the way he unfolded the story gradually. I also liked how, when Ted was fighting Solomon Grundy, Alan just kind of hung there in the air watching . . thinking. Almost like it would sully his hands to get involved. And then he starts asking Ted about his plans and motivations. A real, kind of, philosophical conversation between the two. Basically he's asking him, why does he still wear his costume. I kind of get the feeling that Alan is asking more for himself than Ted, though. But, it does open up Ted's mind, and we get to see some of his perceptions of his past. Glories, and mistakes. When he starts delving deeper, he begins to realize that none of them went exactly the way he would like to remember them. But the main part of the story focuses on Ted's old gyms, Grant's, that are still up and running in Gotham. Alan wanted to let Ted know that he got the feeling that there's something going on there. "There's a lot of unusual activity there. Guys with no paper trails training and the just disappearing." So between his talks with Alan, and his concerns about the gyms, Ted decides to hit the road solo. He shows up at the gym, and of course everybody recognizes him. He has a little fun in the ring, but when he leaves he gets jumped. When he wakes up, he finds Catwoman standing over him. Ramon Perez is the artist for this issue. He's fairly new. But, he's got talent. Not anything to become overly thrilled about, but . .he's got a good feel to him. His style provided a good feel to this particular issue. I'm interested to see where the stories going to go with Catwoman.

JLA Classified #52 - DC

Finally . . with this issue, the League finally puts it together that they're fighting Titus . . whom they've fought before. But that doesn't mean that revelation is going to help them a whole lot. He actually takes the best they have to offer . . Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Martian Manhunter and Flash . . and, pretty much, tears them apart. But, as always, Batman, being the voice of reason, fights with subterfuge rather than raw strength. And it's he, and Ray Palmer, that actually distract him long enough for everyone to get a breather. Also in that momentary calm, John Stewart, with the help of his power ring, makes contact with Jonn. He's the one that actually fills them all in on the story of who they're fighting. John also helps Wally get back from his dimensional hopping that Titus sent him on. So now, they're all back together, and all functioning, but they don't have a plan yet. So, Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern give the guy everything they guy to try to distract him long enough for the rest of them to figure out what to do. But you can't keep a guy like this down for long. And even their best efforts only prove to be momentary. At the end of this issue, Superman has hit him with enough power to knock him half-way across the moon, but in the final panel they're watching him get up and barrel his way back. A fantastic story by Roger Stern, John Byrne and Mark Farmer. I also found out recently that this story-line is going to be the penultimate chapter in this series. That's really sad. I know there's probably nothing we can do to change their minds. But it's going to be really sad to see this title go.

JSA Classified #34 - DC

This issue was interesting. A bit predictable. But interesting. It appears that these classified titles are where DC is testing new talent of late. This issue it seems we have a new writer, by the name of James Peaty. He writes an interesting story. Like I said, it was predictable, but I would guess there's really only so much you can do with these characters on one of these titles. They did bring back the Time Commander here though. But . . . he didn't last long. He grabs the hourglass from around Rick's neck . . . he wants to absorb the Chronal energy . . but it turns out to be more than he can handle. And is dissipates him where he stands. But really the story was about the husband and wife team of Hour-man and Liberty Belle. The Time Commander had kidnapped Liberty, to draw out Rick. And because they share such a love, he was stopping at nothing until his wife was returned to him. It was kind of a touching story. Freddie E Williams II does the art. Is it just me, or does he and Adam Beechen seem to be all over the place in the DC Universe right now? It was ok. But the part I really didn't like was the whole time-travel theme. It seems like that theme is getting tossed around quite a bit right now. Action Comics, Teen Titans, Booster Gold, and now JSA Classified have all had that theme as a basis in their books in the last couple of months. It's ok, every now and then. But it seems like it's getting thrown around an awful lot lately. And you know what they say about to much of a good thing. But overall, I thought it was a decent book. And, it had a happy ending.

JLA Classified #51 - DC

Ok, we're in to the 2nd part of this story, and I gotta say . . . I still don't quite understand what's going on here. This is some demi-god, or something, that first came in to contact with the JLA way back when they were stationed in the mountain. He came to Earth, wanted to know what gods they worshipped, and then started a one-man rampage around the globe to destroy anything that resembled an icon for a deity. He had no religious bounds. He was just out to destroy anything that represented a being to be worshipped. Everybody just thought they were random acts of violence, until he appeared over Jerusalem, set on destroying it. This time he let himself be seen. He even announced himself. "Hear me mortals! The gods you worship ignored my challenges! None dared face the power of Titus! The world has no true Gods!" Of course the JLA couldn't let this challenge fall upon deaf ears, plus . . now they knew who was responsible for all the destruction around the globe. But he proved more than any of them could handle . . even Superman. Now . . a couple questions pop to mind. First of all, this guy looks like a poor man's Kalibak. So . . I wonder if he's somehow connected to Apokolips. If so, maybe this has something to do with the "god-killer". Also, last issue, the guy landed on the moon, in the present, and went straight after the League. But they seem to have no recollection of him. How can that be? Well . . we are only on the second chapter . . so they can't give away to much of the story to fast. But I'm thinking this is probably some kind of retro-continuity, to put somebody in place for this whole New Gods thing. I could be wrong, but that's my gut feeling. Anyways, it's brought to us by Roger Stern, John Byrne and Mark Farmer. It looks good. And Roger has a lot of character interaction going on in this thing. There's just a few loose ends right now that we can't really understand. But . . this is just the beginning. I guess we'll just have to wait and ride it out. I let you know what I think. Obviously!

JLA Classified #50 - DC

This issue starts what's deemed as "An All-New Epic!", but as you read it, you find out that it's rooted in the past. Somehow. It's by Roger Stern, John Byrne and Mark Farmer on inks. Basically, what happens is a meteor crash lands on the moon. Not to far from the Watch-tower. J'onn is on monitor duty, and thinks nothing of it. As it turns out, the meteor was actually a vessel for a being who has nothing but contempt for the League. He makes his way to the tower, and after breaking in, makes pretty short work of J'onn, John Stewart, and Wally. That's when Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and the Atom are called in. Batman sends in the big two to face off first. He wants to see what he's up against. And again he takes them down with relative ease. Leaving Batman and the Atom to contemplate just how they're going to approach such a powerful being. The whole time, during this battle, he keeps going on about how he knows the League. They're changed, but, he's faced them before. It's been a while though because he knew Superman as being much younger, and the newer member, he didn't know at all. He also doesn't seem to be of this Earth, because when he's looking at the monitors, he's talking about the planet like some-place he's come to on vacation before. He know it, and he knows it's people, but, he doesn't think of it as home. I also think he doesn't realize the extent of the technology. At the end of the issue, J'onn is in the infirmary . . in a coma . . and he's trying to call out to the rest of the team. "I . . I know our enemy. He nearly destroyed the League before. We thought him vanquished . . . with his return, the Earth itself is in jeopardy! John . . can't you hear me? Can't anyone hear me? Listen to me! You must! Or all is lost!" Interesting! We'll have to see where it goes from here.

JLA Classified #49 - DC

This is a real human interest kind of story. And . . . I really liked it. Basically there's this alien race that claims that it won our solar system in a battle. So they're on their way to Earth to collect their rewards. The JLA have gone to Mars to try to intercept them on their way. There's a heated battle. But this story isn't really about the JLA. This story is about the loved ones they left behind while they've gone off to try to save the Earth again. We see it from Lois Lane and Alfred Pennyworth's perspective. Lois has shown up at the Wayne manor for an interview, but, of course, Bruce isn't there. And with the whole world worried about whether or not the heroes will win, there's really nothing else for her to do. So Alfred invites her in for a cup of tea. They sit, and they talk, and they try to put the world's worries out of their minds for a little while. Then, after about 4 hours they get the new that the JLA has won. They've stayed off the invading force. A sigh of relief and joy sweeps the planet. Then we see how the heroes cope. Flash goes and swipes up his girlfriend from the TV station and takes her out for a long passionate kiss. Bruce returns home, and once in the safety of his manor and his trusted companion Alfred, promptly falls asleep. Superman goes to finish his interview with Lois, before he got called away, and she asks that if before they start the interview, if she can just have a hug. And Diana returns to Themyscira to a very relieved Queen Hippolyta. It was a nice change of pace from the usual "beat-em-up" stories. It was written by Andrew Kreisberg. I assume he's new to the craft. He did an excellent job with this book. It's drawn by Paulo Siqueira. He first came to our attention over in Birds of Prey, and, I gotta say, this guy shows some serious talent. He's improved dramatically from his first issues there. And, if he keeps going in this direction, he's definitely on track to be a super-star. His stuff is really that good. He did the cover too. And the inside stuff looks as good or better. This was a great issue.

JSA Classified #33 - DC

This story had a decent ending to it. Although it was very predictable. The only thing, really, that might've come out of it is, there may be a way for Alan to bring Jennie back, with the Starheart. The question is should he? Would that make him feel like he was trying to be a god? Of course it turns out the the Jennie manifestation was at the expense of the young girl from the crowd. It was her life essence that allowed Jennie to exist. So we knew it was going to come down to, Alan having to choose between his own happiness or that of the young girl. And of course he's going to make the right choice. That's what he does for a living. I didn't really agree with the move where Alan separated Jennie from Savage by putting her in a bubble and moving her away. Especially since the energy that was holding her was the very same stuff that she was made of. It didn't seem . . . feasible. Also it seems like Vandal was taken down just a little to easily. Especially with Alan not being at full power. Yes, I'm sure, the anguish of his daughter strengthened his resolve a bit. But still . . . . it's a bit far-fetched. And why, in the first place, did a major leaguer like Savage have to be the one to come after Alan. It really could've been anyone. Would've been the same story, and the same outcome. Vandal just seemed kind of . . . . diminished . . . in his role here. The basis of the whole story seemed tenuous at best. But . . . these are comics . . . right? Stir in some talent . . a great character . . and a lot of imagination . . . and wa-lah!! Really it was ok . . overall. It's just not a book that'll hold up under scrutiny. But I liked it. Seriously!

JLA Classified #48 - DC

The last chapter found our heroes on the planet Qward getting ready to fight some of their home-grown warriors. The problem is, while they were unconscious, they stole all their weapons. Ollie's arrows, Hal's ring, Ray's belt, Carter's wings, and Wonder Woman's . . . well . . . I guess the could take her belt and lariat and tiara . . . but they can't take her warrior spirit. First of all, I'd like to say that the cover, by Julian Lopez and Bit, is just fantastic. I mean look at it. That is a great cover. Mike Barr does the scripts and Randy Green does the pencils. I'm sure this story is going to have something to do with all the conflict that's going on in the Green Lantern titles right now . . but . . . I just don't know what that is. Our heroes beat the Weaponers, simply because they know their own weapons better than the people that are trying to use them. And with the help of the Underground, which just happens to be lead by the Emperor's wife, Empress Shalindra, they get all the weapons back that had been stolen from the satellite. And, since this was a younger version of Ollie, we got to see his libido in action again. He was making out with the Empress. What a dog! I thought this story was kind of simple. But I do really like this series. Like I said though, maybe it's setting up something, you know, continuity wise, for the Sinestro War story-line. Who knows? It still was a neat story though.

JLA Classified #47 - DC

This story seemed to go way back in the history of the JLA. It recounts on of their first encounters with the Weaponers of Qward. It's by Mike W Barr and Randy Green. I like Randy's style, but it almost has a Scott McDaniel type feel to it. The real shining piece of this book though is the cover. It's by Julian Lopez and Bit. Anyways, the Weaponers come to the satellite to try to steal some of the JLA's absconded weapons. Of course that doesn't turn out the way they plan, and our team has to go to the anti-matter universe to follow them. We have Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, the Atom and Green Lantern . . . Hal Jordan. Hal has to explain to them just who the Weaponers are and where and what the planet Qward is. It's also their first time in to the anti-matter universe. They travel by a worm-hole that Hal knows about just outside of Coast City. After landing, they find a city. So now they have to go in, try to retrieve the weapons that they stole, and make sure they didn't make any copies or plans to make future ones. They attack a scouting party and steal their clothes and armor. But the world is so alien, that it's hard for them to assimilate in to such a society unnoticed. They're attacked and knocked out. When they recover they find a group of the Weaponers donned in their own armaments and weapons. "Not gone Earthmen . . . merely in more deserving hands!" Next issue, they'll have to fight for their lives In the Arena of Qward. Just another chapter in the lives and rich history of the world's greatest super-hero group . . . the JLA!

JSA Classified #32 - DC

This issue's mostly about Alan Scott. I think they want to differentiate between the Green Lantern's power rings, and Alan Starheart powers. He's not actually one of the Green Lantern Corps. Even though, really, he was the first one with that name. But he got his powers from a mystical force, the Starheart. I think sometimes we all forget that. Anyway, his powers, and ultimately, I think, the Starheart, have gathered the attention of somebody who's very ruthless and unrelenting . . . . Vandal Savage. He ends up getting ahold of this pink foam, and fills one of the Thanksgiving day balloons with it. When it comes crashing down in the streets it appears harmless. To everyone that is except Alan. It's a dust that Vandal acquired 100's of years ago, and he learned that it would leech the power of the Starheart. So he's done that to Alan, and now he's trying to absorb the powers into himself. But, in the process, Alan's emotions clung to a fragile child in the crowd. Unbeknownst to him, he had started draining the life-force from the child, and with the Starheart gave it a human form. The human form being that of his late daughter Jennie Lynn. Which Vandal now is in control of. So now next issue, Alan's going to have to make a choice. If he saves Jennie, it's going to cost him the life of the child. And if he saves the child, it will permanently cost him any hope of returning Jennie. An interesting story, by, I think, a newcomer named Junior Thomas. Staz Johnson does the pencils. But, I think, the really interesting part will be how the story plays out next issue, and what they do to wrap it up. I really like this series, and the way that they approach the varying story-lines. It also seems lately that they're using this as a springboard for new talent. I think that's cool! And of course they have a plethora of fantastic characters to choose from.

JLA Classified #46 - DC

Ok, yet again, I have to say that I'm glad that this storyline is through. I was really getting bored with this one. I love all these characters, and I relish any chance we have of learning more about Jonn and the Martian race. But this one, just dragged on a little bit longer than it needed to. In the end, it turned out that Jonn simply had to accept the help of his wife and child, as well as that of his friends, his new family, and he would have the strength to defeat and stop his malevolent brother, Ma'alefa'ak. That's a mouthful. Ma' had Jonn on the ropes. To the extent that he was using his physical form to fight and harm his friends. His goal was to break Jonn, and take total control of his mind. Which is why he hid is wife and child away from him, in his mind, because he knew that their love and strength might be more than he could stand up to. Which, with the help of his friends, proved to be the case. It did however, when he broke the connection with Ma', provide a psychic feedback that essentially put him in a coma for a couple of days. The League had to call in Zatanna to help them enter his mind and try to pull him back. They did so, and were successful. Praise be to the gods of Mars. Anyways, it was a decent story, by Justin Gray. I just thought that it dragged on longer than it needed to. I was also happy to see Rick Leonardi the pages of comics. My only complaint with the artwork is that I don't think that the ink did his pencils justice. Much to heavy handed in most cases. But that's just my opinion. Again, I enjoyed the story, I just got bored with it. Next story please!

JSA Classified #31 - DC

I have to admit that I'm glad they finally wrapped up this storyline. I really was bored with it. I understand that Arvid Nelson is new to the storytelling biz. And our artist Alex Sanchez is also new. Both actually show very strong potential. But, with this story, I felt it just got boring. Maybe it was the whole thing about dealing with the Nazi's. Or maybe I just got bored with the story and the art. It's hard for me to pin it down to one thing. All I know is that after the second issue . . . I just wasn't feeling it anymore. And . . . . that's really all I have to say about it. Next story please!!

JLA Classified #45 - DC

This is a nice book. I think it's dragging out a little longer than it needs to. But, I think the writer is just trying to make sure that everything is explained properly. Speaking of which, the writer is Justin Gray. Solo this time. Without the help of Jimmy Palmiotti. Basically, J'onn is having problems with his brother, Ma'alefa'ak. Not physically, but mentally. When they were kids they partook in a Martian ceremony that linked their minds together. Basically it was to give them a more realistic memory of each other. He also did it with his wife and kids. Well, for some reason, his brother's memory is exerting it's influence and is changing the reality that J'onn is perceiving. At the same time Ma'alefa'ak is also blocking J'onn's wife and kids memory, so he's not able to access them. After messing with his head through most of the book, Ma'alefa'ak finally pushes J'onn's consciousness down far enough that he is now controlling J'onn's body. And his goal now, I guess, is to destroy the Earth and all of J'onn's friends. We don't really know why he's doing this to J'onn. But he keeps telling him, if he wants to get rid of him, all he has to do is kill himself. So to me, it seems like he's more out to destroy, or discredit J'onn, to his friends or to the world. And if this is all happening in J'onn's head, then on some plane of consciousness he has to be letting it happen. Right? Because it's just a memory. Unless . . . J'onn's got a split personality. I don't know. The story wraps up next issue, so hopefully all will be explained to us. The artwork by Rick Leonardi is nice. I really like the Walt Simonson covers. I really like this series. I just think that this particular story is a little convoluted. But . . . we'll see how it all wraps up.

JLA Classified #44 - DC

This story-arc has been graced by some very nice Walt Simonson covers. Such as the one on the right. Again, this story is being brought to you by Justin Gray and Rick Leonardi. With Sean Phillips finishing his art. And again, with this issue, we go back to the beginnings of the JLA. Not the very beginning, but the beginning of the Grant Morrison / Howard Porter JLA. The best one. Well . . . the best one until the current Brad Meltzer / Ed Benes series began. Anyways, I digress. J'onn is having a crisis of conscious. Literally! He's fighting with the instilled memory of his brother Ma'alefa'ak. Last issue he asked J'onn why he wasn't able to access the memories of his wife and children. This issue, he suggests that it was Jonn's telepathic powers that summoned Starro to Earth. He suggests that Jonn was lonely after the disbanding of the Detroit League. And subconsciously he attracted Starro so there would be a world-threat that they would have to band together to beat. But then as he relives a memory of a conversation with Wally, he realizes that he never had that memory. And that the Watchtower was built after Starro's attack. Ma'alefa'ak then sends a memory of every League member to attack him psionically. But as they're attacking he can hear the voice of his wife, M'yri'ah. It pulls him out of his battle, but leaves him standing face to face with Aquaman. I like what this story is trying to do . . . dig in to J'onn true past. The parts that we, or the rest of the League don't know about. It's a very nice story arc.