Justice League International #12

Writer: Dan Jurgens

Artist: Aaron Lopresti

The team pays respects to a fallen colleague in "Final Honors." While visiting the grave of Rocket Red, the members of the League have to deal with the aftermath of their fight against the Burners, but Batman is there once again to save the day. I have never had an issue with Batman showing up everywhere, since I don't find him as overbearing as Wolverine; however, with this being the final issue of JLI, the space would have been put to better use focusing on the other characters. True, this is the end of the series, but it is clear it is not the end of the team; this incarnation of the League will go on, and after some tweaks and adjustments we may see them again; for the time being, they will appear in JLI Annual #1 next month. Let's hope that by then Ice, Fire, and Vixen are back in shape and rejoin. Their adventures might have been on the bland side of things, but the cast is great and it deserves another shot.

Justice League International #10

Writer: Dan Jurgens

Artist: Aaron Lopresti

Back from France after their brief team-up with the Firestorms, the JLI returns home to face the gruesome realities that await them there: a dead comrade, three more hanging to life by a thread, and a dangerous anarchist organization threatening with finishing the job they successfully started. Narrated by August General in Iron, the story shows Guy Gardner's softer side, elaborates on Batwing and Vixen's connection, and continues developing Godiva's clumsy infatuation with Booster Gold. Even the bad guys get some characterization without robbing the issue of any action. Lopresti, Ryan, and Hi-Fi deliver another clean, sharp, and vivid installment; their panels are neat, and with just the right amount of detail where is needed; not too much, not too little. It is unfortunate that a series with such a diverse cast is coming to an end; it just sends the wrong message.

Driven, Brash, Secretive, Enigmatic

Art by Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan, and Hi-Fi

Firestorm #9

Writers: Ethan Van Sciver & Joe Harris

Artist: Yildiray Cinar

Jason Rusch, Firehawk, and Hurricane welcome the help of the Justice League International as a terrorist Firestorm from Qurac threatens with leveling Paris. This issue did redeem Jason to some degree by portraying him more in control and with none of the idiotic behavior of the past several months. Firehawk, however, is the one who catches not only the reader's eye, but also the JLI's attention, and having her join their ranks would be a splendid idea -that could be on hold, though, due to the uncertain fate of the JLI series. Another layer of complexity is added with the introduction of Wrath, who, without spoiling too much, looks and feels much better than Fury ever did. Ronnie, in the meantime, is on his own journey, and it seems the writers are taking their time to slowly elevate him to a new level of greatness. Yildiray Cinar returns with explosive visuals, and HiFi's colors bring them to life, resulting in an enjoyable book.

Justice League International #9

Writer: Dan Jurgens

Artist: Aaron Lopresti

Despite being in the middle of an ongoing arc, this issue is a great jumping point as british hero Lady Godiva introduces herself and several of her JLI peers to new readers while fighting the menace of OMAC. The series is cemented on tons of action combined with funny, light moments; a mix that doesn't always work on most titles, but in this one it does just fine. Batwing also joins the fold, which is a huge step to give the character much deserved exposition, and provides him with the opportunity to win new fans. Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan, and Hi-Fi deliver great artwork with dynamic pages, clean lines, and crisp colors, while Dan Jurgens moves the plot quickly, with a somewhat balanced attention to all his characters, and overall keeping the story fast paced and entertaining. The issue closes with things heating up in Paris as the team heads right "Into the Firestorm".  Fun issue!