Justice League #21 Review

JUSTICE LEAGUE #21

by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank

So wait, was the Flashpoint universe merged into the DCU?

So, JL #21 marks the conclusion of the Shazam backups, and boy. Is it good. Now, I know that I've given the Shazam backups a lot of crap as of late, so I wasn't looking forward to this issue. And maybe that factored into why I liked it so much. Because Johns has topped himself. One of the biggest problems of the backup was the ridiculously slow pace of it. Nothing really happened for like, the last 3 chapters, but then this book picked up the pace perfectly. I liked that Johns basically saved all of the story beats for this. And the pacing isn't the only good thing about this issue either. To be honest, I hated douche Billy, but now that we're seeing him grow as a character like this, it's just awesome! Seeing this unlikable little prick turn into the character we know and love is amazing. Not just that, the action in this issue high octane awesome. One of the things Johns does, is introduce an element from Flashpoint into the N52, and it was pretty awesome. That's right, S.H.A.Z.A.M Kids are part of the New 52. One of the best parts of the book is where they're all fighting Black Adam, they tackle him, and Freddy's just, "So, uh... What now?" However, what this issue really has is a lot of heart. It's nice to see Billy finally accept his place with the kids. Not just that, Johns wraps up a lot of ends, and leaves room for a sequel, so it will satisfy a lot of readers, and leave them wanting. 

Gary Frank's art is great in this too. While I'm still made uncomfortable by some of his overexpressive facial expressions, you can't deny the energy and detail he brings to it. He does tone it down during the more quiet scenes, so that was quite an improvement.

Justice League #21 will defy your expectations. Whether you were, or weren't looking forward to this, doesn't matter. This is a real showstopper, and don't worry, I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Billy Batson. 

STORY: 5/5

+ The story finally picks up the pace!
+ Billy has good character development

+ Magic-fueled action

+ A lot of heart

+ Wraps up loose ends

+ Nicely teases a continuation

ART: 4/5

+ Good job with the quieter scenes

+ Energetic

- Still some wonky faces

VERDICT: 4.5/5