Justice League: No Justice #4

Justice League No Justice #4 came out this week, wrapping up an extremely fast-paced miniseries where different teams need to fend off universal energies and Omega Titans. It was a fun, quick read showcasing a cross-section of the DC Universe. Interestingly enough, Green Arrow came out as as the biggest hero, holding his own as a force of justice.

It also planted the seeds for future comics including a new Justice League, a cosmic League, and even (it seems) a new Outsiders team. For me, the biggest bang in the book was the return of Vril Dox. If you set the WABAC machine, you will hear my love of the fascist hero back in my R.E.B.E.L.S. reviews. So for a book I barely was able to follow (I didn't read Metal), I have to give this miniseries a thumbs up.

Mostly.

Of course, this is a Supergirl blog, so I kept wondering where Supergirl was. I didn't expect her to have a big part in the book, but the interlude story in  DC Nation #0  made me think she would have some role, perhaps as a last guardian at the gate, trying to hold of the Omegas until the heroes arrived.

Alas, that didn't happen.

It turns out that Supergirl appears in exactly 2 panels.

Now one is a graceful half page done by the always excellent Francis Manapul. She is working with Batgirl and that is always a plus. She is trying to find Green Arrow.

So far so good.

Then she is immediately and easily taken out by Vril Dox who is trying to destroy Earth as well as reclaim all the data Brainiac had.

I am not a big fan of Supergirl being a 'yardstick', a character someone else gets measured by. "You know how tough Vril Dox is? He took out Supergirl." But she has played the role for some time.

Kind of a bummer she had absolutely nothing to do with this series.

Vril was never a nice guy. He was an arrogant, 'I'm the smartest guy in the room', narcissist. But I always thought he was closer to being a good guy than he was to being a bad guy.

Here in No Justice, he seems to have decided to fight on the wrong side. Blow up Earth? Avenge Colu? Live up to the villainous family name. All makes sense.

It is a bummer. I liked him in R.E.B.E.L.S. I don't think I can like this guy.

The book itself is gorgeous with wonderful Manapul art. I had to include my Manapul commission from 6 years ago. I love this piece and lays up a bit more innocence in the character.

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