This issue was the build up for the whole arc. We eagerly anticipated the showdown between Batman and Ras Al Ghul. In its place, we get a calm before the storm. Typically, Im a fan of this approach, but the dialog was stale and seemed out of character for all involved. This does set the stage for next months Robin Rises, and it does so in an unexpected way. The last page is a bit of a curveball, something this story needed. Whether we see Damiens resurrection or not, doing so in a straightforward manner doesnt fit Tomasis style. While this issue was not up to Tomasi and Gleasons typical standard, its still a creative team worth following in the future. Together, Tomasi and Gleason have been one of the best creative teams since the birth of the New 52. Everyone has a bad issue now and then. Lets hope they regain their form next month.

This book is strong on action and little else. If you can get passed the way in which (SPOILER ALERT) Batman defeats Bane, then you may enjoy this book. The ending, albeit predictable, is a nice little ribbon of irony tied on to the gift that is the approaching end of Forever Evil. Yet, somehow, this book seems like it could have been skipped entirely. One take away is that this book leads to yet more inconsistencies with Bane in the New 52, further overexposing him as well. Heres hoping hes left on the sidelines for a few years until someone comes up with a good story for him. Been a while since that happened.

In theory, this should be a very compelling book, and it very well may be in time. This new (old?) characterization of Green Arrow/Oliver Queen is too jarring to gloss over. A strength moving forward is the major difference between this Justice League and THE Justice League. Were given a team of B characters, and theyre tasked with cosmic battles. Animal Man, Lemires darling since the start of the New 52, is the heart and soul of this team. Adam Stranges debut is another strong point. His academic background is charming and sets up the actual humorous moments in this book. Its also worth mentioning that Hawkmans introduction was well done and creates quite a few questions. Equinoxs brief introduction is enough to set the hook, but well have to see if future issues can fully reel readers in.

Take a step back, and the bigger plot offers a true chance to excel; however, the execution falters from the start. Clunky dialogue, interactions that are not realistic, and poorly executed fight scenes hold the strengths of this book back. The idea of this Justice League team, and this team of creators, was exciting back in the Winter while anticipating this book. So far, it has yet to deliver.

Overall, this story is starting to build to a crescendo. Team books are always a slippery slope in the opening arc. The team has to be built. Its a tough arc to pull together without some flaws. That being said, the final issue of Justice League of America would have been better served being the #0 issue for this series. In that issue, we see the motivations of several of the characters who are now on this team, especially Green Arrow. On the surface, he seems out of place on this team; however, knowing his desires detailed in thefinal JLA issue, it all makes sense. As the first arc begins to draw to a close, it will be interesting to see what the creative team has in store for the future.

As an annual, we get a nice one-and-done story investigating the inner workings of the titular hero. The story is heartfelt, a bit clichd, but adventurous. The plot is strong, and the art is as well. There are some weak moments, especially inconsistencies in the line work, yet the final product is still quite good.

As a whole, this was a decent story, without much of a conclusion. Kyle has put the battle on pause, but in doing so, has set up future foes left and right. The pacing of this story was a bit inconsistent, but it looks like we are finally heading in the direction weve all been wanting. Its time for Kyle to truly inspect himself as the White Lantern.

Despite the hiccups in this book, there is some excellent characterization. The interactions between the Guardians and Kyle are funny. Kyle must also look deep within himself throughout this issue. Furthermore, Carol Ferris is prominently featured, and in her scenes we get a good glimpse inside of what drives her. Also revealed is just exactly what Kyle Rayner witnessed beyond the Source Wall. The answer may be a bit of a let down to some, but how it has changed Kyle sets up limitless options (and immense powers) down the road. This gives Jordan many roads he can take in the future of this series while he further examines the power and importance of the White Lantern. Weve only seen the tip of the iceberg in regards to this power.

The Justice League is held to a higher standard, as it should be. It's the flagship of the entire DC line. While it is clearly a team in transition, it still has high expectations. Those are missed in this issue, but the last page gives us a "fist pump" moment that we can expect to play out over the next few issues. The main plot of this issue felt off, but the smaller scenes make up for those misses. The direction of this book is changing. When the new, post-Forever Evil team finally comes together, the story should pick up. It seems the Justice League now has a two-tiered conflict upcoming, which could go either way. Will we get the heights of Throne of Atlantis or the doldrums of Trinity War?

The last page of this book offers an interesting twist, although its one that was highly predictable. It does leave the reader questioning whats next. Bunn spins a compelling yarn with this page, upping our anticipation for the next issue. Although this issue had its weaknesses, the next arc looks like it should be as strong as the first arc for this series.

Tell me if youve heard this before. Dystopian future ruled by robots, heroes must time travel to solve the problem before the source of such pain and misery began. Yeah, thought so. Its a big hurdle for the writers to clear. The talent to do so is there. Jeff Lemire and Brian Azzarello might be the two best writers DC has on its roster (okay Snyder, Soule, and Venditti arent too bad either). Those names draw you to the book. There are flashes of Lemires and Azzarellos writing, particularly some sharp dialogue, but overall the writing is a little flat, which is more likely to happen when establishing a foundation. With this being a future well probably never actually see, its a bit of an Elseworlds tale. Thats not a bad thing, although wasn't the point of the New 52 a chance to freshen up the entire line?

A story such as this, taking great lengths to weave in subtle intricacies scaffolding upon each other, can be a letdown to some comic fans. Todays audience, generally speaking, wants immediate payoffs and immediate gratification. This story doesnt do that. We do get some answers, especially in the last two issues of this crossover, as to just what the Durlans are planning. Those rewards for the reader, however, are only a strong suit based on the seeds Venditti and Jensen (over in Green Lantern Corps) have been planting for months. The final page in this issue would be a meaningless payoff without Venditti's character work he began in November. As this story slowly builds towards its crescendo, this reader is left with great anticipation for the next chapter.

Under Soules guidance, one doesnt have to look too hard to see a potential franchise begin established in Inhuman. Yes, the entire team must get this book back on a regular schedule, but what weve seen has been excellent so far. Soule, Madureira, and Garcia are weaving an action-packed story filled with courtly intrigue. So far, it feels like a unique story. Marvel has a chance to create a unique corner in their universe, and so far theyre on course to just that.

Theres one more issue to this arc. While I cant help but feel that might be one issue too long, the story that Edmondson and Gerads are telling has been compelling overall. Despite hitting on some common themes seen in Punisher books, this has still been a solid read from the start. This issue, even with its strengths, is the low point of the series so far. Thats a compliment, cant wait to read the conclusion of this opening arc.

Charles Soule continues to build on the Swamp Thing mythos while telling engaging story after engaging story. And hes done it in a way that has left years of stories to mine from. The basis for this story comes from one decision from several issues back. Furthermore, were given a huge payout from something weve been eagerly anticipating for several issues. The last page will no doubt lead into another epic storyline. Soule is creating a saga that writhes in multiple directions. The end isnt always clear, yet that is part of this books strength every single issue. Each page presents a new development in an always entertaining fashion. Whatever Charles Soule and Jesus Saiz have planned next is bound to be exciting.

This book is not for everyone. Although there are some good character beats, it might be a bit too heavy on the dark, cringe worthy comedy for some. That being said, this book is great at what it does. Dorkin intentionally directs harsh criticisms, and does so while injecting humor. In the wrong hands, this could be interpreted as a critique of geek culture in general, but Dorkin is sharp and poignant in whom he is actually criticizing. As dark as this comic is, theres a little lesson to be taken from it and a few laughs to be had.

While this book seems to have a bit more focus on some of the teachers at the Jean Grey School of Higher Learning, it is expanding on Quentin Quire and Evan Sabahnur. Latour has written each in a way where we can easily see how they are important, and even implicit, in any future developments of mutankind. Initially we were led to believe we were heading toward an Apocolypse versus Phoenix throwdown, but the creative team wisely curbed those expectations. This issue is dense with development, emotion, and action, all while toying with notions we expect in an X-Men book. All respect to the excellent tales Bendis is crafting over in All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men, but Wolverine and the X-Men might be the best mutant book going at the moment.

Overall, this is a strong start to the book. Bunn plants seeds for several arcs worth of storytelling, including a new group of bad guys to fight. This is key. A lazy writer would have instantly had Sinestro oppose the Green Lantern Corps, but Bunn shoots this idea down in an almost meta way. Bunns characterization is on point, showing the brooding, hyper-critical side as well as that of a megalomaniac. Bunn also nails the new characterization and powers of Lyssa Drak. These are greatly welcomed and present an evolution in lantern mythology. Lets hope Bunn, Eaglesham, and Wright can keep up the great work with one of the best characters DC has to offer.

This book was greatly anticipated by many, and not just because of the titular character. The creative team excited many as well. Yes, issues #1 and #2 were good, but this issue excels. The characterization is pushing characters that have been around for years to new levels, all while setting up some truly epic antagonists that add depth to the already deep Green Lantern mythology. This book is visual storytelling running on full power. The splendor, vanity, and tragedy of Sinestro are wonderfully delivered, with more of each to come. The anticipation and speculation for future issues is rising.

While its sad that this is merely a one and done story. It gives DC fans a glimmer of hope for Ray Palmer in the future. The second to last page of the book will put a smile on any readers face. Palmers last line of dialogue is perfect. But before you think this book will have no implications on the greater DC Universe, the last page quickly snaps this story back into continuity. The cliff hanger at the end could have major implications in future storylines, or perhaps it is one of those threads we never see picked up again. Regardless, this story, whether it has future implications or not, is pure joy.