Justice League #59

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Ram V Artist: Xermanico, David Marquez Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: March 17, 2021 Cover Price: $4.99 Critic Reviews: 25 User Reviews: 56
7.6Critic Rating
6.4User Rating

Writer Brian Michael Bendis reunites with artist David Marquez (Miles Morales, Iron Man, Batman/Superman) for a new, star-studded Justice League featuring Superman, Batman, the Flash, Hawkgirl, Aquaman, Hippolyta, new DC powerhouse Naomi, and...is that Black Adam?! Superman is leading the charge to reinvent the Justice League-and at the same time, a new, cosmic-powered threat arrives from Naomi’s homeworld to rule the Earth!
And in the backup story, dark days lie ahead for the new Justice League Dark. Zatanna and John Constantine take a road trip, only to discover horror around the bend as a friend-and sometime foe-is reborn in fire more

  • 10
    DC Comics News - Derek McNeil Mar 16, 2021

    Both stories in Justice League #59 are both setting up their upcoming story arcs, and there's a lot of potential on display in this issue. I have no doubt that Ram V and Xermanico have a fantastic story arc prepared for us. And Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez's story shows promise as well. Regardless of which story holds more interest for you, this is an auspicious start for the Infinite Frontier era of Justice League. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Mar 19, 2021

    The art is stunning in all phases and all areas. And we have a plot in place to build on. You know it is a win when the issue was done and wished the next was already in my hands. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Mar 16, 2021

    David Marquez delivers some great looking panels throughout the story. The art reflects the kinetic action and pace of the story. Xermanico's art perfectly matches the dark, gritty tone of the storyline and makes the characters look amazing. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Dark Knight News - Bryant Lucas Mar 16, 2021

    Final Verdict: Justice Leaguewas billed as the cornerstone of the Infinite Frontier era in DC comics. If this is the direction they're heading, count me in. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Black Nerd Problems - Morgan Hampton Mar 17, 2021

    Bendis' Justice League debut is a solid start for what promises to be an interesting take on the flagship DC team.  Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Beyond The Panel - Jideobi Odunze Mar 17, 2021

    Getting to the end of Justice League #59, I felt like this book was once more worth having on your pull-list. This new creative team gave us an issue that was a breath of fresh air. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Comic Watch - Matt Meyer Mar 16, 2021

    Though somewhat light on plot,Justice League #59 is the beginnings of a thoughtful, philosophical reworking of the classic team. This is a great jumping-on point for new readers! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    But Why Tho? - William Tucker Mar 16, 2021

    Justice League #59 features the start of two very different stories. Each one has polarising tones and characters. Each one is fantastic, but it's difficult to truly get invested because they end too quickly. They don't have the pages to explore each chapter fully. Justice League and Justice League Dark deserve to thrive on their own. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    On Comics Ground - Timothy Quail Mar 19, 2021

    Brian Michael Bendis starts off on the right foot, on his new Justice League run. There is a new interesting set up, and The League will have a new and unique status quo. The only issue is Bendis pulls his punches when dealing with race. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Christian Hoffer Mar 17, 2021

    The comic is surprisingly free of any of the usual Bendis ticks"the main story is neither overly decompressed nor does it feature an abundance of Bendis's usual dialogue hallmarks. As a longtime follower of Bendis's work, it was a bit disconcerting, and it seems like a deliberate choice to lean away from some of his more divisive script choices. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Mar 16, 2021

    Bendis' take on the League is pretty strong so far. His take on the A-listers fits, and he's obviously having a lot of fun writing Green Arrow and Black Canary. Read Full Review

  • 7.9
    Multiversity Comics - Quinn Tassin Mar 22, 2021

    "Justice League" #59 is a strong, fun debut for Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez that bodes well for the future of DC's premiere team Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton Mar 16, 2021

    Thanks to a one-dimensional baddie and the usual Brian Michael Bendis decompression issues, Justice League #59 only gets a slight recommendation for me. However, David Marquez and Tamra Bonvillain's take on DC's A-list is truly awe-inspiring, and their Black Adam exudes power and contempt as well. Hopefully, there's more Naomi, Green Arrow, and Black Canary in future issues and less alien punching bag. But the real reason this comic crosses the line from trade wait to a purchase is Ram V, Xermanico, and Romulo Fajardo's “Justice League Dark” backup, which features both Arthurian legends and supernatural hijinks and has a formidable villain plus witty, yet emotionally honest writing for its leads, John Constantine and Zatanna. Read Full Review

  • 7.6
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Colin Tessier Mar 16, 2021

    Brian Michael Bendis' run on Justice League begins on a strong note. The bulk of the story may seem ordinary, but this narrative is packed with a compelling analysis of the godlike status of superheroes. The breathtaking art from Marquez and Bonvillain perfectly complement Bendis' script. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The Batman Universe - Donald Townsend Mar 18, 2021

    I really enjoyed the contrast between the two stories in this issue. I felt that the main tale didn't have enough of a diversity of voices, but it's exciting to see what complexity Black Adam will bring to the team. I also like the idea of making the heroes relatable, not just to us readers, but to the fictional citizens of the DCU touched by the Justice League. The effects on the lives of their charges can be far more satisfying than punching bad guys through mountains, and I hope this can be followed through with meaningful development. The final story was a strong first chapter to a Justice League Dark story that I hadn't realized that I wanted. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The Comicbook Dispatch - ozwoods Mar 17, 2021

    Final ThoughtsJustice League #59 isn't the nightmare some might have envisioned it to be, which is helped by some great art but it's not without its problems. It's an average comic with excellent art and a story that could go either way in the next couple of issues depending on Bendis' dialogue and story choices. The backup story by Ram V is mostly setup with great art by Xermanico. If you've read his Future State: Justice League Dark story, then this will feel familiar to you. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Batman-News - Nicholas Finch Mar 17, 2021

    I see a lot of potential in this comic; even if it isn't realized, it's nice to be reviewing a comic with an ongoing story again. There's a cool new angle to the mainline Justice League, and a fun new subject matter for Justice League Dark " and if you can get over the price, both have the makings of a good story. I'm looking forward to talking about each new development as Bendis and Ram V's visions unravel" whether or not I like what their final picture is. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Mar 16, 2021

    Come for the Marquez artwork in Justice League and stay for the art and story in JLD. Read Full Review

  • 6.7
    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson Mar 19, 2021

    It's got a lot of interesting components, but like so many Bendis stories, it sort of circles around the point. Still, this take on Black Adam is new and different, and the backup tale of the JL Dark is nice as well. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    AIPT - Ryan Perry Mar 15, 2021

    Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez deliver readers an opening Justice League issue which is a 5, but is dragged up by Ram V and Xermanico's amazing Justice League Dark backup. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Bleeding Cool - Hannibal Tabu Mar 21, 2021

    Get yourself all worked up ... for nothing to happen as the world's most recognizable heroes have a fight you won't remember. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Mar 16, 2021

    While the first issue of Brian Michael Bendis' run on Justice League comes off a bit forced at times, with dialog that doesn't feel like anyone in particular, there's still something that doesn't completely throw me off here, and ultimately, I'm still on board simply because I like the idea of the team he's putting together here. I just hope that this title isn't BMB's personal vehicle just to flesh out his owned characters. Beyond that though, the Justice League Dark backup is solid and what I'm really looking forward to as this book goes on.6.5/10 Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Newsarama - Matthew Sibley Mar 16, 2021

    It's a case of a thin main story and a back-up that shows what can be done with a little. Bendis's pacing has become more relaxed as his career has gone on; nevertheless, it is still surprising to see him be so upfront with a thesis by putting it on the first page and not manage to take it further than this. Still, after a few years where the title has been a somewhat impenetrable series as a result of Scott Snyder's big plans, Justice League #59 is a much easier jumping-on point for new readers. Just they might find it lacking in reasons to stay on board. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Mar 16, 2021

    Is it worth buying Justice League #59 purely for the glory of the Justice League Dark back-up? Can one truly tolerate a world full of demons for the sake of an angel? That is a decision you will have to make for yourself. For me, this book averages out as decent, at best, and were it still possible for me to purchase Justice League Dark on its own, I would do so. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Mar 20, 2021

    A solid and unremarkable start with some gorgeous artwork. The characters and the story could have used a lot more personality. Read Full Review

  • 10
    cincyfan Mar 31, 2021

    I was really looking forward to this justic league is one of the books I always read and when I heard bendis was taking over I was very excited. After reading it I have to say I couldn't be more excited for what's to come! This was a fantastic setup that had fantastic writing and artwork. Terrific start!! The second story was also fantastic! I have never actually read a justice league dark book but was thoroughly Impressed with this story it looks like I will be reading justice league dark now as well. Wonderful book

  • 10
    Spawnish Mar 28, 2021

    I didn't enjoy what I read of Bendis' Superman, but this one feels so refreshing. I love every line of dialogue. It felt so human. I hope it continues with this quality.

  • 8.5
    Retro1999 Mar 16, 2021

    The 8.5 is really for Justice League Dark, great first issue to open up a new chapter in what’s already been an amazing run. Bendis’s Justice League was okay, the art was phenomenal but the story wasn’t too compelling. Seems like it’ll be fun but from this issue, my expectations are staying low

  • 8.5
    Green_Lantern_1992 Mar 16, 2021

    I was pleasantly surprised by Brian Michael Bendis' first Justice League issue. I read his entire Superman/Action Comics runs, and found his writing style grating, his stories bland and boring, and some decisions he made were nonsensical and unnecessary. So I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. It's not great, mind you, but it's pretty good. Bendis has introduced some good ideas, I'm interested to see what Namoi and Black Adam bring to the table as Justice League members, and bringing Black Canary and Green Arrow back into the team makes for some interesting diversity in the powerset of the team. The largest plus to this issue is David Marquez's art, which is phenomenal, especially with the color palate brought by Tamra B more

  • 8.0
    mrDovydas Apr 8, 2021

    Actually enjoyed Bendis' story much more than I've expected. It's very much a set-up issue, but made me excited to read more. I haven't read any of Ram V's JLD before besides the Future State story, but it was as much new reader friendly as it needed to be, and I've had a lot of fun reading it.

  • 8.0
    Red Hood Mar 31, 2021

    Justice League:

    This was a very interesting read. Bendis' take on the characters are a bit different, I noticed a difference when Black Canary spoke and wasn't too happy about that change. Though, the artwork was really nice and flowed really well to introduce Naomi in the next issue.

    8/10

    Justice League Dark:

    A continuation from Future State, or should I say a prequel to the events that will happen. I'm happy to see the events that took place to see how Merlin collected all magical artificats. It was a bit slow though.

    8/10

  • 8.0
    F.T. Wolf Mar 16, 2021

    Brian Michael Bendis is of to a solid start on his first Justice League issue. A slow yet enjoyable start with humour & heart that's supported by good art. It's too short though & lacks some momentum because of it. It ends before really getting 'into things' is what I mean to say.

    The Justice League Dark backup is good as well, but less enticing To be honest. It's a clear setup for the Future State Justice League Dark story which I'm not a fan off. Still, I can't argue with the quality of the writing and art.

  • 7.0
    the green death Mar 16, 2021

    Great art from start to finish, but Bendis (whom I neither adore nor loathe) just doesn’t do enough in the lead story to hook me. There’s a fight, it looks pretty but never reads as particularly exciting, and there’s some talking that sets up the themes Bendis wants to explore, but does so in a kind of boring fashion. Ram V does more in 10 pages than Bendis did in 20 and I’ll pick up the digital trade for JL Dark because it is highly intriguing - I just can’t see myself buying the book monthly with the lead being so lightweight. I need to enjoy more than 1/3 of a title to fork over for it.

  • 6.5
    Mout Aug 1, 2021

    I am a huge Bendis fan, sad to see how his writing now, super generic. A bad guy from another dimension wants to rule/destroy Earth, really?

  • 6.0
    EDiakota Mar 29, 2021

    " You keep this up, John i might even mistake you for a romantic ?"
    - ZATANNA

  • 6.0
    REYNARD Mar 16, 2021

    Bendis cringe as usual = 4/10

    Ram V and Xermanico start strong but the backup compression sucks = 8/10

  • 5.5
    Psycamorean Mar 17, 2021

    The Bendis part wasn't as annoying as I assumed it would be, although that first page seemed very desperate. This was fine. The back up was also fine. I feel like Ram V takes a second to get going so a 10 page back up isn't very helpful.

  • 5.5
    allenquanobi Mar 16, 2021

    It was just a bunch of meh. My major complaint here was the panel layouts. I read a lot of comics, but even the layouts on many of the splash pages were confusing, leading to a confused reading order. The plot is paper thin, bad alien(? demon?) guy shows up and the Justice League shows up to punch bad guy. It had less depth than a Saturday morning cartoon show. Naomi also shows up because Bendis wants to put the character on the team in hopes that she will be a major character in other media. Keep in mind, I really like Naomi as a character, but she has no place to be on the Justice League right now. If anything, she should be on the Teen Titans or in another solo series to flesh out the character more. Characters usually graduate u more

  • 5.0
    Spacey Medicine Jul 10, 2021

    God it's so embarrassing how the opening of this comic is Bendis insisting that it was actually very cool and sexy of him to make Superman reveal his identity to everyone. Also, you’re so right, literal billionaire. The best thing you can do to better this world is take on more unpaid interns. Hang the workers all power to the parasites tbh.

  • 5.0
    Boudi Mar 29, 2021

    Art and colours are good on both stories. Ollie and Dinah are finally back on the League! Thank you Bendis. It's sad the plot isn't interesting and that Naomi seems like a bad character with horrible side characters. The JLD story is very bland and I expected more from Ram V.

  • 4.5
    TheKize Mar 24, 2021

    The main JL story by Bendis couldn't have felt more rote and inconsequential. The villain is uninspired, the central conflict is vague and uninteresting, and so far this book has done nothing to win me over to the idea of having Black Adam or Naomi join the League.

    The Justice League Dark backup story, however, is great. It starts a brand new arc related to what we saw in Future State, and it's just as good as it was when JL Dark appeared in its own title. That's the only reason to buy this comic.

  • 4.5
    C.V.R. The Bard Mar 19, 2021

    Bendis just came off a compelling run on "Action" - what more was there to expect?
    Here on his first issue of JL - Black Adam gets eased in to his membership, a villian tests the League and makes the new team look weak, and Naomi gets previewed to become a heavy hitter in a book that began with the questioning of the weight of symbolism.
    Bendis is at the top of his game telling memorable stories , but the artist on this issue makes every character looked blushed up like their starring in a romantic fan-fic. The art just isn't appropriate for the atomsphere Bendis' words creates, and it makes Bendis' story suffer.
    As for the JL Dark story, it's a slow bubble , but serves as a solid precusor for hopefully a full run, becaus more

  • 4.0
    Dave Mar 16, 2021

    Mediocre comic written by Bendis for Bendis fans. Talking heads and nothing happens , typical Bendis book

  • 3.5
    Bats20832 Mar 16, 2021

    Justice League issue #59 "Prism" goal is to set stage to introduce Naomi McDuffie into Justice League, who is on the cover, but DC wants its "mystery" of blacking out "faces" - aka its' "Prism" realignment of the Justice League. Another Wonder Woman (apparently Hippolyta) is also on the Justice League 59 cover (with a blacked out face), but not in this issue. Among lots of other characters in a Variant B cover.

    Other than introducing Naomi literally on the LAST page of only 18 page story... that's it. Otherwise, "Prism" is pretty quick, incomplete, and forgettable. Or as another reviewer Matt Meyer delicately writes "somewhat light on plot" (LOL). Good for DC making $$$. We really don't need the horned weirdo villain from Naomi' more

  • 2.0
    Halodystroyer44 Mar 16, 2021

    If you've read Bendis' other crap, you've read this too

  • 1.5
    Merlyn Mar 16, 2021

    Cringe, or in other words, classic Bendis by now.

    + LikeComments (5)
  • 1.0
    Sup3rsa1yan1990 Mar 16, 2021

    Eat shit bendis, you untalented, waste of life

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