YOUNG JUSTICE #5
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artists: John Timms, Kris Anka and Evan “Doc” Shaner
Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb
Publisher: DC Comics
9/10
As most of you readers already know, I'm a huge fan of YOUNG JUSTICE, going all the way back to it's first incarnation in the late 90's. Tim, Conner, and Bart are my favorite characters, besides Wally West of course. This series has been nothing short of amazing so far, getting to read these characters again has been an absolute delight. The flashbacks have been hit or miss with me, but this issue's focus on Tim Drake made this my favorite issue so far.
When we last left the team they were breaking out of Lord Opal's prison. As they make their escape, Lord Opal shows up and has a secret weapon, Kryptonite. The whole Gemworld story has been a fun read, considering I didnt really have knowledge of Amethyst or Gemworld going into it. Having been trapped there and starting a life, Conner/Superboy is now married and has a kid. Why Lord Opal left him alone until now is surprising, it seems he knew who he was since he had the Kryptonite ready to use against him.
In the middle of the battle, is when we flashback to Tim and Stephanie/Spoiler. I have always loved the Tim and Stephanie relationship, so when Tynion brought it back in DETECTIVE COMICS, I was more than thrilled. To see Bendis continue where Tynion left off makes this Tim Drake fan very happy. We see that it picks up after the events of DETECTIVE COMICS. They're outside the Hall of Justice to speak with Zatanna. They're curious about alternate timelines, due to the the fact that Tim met an evil future version of himself. After Zatanna opens his mind we see Tim's memories flood in. He remembers his old team. The splash page of the old Young Justice by Doc Shaner brought the biggest smile to my face, it had everyone on there, including Empress, Secret, Arrowette, and even Slobo. I hope Bendis plans on utilizing these great characters that have largely been forgotten. Tim and Stephanie go their separate ways, Tim to find his lost friend Conner and Stephanie to deal with her father that escaped prison. They promise to meet back up in 3 days, so hopefully when this arc ends Spoiler becomes a part of this book also.
My only complaint with the book is the pacing. With the flashbacks in each issue, while I have enjoyed them, makes the main narrative feel like it's taking forever to reach the conclusion. I'm hoping that after this first arc we can go to one singular story. Maybe 5 issue arcs, with a single issue focusing in individual characters in between arcs.
I can't wait to see how Bendis ties up all these plot points. Overall this book has been a great read since issue 1. Bendis has a clear affinity for these characters and is treating them with love and care, and it shows with each issue. It's not often a comic book brings me as much joy as this title has. I waited years to see these characters return and in these short five months, Bendis has proven it was worth the wait.
