Scans: Justice League 19 & 20
Jun. 23rd, 2013 06:46 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mithenJustice League 19: Written by Geoff JOHNS; Pencils by Ivan REIS
Justice League 20: Written by Geoff JOHNS; Pencils by Gene HA, Andres GUINALDO, and Joe PRADO
The most recent Justice Leagues have featured the return of one of my favorite things about the DCU: the Kryptonite ring! Unfortunately it's embedded in some writing I don't much care for, but I love the ring so much that I want to burble about it here, and I have to admit Johns adds an angle to the trope that I didn't see coming and I quite like.
The story starts with Superman and Wonder Woman freeing hostages in Kahndaq and debating whether or not they should start ignoring international law to start being a more active presence in such places. Superman says no, Wonder Woman says yes, concluding that "Nothing can stop us, Clark."
You probably don't need to know me very well to guess I've got a variety of things I dislike about Clark/Diana as a pairing, but it's obviously what TPTB are committed to. But like me, Bruce isn't there to lecture them about their love lives, he's there to let them know that he apparently needs to beef up the security in the Batcave, as someone broke in there last night and got into his super-secret special room where he keeps his "How to stop the Justice League" boxes.
*sigh* This is another plot point I've never really liked, even when Mark Waid used it as a starting point for a very good story back in the 90s. As far as I'm concerned, I'd expect everyone in the League to know Batman keeps plans on taking them down and there's nothing secret about it. But that's not how they run it, although I admit the next couple of panels make me very happy, because even when the rest of the League doesn't know about it, Superman is always a willing participant in the "Stop me if I go rogue" plans.
OK, putting aside the issues with Wonder Woman here (and there are many), I'm going to come right out and say that this sequence really makes my shipper's heart turn flip-flops. Because it adds an extra layer of equality to Clark and Bruce's relationship. Yes, most likely what's in the box is a note saying "You've got super-strength and heat-vision, duh. Use them," and I think Clark and Bruce have always assumed that Clark would be the one to stop Bruce if he went rogue. But there's something about seeing Bruce actually say it to him, coming right out and saying "It's not just that I'm the one to stop you. I trust you to stop me as well and I want you to use any means necessary to do it" that makes me really happy.
Basically, in short, in this scene they exchange rings.
Justice League 20: Written by Geoff JOHNS; Pencils by Gene HA, Andres GUINALDO, and Joe PRADO
The most recent Justice Leagues have featured the return of one of my favorite things about the DCU: the Kryptonite ring! Unfortunately it's embedded in some writing I don't much care for, but I love the ring so much that I want to burble about it here, and I have to admit Johns adds an angle to the trope that I didn't see coming and I quite like.
The story starts with Superman and Wonder Woman freeing hostages in Kahndaq and debating whether or not they should start ignoring international law to start being a more active presence in such places. Superman says no, Wonder Woman says yes, concluding that "Nothing can stop us, Clark."
You probably don't need to know me very well to guess I've got a variety of things I dislike about Clark/Diana as a pairing, but it's obviously what TPTB are committed to. But like me, Bruce isn't there to lecture them about their love lives, he's there to let them know that he apparently needs to beef up the security in the Batcave, as someone broke in there last night and got into his super-secret special room where he keeps his "How to stop the Justice League" boxes.
*sigh* This is another plot point I've never really liked, even when Mark Waid used it as a starting point for a very good story back in the 90s. As far as I'm concerned, I'd expect everyone in the League to know Batman keeps plans on taking them down and there's nothing secret about it. But that's not how they run it, although I admit the next couple of panels make me very happy, because even when the rest of the League doesn't know about it, Superman is always a willing participant in the "Stop me if I go rogue" plans.
OK, putting aside the issues with Wonder Woman here (and there are many), I'm going to come right out and say that this sequence really makes my shipper's heart turn flip-flops. Because it adds an extra layer of equality to Clark and Bruce's relationship. Yes, most likely what's in the box is a note saying "You've got super-strength and heat-vision, duh. Use them," and I think Clark and Bruce have always assumed that Clark would be the one to stop Bruce if he went rogue. But there's something about seeing Bruce actually say it to him, coming right out and saying "It's not just that I'm the one to stop you. I trust you to stop me as well and I want you to use any means necessary to do it" that makes me really happy.
Basically, in short, in this scene they exchange rings.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-23 11:04 am (UTC)But the one really popular and well known instance of it? Involves the JL betraying him first? The whole Dr. Light and Mind Wipe? Absolutely triggering for him that it's just not Superman who could fall land cause utter destruction.
It's never seemed remotely odd to me or untrustworthy that Bruce would do this. He's their strategist, their tactician. He prepares so they can win.
Why wouldn't he prepare for this? From alien mind control to magic to fatigue-stress-mental breaks.
The more distrustful Batman is, at the start, in a universe when powered beings and other vigilante's start coming out of the woodwork; the sooner he makes this plans; in my opinion.
If he's been all around the world, if he's observed the streets; he understands how power corrupts - from US interventionist tactics in 'striking first', to break away groups from organizations set up to defend communities, becoming/or being portrayed as and submitting to the label of gangs.
And seriously too, I have always thought there was a file dual seated in both the cave computer and the fortress computer that's basically a;
1st Get Alfred (and anyone who's young Batfamily) safe.
2. Do what you have to do.
3. Here are my funeral arrangements based on what you might have had to do; and plausible excuses for 'accidents'.
4. You... should probably put a stake through my heart - just be sure.
5. Thank you.
I don't, and likely will never get why people would think it'd be unequal and dark and creepy and wrong. A good friend will help you move, a true best friend will help you move a body. A true superpowered best friend will move YOUR body when you've crossed the line.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-23 02:07 pm (UTC)A true superpowered best friend will move YOUR body when you've crossed the line.
I love this line so much. *grin*
(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-23 03:45 pm (UTC)There's a lot of fanon talk and sometimes canon talk about GA being the conscience of the JL. Why wouldn't HE have his OWN plans. Why wouldn't he insist that everyone either make their own plans to get the families safe of everyone in the JL (or major players) and to talk them down.
Why wouldn't it be an effing COMMITTEE. Two actually. One for most of the JL. And one for the people in the 1st committee.
Even if someone didn't somehow think FIRST at the start for such plans. The moment magic becomes involved; the first time there's mind control going on and the possibility of secrets spilled and damage done? I'd think the next big meeting would be; Top 3 ways to take down EVERYONE. And everyone gets a file on three people that are their responsibility.
Sure, in the end Batman MIGHT come up with the best ideas. But why wouldn't this be part of the awareness of what they're doing?
This is why my various head canons always have Clark so damn happy Batman exists. Because he can't go out of control with Bruce there. Bruce will stop him.
And the flip side? We haven't been talking about it this way; but Superman's about optimism, right? Who better to talk Bruce away from the edge of the line, than someone like Clark? Pshh, someone who'd body-snatch him away from the cave, or his office at the first true hint, and say 'Bruce you need a vaycay' I'm going to sit here and watch you have fun. Here, have a pina colada. Stop pouting, or it's a tickle fight.'
I mean seriously ppl.
Re: Quote. Thanks. I MIGHT stick that in the thing I'm kinda working on if I can find a way. My brain decided today that appros of nothing; it wanted to write about Bruce dressed up like a version of Nicki Minaj. It has nothing to do with anything. I have no idea how I'd ever fit it into anything. But Brain is giggly. So yeah, this writing thing takes AGES for me. AGES. I'm crawling out of the block.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-25 02:18 pm (UTC)Yes, god damnit, yes! I just feel like any group like this would WANT to make sure there were failsafes and backups in place--and yes, Batman might come up with plans, but he should be sharing them with people, and just...okay, there's a lot less DRAMA and stuff that way, but it would be a hell of a lot more ethical and sensible all around.
My brain decided today that appros of nothing; it wanted to write about Bruce dressed up like a version of Nicki Minaj. It has nothing to do with anything. I have no idea how I'd ever fit it into anything. But Brain is giggly. So yeah, this writing thing takes AGES for me. AGES. I'm crawling out of the block.
You must run with what Brain wants to run with! Also, it sounds delightful. *grin*
(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-25 08:34 pm (UTC)Pshhh.
Wally gets given 3 names, and it's people he absolutely adores and he knows he needs to memorize the routines etc; but he feels guilty everytime he looks at them; and also overwhelmed by the responsibility.
Of course that would mean a long slow arc involving determining the best match up between potential rogue and stoppee.
But if you meant longer, long term drama - then, I don't know. Cause the introduction of the concept is never really 'long'; it's always a one two punch arc. And I don't see how that couldn't be addressed in terms of; two years ago we assigned x to take out y - now they're romantically involed, or are too close as friends and we don't think x could do it anymore. Who's best as 2nd choice to potentially deal with x & y together?
All the contingencies? How the heck wouldn't that be drama?
Though honestly? When you're saving the damn world, a country, a city, individuals, protecting the innocent etc - why do you need MORE drama, when there's plenty to be had in general interpersonal relationships, cultural differences and explorations, political climates, science outstripping human understanding, villains with issues, etc...
PS: You just want to read about Bruce with pink hair.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-27 10:33 am (UTC)I you had come to me with this I would have
Oh Bruuuuuce!
Why do they look surprised that Bruce knows about the two of them? It is the new universe so I'm not sure how well they know each other already...
Love the starry sky on page 3! (+ extra dramatic wind for dramatic hair!)
As far as I'm concerned, I'd expect everyone in the League to know Batman keeps plans on taking them down and there's nothing secret about it.
Anyone who has talked to Batman a little bit should know this. I haven't gotten to Tower of Bable yet but I will soon.
Superman is always a willing participant in the "Stop me if I go rogue" plans.
With great power...etc etc. And Clark understands this.
It's a place I honestly don't like to come to.
Yes! Batman having conitgency plans is not malicious, or paranoid. He honestly hopes he never has to use them! In a way, that's him showing care for the people around him.
sequence really makes my shipper's heart turn flip-flops.
I agree!
Yes, most likely what's in the box is a note saying "You've got super-strength and heat-vision, duh. Use them,"
Yes. But still how horrible for Clark. (and for Bruce, too, when he has to stop Superman...)
Basically, in short, in this scene they exchange rings.
FACT.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-27 10:34 am (UTC)2. Do what you have to do.
3. Here are my funeral arrangements based on what you might have had to do; and plausible excuses for 'accidents'.
4. You... should probably put a stake through my heart - just be sure.
5. Thank you.
Yes, he so would!
A good friend will help you move, a true best friend will help you move a body. A true superpowered best friend will move YOUR body when you've crossed the line.
THIS NEEDS TO BE AN ICON! Like an animated icon (since I think it's too much text for only one)
(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-29 12:10 am (UTC)Yeah, I definitely didn't like the art as much in the second issue, which is too bad because it's such an important interaction!
Why do they look surprised that Bruce knows about the two of them? It is the new universe so I'm not sure how well they know each other already...
People always underestimate Bruce! I think they haven't been dating for long...but hell, Clark took Diana to a party at Lois's over in his own title, so it's not like they're being super-secretive...
Tower of Babel is such a frustrating arc! The writing is really good (Mark Waid, it's a given) but the conflict at the heart of it always feels trumped-up to me. Like you say, there's no call to assume Bruce is sitting around gloating about how he can totally stop anyone--he's doing this for them, and any hero who doesn't appreciate that there's someone out there who cares enough to stop them if things go wrong is just delusional.
But I shall ignore all that and just enjoy the fact that they have each others' boxes and backs! :)