Justice #4 (April 2006)

It's that time again! It's time to join the Justice League of America in their greatest battle against the Legion of Doom! In the last issue, the Red Tornado got wrecked, the Legion of Doom learned the secret identities of the Justice League, and Lex Luthor had an announcement to make. So, what happened next? Let's find out when we look at Justice #4!

The cover is an Alex Ross piece. It's pretty cool. It depicts Superman being attacked by Superman. I'm not sure how to describe Luthor and Brainiac's being here. I do get the impression that this is basically Superman's show from this cover. He's in it, and the villains that are also on the cover are traditionally associated with him. 

"Chapter Four"
Writers: Alex Ross, Jim Krueger
Pencilers: Alex Ross, Doug Braithwaite
Inker: Alex Ross
Colorist: Alex Ross
Letterer: Todd Klein
Editors: Joey Cavalieri, Michael Wright
Executive Editor: Dan DiDio

The story begins with Lex Luthor making a broadcast to the world.

Page 1, Panel 1

His speech talks about how the Justice League are the true criminals because they never really tried to save the world, actually help people, yada yada yada.

This speech is watched by various people, including Clark Kent. And then he is ambushed by Bizarro. 

Page 4, Full Page

Remember that strange city the Martian Manhunter found? Well, it is one of many. These cities are meant to be perfect paradises for humanity. As Luthor explains them in his message, more heroes get attacked. Hal Jordan by Sinestro. Green Arrow and Black Canary by Scarecrow and Clayface. Wonder Woman by Cheetah. Hawkman and Hawkwoman by the Toyman. Atom is shot by a sniper. I think it's someone independent Luthor may have hired there because the sniper is clearly a woman, and this doesn't fit either Cheetah or Giganta. 

Back in Metropolis, Superman tries to fight Bizarro, only to discover that this is a handicap match. As Bizarro has a tag team partner here.

Page 19, Panel 2

Yup, Solomon Grundy. And it gets worse for the Man of Steel. Parasite shows up to weaken Superman further by stealing his power, commanding Grundy and Bizarro to hit Superman some more. The Metropolis Marvel is able to activate a hidden signal device in his belt during the ambush.

In Central City, Barry Allen is enjoying some soup with his beloved wife Iris. The soup is red, so I'm assuming it's red clam chowder. I like chicken noodle myself. Mmm, chicken noodle soup...

Anyway, Barry gets Superman's signal on his watch, and he heads out. Unknown to them, Captain Cold is watching from the kitchen.

Page 22, Panel 8

"Captain Cold is watching you eat." Barry zips into action as the Flash, but something weird happens.

Page 23, Panels 4-5. 

Barry seems to be trapped in super-speed, causing him to outrun himself. As for Superman, things get worse.

Page 24, Panel 4

Yup, Metallo shows up. The cyborg blasts the Man of Steel with radiation from the Kryptonite chunk that was also his power source. Luthor condemns the Justice League in his speech as the attacks on the League continue. He boasts that he and the Legion of Doom will be the new people of tomorrow, the true saviors of the world. The story ends with Superman calling for help.

This was an enjoyable issue. Despite that, it's one of those issues that is best read as part of the whole story than on its own. On its own, not much seemingly happens. Heroes get attacked, and that's really about it. There is some cleverness to this story, though. One thing it does so well is transpose the attacks on the superheroes with Luthor's speech. His speech was trying to promote the Legion of Doom as the true saviors of humanity, while the League just protected a status quo that never truly helps anyone. As I have said before, even though this is based on the Silver/Bronze Age-era Superfriends, this is very much a modern Luthor. 

Superman gets the main focus of the attacks and having him be besieged the way he is makes sense. He's one of the most physically powerful members of the League, so naturally, Luthor would send multiple powerhouses to take him down. Metallo, who can poison him with his Kryptonite heart. Solomon Grundy and Bizarro, who can match Superman in raw strength and durability. And then Parasite, who can absorb Superman's power, weakening him further. It contrasts Luthor's making his speech. Modern Luthor believes that Superman prevents humanity from progressing, holds its potential back. This is Luthor's message to Superman: His human brain triumphing over Kal-El's alien brawn. It helps further give the vibe of a "darkest hour" for the League.