REVIEW: ‘Justice League Infinity,’ Issue #7

Justice League Infinity #7 is written by J.M. DeMatteis and James Tucker, illustrated by Ethen Beavers, colored by Nick Fliardi, and lettered by AW’s DC Hopkins. It is published by DC Comics. The final part of “The Crack’d Mirror” finds the Justice League struggling and failing to stop Amazo II from using the Anti-Life Equation to wipe out the entirety of the multiverse. The only hope for the universe’s survival lies in the hands of Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and The Flash. But especially Wonder Woman, who learns that she is carrying the key to the universe’s rebirth after encountering an alternate version of Darkseid.

With this issue, DeMatteis and Tucker script a climax that matches the highs of Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, notably the Cadmus Arc and the “Starcrossed” storyline. Those episodes mixed character development with emotional highs and lows, along with the intense action you’d expect from a superhero story. Infinity is no different, except its stakes extend to all existence and all worlds. The emotional impact is also immense, especially regarding the tangled love triangle between Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Vixen. In the vein of previous issues, DeMatteis and Tucker choose to have Batman narrate the issue, as he talks about how he often feels like he doesn’t belong in the League but keeps fighting against impossible odds. The only thing that would make this issue even more perfect is if Kevin Conroy narrated it.

Beavers turns in his best work yet, drawing splash pages that encompass the entirety of existence. For example, a two-page spread features the Anti-Life Equation spreading and consuming worlds, from Apokolips to Oa. Another page features Amazo II standing over reality, his visage twisted in a hideous sneer as he wreaks destruction. And the final page put a smile on my face, as it serves as a direct callback to the Justice League Unlimited finale “Destroyer.” Beavers has perfectly captured the look and feel of the DC Animated Universe (DCAU), which is no mean feat.

What really helps the artwork pop is Filardi’s colors. The Anti-Life Equation is depicted as a wave of pure darkness, which swallows everything in its path. The only light source comes from Green Lantern’s ring, which projects an emerald shield that protects him and his fellow Justice League members from being eradicated. And golden lightning surrounds the Flash when he taps into the Speed Force in an effort to keep the other Leaguers alive. The color art is bright and vibrant and eye-catching, which is what you’d want from a superhero title, especially one featuring the premiere superhero team.

Justice League Infinity #7 offers a satisfying conclusion to its universe-hopping narrative and proves to be a worthy continuation of the DCAU, thanks to its creative team. I hope that we get to see more stories in the DCAU as a result of this and Batman: The Adventures Continue, especially a potential continuation of Superman: The Animated Series.

Justice League Infinity #7 is available wherever comics are sold.