Young Justice

• Title: Young Justice #20
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Greg Weisman
• Artist: Christopher Jones

Following the lead of the television show, the latest issue of Young Justice jumps out teen heroes five years into the future. Well, sort of. Issue #20 is an odd mix of storylines taking place five years apart.

Although the structure provides some fun comparision moments (such as Dick Grayson‘s birthday kiss from Zatanna on five years apart), it’s also a little confusing. The small character moments work well, and I really like the introductions of new characters such as Wonder Girl, Blue Beetle, and Batgirl.

Where the comic struggles is explaining how the bigger picture is connected between a young woman speaking out against the dictatorship of Qurac today and Superboy and Miss Martian‘s mission with Superman in the same country years before. Oh, and then there’s the sudden appearance of Braniac.

For the introduction of the new team, and particularily Nightwing’s interactions with them, the issue is worth a read. However, as a jumping point into a brand-new arc it’s a little messier than I’d like. For fans.

[DC, $2.99]

• Title: Young Justice #16
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Greg Weisman, Kevin Hopps
• Artist: Christopher Jones

“Heroes and Mentors” gives us three stories featuring members of the Young Justice team each working alongside their mentor. Although each involves a different pair fighting crime together, what makes the story work is how each mini-story is given it’s own feel.

Green Arrow and Artemis open the comic by trying to prevent a museum robbery. Their communication is very much Oliver teaching Artemis the ropes. When we get the Flash and Kid Flash stopping an animal outbreak at the zoo we get more lighthearted banter between Barry and his nephew. And Batman and Robin‘s story at the Gotham Planetarium is heavy on action and light on dialogue as the Dynamic Duo is able to get the job done with a minimum of discussion.

The three stories connect in the comic’s last few pages as all the crimes are connected and will pit all six heroes against Kobra in next month’s issue. This series is very hit-or-miss for me depending on the characters and story chosen from issue to issue. If next month’s conclusion is as good as this one, I’ll definitely pick it up. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

• Title: Young Justice #13
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Greg Weisman
• Artist: Christopher Jones

In the sewers below Gotham City the Young Justice team tracks and fights the new character of Clayface (who was introduced in last month’s issue). The team soon discovers the difficulty in fighting a villain who can assume the shape and mannerisms of anyone he comes into contact with.

With Aqualad distracted with thought of Atlantis and the team divided Clayface takes them down one-by-one. It’s only the arrival of Batman that saves complete disaster.

Although it’s a bit of a letdown after a terrific Batman and Robin issue and well-done Talia al Ghul issue that introduced the character of Clayface, Young Justice #13 continues to define this new version of Clayface and bring Aqualad’s indecision to the forefront as the team is bested far too easily by this new enemy. It will be interesting to see if Aqualad’s story plays out in similar fashion to the similar arc on the television show or if the comic takes a different path beginning next month. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]