The Storm--"Syndicate Rules": Chapter Five
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artists: Ron Garney(p), Dan Green(i), David Baron(c)
Publisher: DC
I don't really like this issue of JLA. I just can't conceive of the need for another issue. That's the promise of part five in "Syndicate Rules."
The League has always handed the Syndicate their collective asses. Until now. The idea that the League need help to clean the Syndicate's clocks, and in the form of---blech--the Elite just rubs me the wrong way.
What bugs me most about the story is that Busiek has dotted his is and crossed his ts. He answers for instance how Ultraman can survive a fight against Superman. I can't help think Supes still has the advantage. He has developed all his powers over time under the rays of the yellow sun. His cells are power batteries. His analogues to mitochondria are dynamos. The idea that some jackass with time-release capsules of anti-kryptonite under his skin defeating Superman riles me, but I can't find anything technically implausible.
Owlman ducks under Aquaman's punch. All right, if they were underwater, Owlman would be traveling at twenty knots off of Aquaman's fist. On dry land, Owlman can--stressing can--anticipate Aquaman's punch. Aquaman can't be beaten under water, and on land, he's still pretty tough. He is however defeatable.
The Flash wouldn't be able to vibrate through energy, but how did Power Ring manage to hit him? At least without help he gets out his trap.
Much as I'm loath to admit, Johnny Quick can--clenching teeth--easily dispense with Batman. When we speak of Batman being able to defeat any hero or villain, the criteria always includes given time. Given time, Batman can wipe out the Syndicate all by his lonesome. Usually, he's thirty steps ahead of everybody, but there's simply no way he could have anticipated the Syndicate's arrival. The sonic bat attack's failure is--grinding teeth--acceptable.
Not everything weighs so heavily in the favor of the Crime Syndicate. Most works against the League, but the Superwoman/Wonder Woman match up is extremely reasonable. The Flash's rescue is a good one, and the guest-star's association with the Super-Friends makes his appearance tolerable.
I just don't like it. In my heart, I know the League should win, but my brain objects. The Syndicate planned to invade earth. They prepared to take down the League, and the heroes were caught completely off guard. I don't like it, but I can't find anything technically at fault. Bugger.
What did you think of this book?
Have your say at the Line of Fire Forum!