REVIEW: Justice League: Last Ride #2

Justice League: Last Ride #2 is finally here and ever since I read the first issue, I have been eagerly awaiting the follow up. What a great first issue it was and it went a long way to set up a story line that has peaked my attention.

But before we get into the issue itself, let’s take look at the covers. The standard cover is by Darrick Robertson and Diego Rodriguez and I love it! Though it doesn’t actually feature our hero, Superman, we do get an incredible action shot of Wonder Woman in her Golden Eagle armour. This feels like a fantastic tribute to Wonder Woman 1984 and this is an incredibly detailed piece. From the crowd of angry villains ready to attack, to the light shining from her shield and sword, this is a really great cover.

The variant cover is by Inhyuk Lee and perfectly captures several moments from the issue itself. I say this every time I see Lee’s artwork, but his detail is phenomenal, this is an incredibly realistic piece which perfectly represents the personality of Lobo and the stakes of the situation. I simply cannot fault it.

Justice League: Last Ride #2 opens up with a flashback sequence which delves into the past of the Justice League. Writer Chip Zdarsky is really drip feeding us information when it comes to what happened between them, but I have to say it is very effective. I find myself drawn in even further and cannot wait to see the full story as to what happened. It is clear that there is a harsh difference between the group dynamic and that is perfectly showcased by the two timeframes that we deal with in this issue – past and present.

It was a more hopeful Justice League, they were more hopeful and worked expertly and confidently as a team, however when you compare that to what we are seeing in the “now”, it is clear that the trust between them is severed and not only is that having a direct impact on some of the members, but also the task at hand. When you consider the circumstances and who is rumoured to be involved that impact could be very dangerous.

Once again I feel that Zdarksy has handled the personalities and characteristics of each and every character featured in the issue perfectly. When you take in to consideration the number of characters featured, that is incredibly impressive and there are several portrayals I’d be happy to see explored further by Zdarsky, Superman being one of them.

I will say there was less action than I expected, considering this is a limited series, but the storytelling really pulled me in. I feel this was a much needed start of an explanation as to what’s happened between the Justice League and where it has left them now. That comparison is so tangible and clear between the two halves of the issue and I feel this drip feeding of information is really effective. Not only does it draw you into the issue itself, but it also offers detailed knowledge and insight into the situation they faced and the situation they are currently facing. No detail is spared and I feel that really puts the reader in a great position to be fully engaged in the rest of the series.

The artwork, which is by Miguel Mendonca with colours by Enrica Even Angiolini is fantastic throughout. Again, like the writer, the artwork perfectly captures the essence of each and every hero and the details are phenomenal. The colours are vibrant when needed and the pair perfectly capture the atmosphere of both space and Apokolips. At a quick glance it is clear where these heroes reside and that really adds to the dynamic of the issue. My personal highlight was their take on Wonder Woman’s Golden Eagle armour which is magnificent to look at!

Justice League: Last Ride #2 is a fantastic, in-depth issue which goes a long way to explain the past and current events of this torn and broken Justice League. With excellent story telling and strikingly vibrant artwork, Justice League: Last Ride #2 is a series not to be missed.

Haven’t picked up Justice League: Last Ride #2 yet? You can get the standard cover by Miguel Mendonca here (UK), or here (US). Or if you prefer the variant cover by Inhyuk Lee, you can get that here.

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