1756 ( )

Two engaging stories, the first one focusing on Wonder Woman and her relationship with the Cheetah and Superman. The second focusing on Aquaman and his torn dual nature. Also lots of undercurrents going on with Justice League memberships and intrigue. ( )

Only 4 stars for this one. I still enjoyed the story and the artwork (even though Jim Lee was absent from the roster this time) but I thought the storyline with Cheetah was weak. Also I missed the banter between Batman and Green Lantern.
With Flash missing for the entire Alantis storyline and Hal gone, the team felt kind of empty. I'm concerned what Arthur reclaiming his throne will do to the team.

Overall another enjoyable read. ( )

Nothing out of the ordinary here: characters seem to stay true to their normal MO, big superheroes save the world (or at least the country) plot, Batman is ready for everything etc...

I liked the part where Superman talks about his "disguise" with Wonder Woman. Also liked "the Trench" and was really surprised at what a badass Cheetah was. ( )

The fracturing of the original Justice League (as established in the New 52 reboot) continues. After a couple of issues that deal with the conflict between Wonder Woman and Cheetah, the story settles into its main arc, the Throne of Atlantis. An American ship misfires, and the missiles appear to disappear harmlessly into the ocean. Only they do strike a target: Atlantis. Aquaman's brother takes this as a declaration of war. After flooding various major cities across the country (including Gotham and Metropolis), the Atlanteans emerge from the ocean and start the land attack. Aquaman is torn between loyalties to two worlds. He even faces off with Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman to try and keep them from engaging against his brother. Soon, though, he realizes that there is no chance for diplomacy, and regroups with his fellow Justice League members to stop his brother, take back the throne of Atlantis, and end a bloody war.

By the conclusion of the volume, Aquaman has grudgingly accepted his role as ruler of Atlantis and returned to the ocean. First the Green Lantern, and now Aquaman; the Justice League is quickly dwindling. Cyborg and Batman plan to compensate for this by recruiting new heroes, and in the fight against Atlantis they call on most of them when they themselves are trapped in the Dark Waters. The issues here clearly are the intro for the Justice League of America, but they also completely alter the identity of the core Justice League team.

I enjoyed reading this volume of the series. The two issues with Cheetah I found especially interesting, and I appreciated the continuation of the romance between Wonder Woman and Superman. One of my favorite moments of the issue was Clark explaining to Diana why he assumes an alternate identity and how messed up hair and glasses actually work. Awesome. The Atlantis story line was exciting, and impacted quite a bit of the DC universe. Also, I love Aquaman. I've appreciated how the new 52 has shown Aquaman's heroic nature amidst mockery and devaluation from others. The comics acknowledge the general scorn people show towards Aquaman's character, and rebut it by building him into a great hero. By the end of the Atlantean war, the rest of the DC world has learned how powerful Aquaman can be. Sadly, this just turns them against him even more. The third book has great action, a bit more character development and romance, and an upheaval of Justice League dynamics. The Justice League continues to be a hit for me. ( )