If he is dead (and stays dead), I'm glad to say that Taylor uses his death to move this story to the next level. When Batman blames it on Val's pacifism, Jimmy takes him to town, noting that he (a doctor) was also unable to save Connor and telling him that his negativity was unnecessary in already dark times. It was a great speech, made all the better by the implication that Jimmy has essentially appointed himself Batman's Robin. Moreover, even if Batman's words were careless, they started Val thinking about his role as a hero in a world that could really use one. Jimmy stressed to Batman that they needed to get Val into the game in a way that makes him comfortable, and he starts that process by getting Val to reveal the uniform that he's been hiding under his hoodie. Moreover, the Themyscira-based team is getting itself together just in time for Green Lantern and Hawkgirl to lead the para-demons their way. Next issue should be epic!
Along those lines, Taylor also does a great job of using this issue to knit together the two separate teams, with Jimmy and Hawkgirl reminding Batman and Green Lantern (respectively) of the fact that they can't succeed on their own. Reminding the two team's leaders of the importance of teamwork as the two teams merge is well timed, and I'm glad that Taylor took the time to do it. These aren't guys who work with others easily, and any cooperation that they'd show over the next issues would feel fake without Jimmy and Kendra's exhortations here. Now, we'll have a fully assembled Justice League - Batman, Dr. Fate, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Val - in Themyscira ready to rumble with the para-demons. I can't wait.
**** (four of five stars)
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