Justice League Odyssey #9 // Review

As the first arc seems to close out finally, Dan Abnett and Daniel Sampere continue to bring this series out from the wreckage and make it into something extraordinary. This niche group of characters continues to grow together, albeit trust issues lie beneath the surface. With the new Ghost Sector still widely unexplored, the group will have their hands full trying to help this new sector find their place within the DC Universe.

As the war wages down upon the group of heroes, Azrael uses his voice of God to stop Blackfire and her army dead in their tracks. Even to the point of mental breakdown, their adversaries have no choice but to comply with his will and newfound powers. Meanwhile, Cyborg still finds himself alone and facing down against alien creatures. After making his way through the temple, he discovers the Relic Darkseid sent him there to find. The rest of the team shows up towards the end of the issue as Cyborg rejoins them. With newfound mistrust lying within the group, the next issue proposes a showdown of sorts between the niche characters.

Daniel Sampere continues to bring his best work to the title. His clean pencils are a stark contrast from the work of Di Giandomenico previously seen on the series. His clean line work makes for a much more fitting aesthetic and adds a clarity not always apparent beforehand. Ivan Plascencia’s color work leaves the pages in vibrant hues, setting the cosmic motif to a tee.

Dan Abnett continues to develop the team into something much more meaningful than initially intended. With the next issue building towards a miniature civil war within the group, character development and high action are sure to follow. Saving titles from obscurity seems to be Abnett’s forte as he continues to show why this title was one worth saving. The depth and excitement he brings to the series is a complete 180-degree turn from when the series finally debuted.

As the mystery behind Darkseid’s plans continues to bleed out with each new issue, the team must join forces with the New God if they plan to double-cross him at the last moment. The series continues to stand head and shoulders above its first iteration. With the new arc beginning in the next issue, it will stand as the perfect chance for no readers looking to jump onto the title as well.

Grade: A-