Apparently I originally titled this article “Justice League #14”. That’s two I screwed up.
"We're not responsible for the New 52. Go away!"
Young Justice #14
DC Comics (May, 2012)
“UNDER THE SURFACE” WRITERS: Kevin Hopps & Greg Weisman ARTIST: Christopher Jones COLORIST: Zac Atkinson LETTERER: Dezi Sienty ASSISTANT EDITOR: Sarah Gaydos EDITOR: Jim Chadwick
Uncomfortable seeing his best friends again (one of whom is his ex-girlfriend and the other her current boyfriend), Aqualad asks Ms. Martian and Superboy to join him on his next trip to Atlantis. There the five are caught up in an issue of xenophobia among the Atlantians, being pushed by Ocean Master.
What they got right: I like how M’Gann alters her form to function in Atlantis, even losing the skirt (a bad idea underwater) and adding gills. They also found a good way to touch on the topic of racism, and hopefully the rest of the arc won’t hit you over the head, either. There are different types of undersea being in Atlantis and I like the diversity on display.
What they got wrong: There’s a subplot involving some guy convincing another guy into robbing a grave, with the body still preserved. It distracts from the main story.
Recommendation: I can’t give a full recommendation until I see the end of the arc. These kind of stories far too often become heavy-handed in their message. However, as probably the only kid-friendly superhero comic on the shelves (unless your store carries the smaller independents who can’t get into Previews), I do want to see this comic succeed.
Mera hired a new wake-up service after this.
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