The Best Justice League Comic Doesn’t Have Batman or Superman (& Doesn’t Need Them)

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When discussing the Justice League, iconic figures immediately spring to mind – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Flash, among others. These characters, who are almost synonymous with DC’s elite group of heroes, have graced numerous famous and infamous adaptations of Justice League stories. It is understandable that a character with such prominence in the League, often acquired by starring in the 2000s animated Justice League series, would be expected from both a corporate and fan perspective. Furthermore, these figures are not only popular but also serve as leaders or role models for other heroes within the universe. However, one of the most memorable Justice League storylines didn’t feature either Batman or Superman on the team.

The Justice League Odyssey was a fresh division of the Justice League established prior to the Dark Knights: Death Metal event. This new team was drawn towards a mysterious area in deep space called the Ghost Sector, which had been sealed off by the Coluans, the race of Brainiac. No one knew its origin, but the members of the Justice League Odyssey felt an urgent call to investigate it.

Justice League Odyssey Didn’t Need Batman or Superman to be Great

If neither Batman nor Superman embarked on this dark journey, who were the champions that did? It turned out to be an unusual band of heroes: Cyborg, Starfire, Green Lantern Jessica Cruz, Azrael, and, surprisingly, Darkseid himself. While it may seem odd for a Justice League member like Cyborg or even Starfire to join forces with the League’s sworn enemy Darkseid and Azrael, who is often likened to Batman’s substitute after his encounter with Bane, this team did indeed form. Despite their small size, they displayed an incredible dynamic together.

In summary, Cyborg, Starfire, Azrael, and Jessica Cruz each received a cryptic call to fulfill a destiny within the Ghost Sector, an area barricaded by the Green Lantern Corps. Attempting to prevent their entry, the Green Lantern got dragged in as well. Inside the Ghost Sector, they discovered that they were trapped and couldn’t contact anyone outside. The Green Lantern was found to be powerless since she had no active power battery, limiting her ring’s capabilities. Upon reaching a planet, they encountered Darkseid, who admitted to having summoned them. At this point, Darkseid is weakened and poses no threat to the group of heroes. He revealed that the planets in the Ghost Sector were sealed because of ancient worship practices that the Coluans deemed fearful, and the relics of these gods are the only hope for saving the multiverse from an impending threat by Perpetua.

In a turn of events, Green Lantern harbored doubts about their new ally, the God of Evil, but the rest of the team reluctantly decided to collaborate. Together, they embarked on a quest to locate ancient relics, unveiling that these artifacts were revered by the people they represented. Interestingly, this worship seemed to impact not only the three entities called upon by Darkseid, as initially they intended to seize the relics from him, but instead, they started favoring his scheme. Throughout this process, Green Lantern struggled to keep his companions on the right path, draining more and more of his power with each escalating threat.

Upon discovering the final relic, Darkseid ultimately revealed his true intentions: exploiting the faith of the people from Ghost Sector and the relics, he transformed Cyborg, Starfire, and Azrael into New Gods under his command, built a device that not only restored his power but also safeguarded him and the Ghost Sector, and lastly, he eliminated Green Lantern using his Omega Beams, rendering himself unchallenged.

If it weren’t for Jessica not perishing, instead her vacant ring took in Darkseid’s energy, transforming her into the Omega Lantern. Subsequently, she gathered a temporary Justice League consisting of Orion, Blackfire, and Dex-Starr the Red Lantern feline, to vanquish Darkseid and save her fellow team members.

Justice League Odyssey‘s Team Was Unique (And It Worked)

In case the summary provided earlier didn’t make it clear, the narrative of “Justice League Odyssey” is nothing short of breathtakingly unpredictable, filled with enigmatic twists and turns that catch you off guard. The intrigue surrounding Darkseid and his influence makes for a captivating experience, and the unfolding events are equally exciting and unsettling. One of the standout aspects of this series is its character-centric approach, where the dynamics within the team take center stage. Initially, Cyborg served as the bond between Starfire and Green Lantern, who were strangers to each other but placed their trust in him. Azrael, on the other hand, was the outlier, about whom others felt uneasy relying upon. As the story progresses, we witness these characters forming strong bonds and also observe a growing rift between Green Lantern and the rest of the group. Moreover, beyond the hilarious chemistry that emerges when they interact, Green Lantern finds himself increasingly concerned as his friends appear to lose themselves to the transformations unleashed by the Ghost Sector.

Undeniably, Green Lantern is the standout character in this comic. The escalating suspense as Jessica grapples with doubts and prepares to confront her friends makes for a gripping narrative. What’s more, Jessica transforms into an impressive powerhouse throughout this storyline. Readers familiar with Jessica Cruz are aware that she’s a relatively new Green Lantern, often struggling with self-doubt due to her anxiety. Yet, in the face of established Green Lanterns like Hal Jordan and John Stewart, she manages to carve out her own identity.

Even when Darkseid slays her, only for her to resurrect through sheer determination, Jessica has evolved into a commander who can stare down the God of Evil and declare that she and her motley crew of anti-heroes will vanquish him and his New God army, no matter the cost. Any fan of Jessica Cruz will find this tale utterly captivating.

Apart from boasting exceptional storyline and artwork, this comic is simply a delightful read. It offers a thrilling blend of intrigue, mystery, action, and an indomitable spirit that typifies superheroes when confronting insurmountable challenges. To put it simply, it’s exciting! Imagine a Justice League teaming up with Darkseid? That’s peak fun! Although it doesn’t have the star power of characters like Batman or Superman, this works to its advantage. It’s an underdog tale par excellence; a group of heroes who aren’t anticipated to excel must band together to save the multiverse. When that fails, an even more unlikely team rises to save everyone. The comic skillfully utilizes its limited cast, and honestly, I can’t help but hope for the Odyssey team’s comeback someday.

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2025-04-14 18:11