Review: Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #6

Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #6 came out last week, the penultimate chapter of this wild series. I always feel that these 'next to last' chapters are always crucial. The book has to be set up to a place where a satisfying conclusion to the overall story has to be possible. With an over-the-top book like this with all the insanity out there, I think we get there. I do wonder if a few crumbs will be left out there in case DC wants to do a third. 

Writer Brian Buccellato pushes things forward. With the freedom of working in a pocket universe, he can take big swings and continues to do so here. What I like about this is Buccellato also shows he is a fan of DC history because he inserts some fun moments into the work for gray beards like me. He also clearly loves the characters, treating them with respect. From Wally to Black Manta to Aquaman, there are moments for all. 

Meanwhile Christian Duce continues to shine here. He has the hard mission of super-hero antics and giant monster mayhem and both things happening at the same time. I love the detail of the work and I am very appreciative of DC giving him the time to do the series in its entirety. 

I keep waiting for a Kara/Kong moment and I am still waiting. But this was still fun. On to the book.

Barry has a concussion so Kid Flash needs to step in to be a speedster for the League. Initially Iris is upset because Barry has been missing and she is concerned. Wally tries to obfuscate but Barry arrives. 

Once there, Iris reveals she knows Barry is the Flash. She knows because she is intelligent and figured it out. Not because he talks in his sleep as he did in the Silver Age. It is a perfect little nod for old timers like me. And I love the look the two Flashes give each other when she says they aren't as secretive as they think they are.

I do have to say that this has been a touch confusing even for a Pre-Crisis baby like me with this simultaneously taking place on two worlds. The monster action on the Monarch world. The planning on the DC world. But because we keep looping back and forth, I need to pause and say 'where is this happening'. 

Glad this small scene where they point out the differences.

And interesting to hear the heroes thoughts on Luthor's machinations. He wants to be able to titan-ize villains so they can fight the monsters should they come through again. (Of course, they were wished into our world by Toyman last time ... but anything is possible.)

Cool costume for Wally here, red uniform but with hair out like classic Kid Flash.

King Ghidorah is perched in the Pacific. Rodan in Machu Picchu. The mastodon and bug monster are heading there. It seems like Ghidorah is calling them. 

Meanwhile Kong is in Hollow Earth and Godzilla is nursing wounds at the bottom of the Pacific.

6 known Titans. 

This seems to be a base on Earth Monarch. But this could be a base on Earth-DC and they are heading through.

In Hollow Earth, Superman, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman find the cave where Lex is prepping his plans.

Kong joins them only to be taken down by a titan-ized Cheetah. Great double page splash by Duce. And love the look of the Cheetah, sort of devolved into a sabre-tooth look.

Duce always makes Kong look great.

Aquaman decides that he needs to go down and check on Godzilla. Somehow Mr. Terrific is there and everywhere else. I wonder how that's possible.

And remember how I said even I was confused about where the action is taking place, Earth-DC or Earth-Monarch? Well let's not forget that it also is taking place before the events of the first mini-series. It is another layer of confusion as I try to make sense of what the monsters remember or not remember.

What I did like is that Godzilla opens his eyes and Aquaman knows he needs to simply leave. Godzilla is no joke.

Also remember Colonel Shaw killed Amanda Waller and took over the Suicide Squad.

After a couple of issues of him threatening everyone, Black Manta decides to take matters into his own hand, killing Shaw.

Here is the quibble. The sound effect is over the blade coming out Shaw's back. I thought initially this was just a gut punch and not a kill shot.  That 'shlik' should be just a bit lower to show me the blade!

Interesting turn. 

So Ghidorah, Rodan, the mastodon and the bug are heading to the Andes. Godzilla is awake. Kong is down for the count.

But wait ... more titans. The other giant apes from Hollow Earth are on the mainland and heading to the fray. One of them is riding an ankylosaurus looking thing.

More combatants!

And for a cliffhanger? Martian Manhunter shape-changes into a giant dinosaur to take on Ghidorah.

Let's get ready to rrrrruuummmmble!!!!

I have enjoyed this for the crazy action, the big battles, and the plot twists I wouldn't expect in a canon book. I didn't expect Shaw to be killed. It is a bit too nutty in places for me to follow 100% but it's okay. 

Here is hoping our super-cousins get into the action soon. Here's hoping that we hear more of Harley looking for the Joker on this world. And here is hoping for another mind-boggling battle next issue.

Overall grade: B