Legendary JLA artist Howard Porter returns for the ultimate showdown between the Suicide Squad, the Justice League and the forces of [REDACTED]. Unlikely heroes emerge from the rubble of DC’s first major event since DC Universe: Rebirth, leaving both teams in a place they’ve never been before…and setting the stage for the all-new Justice League of America.

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad as a whole has been a satisfying event that’s been big on the action, a big budget film on paper. It’s entertaining, but I can’t say there’s lots of depth when it comes to it, but like I said when I reviewed the first issue I don’t think it was really intended to have that. The comic has been set up as a battle and team up of these two super-teams.

But, what I really like about Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #6 is what it actually does. The event feels like it’s intention is to really move the Rebirth status-quo a bit and shake things up. The series has been a set up fo the upcoming relaunch of Justice League of America with a line-up that’s beyond intriguing. The event brings back Maxwell Lord front and center as a threat. The event also sets up Amanda Waller as the most frightening person in the DC Universe. And it’s that final thing that I get really excited about.

Writer Joshua Williamson, for all of the villains he deals with, doesn’t forget the fact that it’s Waller that’s really the scary one. It’s not super abilities or her leadership, it’s the fact she plays everyone, manipulating the situation in a way to get exactly what she wants in the end. And that’s never more apparent than the ending here which sets up some very intriguing things going forward.

There’s absolutely problems with the event. There’s not a lot of depth to things. Eclipso is never explained very well. Things fall into place a bit “too well” at times. But, the series feels like it never attempts to make itself more than what it is. There’s no deeper meaning, no theme, just lots of explosions and fighting.

The art by Howard Porter is solid with fantastic work in a final battle and an ending that feels like a lot of stingers running during the credits of a film. There’s action but it’s the quieter moments that really make me take notice. The body language and framing of the scenes is top notch.

I expected lots of fighting and not much else, a summer popcorn film, but this final issue shows there’s a lot more at play here than a clash of titans and that has me beyond excited for what’s to come.

Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Howard Porter
Story: 7.85 Art: 8.05 Overall: 7.90 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review