Review – Justice Inc #2 (Of 6) (Dynamite)

Publisher: Dynamite
Writer: Michael Uslan
Artist: Giovanni Timpano
Release Date: 24th September 2014

After the wormhole he created became unstable and swallowed a passenger jet, Doc Savage travels to 1939 in an attempt to return the aircraft to the present. Whilst there, he is able to meet with a younger version of himself and pass on vital information regarding the possible future to come. Meanwhile, the philanthropist who funded his research into the Universal Quantum Machine, Richard Henry Benson, is on a flight to Nepal with his wife and child, unaware of the tragedy about to befall them.

Part two of this neo-pulp adventure continues at the same frenetic pace established in the previous issue, the focus this time around shifting to Kent Allard/The Shadow, and the tragic circumstances which lead to the genesis of The Avenger. Michael Uslan’s dialogue is kept to a bare minimum, used purely to advance the plot, which is much to the book’s benefit, as it allows the storytelling of Giovanni Timpano to really come to the fore. His clever use of perspective and panel composition, in tandem with precise, dramatic inks and Marco Lesko’s exquisite colours, give the issue a sense of forward momentum that never lets up. Some of the set-pieces are gloriously over-the-top, and have some fairly obvious influences. One sequence in particular riffs on a scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, whilst the final panel borrows a famous line from one of Universal’s classic horrors.

As with any story involving time travel/parallel universes, a few plot holes are beginning to emerge, but they are relatively minor points and not something to be overly critical about. Although the plot does border on the outlandish at times, the prevailing action/adventure vibe would be lost if protracted justifications were added to the mix. It’s strength comes from the unrelenting pace and the reverence and respect shown for the source material. Justice Inc. simply invites you to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride. And what a ride it is!

Rating: 4/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK.

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The Writer of this piece was: Martin Doyle
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