Justice League Darkseid War Special #1 Review - The Ascension Of Grail
Grail also makes a play that will come to fruition later on, so again, the book is relevant to the [...]
Things like Justice League Darkseid War Special #1 fall into two distinct categories. They're either altogether inconsequential to the main plotline, or they are so integral to understanding the main narrative that one has to wonder how it wasn't included in the main series to begin with.
With Darkseid War Special #1, the arrow points to the latter. While you are able to sort out the main story of Darkseid War without this, the book offers up some valued character history on Grail, who is personally one of the best villains DC has introduced in quite awhile. Jessica Cruz also gets a much-needed springboard for her character, and of course, there is a reveal or two that will leave people guessing by issues end.
Let's start with Cruz, who will be taking an increased role in DC proper once Rebirth hits. In the meantime, she needs to take some steps to get to that place, and her time here is exactly the type of stepping stone she needs. Cruz finds herself trapped inside the power ring, as Volthoom has taken over her body, and pushed her soul inside the ring. She is met with all of the other unfortunate ring bearers who have met the same fate. After she hears a voice pushing her to ascend to the central battery, she starts to fight against the fear that Volthoom and the ring prey upon. It's a simple arc, but effective. To be amongst the legends of the Justice League, Cruz has to be able to bear the load and face any fear that comes her way. These type of stories are going to be the way she gets there. Plus, a character reveal at the end is worthy of discussion, but no spoilers here.
Now to the main event. Grail is the daughter of Amazon assassin Myrina and Darkseid, and while we've seen her origins, we didn't get much other insight as to what makes her tick. Here readers get to delve into how she got this way, and why Myrina approaches her with an almost hesitant type of love. It isn't that she loves her any less, but after being a parent to a child born with such natural dark tendencies, you see why she is cautious, going so far as to post a griffin by her bedside.
Grail's motivations are better explained as well and lend some understanding to her actions in previous issues. Her tie to Diana is also further investigated, as they were born on the same night, but Myrina hasn't told Grail the entire story of all that transpired. Another thread that Johns will explore in future issues.
Grail also makes a play that will come to fruition later on, so again, the book is relevant to the overall storyline.
Art-wise, the book sports a talented team and is pretty top notch throughout. It always warms my heart a bit to see Reis' pencils on Green Lantern related imagery, and the team does an amazing job of getting across just how vicious Grail can be in visuals alone.
For those wondering if this is a tie-in to skip, I would advise not passing this one up.
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