I think I've done my share of slagging off on Geoff Johns. Even as I do it, I try to be even handed, try to highlight some of the positives and make clear that some of my criticisms boil down to personal taste more than any universal standard. Still, reading through some of my thoughts and comments, it may seem as though I don't like, have never liked, the work of Geoff Johns, as there isn't one post here dedicated to complimenting his work.
So I thought I'd change that, with a scene from what I believe is the best thing Geoff Johns has ever published, 'Final Crisis: Rogues' Revenge'. This is a story that works on every level; wonderfully heartfelt, perfectly executed, dark without being grotesque, focusing on a group of layered characters, genuinely surprising individuals. It explemifies the ways that Geoff Johns can go RIGHT, with an easily accessible, deceptively simple story that sings thanks to strong, clear characters and some wonderfully put together scenes with flawless pacing.
Perhaps as a sign of its strength, unlike many of the scenes I post here, Johns' work is self explanatory and easily accessible. Long story short; The Rogues, a group of blue collar Flash villains, gather together at the end of the world and go about settling a couple of grudges. We catch them here as they go to see the super villain tailor who makes their super suits.
Enjoy, after the cut!
I've avoided Johns since I read his Infinite Crisis. I think he lost me as a reader there, not that I was big fan to begin with but... well, at least the art seems nice in these Rogues mini.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit more forgiving; I'd argue that the beginning of his second run on Justice Society, with Dale Eagleshram, was still quite strong, and as I said I think Rogues' Revenge is the strongest thing he's ever done, albeit even at the time of publication it was an anomaly.
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