Justice League: The Totality (Comics) | Review

The Justice League desperately needed a fresh start after years of inconsistent storytelling and editorial upheaval. Following the reality-bending events of Dark Nights: Metal, readers were genuinely hungry for a Justice League run that could match the cosmic scope while delivering character moments that felt authentic and earned.

Writer Scott Snyder (All-Star Batman: Ends of the Earth, All-Star Batman: My Own Worst Enemy) understood the assignment perfectly. Rather than immediately jumping into another world-ending crisis, The Totality builds its foundation on mystery and genuine consequences.

This isn't just another cosmic threat that gets resolved with a convenient plot device or quick fix solution. The fundamental changes here reshape the entire DC Universe in significant ways that continue to directly influence major stories and character development years later.

Spinning out of the cataclysmic events of Dark Nights: Metal and Justice League: No Justice, The Totality introduces a mysterious cosmic force that crash-lands in the remote Nevada desert, fundamentally altering everything it touches with unprecedented transformative power and incredibly dangerous otherworldly energy.

The concentrated essence of the secret Source of all things transforms everyone and everything that comes into contact with it, creating an intense, desperate race between the Justice League and their deadliest enemies to control this ultimate cosmic power.

Lex Luthor assembles the Justice League's arch nemeses– Sinestro, Black Manta, the Cheetah, Gorilla Grodd and The Joker– into the Legion of Doom, creating the most formidable villain team in DC history. What makes this conflict compelling is that both sides recognize the stakes extend far beyond Earth or even their universe.

The mystery surrounding the Totality's true nature drives the narrative forward without overwhelming readers with exposition. Snyder seeds clues throughout each issue about the Source Wall's destruction and its connection to forces that predate the multiverse itself.

The Flash's thorough investigation into the Totality's mysterious heart reveals shocking cosmic truths that completely re-contextualize everything readers thought they knew about DC's cosmology and the fundamental nature of the multiverse itself.

Martian Manhunter's psychological struggles provide the emotional anchor for these cosmic concepts. His connection to the Totality creates internal conflict that grounds abstract concepts in relatable character development. Team dynamics feel authentic as each member contributes their unique perspective to solving this multiversal puzzle.

The Legion of Doom operates as much more than just evil counterparts to the heroes. Each individual villain has legitimate reasons for wanting to control the Totality, creating genuine moral complexity that elevates the conflict beyond simple good versus evil.

Lex Luthor's complex motivation connects directly to his troubled family history and deeply genuine concern for humanity's future survival, even if his ruthless methods and controversial approach remain morally questionable to most readers and heroes alike.

The shocking revelation about the Totality's direct connection to Perpetua, the original creator of the multiverse, transforms this story from a typical Justice League adventure into something that completely redefines DC's entire cosmological structure and mythology.

The far-reaching implications ripple through numerous subsequent storylines and major crossover events, proving conclusively that Scott Snyder's ambitious creative vision extends far beyond this initial story arc into DC's broader future continuity.

Artwork by the incredibly talented Jim Cheung (Avengers Vs. X-Men, Civil War II) delivers the epic scope this story demands while never sacrificing important character detail for spectacle. His panel layouts during the Totality's arrival convey genuine cosmic horror– this feels like an alien force beyond human comprehension.

The contrast between intimate character moments and universe-spanning vistas creates visual rhythm that keeps readers engaged. The character expressions during dialogue scenes convey subtle emotions that support Snyder's character development without relying on exposition.

Contributions from Jorge Jiménez (Super Sons: Planet of the Capes, Super Sons: When I Grow Up) maintain consistent quality when alternating with Cheung. His action sequences flow with dynamic energy, particularly during the Legion of Doom's first major assault.

Snyder's writing balances accessibility with complexity in ways that welcome new readers without insulting longtime fans. His dialogue sounds natural even when characters discuss multiversal concepts. The pacing never rushes through important revelations, allowing each cosmic bombshell to land with appropriate impact.

Justice League: The Totality succeeds as both an excellent jumping-on point for new readers and a satisfying continuation for longtime fans. Snyder and Cheung understand that cosmic storytelling works best when grounded in strong character development.

This volume establishes the foundation for one of DC's most ambitious Justice League runs in decades. The mysteries introduced here continue to influence DC's cosmology years later, proving that Snyder's vision has lasting impact rather than temporary shock value.

The Totality delivers everything readers want from a Justice League story– epic scope, strong character moments, stunning artwork and meaningful consequences that genuinely matter. This is essential reading for anyone interested in DC's cosmic mythology or simply wanting to see the Justice League at their absolute best.

Justice League: The Totality is collected as a trade paperback and you can pick up the physical editions through comic-book shops, bookstores and online retailers. For digital readers, the storyline is available on ComiXology, Kindle and DC Universe Infinite.