DC Forms Its New Justice League by Killing a Fan-Favorite Hero

In DC: MECH #5, the newest version of the Justice League has united against the forces of Darkseid following the sacrifice of a major hero.

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for DC: MECH #5

In the latest issue of DC: MECH #5, the newest version of the Justice League has formed in the wake of a major hero’s death. Coming together in this alternate DC Universe where mech suits have become the dominant power in the face of Darkseid and his kaiju-sized parademons, the Green Lantern mech in particular and its twin pilots become a key defender ahead of the forces of Apokolips who have returned to Earth in this Pacific Rim-inspired universe.

In the new DC: MECH #5 from Kenny Porter and Baldemar Rivas, the Green Lantern attempts to buy Earth more time after an initial assault resulted in several deaths thanks to Darkseid’s son Kalibak. With Alan Scott’s lantern strapped to their engine, Hal Jordan pilots while John Stewart wears the ring, creating powerful defenses and constructs for their mech to wield. However, their battle with Kalibak results in Jordan sacrificing himself so that John can live. Returning to Earth after regrouping with the other pilots who’ve sworn to protect the planet, the team of mech heroes officially becomes the new Justice Squadron, promising to honor Hal’s sacrifice and take the fight to Apokolips.

The Justice Squadron Unites In The Wake Of Green Lantern’s Death

Having attacked at the end of WWII with Earth being defended by the Justice Society, Darkseid and his forces are finally ready to invade once more. However, the world’s focus on mech construction in the years since has resulted in a much stronger fighting force with superpowers being used in tandem with massive machinery. Likewise, Kal-El’s Superman has only recently arrived in an alien mech of his own, receiving a reversed origin where he’s learned what it means to be human after already becoming a hero.

While much of the series’ focus has been on Kal-El and his evolution into this world’s mechanized Superman, it’s nice to see such a strong arc for Hal Jordan and John Stewart who’d been piloting the Green Lantern as a team long before the Justice Squadron comes together. Hal’s sacrifice was incredibly tragic, though it was exactly what the Squadron needed to become the force of heroes the world needs. Likewise, Jordan’s trust in John to keep fighting is also very touching.

With Darkseid and Apokolips now at Earth’s doorstep, it’s going to take everything the Justice Squadron has to repel the giant parademons. Likewise, the absence of Hal means John will probably have to pilot the mech and wield his Green Lantern ring simultaneously. Here’s hoping John and the rest of this new Justice League up for the challenge. DC: MECH #5 is on sale now from DC Comics.

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