JLA Classified #21
	Story Title: 'The Hypothetical Woman ' (Part 6: After the Fire) Writer: Gail Simone Penciller: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez Inker: Sean Phillips Colorist: David Baron Letterer: Pat Brosseau Asso. Editor: Tom Palmer Jr. Editor: Mike Carlin Published by: DC Comics
	Reviewed by: Bruce Logan

You know, with this issue I just realized that even though I have begun to appreciate Gail Simone’s work, why can’t I bring my self to go all the way and fully commit to her i.e. list her among my favorite writers and read/buy just about anything by her.

Not that there was anything wrong here, that is if you don’t expect an incredibly clichéd ending. I don’t claim to have much of an imagination, but I think it was pretty clear what or rather who the League was going to fight last…and in what manner. General Eling anyone? This was just too reminiscent of that, but without the sinister aura of that story. Regarding the main villain, I already stated my belief that the Big Bad here was too weak a character for the rest of the story. Well, I still stand by that view of mine. Nothing has changed....if anything, he comes across as even more of a wimp and 100% Blowhard and 0% Hardass.

The last couple of pages. What was that for? More ‘Bug up his A$$’ Batman? Moreover, the ending (and thus way out) that was given to the ‘Hypotheticals’ was just another cop out. And same with Sybil (the sleeping lady). I had really grown to like a couple of these characters and wouldn’t have minded seeing more of them. Guess this is the fate of newly introduced (read: E-list) heroes/villains.

Anyways, the art was as good as before, except for a few facial depictions and a couple of places which were so bad that they were downright funny….without aiming to be so. The balcony scene after the final battle. Just check out how Leaguers (with the exception of Batman of course) look.

And then there is the last panel i.e. the ending of this story. The good thing about it is that it leaves us with a possibility of another story with this setting. The bad thing. Just imagine Batman’s line being cut mid-swing and how he would plummet to the ground. *cough* HUSH *cough*. It just leaves the readers (me) grabbing at empty space.

Conclusion: We had us some good times and some bad times. And this was definitely one of the bad times.

Rating: 6.5/10