“Last Rights” and “Yesterday’s Children: Memory Six”
Writer: Greg Weisman
Artist: Christopher Jones
Color Artist: Jason Wright
Letterer: Wes Abbott
Review by Philip Clark
Simply sensational! Young Justice: Targets #6, the last issue of the mini-series hits all of the expected heights. This issue, heck the whole mini-series, is a masterclass in story-telling from Greg Weisman. I’ve said this multiple times during my reviews of this run, but it genuinely feels like the show has been taken from the screens and put into pages of a comic book.
If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat action, cliffhangers galore, and a plot that takes more twists and turns than a rollercoaster; this is the series for you.
A Royal Rescue
The incredible nail-biter from the last issue is where we jump back into things this time around. A dire situation turned even more so with half of Alpha Squad seemingly down for the count. A quick flashback sequence tells us that all things are not as they seem, similar to the end of the first season of the Young Justice animated show. The squad came up with ways to counter the abilities of Queen Bee and give themselves the upper hand in the fight.
Seeing the way that the squad interacts with each other is yet another way Weisman showcases his brilliant writing. The squad is a combination of veteran heroes such as Miss Martian, Huntress, and Red Arrow with newer heroes like Arsenal, Arrowette, and Halo. It shows in the way that Weisman has written each of them that he understands the characters and has taken a lot of inspiration from the source material of the show. This can actually be seen throughout the entire series with the character interactions, the way the story beats fall, and even with the villain’s intentions.
Weisman isn’t the only one to be receiving my praise, however, as Christopher Jones always does a spectacular job at bringing the characters to life through his artwork. The pages flow naturally, they feel fluid in motion. The action sequences are impactful and the character pieces are wonderful. It’s honestly one of the best all-around comics I’ve read in a very long time!
Lasting Memories
The final “memory” is an emotional one. It ties the story set in the present and the flashbacks together in a very pretty bow. This one, however, does not follow Ollie and Perdita, instead, it’s Huntress that gives us the flashback, one that includes Wally West and his relationship with Perdita. A promise was made by the speedster, one kept by everyone still alive.
Seeing Wally make a promise to always be there for Perdita, while knowing what actually happened definitely tugged at the heartstrings more than a little bit, so thanks for that Weisman! Though I will admit that it was nice seeing him back even if it was just in a memory.
Conclusion
Ultimately, all good things must come to an end. I’m saddened by the fact that the story’s over, but thrilled I was able to read and review it for you all. To sum up my final thoughts on Young Justice: Targets #6, and the mini-series as a whole, Weisman has done a fantastic job at bringing beloved characters into a rich and inviting story that leaves you on the edge of your seat with each issue. The creative team continuously brought the level of, well… everything, higher and higher with every chapter.
This series is quite simply a must-read. It has action, mystery, humor, and love. It has all the trademarks of going down as one of DC’s best mini-series, although I doubt it will receive the following or love and attention it deserves. Though if there’s one thing Young Justice has shown us, it’s never to underestimate the power of the fans. So, fans, I implore you. Please get this series on the radar of comic book lovers everywhere! I can’t wait for the collected edition.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
