Jeez, I forgot I was even reading this book. Well, the story is moving along at a snail’s pace, thanks mostly to it being a 12 issue miniseries set at a “bi-monthly” release schedule. I can hardly remember what has happened.
Anyhow, “Ultimate Challenge of the Superfriends” still looks just as pretty as ever thanks to Alex Ross’ artwork. The story is a bit convuluted; I found myself having to reread expositional inner-monologues over and over and figure out what the heck they’re talking about. I’m sure, once completed, the book will read much more coherently.
As for the story, Brainiac has taken control of the Marvel Family and sicced them on Captain Marvel-himself. Meanwhile, Sinestro has given Gorilla Grodd one of his yellow power rings and forced him to face a team of heroes. While that’s going on, Dr. Magnus and the Metal Men forge armor for the remainder of the Justice League to protect them from Brainiac’s mind-controlling nano machines.
Thankfully, the fight between Superman and Captain Marvel is short. I mean, it’s nothing we haven’t seen Ross do before in Kingdom Come, and that fight won’t ever be topped. Ross’ designs for the JLA’s Metal Men armor look especially cool and that two page spread was one of the better parts of the issue. Overall, this is still a title I’d recommend you wait for the trade paperback on.