Things take a surprising turn when the Justice League reserves join the fight against the atlanteans, and the creatures from the trench become an unexpected third party in the bellic conflict. Cyborg loses another shred of his humanity, Hawkman's character develops more with a few lines than it has with 16 issues of his own book, a mysterious Atom and bubbly Element Woman make their New 52 debut, and a revelation leading to the big conclusion makes everyone fall off their chair. A busy chapter with no dull moment.

Using Cyborg and Mera as the cavalry is a nice touch, since Johns has worked hard on both characters to get them much deserved exposure and recognition. The whole thing with the big three trapped in cocoons is kind of silly, but at least it serves the purpose of getting the heroes to make amends, and even Batman to make a kind of admission/apology; it is very subtle -it's Batman after all- but it's there. Pelletier pulls some nice pages, but the kudos go to Rod Reis for bringing cohesiveness to the story by coloring the entire crossover.