WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Justice League #44, by Robert Venditti, Xermancio, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Tom Napolitano, on sale now.
Since the current incarnation of the Justice League came together, the team has been surrounded by more threats than ever. Following the devastating actions of Lex Luthor and the Batman Who Laughs, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Dark Knights: Death Metal is poised to shake the Justice League and the DC Universe to its core. But before then, Robert Vendetti and Xermancio's Justice League #44 explores the team's current dynamic as they prepare for their greatest battle.
This issue follows the team in their bid to aid Aquaman after an attack on an Atlantean outpost in the South Pole. After finding an army of monsters bearing down on Aquaman, it doesn't take long for Wonder Woman to recognize these creatures as the former captives of Tartarus. These creatures of Greek mythology were held captive under the responsibility of Themyscira but have somehow now been released. While this conflict began with these monsters attacking Atlantis, their rage is directed towards Wonder Woman, which allows the team to return them to their imprisonment.
Having dealt with the threat, and searching for an explanation for this connection between the Amazons and Atlanteans, the Justice League is attacked by one of the DC universe's most powerful heroes and the orchestrator of this attack: the Spectre.
Created by Jerry Siegel and Bernard Baily in 1940, the Spectre has served a vital role since the early days of the DC Universe as a Biblical figure. Following Lucifer's rebellion against God, one of the fallen angels, named Aztar, returned and sought forgiveness for his actions. Forced to pay for his crimes, the demon Aztar was imbued with the Divine Wrath and transformed into the Spectre. In this new role, the Spectre was created to exact justice on those that committed evil deeds. With this singular drive, this spirit was forced to engage in a neverending battle, constantly finding more evil that demanded its attention. As the literal embodiment of "God's wrath," there's not much that the Spectre cannot do, and he will often manipulate reality to find a fitting punishment for his victims.
While this spirit has held a long history and has used many hosts to fulfill his mission, James Tynion IV and Kyle Hotz's Detective Comics run helped to specify which version is responsible for the Justice League's current problems. Currently, the host of the Spectre is Jim Corrigan, a hard-boiled detective from the 1940's. Dedicating his life to taking down crime, both Corrigan and his girlfriend were killed by the mob as retaliation for his actions. After drowning in a barrel of cement, Corrigan was approached and accepted the burden as Spectre, often blurring the line between justice and vengeance.
The Spectre's decision to attack the Justice League is an odd one, especially considering his recent appearances. Since Rebirth, the Spectre has only appeared a few times. Aside from his recent team up with Batman, his appearances have usually involved some reality-shattering event. This was the case during Perpetua's rise and her eventual destruction of the DC universe. With the Justice League defeated by the overwhelming power of doom, the Quintessence, a group of cosmic beings, stepped in to save them and present them a path to victory. The Spectre was also present as part of that group, and he was one of the many individuals that were desperate to defeat Perpetua.
As the issue comes to a close, the Spectre begins to manipulate the minds of the Justice League, drawing their past grudges and deep resentments into outright hostility. When Batman confronts Superman about his decision to reveal his identity, Aquaman challenges Wonder Woman over their respective strength and abilities as warriors. For each hero, their long-held grudges seem to be centered around their own desire for control among a team of gods. This current run has already dealt with this issue, with John Stewart coming into conflict with Batman over the role of leader. Instead of using his own power, it seems that the Spectre wants to use the League itself to tear them apart.
The Spectre will direct his punishment against any offender, so his true purpose remains unclear. If the Justice League has committed some heinous action, he would have no problem with their destruction. On the other hand, the Spectre could merely be testing the League in a bid to prepare them for craziness that will be Death Metal. Given his harsh tactics, both options would fit entirely within the Spectre's usual actions.