Justice Society of America #1 Review - JSA First Issue Review

Justice Society of America

Writer:

Geoff Johns

Artist:

Alex Ross (Covers and Creative Consultant)
Dale Eaglesham (Illustrator)
Art Thibert (Inker)

Content:

The Justice Society of America is a teen plus rated book. There are scenes of violence, some adult themes, as well as some minor cursing.

Introduction

This superhero team has history. Being the first superhero team in existence makes them a group that people look up to, dream about joining, and pray for their arrival at the first sign of danger. The JSA has many veterans as part of the group like Wildcat, and the original Green Lantern and The Flash. The team also has newer heroes, like granddaughter of the Red tornado Maxine Hunkel.

The Story

During the DC year long event, “52,” the JSA had looked to disband. With all the new superheroes cropping up, long time adventurers Wildcat, Green Lantern, and The Flash think of ending the JSA. Their presence feels no longer wanted with these upstart heroes who have a lot of attitude and oftentimes act less like heroes and more like villains.

Enter Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, who urge the remaining members of the JSA to reform. They are actually more needed than ever, needed to show these new heroes the way that true justice acts, needed to keep them in line, needed to be their moral compass. Spurred on by these encouragements, they reform the Justice Society of America, hoping to make a difference in the world.

They start with recruiting heroes that have a history with the JSA, like Damage, son of founding member Atom and Maxine Hunkel, granddaughter of the original Red Tornado, who is showing flight powers all her own. Other long lasting heroes like Mr. Terrific, Power Girl, and Doctor Mid-Nite join other great heroes like Hourman, Stargirl, Liberty Belle, and the enigmatic Starman who may need the JSA as much as they need him.

Review

Overall, this is a great start for the new version of the JSA. Geoff Johns really shines in his storytelling, and the stunning art by Dale Eaglesham adds a lot to the story as well. The panels are laid out expertly adding a lot of drama and comedy to the scenes. Top it off with covers by master comic painter Alex Ross, and you have a great creative team here.

The story itself has a lot of character development showing the exuberance of new character Maxine Hunkel, granddaughter of the original Red Tornado as well as the roles that Green Lantern, The Flash, and Wildcat play. Through it all the commentary of Wildcat shows what the JSA looks like through the eyes of a grizzled veteran who has seen more than his share of loss and death from his teammates.

The only thing that I felt a little let down on was some of the content. In one battle scene between Damage and villain Rebel, there is a lot of talk about making each other their “bitch”. There is also a sequence of Mr. America savagely seeking to avenge his families murders. For a team that is supposed to be DC’s moral compass, I thought this was a little out of place. Longtime JSA fans might feel offended by this and this content may make it a little unsuitable for younger readers.

Conclusion

Despite any content issues, JSA Volume three issue one is on a great start to make it one of DC’s premiere comics. The pace of the comic is great and the startling revelations left me intrigued as to where the creative team is going. There will need to be a lot more character development as we see how this new team will work together and start to gel as a team.

For being a comic book full of second string heroes, the JSA is complex, well told, and stunningly drawn comic book that will surely be a great success. If you liked the JSA before or enjoy good superhero team action, then you should check out the latest incarnation of the Justice Society of America.