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Legends. It is a word that gets thrown around quite often. Few times does the word encompass what it’s attached to. In the case of DC’s first superhero team, that is the only way to describe them. Alan Scott. Jay Garrick. Ted Grant. Definitions of true timeless heroics.
The Justice Society of America have been fighting the good fight since the days of World War II. Since then, the team has adapted through the years without loosing itself in beliefs. It has also encompassed a family sense with many legacy heroes filling in the ranks. How does the team fare now in the new stat quo of “All In”?
JSA #1 by Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) looks to provide those answers in much more with its’ re-entry into the DCU.
Let’s take a closer look at how this legendary team fares!
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire takes the team to task with the latest installment. At its’ core, the heroic ethics of the team remain unchanged by the eras they fight in. With the fallout of Amanda Waller’s actions in “Absolute Power”, they appear to be the most challenged. This new perspective is clearly seen in the writing of Obsidian.
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The hero’s overly aggressive nature is a stark contrast from the team’s more grounded nature. It provides opposition to Jade. Her leadership as the new chair is questioned. The fight to stay true to form proves to be a difficult task. Other members are split on where they side. Where the elder members would handle this quickly, the younger generation are filled with emotional outbursts.
Readers do see a quick glimpse of the veteran lineup but they have their hands filled with a true threat. This doesn’t stop Lemire from throwing in a big swerve with the close. Readers watch as the final page drops a strong cliffhanger for the classic team to conquer.
Olortegui and Guerrero catch readers up to speed with a quick synopsis of the team with the opening pages. A near pull page image showcases the original lineup in action. Once the story swings into present day, Obsidian demonstrates his powers with a big two page splash. This sets the tone for the emotional wear the team carries. Adapting to the current hostile state proves to be a stronger adversary than realized.
The classic team gets in the action with a few key panels. Readers watched as the heroes fall into familiar territory with the action, A two page splash involving Dr. Fate amps up the danger before returning to present. Events conclude with a full page panel that will have fans excited to see what happens next. This is JSA storytelling 101.
FINAL POINT: 8.8
The new era of the JSA is hit with an ethical onslaught in this debut chapter. Lemire’s writing poses a rift in the ideals of heroics for the classic team. Olortegui and Guerrero construct the vintage feel associated with the legendary team. Readers will want to make a point to see how things play out from here.
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