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Justice Society of America #1
Posted 30 Jan 2007
Writer: Geoff johns
Artist: Dale Eaglesham
Ink: Art Thibert
Publisher: DC Comics
5.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by John L. Daniels Jr.
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DC Comics once again have reinvented The Justice Society of America
with the help of their most prolific writer Geoff Johns.
Over the past 62 years, the Justice Society of America team has
gone through many changes. From its original conception in All Star
Comics #3 (published by National Publications) until its demise
with issue #57 through its rebirth at DC Comics with issue #58 in
1976. The team returned as the Super Squad, with new members featuring
the Star-Spangled Kid, Robin from Earth II, and it was here readers
were introduced to Power Girl. In 1981, DC Comics renamed the title
and team into the All-Star Squadron.
Ah, yes the cover of the issue All-Star Squadron #1 by Rich Buckler
of Hawkman, Dr. Midnite, and the golden age Atom looking at potential
prospects is ominous and reminiscent of this brand new #1 issue
cover.
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The past Justice Society of America and Justice League of America
stories surrounding the selection process of new members has
continually kept readers in suspense. Who will be picked and hold the
distinct honor of becoming a new member of one of the longest standing
teams in comic book history?
In a selection process there is always someone who thinks they are
the only individual to have the ultimate say. In meetings you have
your occasional bantering and your finger points and the inevitable
raising of the voices, which turns into hollering and as we witnessed
lately in some government election results, pure fisticuffs. I
proclaim that superheroes and government officials should devise and
use a protocol for selection process (hey let's be realistic they are
role models for us civilians).
Well Mr. Wildcat is coughing up a fur ball about the brand new
blood selected for The Justice Society of America, for which he is a
founding member. I guess Wildcat is tired of all the many applicants
over time that he had to bring up as babes in the woods and teach them
the real way to be a champion, having character. Nope that is not it;
his way is a swift left to the jaw and is done with villains like
Degaton or Vandal Savage.
The JSA is a combination of the core founders
mixed in with the new breed of young whippersnappers. So what is
ahead for this new team of heroes? The writing by Geoff Johns is
amazing, he seems never to get tired of writing about the adventures
of the JSA, and that is a treat for the many JSA and Geoff Johns
fans.
As with any first issue in a series, characterization is crucial,
so readers may view many changes in the following months to catch the
reader's attention. In other words, how long will it take before a
villain interrupts the selection process and the real action begins?
Not long at all. The artwork by Dale Eaglesham is vibrant and
expressively presented. Eaglesham's artistry has the same qualities of
presenting a golden age look to the characters. Along with inking
extraordinaire Art Thibert, both talents could accompany the days of
the X-men series when Thibert teamed up with Jim Lee.
In one panel, Green Lantern is placing the photograph of Liberty
Belle on the cork board; the detail of his hand and ring magnifies
distinction and human anatomy detail. While comparing some of the
panels in this issue and simultaneously looking at a reprint of the
old All-Star Comics #1 (and the All-Star Comics reprint
#58 as well as All-Star Squadron #4), I studied the distinctive
qualities that make artists of any era unique. Only one word comes to
mind: “skill.” Thibert and Eaglesham have it.
Justice Society of America #1 is a colossal first issue. Not
in size; this issue is colossal in the depth of storytelling and the
exciting artwork. After reading the issue I felt the adrenaline
running, I did not want the story to end. I cannot wait until the next
issue. As the character Damage said in a panel about joining the JSA,
“What could you possibly offer me?” My reply summed up in
a single inquisitive word: “Excitement!”
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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