By skyforbes 
JSA or The Justice Society of America is one of DC’s most recognizable superhero teams, in fact it is THE Superhero Team, harkening back to the Golden Age of Comics in the 1940’s. If you are unfamiliar with the name, you are most likely acquainted with some of the more notable figures that went on to have solo title series such as The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, and Doctor Fate. However, a large part of the appeal of the JSA mythos is the lesser known cast, a host of underutilized characters in the modern era such as Hourman, The Spectre, Sandman, Wildcat, Atom, and the list goes on and on. JSA is the superhero title that superhero fans love to return to in order to remember what made the genre so prolific, eye-catching, and thematically important in the first place.
In recent years, JSA has seen a slight resurgence on shelves from DC, with recurring limited series from Geoff Johns and now this multi-volume run from Jeff Lemire, who has largely picked up from where Johns left off and sprinted full steam ahead with a surprisingly exceptional series. This title has been one of my guilty pleasures in the week to week cycle of comics but is a difficult one to dive into for review with lengthy backstories for every single character involved and a complex plot from Lemire in his multi-part “Ragnarok” story. However, this week sees the extended release of the series (reminiscent of the critical acclaim that got us six more issues of Ram V’s extraordinary Swamp Thing back in 2021) with a brand new, retro story arc that is as perfect a place to jump in for new readers as any.
What makes Lemire’s current addition to the legendary JSA saga is his attention to character detail, seamlessly tying together bits and pieces of loose plot threads introduced over the last decade (such as Hawkman and Hawkgirl’s retconned backstory from Robert Vendetti’s phenomenal Hawkman series that some might call an unrecognized masterpiece that deserves its own DC Compact Edition to reach a broader audience, but maybe that’s just me) and finding the perfect scenarios in order to make each member of his immense ensemble cast of heroes AND villains shine. What’s more, Lemire is dealing with a whole host of new iterations of legacy characters with mantles that have been past on such as Wildcat, Doctor Fate, Hourman, and more, and yet still finds the time to introduce new characters and tie in elements of other comic series that fans may or may not have read. The result is a layered, emotionally complex, and expansive series that makes the reader feel like a kid again, diving into a whole WORLD of amazing characters they were unfamiliar with only moments ago, but now feel deeply invested in.
With issue #13, readers are about to be given an all too rare glimpse into the origins of some of the most iconic characters in the DC roster, and fans of Lemire’s run to date will have the opportunity to learn even more about the legendary characters they have already seen so much of (and perhaps even a revealing peak into more of the events leading up to the original “Spear of Destiny” saga.)
If you are a fan of classic adventure stories or are looking for a superhero series with a more historical fiction aesthetic, then JSA might just be the perfect series for you!
But let’s talk more specifically about JSA #13, which means,
WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!
Our story begins on the eve of WWII, as the separate lives of a few fateful individuals (namely Alan Scott, Rex Tyler, Jay Garrick, Wesley Dodds, and Carter and Shiera Hall) are about to be inexorably intertwined. In montage fashion, we see a glimpse into the lives of all these seemingly ordinary people in the Summer of 1940, as their paths begin to cross. In true Lemire fashion, the pacing of the JSA title is unfolding rather than direct, allowing Lemire to patiently set the stage for his overarching plot rather than throwing us into the mix. Which means that unaccustomed readers need only stay patient.
We follow Alan Scott, the original Earthly Green Lantern, as he catches up with his friend Gordon in Gotham City. However, quickly into their conversation, Gordon begins acting paranoid, speaking in vague riddles about his trepidation surrounding the Starco corporation which we see also recently partnered with Rex Tyler’s company. Gordon doesn’t give Alan Scott any answers, racing away from the restaurant in panic.
Gordon’s exit leads right to the door of the aforementioned Starco Corporation where we find both Rex Tyler (Hourman) and Wesley Dodds (Sandman) already secretly investigating the interior. Sandman reveals that he had a dream about dying in this place as the duo venture further into the darkened halls, incapacitating security along the way.
Meanwhile, we find Carter and Shiera in the jungles of South America, investigating a map given to them by Doctor Fate before falling into a trap as well as watching Atom beat the shit out of a group of secret American Nazi’s in a Gotham speakeasy.
We also witness the not-so-glamorous meeting of Johnny Thunder and Professor Jay Garrick in a hilarious and awkward scene that showcases how secretive and bizarre the early days of superherodom really were. In this scene, Johnny Thunder rather bluntly approaches Jay after class and whispers that he knows his secret identity which- is kind of a red flag to be honest. Then when Jay questions Johnny’s identity, he rather bluntly relays that he is actually the avatar for a magic genie that he keeps trapped inside his pen which- just sounds like something a crazy person would say. In the modern era of comics, with superheroes being so common and helpful to society, team ups come easy and often without question, however back in the 1940’s the concept of anonymity was crucial even amongst other heroes. Though it is clear that this scene is meant to be a bit of comedic relief, the sincerity and seriousness which colors Jay and Johnny’s responses makes this scene feel grounded in reality rather than just being a step away from the action.
In our final pages, we see Alan Scott pursuing his friend Gordon to his home, and see him transformed into the Green Lantern at the sight of his friend’s corpse, stabbed by a knife.
Though the exact direction of this story isn’t clear from this issue, the tone, characters, and exterior worldly circumstances are relayed in effective fashion by the seasoned writing of Jeff Lemire. Moreover, the artwork from Gavin Guidry in this issue lends a classic, capable touch to this exciting new direction for the series. At the end of this issue, the reader feels overall that the pieces have been laid, the characters set out upon an unknown journey that will come to define an entire inaugural generation of heroes.
Please support your local comic book stores and fall into the past with JSA #13 on shelves now!
Learn more about JSA #13 Review- The Not So Simple Past