JSA #10 review

Even without the red spectacles, this is an eye-catching cover from Leonardo Romero. A couple of issues back the new Kid Eternity, who can’t remember who she was while alive, was confronted by the ghosts of Justice Society members. It made for a cracking cliffhanger- what did they want with her? But last month neither Kid nor superheroic shades appeared, so answers there were none. In JSA #10, though, Wildcat, Dr Fate, Dr Mid-Nite, the Atom, Sandman and Hourman are joined by a ghostly guardian from the Golden Age.

And if the Kid’s ears are burning, that’s because, in some Hell realm, Hawkgirl and Hawkman are bickering about her… she was with them before she disappeared, summoned by Justice Society Dead. Carter Hall wants them to return to the Tower of Fate, where current wearer of the golden helm of Nabu, Khalid Nassour, was last seen batttling a demon incursion, insisting of the teen spirit, ‘She’s a ghost – or ghost adjacent. She’ll be fine.’ Kendra, though, points out that while Khalid had other JSAers at his side, Kid Eternity is alone. So off they flap and soon they find a clue.

And back at the JSA brownstone in Gotham, Green Lantern reacts to the news that Injustice Society of America member Johnny Sorrow has been impersonating his son Obsidian.

While on Blackhawk Island, site of Hawkman’s Secret Museum where the ISA leaders hope they can find the fabled Spear of Destiny, Red Lantern tells Kobra queen Lady Eve she’s not entirely sure they should be raising Lovecraftian death gods.

Writer Jeff Lemire is on good form this month, switching back and forth between the various fields of conflict, giving us fun interactions aplenty. It’s satisfying to finally see the new Kid Eternity in action once Mr Keeper explains her JSA-specific deal, Jesse Quick gets a great moment with Johnny Sorrow, and Alan Scott surprises younger team members as he lays down the law. It’s pleasing to see Ruby have doubts about her teaming with the ISA, and Shadow Thief proves more impressive than he has in a long time. Plus, we get a mention of the team’s Steel Eagle plane – how many years has it been?

The only question is, what’s Rex Tyler doing among the dead? The last we saw of him the original Hourman was hale and hearty.

Having drawn JSA #7, Rafael De Latorre is back with another excellent art job. The compositions sing and emotions convince – we’ve waited a good few months to see Kid Eternity in action, and it was worth the wait. The colours of Luis Guerrero add extra drama and depth, he’s especially good at lending the Justice Spooks of America a ghostly glow. The distinctive fonts used by Steve Wands also help give this book its visual identity, and they’re a pleasure as always.

The cliffhanger hints at a real brouhaha brewing for next issue – let’s hope it’s as enjoyable a comic as this one.