JSA #16 review

The new secret origin of the Justice Society of America continues and guess what? It gets really rather good. So far I’ve been a little underwhelmed by the constant short scenes of paired characters all getting little bits of the storyline. This time, things come together and we get some super team magic.

Before that, though, we join two heroes who don’t make it to the big fight later in the issue. While Dr Fate Kent Nelson is fit for duty, Jim Corrigan is terrified to let the Spectre out to play.

Over at a private airship outside Gotham City, meanwhile, new pals Atom Al Pratt and Wonder Woman Hippolyta have tracked down the villainous Sportsmaster – early adopter of the Puffa jacket – and Satanna, who are knee deep in a scheme involving animal transportation. With henchmen heading for the hanger with crates, they spring at the bad guys, as the only heroes on the scene.

Well, that’s what they thought. Hawkman Carter Hall and Hawkgirl Shiera Sanders are on the attack, and would surely be grateful for a hand. Especially when Satanna appears with another bad guy, Cyclotron.

Sir, that is uncalled for.

Back in the city, Green Lantern is uncostumed as Alan Scott, questioning the boss of tunnel building firm Starco about the death of his architect pal.

As for Flash Jay Garrick and Johnny Thunder, in the Gotham Subway, a reluctant Jay, worn down by the kid’s keenness for a team-up, says Johnny and his magic Thunderbolt can join him at the airstrip if they can keep up. Actually they can, as Johnny commands his pink pal to take them all there. An instant later…

The final two mystery men we’ve been following over the last few issues, Sandman Wesley Dodds and Hourman Rex Tyler, are below Starco, where they’ve came across a shiny stranger, chained to a wall.

Rather than tell the heroes to get on with helping him get free, Will tells the heroes how he got there…

… and wouldn’t you know it, it’s the origin of Amazing Man, and it’s not dissimilar to the Bronze Age original. So that’s a point for writer Jeff Lemire, who finally gets enough wheels spinning to have me smiling, As does this line from Hippolyta after Hawkman again insults Atom.

Ouch. Still, I wish we’d simply got to see scrapper Al punch that smug smile off Hawkman’s beak.

The issue ends with the reveal of the mystery bad guy overseeing the lesser villains. It’s pretty obvious to veteran readers but it’s not disappointing, as it’s a blackguard I always enjoy. Let’s see what skulduggery they’re up to.

The dialogue really seems to have taken a pep pill this issue, the book feels lighter, breezier, despite definite dark doings. Big points for a gag Lemire puts in for the Legion fans.

Characterisations may feel a little off compared to the familiar versions, such as Jay’s reluctance to give Johnny a shot, and Carter’s boorishness, but the heroes are very young here, perhaps a little unsure of themselves as they meet other mystery men for the first time; maybe we aren’t seeing them at their best, and they’ll relax as time goes on. We shall see.

Illustrator Gavin Guidry seems to be more enthused about this issue’s script than he was with the previous instalment, giving us confident storytelling with plenty of moments that pop off the page. The action scenes are terrific, the interactions convince, heck, even Johnny Thunder looks cool.

As does his Thunderbolt pal, who looks glorious as coloured by Luis Guerrero. I also enjoyed the sky hues, although the blinds in the Starco office really need lowering. The tones are attractive throughout, and the lettering by Steve Wands is zesty.

All in all, this is the best issue since the new origin sequence began. Let’s hope next issue keep going in a positive direction.