This was a big week with the JSA relaunch. I’ve got it covered as well as Detective Comics, Ant-Man, Batman Confidential, Nightwing, and a whole stocking full of others.
Full Review:
Justice Society of America
Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: Dale Eaglesham
One of the most exciting teams in comics has finally returned. This relaunch brings the same family feel of the last series with an expanded cast and a new beginning to attract first time readers.
At 40 pages this is a big story, with all the bells and whistles an opening shot should have. Overall the story’s a mix of setup, flashback, recap, and three interchanging plots. Johns easily brings his audience up to speed by introducing his team and their place in the DCU quickly and effectively without getting bogged down in a drawn out selection process like the JLA title has. Apparently this process becomes more efficient with age and experience. The current JSA roster according to the cover will consist of Damage, Flash Jay Garrick, Maxine Hunkel (granddaughter of the original), Hawkman (doesn’t appear this issue), Obsidian (very briefly appears), Wildcat, Doc Mid-Nite, Green Lantern Alan Scott, the newlyweds Hourman II and Liberty Bell, Commander Steel (doesn’t appear this issue), Stargirl, Starman, Powergirl, Jakeem Thunder (doesn’t appear this issue), Sand (seen on the last page only), and Mr. Terrific. So essentially anyone who has ever had a connection to the JSA past, present, or future (yes, future) is here, creating one of the largest and most diverse casts in team comics.
With that out of the way, the underlying story can begin and there’s 3 of them in total. A new Mr. America arrives on the scene of a grisly murder, one that becomes more gruesome as the who’s and what’s are revealed. It seems legacy heroes are being targeted and Mr. America finds his own life being torn apart. Separate from this plot the new JSA is being assembled. Damage is brought in, and not a minute too soon, by the gushing newlyweds. Maxine Hunkel is introduced and brought into the family in a rush of adolescent fueled obnoxiousness and finally the new (or old) Starman introduces himself. The brooding Damage and exuberant Maxine stories are fun but the introduction of Starman is not to be missed (get those Legion rings out). The guy’s kooky to say the least and although major hints were dropped about his origin there’s still enough misdirection here, particularly on the last page to keep the excitement heavy. To put it in a nutshell, Starman is crazy…or at least he goes in and out of it…he lives in a sanitarium and when needed he leaves, saves the city, and then returns to his nice and comfy padded room. He also manages to get the best lines in the whole story. Finally the last plot consists of GL, Flash, and Wildcat as they discuss the JSA, their roles in the world, and ultimately their future (in particular Wildcat). The three plots all merge at the end in a 2 page splash shocker that’s quite a feat but not anywhere as big as the 4 panel last page tease which took me completely by surprise.
Johns manages to put out some of his very best work here. More importantly he also manages to start over fresh and introduce new readers without losing any of the feel of the old series or its continuity. It’s a great story for new and old fans alike.
Eaglesham is a master of setup and pose. Facial expressions and complex emotions are nothing for him as he portrays them all with ease, yielding the perfect feel for a story with so many voices. Sometimes it’s easier to convey a character’s thoughts or feelings through body language than through actual dialogue and Eaglesham excels at this. His characters are detailed, his action exciting, and his layouts clear.
Verdict: I loved every page, every panel, every minute. If Johns can deliver on those 4 last page panels then I’m certainly in for the long haul with this book too. As exciting as this story was, the potential storylines that are coming look even more so. Easily the best book of the week. Highly recommended.
Quick Reviews:
Detective Comics #826: Now this is a story. Dini continues to provide the best work that Tec’s seen in quite some time and gives us a classic Joker story sure to go down as one of the best ever written. The Joker’s at his worst here. He murderers his way through the book at an alarming rate shocking even the most hardened of fans. Sadistic doesn’t even begin to describe it. The art, particularly on the Joker’s close-ups kill me. His eyes, the nose, and that big evil grin are etched out with wonderful flare and the cover, Dear Lord, the cover is spectacular. Dini’s best Tec story yet.
Verdict: Combine this one with JSA and you’re guaranteed to go home happy.
The Irredeemable Ant-Man #3: I know I’ve already reviewed this one recently, but I’ve really fallen in love with this book and I’m hoping a little extra push will help some of you to enjoy it too. Ant-Man’s a loveable loser that deep down you really love to hate. Half the fun of this book is rooting for it to all fall apart while the other half is rooting for Eric to pull it off and escape to more mischief. For a normal sized comic the book packs a huge story and every issue’s a treat.
Verdict: A unique story that will surprise anyone who picks it up. Well worth your time.
Batman Confidential #1: I enjoyed it a lot more than Superman Confidential 1 & 2, but I still can’t for the life of me figure out what’s wrong with “Legends of the Dark Knight”. Do we really need 2 series of “untold” Batman tales? Apparently so, and for a first issue it doesn’t disappoint. Bats tries to stop a murder, investigate a mysterious energy weapon, and head off Luthor for a defense contract all at once. It’s a good thing that all of this seems to be connected. The art’s not so great, the shadows are heavy and distracting. Just not my thing at all.
Verdict: Since the book will likely have little impact on current continuity it’s certainly passable, but this opening issue does enough right to hold my interest at least until issue 2.
The Loser of the Week:
Nightwing #127: Oh the agony this book puts me through each month. I want it to be good, hell I want it to be great and Wolfman should be bringing this title back to its glory days …right? Not with this issue. The plot goes nowhere here as Dick just tries to get out of being buried alive. I get it, seriously I do…so stop with all the heavy exposition…it bores me to tears. Let’s just get back to being Nightwing and doing what needs to be done. Also perhaps the star of the book should win a fight occasionally. Just a thought.
Verdict: Perhaps it’s the Ant-Man talking, but maybe they should have let him die in IC.
The Rundown:
Notable notables a.k.a. the “Must Buys” for this week:
JSA: Covered
Detective Comics: Covered
The Irredeemable Ant-Man: Covered
The Walking Dead: Now that’s what I call torture. Bravo Mr. Kirkman.
52: The space plot becomes intense. Great week for 52.
The Good:
Superman Confidential: Still kind of bored, but decent overall.
The Outsiders: A nice wrap-up.
G. I. Joe America’s Elite: Fun, yet the conclusion’s all too easy.
The Incredible Hulk: A solid story that’s just way too short.
Uncanny X-Men: My only problem with this book is that it’s beginning to feel too drawn out, otherwise another solid outing.
New Excalibur: Gets better with every issue. I’m going to really miss Tieri.
The All New Atom: Continues to be a fun ride, but I can’t help but wish for a little more of Gail’s trademark humor.
Batman Confidential: Covered
The Filler:
Nightwing: Covered
Marvel Holiday Special: Some good gags, in particular the M.O.D.O.F. one, but not near enough to justify the $3.99 price tag.
Supergirl: Just wasn’t in the mood for 22 pages of teenage introspection.
