Reviewer: Mathan “R.I.P. O.D.B.” Erhardt
Story Title: The Autopsy
Written by: Geoff Johns
Penciled by: Dave Gibbons
Inked by: James Hodgkins
Colored by: John Kalisz
Lettered by: Ken Lopez
Editor: Peter Tomasi
Publisher: DC Comics
The issue begins with scenes of how various members of the JSA dealt with the death of Sue Dibny. We see how Green Lantern, both Hourmen, and Hawkgirl & Sand reacted to the news that Sue was dead.
Doctor Mid-Nite narrates the story as he performs her autopsy with Mr. Terrific. We learn how they both felt about the funeral and how they are taking the autopsy with the utmost seriousness.
Then we see Power Girl at Sue’s gravesite. As she breaks down Superman swoops in to console her. They talk about Power Girl’s place in the DCU. We learn that Power Girl feels guilty about the death, and doesn’t feel she doesn’t have anything to lose.
Meanwhile Jay Garrick tries to protect his wife, Joan. Jay’s secret ID is common knowledge, and he’s worried for Joan’s safety. He also assists with the test results in the autopsy, while keeping an eye on his wife. But the stress of the situation is getting to him.
Wildcat tries to get some information from Mirror Master about Sue’s death. When Mirror Master gets the upper hand Stargirl and S.T.R.I.P.E. arrive to even the odds. After the rogue is dealt with, Courtney and Pat address how the murder has affected their lives.
The story ends with Doctor Mid-Nite making a shocking discovery about Sue’s death. The epilogue of the story is set in 1951, where Johnny Thunder tries to convince Atom not to give up the hero gig after the HUAAC hearings. And then we see Per Degaton who declares, “Time is on my side.”
Johns manages to squeeze the majority of the JSA membership’s reaction to the events of Identity Crisis into this issue, and does a great job of it. He adds depth to Mr. Terrific and progresses the idea of Power Girl’s lack of place in the DCU. This is a great issue as part of JSA or as a tie-in to Identity Crisis. It’s relevant to both series, equally.
First off, JH Williams and Dave Stewart provide a beautiful cover. The art chores on this issue are handled by Dave Gibbons and James Hodgkins. It’s got a very “silver age” feel, and is very reminiscent of Curt Swan’s work. This is a very emotional issue and Gibbons really captures the emotion in every character; from Mr. Terrific’s justified anger to Power Girl’s desolation. It’s a very powerful issue.
