Review
JSA # 10
Writer: Geoff Johns with Story assistance from Alex Ross
Pencils: Dale Eaglesham
Inkers: Ruy Jose and Drew Geraci
DC Comics
The Justice Society of America are the world’s epic heroes. They are a generation spanning society that makes sure that not only is the world safe, but that the next generation learns from and works with the heroes of yesteryear. When written by Geoff Johns, this has been a very good book, with very interesting ideas for a very long time indeed. I wish I was reviewing a more full issue, but this book paces itself slowly often, giving the big ideas within time to develop. The big idea this issue: Kingdom Come Superman joins the normal Earth.
This issue serves two major purposes. The first of these is that the JSA are wary of a new Superman. The last new/old Superman heralded a major disaster in Infinite Crisis. This makes sense and comes across well with the senior characters who have seen most and have the most reason to be suspicious carrying the debate. The characterization isn’t overt, but who says what is handled with the ease of one who truly understands the characters and how they would react in any situation.
The other purpose is to familiarize this Superman with readers who did not read Kingdom Come or don’t remember it particularly well. A lot went on in that story, so the summary comes off a bit shallow, but at least the original Alex Ross art is maintained and still as stunning as ever. This was about as good an introduction as could be done.
The story has hit the ground and this is a good, big idea, particularly for those familiar with the character. JSA is a book of old heroes, so tends to get the more hardcore fan, which will certainly have been those who read Kingdom Come in the first place. This Superman’s reactions and interactions with current heroes are a genuine point of interest to many fans, myself included, and I’m more than willing to indulge in the initial set up to get to the character moments promised ahead. If you have the patience for a proper set-up with good characterizations, or just really like Kingdom Come (Who doesn’t?), then try this book out.
