In Justice Society of America #10, readers can finally see the fallout from the identity reveal of last issue. Newer fans might wonder who Mordru is since that is the face under the mask of the Golden Age Legionnaire. Honestly, Mordru is a highly complex character with a complicated history, the same as DC Comics. That sentence isn’t a dig at both, but hopefully, this issue will help newer fans with the character as they explore this series and its past. So, who is Mordru, and which version are we dealing with? Just how does the Justice Society fit into this business?
DC Comics
Geoff Johns uses this issue to highlight the fact that this version of Huntress has transformed the Justice Society into a beacon of second chances for all. In this issue, you can see how much this chance at redemption means to Mordru. I enjoyed how there was a call back to the last issue with Mister Terrific, and you can tell that Quiz Kid’s words struck a chord. That moment is an excellent validation for all these new characters and seeing that they are making a significant impact. I eagerly anticipate more new characters getting a chance to shine before Johns concludes this story arc.
Returning to my original question of who and which version of Mordru we are dealing with, the character of Mordru has had many incarnations, but this version is the one who fought the Justice Society at the start of their JSA series. The reasoning behind that selection is from Huntress’s thoughts. When she is profiling the redemption recruits, as she spotlights Mordru, she mentions that the Justice Society had fought him before as he tried to claim the helm of Fate. That story arc played out in JSA Secret Files #1 and JSA #1 – 4 from 1999. I highly recommend reading it if you haven’t, as it is a nice full circle with this current version of the Justice Society and Geoff Johns.
DC Comics
This issue features the talents of two artists, series regular Mikel Janin and guest Marco Santucci. Janin’s work on the issue’s opening, which features the Legion of Substitute Heroes and a battle between the Justice Society and the Gentleman Ghost, allows him to showcase his exceptional character design and battle choreography skills. The second half, beautifully handled by Santucci, perfectly captures the story’s emotional intensity. One of the team members had to be used by Mordru in the battle. They are unhappy about that, which contrasts nicely with Mordru’s intentions to help. I enjoy the rift this causes within the team, but now they will be tested by the group showing up for our cliffhanger ending.
DC Comics
The issue reads quickly, and I went back to count pages to see if I was missing some. Things are getting tighter for the Justice Society of America series under Johns, and with just two issues left to conclude, I am hoping for some fulfilling comics. Johns and company did make JSA a top-tier comic back in the day, and I was very excited when I heard about the New Golden Age, which does need a chance to shine as there is so much of DC’s history and legacy there that can be worthwhile. Considering what is happening with Mordru and the idea of redemption, I hope the Justice Society and Geoff Johns come to a firm and valuable conclusion.
Seeing the JSA in action is exciting, but this issue reads too quickly, leaving you with quite the build-up of emotions. The rift between the team concerning the Golden Age Legionnaire has such potential for character drama, but it is cut short by the cliffhanger ending. Hopefully, the following two issues will be rich and timely so that the New Golden Age can end this arc on a high note.
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