The debut issue of JSA was a lot to take in: the Justice Society’s senior members were trapped in a different dimension, leaving their younger members to continue the fight against Kobra – and turning on each other during the process. JSA #2 turns the clock back a week, showcasing the events that led to this schism…and it doesn’t skimp on the tragedy.
Having previously written most of the younger JSA members in the debut issue, Jeff Lemire turns his attention to how the full team operates. In the process, he shows that there were already a few cracks in the JSA’s foundation: Obsidian is all for a harsher brand of justice when dealing with Kobra, which causes friction between him and Wildcat. But there are also some heartfelt moments in between all the superhero infighting and straight up supervillain fights.
That happens when the older JSAers are pulled into the different dimension. Immediately they show why they’ve become a force to be reckoned with, as Jay Garrick takes off on a trail to find the way home while Hawkman and Hawkgirl take to the skies. But it’s Wildcat who gets the standout moment, since he manages to comfort Doctor Fate in a moment of crisis. It shows that he’s more than the “gruff old boxer” he’s usually portrayed as, and it’s a testament to Lemire’s creative talent that he can juggle so many different characters without losing sight of what makes them fan favorites. It bodes very well for his upcoming run on Absolute Flash with Nick Robles.
DC
I also continue to be impressed by Diego Orlotegui’s artwork. His lines are clean, crisp, and yet somehow manage to be insanely dynamic. Whenever Jay or Jesse Quick moves, it’s with the speed of someone who can call themselves one of the fastest people alive. Hawkman and Hawkgirl fight with the ferocity of the birds that they take their namesake from, yet also soar with an inhuman grace.
The standout moment, though, is a two page spread where the Injustice Society invades the JSA brownstone. Not only is it sudden, but it’s destructive; one panel has Solomon Grundy literally descending from the skies and sending heroes flying with a massive shockwave. Immediately after this, the other members of the Injustice Society arrive; it’s a whirl of violence and chaos, lit in clashing colors by Luis Gurrero.
Like the first issue, JSA #2 ends with a massive shock. But unlike other comics that feel like they have to throw something shocking at the reader to keep their attention, this feels like a genuine surprise thanks to the character work on display. One thing’s for sure: Lemire and Orlotegui aren’t pulling any punches when it comes to the JSA.
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