JSA #3 begins with the Justice Society in some dire straits. Hawkman was nearly stabbed to death and now finds himself the prisoner of demons. Doctor Fate is suffering a crisis of confidence, while Jay Garrick is at the mercy of the Injustice Society. Elsewhere, Dr. Mid-Nite learns a shocking truth and a deeper connection blooms between Jade and Sand.
Much like the previous issue, Jeff Lemire puts his focus on the bonds the JSA share, and in the process he’ll remind fans what separates the JSA from other superhero teams in the DC Universe: they’re a family, whether through passing down heroic legacies or forming bonds with each other. Jade even says it outright! Lemire doesn’t skimp on the emotional moments either; the standout in my eyes has to be when Wildcat tells Dr. Fate about his own fears…then urges the younger man to push past his.
It’s Hawkman who gets the most focus, though, as Lemire introduces an interesting wrinkle to his mythology: exactly how many times can he be reincarnated? This question not only opens up a whole new nest of storytelling possibilities, but it also leads to the introduction of another deep-cut DC character – and one who’s gotten a substantial makeover. Either way, the ending sequence is full of possibilities.
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Diego Olortegui has been drawing some pretty intense action, and that doesn’t let up in this issue, especially when Jay gets loose and starts pummeling the Society. (Again: Olortegui is one of the rare artists who can actually capture the movement of a super speedster.) But he also excels at capturing the little moment. The conversation between Jade and Sand is a great one, as Orlotegui not only draws panels focusing on their proximity – particularly where their hands are concerned – but between their shifting eyes.
Orlotegui also hops between three different landscapes: the Underworld, the Tower of Fate, and the JSA Brownstone. Thanks to Luis Guerrero, each of these landscapes has its own unique visual flair. The Underworld is red hot flames and burning magma; the Brownstone, despite having multiple rooms filled with hi-tech gadgetry, feels warm and inviting; the Tower of Fate is a labyrinth of never ending stone staircases, mirroring the plight the rest of the JSA is facing while trapped within its walls.
After the chaos of the past two issues, JSA #3 serves as a breather of sorts, while also reminding folks that this team functions best as a family. As we enter a new year, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the creative team keeps that at the forefront of the story.
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