Justice Society of America (vol.3) #12 (2008)

Justice Society of America (vol.3) #12 (March, 2008)
"Thy Kingdom Come, New Recruits"
Story - Geoff Johns & Alex Ross
Penciller - Dale Eaglesham
Inker - Ruy Jose
Colorist - Alex Sinclair
Letterer - Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor - Harvey Richards
Editor - Michael Siglain
Cover Price: $2.99

Ya know, I've seen this cover a whole bunch of times... and never realized it's a Rossian homage to Giant-Size X-Men #1!

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We open with the return of Jakeem Thunder and (erg) Yz the Thunderbolt to the JSA brownstone.  The stickers on his luggage give the impression that he has been rather well-traveled during his time away... and is a bit disappointed the team didn't amp up the pomp and ballyhoo for his return home.  He overhears some hoopla from down the hall, and follows it to find... some Society members who are completely new to him, which he doesn't seem to like one bit.

We witness some awkward, and almost contentious introductions... and see that Wildcat is just about to begin sparring with Judomaster.  Ahhh, here comes that scene I was expecting back in issue #9... where the veteran Wildcat gets schooled by one of the kiddos.

We scoot over to the elders as they do that thing where they pore over a table-full of photos as they discuss their ongoing JSA recruitment drive.  When they come across one photo in particular, it's decided that there's one new recruit they should visit in person.

Speaking of visiting in person, we pop over to New Orleans... home of Amazing Man.  Not the original, of course... he'd be over 100 by now.  This is his grandson, Markus Clay.  Superman-22 and Power Girl are headed down to the Big Easy to make their pitch.  Along the way, Pee Gee provides the origin for the first Amazing Man, Will Everett.

They touch down, and meet the man himself.  He's cool with the idea of joining the Justice Society, however he's got a lot of work to do in (post-Katrina) New Orleans before he can leave.  Superman and Power Girl help him hoist a huge barge back into the gulf.

We check in with the new Mr. America, Jeffrey Graves.  Remember, he was Trey Thompson's FBI insider and pal... who got fired when the FBI found out that he was Trey Thompson's insider and pal.  He's found some more dead villains... and we're starting to see a trend.  All of these baddies proclaimed themselves to be demigods... or just gods in general.  The newest are Maxie Zeus' old running buddies, the New Olympians!  As Graves investigates, we see a shadow creeping up on him.

Next stop, Chicago!  More specifically, the home of Black Lightning, Jefferson Pierce.  Mr. Terrific, Stargirl, and Cyclone are having some coffee with the Pierces while discussing the manifestation of powers in their youngest daughter, Jennifer.  Their older daughter, Anissa currently (pun!) displays electricity-based powers as well... and serves as Outsiders member, Thunder.  Well, if Jennifer doesn't wind up going by Lightning, I'll eat my hat!  Okok, I already know she becomes Lightning.

After tripping out the electricity, Jennifer comes downstairs... and we get a pretty cute scene between her and motormouth Maxine.  Now, we know Maxine is an excitable gal... who loves to talk, but this is all new to Jennifer.

Back at the New Olympians death-site, Hourman and Liberty Belle arrive on the scene.  While Jesse chats up an FBI Agent, Rick snoops around... and finds a column with the letters G-O carved in it.  Hmm.  At the same time we can see Mr. America frantically fleeing across the rooftops.

We shift scenes to Afghanistan where that one fella from the photo is fighting back the insurgency using a strange lance-looking gadget.  Later, he is joined in his tent by Hawkman, Green Lantern, and Flash.  We learn that his name is David Reid, but most folks call him "Lance".  We see that he has a strange tattoo/brand on his left bicep that pulsates and glows.

He's unsure why he's being visited... he's heard of the JSA recruitment drive, but isn't sure how that applies to him.  This prompts Green Lantern to ask him who his Great Grandfather was.  Turns out, that man was Franklin Delano Roosevelt!  The heroes tell him that FDR was the man responsible for putting the Justice Society together in the first place... which makes Mr. Reid their most important legacy!

We wrap up back at the brownstone, where Wildcat is... still getting schooled in the ring by Judomaster.  A great time is being had by all... until they are interrupted by disheveled and beaten Mr. America.  He asks the question, "Any of you ever heard of Gog?"

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The Society just keeps growing!

Another fun issue, though one that actually feels more like a "chapter" than anything.  Even though the past issues have all been "chapters" as well, this one really felt like just a part of a story.  It wasn't bad or unenjoyable, just a bit slight.

Before we talk about our new friends, I wanna say something.  I don't think I've given Geoff Johns enough credit when it comes to bringing up potentially controversial or divisive situations without outright "picking sides" or turning the book into a "livejournal lecture".  I think I've been reading too many contemporary books where everything is a lecture or commentary.

Last issue, there was that brief aside about Atheism/Agnosticism... which treated both sides with respect, and did not diminish the belief(s) or lack/speculation thereof.  This issue, we had mention of Hurricane Katrina... which, I will admit... I was preparing myself for Mr. Johns to drag out the soap box... but the lecture never really came!  It was cited as the tragedy it was, and there was mention of mistakes being made... but the main focus was on helping the people of New Orleans, and not losing sight of them amid posturing and finger-pointing.  It's all about subtlety!

Now, let's talk some newbies!

New Amazing Man, Markus Clay.  Really dig his altruistic nature and how he is at the same time a man of the people and someone the people look to for guidance.  He walks that fine line quite well.  While on the subject, I love that the original Amazing Man (which I've typed as "Mazing Man" nearly every time up to this point) is tied in with the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King.  Feels like such a Roy Thomas thing to do, and it makes me smile.

Lightning... while we don't get to know all that much about her, works for me just on account that she's tied to Black Lightning.  I really like the idea of Jeff having a pair of super-powered daughters... and just trying to stay sane.  We get to keep the legacy aspect of the recruitment without digging back to the Golden-Age here, which is also kinda cool.  Her interaction with Maxine and Courtney was a lot of fun too, and I look forward to more.

"Lance" is another interesting idea.  I'd totally forgotten about his heritage.  His character is going to go through some pretty big changes soon, and I guess I only remember him from that.  Him being a descendant of Franklin Roosevelt is another awesome "Roy Thomas" touch, that tickles me.  I was going to do some research on some actual FDR descendants as a gag... but realized it wouldn't be terribly funny, and probably not even all that interesting!  I do dig the Eye of Providence tattoo on his arm... that thing always makes me feel a bit uneasy!

We finally get an ID on our bid bad (for those of us who hadn't already figured it out, that is)... and it looks like we're in for a doozy.  Johns has figured out a way to pull all these disparate murders together in a way that feels organic and meaningful.  This entire arc up to this point has been exceptionally laid out.

Overall, if you read (and dug) last issue, you're gonna wanna read this one.  It's another great issue of a book where every issue feels somewhat like an event... minus the inflated price-point and skatey-eight hundred variant covers.

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DC Nation (warning, may feature nudity):

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Justice Society of America (vol.3) #11 (2008)

Justice Society of America (vol.3) #11 (February, 2008)
"Thy Kingdom Come, The Second Coming"
Story - Geoff Johns & Alex Ross
Penciller - Dale Eaglesham
Inkers - Ruy Jose & Drew Geraci
Colorist - Alex Sinclair
Letterer - Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor - Harvey Richards
Editor - Michael Siglain
Cover Price: $2.99

Things that start with S and end with Y... Saturday and Society!  Yeah, that's pretty weak... but let's read some JSA anyway.

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We pick up with Flashes Wally and Jay getting ready to hop on the Cosmic Treadmill to use it to cross into another dimension.  Wally is confused, thinking that the Multiverse was erased... and, even now, it's weird to read that the characters actually know that that happened.  Anyhoo, they manage to cross into Universe 2--, which perhaps we can assume to be Universe-22 (home of the Kingdom Come Earth), the Treadmill begins to break apart and they find themselves surrounded in complete blackness.  They reverse course and return to the Flash Museum before the Treadmill goes to pieces.

We shift scenes over to the brownstone where the Justice League have arrived and the Kingdom Come Superman is undergoing a whole bunch of tests.  He's wrapped in Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth, and Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart are ring-scanning.  It's deduced that he actually is who he saws he is...

Alan Scott turns to Superman (our Superman) to get his opinion... He says he's definitely telling the truth.  He doesn't even need to analyze him... he just knows.  Unfortunately, the Supermen don't get any one-on-one time.  KC Superman appreciates that, and comments that this Justice Society learns from mistakes, just as Obsidian told him last issue.  The Hawks and Dr. Mid-Nite talk off to the side, and observe how the last time a grey-haired Superman showed up, he damned them... while this one blesses them!  The compare it to the "Second Coming", which Mr. Terrific poo-poos with the quickness, as he's Atheist and likely doesn't want confounding variables of faith included in his data, which is fair enough.  Obsidian pops his head in to suggest he respect the beliefs of others.

Finally, Batman pipes up... (about time, right?) and says that their next task is to find a way to send this Superman back home.  He turns to Starman, suggesting that the black hole he opened in the paint factory also acted as a wormhole... and if it could go one way, it ought to be able to go the other.  Starman says he'd need a Map of the Multiverse to accomplish something like that.  Wonder Woman asks the question... does KC Superman even want to return to Earth-22?  Well, turns out... it's moot.  KC Superman informs the heroes that his Earth is gone.

We shift scenes to join Power Girl.  If you guessed she'll be sitting at Kal-L's grave... you've been paying attention!  In a neat bit, she uses her x-ray vision to peer into the graves... where she sees the bodies of her cousin and his wife.  I suppose that's proof positive that this other grey-haired Superman is definitely not Kal-L.

We jump ahead to the Justice Society flying over New York City.  We also see KC Superman standing in the crowd below.  A brief flashback shows Maxine and Courtney presenting him with his mended Superman costume... which is really fun.  In just two panels, Johns was able to show us the difference between Maxine and Courtney insofar as comfort level around supers.  Superman overhears some hub-bub over on Ellis Island, and knows this is a job for... well, him!

Over on Ellis Island, we meet Judomaster (Sonia Sato) as she fights off some Eastern-themed supervillains, Seppuku, Kamikaze, and Kung the Obake.  Green Lantern asks if Ms. Sato is any relation to the original (Charlton Comics) Judomaster, Rip Jagger.  Thankfully, she's not!  However, Jagger's old sidekick Tiger is the leader of this crew of baddies.

As the battle rages, Mr. Terrific explains that she has the power to... not get hit, which is convenient.  Unfortunately for her, there is a loophole.  While she cannot be attacked head-on, she can take damage from an attack that isn't directly at her... case in point, the sumo-sized Kamikaze exploding himself!

It looks like Kamikaze's power is to explode his upper half, then reforming to do it all again... which is exactly what he decides to do!  That is, of course, until Superman arrives and threatens to throw chunks of Kamikaze all across the globe.  In the distraction, Judomaster lands a well-placed kick.

As the dust settles, the authorities arrive with the intentions of arresting Judomaster.  Damage pipes up and tries to get the officers to back off.  Hourman and Liberty Belle are proud of "their boy".  As the Justice Society leaves, we can see that Tiger has watched the entire event unfold from the torch of the Statue of Liberty.

Back at the brownstone, Superman approaches Power Girl to try and iron things out.  He knows that she's uncomfortable with his presence, but vows that he will do whatever he can to make it so they are as close to being a "family" as possible.  Kara looks incredibly touched... I mean, this is just a beautiful panel.  I give Eaglesham a ton of credit on his excellent two-page spreads, but ho-lee cow, this is a gorgeous Power Girl.  You know exactly what she's thinking and feeling... it's just amazing.

We wrap up picking up another thread from last issue.  We're in the sewers where "God of Crayola" Chroma was killed.  The FBI are out in full-effect, alongside a special helper... Mr. America?!

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Another really good issue of Justice Society... though, I gotta say I was a little bit let down.

When last issue's "next issue blurb" promised Superman meeting Superman, I was hopeful that we'd get a bit of a chat.  We don't get a single scene of the two paired off, and (our) Superman only gets like two lines of dialogue.  That bummed me out.  Seems like such a missed opportunity... though, to be fair, I haven't read this since it hit shelves, and there may yet be a conversation between the two yet to come.

I dig seeing Judomaster, as post-Crisis the original (and Tiger) showed up in the All-Star Squadron.  Makes sense that this character would gravitate toward the JSA.  I haven't finished my All-Star read-through, so I'm unsure if the Tiger heel-turn happened there, or if this is actually in reference to that unforgettable The L.A.W.: Living Assault Weapons miniseries... nah, couldn't be.

I've mentioned a couple of times already how much I appreciate Maxine being treated like the newbie that she is.  I love that she gets flustered in front of Superman... I mean, who wouldn't, right?  I also like that hanging around supers is old-hat to veteran Courtney Whitmore.  Neat little two-panel scene that shows us so much of both of their personalities without being overblown or "precious" about it.

Speaking of short bits that say so much... Mr. Terrific telling Hawkman and Hawkgirl to leave religion out of their postulation makes perfect sense without being condescending.  Clearly, being an Atheist/Agnostic, Holt wouldn't want issues of faith being brought in to confound his theories... which, if we take ourselves out of comic books where Gods regularly visit the the mortal realm, makes a bit more sense.  What Michael said didn't come with any vitriol, scorn, or superior tone, it was just a statement.  I also appreciate Obsidian imploring him to respect the beliefs of others, so that they will respect his.  Without digging too deep, something tells me this scene would've been written a bit differently had this issue been released in 2017... or by Marvel.

I mentioned the art during the synopsis... but, man it's ridiculously good.  That one panel of Power Girl where she's somewhere between smiling and bawling... just so damn powerful.  Dale Eaglesham is a true master, and brings so much to this book and these iconic characters.  I know it'll never happen, but if/when we ever get our JSA Rebirth comic... a Johns/Eaglesham team... even for just the opening arc.  Maaaan.

Another JSA book I wholeheartedly recommend.  Besides a missed opportunity between the Supermen, I was more than pleased with what this issue gave us.  Wonderful writing, amazing art, awesome characters... what more could a fan want?

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Adventure Comics #365 (1968)

Adventure Comics #365 (February, 1968)
"Escape of the Fatal Five!"
Writer/Layouts - Jim Shooter
Penciller - Curt Swan
Inker - George Klein
Letterers - Milton Snappinn & Morris Waldinger
Editor - Mort Weisinger
Cover Price: $0.12

Today we're going to look at a book written by the 17-year old comic veteran, Jim Shooter!

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After our spoilery Silver-Age splash (which I won't describe til we get there) our tale opens on the formerly peaceful planet, Talok VIII.  Once a peaceful, prosperous planet... six months later, a war zone!  The swift change has been captured on a film prepared by the United Planets to share with Superboy and Legionnaires Brainiac-5, Cosmic Boy, and Karate Kid.  The U.P. asks them to check it out... and also sets them up with a guide: Shadow Lass!  Wait, is this her first appearance?  (Yes).  To evade detection the kids parachute in to the desert far away from their target of the capital.

Upon landing, the Legionnaires hole up in a cave until the Sun sets.  We shift to a fortress in the capital and learn that their arrival did not go unseen... and was actually part of someone's (pay no attention to the title of the issue) sinister plot.

Once night falls, the group makes their way up to get a better look at the wall surrounding the capital.  Upon realizing how heavily guarded and fortified it is, they decide it might be best to take the long way around... and so, they head back into the unforgiving desert.  Elsewhere, they are being monitored.  The unseen voice of "The Master" demands that they be in their top fighting strength when they arrive.

And so... as luck would have it, the Legionnaires happen across an oasis... but, like a real one!  They set up camp and fill their bellies to prepare for the next leg of their journey...

... Which takes them up into the peaks.  As they climb, they find themselves attacked by (the dreaded) Deathbirds!  It's a short skirmish, but allows for a nice little power demonstration.  Brainy identifies the rocks as being full of iron ore... and so Cosmic Boy can use them as projectiles.  Superboy does his super-thing, and Karate Kid (who had been abducted) uses his... karate!  The tussle ends with Shadow Lass engulfing the crew in a black shadow to cover their escape.  Amazing... in three panels, Jim Shooter is able to give the reader a taste of what five characters can do!

After getting away, the Legionnaires enter the capital.  They are shunned by the civilians as "savages" and "mountain men" as they are wearing tattered rags.  All but Brainy take the insults in stride, which is pretty funny.  They come upon a fortress guard, and Karate Kid chops him in the neck so they can enter.

We shift to that room where the bad guys are hanging out, and learn that it's time to spring us some traps.  The kids are hit with a teleport beam and separated... each one trapped in a power-specific gambit... which is what we saw on that first splash page.  The first we see is Karate Kid, who is stuck inside a giant hollow diamond.  He begins chopping at it, fearful that his limited air supply will run out before he can break through.

Next up, we join Cosmic Boy as he's dodging... giant flying balls.  Of course, they're non-ferrous, so his powers are useless.

Elsewhere, Superboy is being crushed in a sort of hydraulic press (made from a metal from a Red Sun planet).  No matter how hard he tries to break out, he cannot.

Brainiac-5 is in one of the two traps I grew up being most scared of... being crushed by walls of spikes!  When I was a kid, this scenario scared the hell out of me... I don't know why I thought I'd ever be crushed by spikes, guess that's just part of being a dumb kid.  So we're clear, the other terrifying scenario was quicksand.  I've made it 37 years without encountering either!  Anyhoo, Brainy's force-shield is malfunctioning.

Finally, we rejoin Shadow Lass who is in a "room of radiance", which is to say, a cube comprised of lit panels.  Light being the "enemy" of shadow, she falls to her knees.  The "Master" holds out hope that the kids will free themselves... as their survival is crucial if his plan is to come to pass.

And... over the next couple of pages, they do!  After taking what would have been his last breath, Karate Kid manages to chop through.  Cosmic Boy realizes that, while the balls are non-ferrous, the walls aren't... and so, he breaks through.  Superboy gives himself a pep talk and breaks out of the press.  Brainiac-5 alters his force-field into a force-ray to melt through his trap... and Shadow Lass uses her powers and slips though a hidden door.  This goes precisely according to The Master's plan... as by using their powers, they were actually charging several colossal batteries which would open a barrier to another dimension!

The dimension where the Fatal Five have been trapped!  Who saw that coming?

Once free, Tharok shares their story.  After being banished to, wherever they were, they found a dimensional window to Talok VIII.  He mentally enslaved the Talokians, and caused them to become warlike... knowing that would get the attention of the United Planets, and finally... the Legion of Super-Heroes.

Elsewhere, the Legionnaires reunite... and head toward the throne room.  Inside, however, they find no throne... just a mass of machinery.  Brainiac investigates, and realizes that the machines were powered by their own exertion of energy in breaking out of their traps.  Suddenly the doors fly open and the entire Talokian army barges in... five-thousand strong!  To be... waitasec... a Silver Age DC story ending with a "To be Continued"???

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A nice "escape the traps" story here.  I feel like we get these a lot, while at the same time, if asked I don't think I could specifically cite one.

This is a hard one to really analyze... as it's really just a solid superhero comic.  We get plenty of surface-level characterization from the Legionnaires, a demonstration of powers, and a returning threat.  Jim Shooter writes an inviting story that never makes you feel "lost".  Seeing that he also did the layouts here only makes my respect for his storytelling acumen grow!

I suppose what I can say is, I had a good time reading it.  I've said it before... (too) many times... the sheer size of the Legion of Super-Heroes kept me away.  The focus here on five characters definitely helps assuage any of my "accessibility" concerns.  Sometimes when I look at those group shots, with like skatey-eight hundred Legionnaires, I marvel at how anybody can tell half of them apart.  It's just primary colors and capes... and it becomes a mush in my already addled brain.  The characters used here were all instantly identifiable, which is probably why the cover called out to me.  When I can name all the Legionnaires on a cover, I know it's one I should check out!

I was surprised by a few things.  First, this being Shadow Lass's first appearance.  It happened so nonchalantly that I assumed she had been a longtime associate of the team by this point.  The U.P. fella was all "I set up a guide... here's Shadow Lass" like the kids already knew her.  Though, to be fair, she is introduced as a Talokian superhero... so, her reputation may have proceeded her.

Second surprise: A to-be-continued!  That's certainly not something I expect to see in a Silver-Age DC comic.  I've said it before but, my Silver-Age game is pretty weak, so this may happen far more frequently than I thought, or maybe this is just luck of the draw.  Either way, I thought it was pretty neat that this was going to continue into the next issue rather than building up for 20 pages and being slam-dunked in the final page and a half.

Third surprise: The back-matter (see below)!  Several pages illustrating the Legionnaires and their powers.  So damn cool... and something I ought to have blown up and put on my wall for future reference.  Just love stuff like this... only thing better would have been if they included a cross-section of the Super-Hero Clubhouse!  I don't care how small it might be... I still love those cross-sections!

Overall, this was a fun... if boilerplate superhero comic book.  Nothing wrong with that at all!  If you're into the Legion, or Superboy, or Jim Shooter... definitely give this one a look.  This story has been reprinted/collected several times.  DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #8 (April, 1981), Legion of Super-Heroes Archives (those $50 hardcovers we all drooled over) Volume 7 (1997) and most recently in SHOWCASE Presents: Legion of Super-Heroes Volume 3 (2009).  It has not yet been collected digitally... oh well, maybe if Shadow Lass shows up on one of those CW shows it will be...

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