REVIEW: ‘JSA’ Issue #1

JSA Issue #1 is published by DC Comics. Written by Jeff Lemire, art by Diego Olortegui, colors by Luis Guerrero and letters by Steve Wands. This issue is part of DC’s All-in relaunch. The older members of the Justice Society of America have vanished, and it falls to the younger generation to try and gather themselves and save their leaders.

The comic is atmospheric and troubling from the beginning. Starting with a fast-paced action sequence, the anger and discontent among the team is easy to see. The plot occurs after a drastic event that has entirely changed the team dynamic, separating the old from the young. The second half of the comic details what happened, generating a profound mystery filled with trickery and twists.

There are connections to the JSA’s involvemet in Absolute Power, but it isn’t necessary to read before jumping in. The first couple of pages provide a thorough yet concise history of the Justice Society and its storied legacy within the DC Universe, mentioning its roots after the war right up to the present day and the large roster at its disposal.

The story’s structure splits the generations, allowing tales to be told separately. The tone is uneasy, with a palpable tension among the younger heroes. Without their elders’ guidance, the team struggles to bond and work together. Relationships are breaking down, and emotions are fraught. They are at odds about everything, especially the future of the squad. Jade leads the young group, but the other members are far from willing to follow. Obsidian may be the oldest and most experienced member of the younger team, but he is aggressive and violent.

Every piece of dialogue is filled with venom and ferocity. Interestingly, several reservists, including Mr. Terrific, Power Girl and Stargirl, are not included in this first issue. They would perhaps be able to make an authoritative stamp on the team and pull them together, so Lemire may think it better for the narrative for them not to appear. But they are included and mentioned at least.

This is different from the older branch of JSA #1. They are present in the issue but trapped in a mysterious location with no way out. They are just as stressed as their younger teammates, but their respect for one another is greater. Green Lantern, Wildcat and Flash have known each other for decades, longer than the kids have been alive. Hawkman and Hawkgirl are seasoned warriors.

Doctor Fate wears an old helmet but is new to the role and is the one struggling most in their predicament. Having the two teams so distant is fascinating as it allows two stories to be told apart from one another.

The art is fantastic. Olortegui brings together classic costumes with darkness, capturing the characters’ discomfort. Every hero looks excellent. They are either the true originals, drawn with the same details that have been there for eight decades, or they are legacy heroes, wearing reincarnations of costumes worn by heroes before them.

They all look exceptional. Their facial expressions display anger, confusion, and hurt. Due to the art style, the arguments and confrontations have just as much energy as the action scenes. The fight scenes combine the many characters included, with a distinct emphasis on Obsidian’s powers. The older team members are trapped in a location that defies physics, allowing Olortegui to have fun with perspective and angles.

The colors are stunning. The costumes of the characters are bright and vibrant, which looks gorgeous. The room’s atmosphere can change depending on the colors. These range from natural light orange tones to blues in a hospital room, making the scene look more scientific. The superpowers often generate their own light, particularly the lantern lights and the Speed Force. This gives them more prominence and makes them especially impressive. The lettering is bold, clear and easy to read.

JSA #1 tells a story across generations. Through the old and the young come what feels like separate books. The trapped heroes are more recognizable, with indestructible relationships and a nobility that fits their heritage. The younger group does not have a page when they agree or even friendly with each other. Their conversations are filled with resentment and confusion, slowly being pulled apart. The large cast is dispersed brilliantly, with each character having their own voices and struggles that feel important and profound.

JSA Issue #1 is available where comics are sold.