Double-Sized Issue Reviews!

*This article includes spoilers for Justice Society of America Vol. 4 #1.*

Geoff Johns has finally started his much anticipated 12-issue Justice Society of America title! Although the reader should have started with “The New Golden Age”, Geoff allows for a bit of exposition for the unread reader. This information includes the existence of Helena Wayne and her brief origin story. 

We learn of the despair and horrid state of the Justice Society of America—a team of criminals and outcasts, barely heroes at all. While this does embody the spirit of the JSA from Geoff Johns’ 2006 run, the team lacks the mentors who aim to guide their pupils on their journey with golden-age morality. There is no visible heart to this society; no Jay Garrick, Alan Scott, or Wildcat. For all we know, these are reckless heroes who will “Kingdom Come” the earth! (For those who have not read Kingdom Come, the young, reckless heroes fought themselves for thrills, ultimately leading to the destruction of Kansas in their haste. Their recklessness killed millions.)

Trust in the JSA meets an all time low, “How are we supposed to take criminals like the Harlequin’s son seriously when they show no remorse for their past or their parents’ past?” (Johns 11). This unfortunately is valid, heroes need to be held accountable—and while it is unfair for a child to bear the burdens and sins of their parents, this is the reality of what happens. It is the child’s responsibility to overcome their parents’ faults and create their own legacy. 

This is where the story gets out of hand. Powergirl gets murdered, as do most of the JSA. In fact, the only team member left alive is Huntress, but barely. She is an old woman, barely capable of moving, yet she will be tasked with saving all version of the JSA. 

After the whole trust issue is addressed, we get a shock as Power Girl gets a bullet through her chest. That’s right, it is issue #1 and Power Girl gets murdered—in fact, most of the new JSA deos. Only Huntress is left alive, and the term “alive” is used generously. Having been rapidly aged, she stands as an elderly woman on the precipice of death. 

The issue ends with a what the hell just happened atmosphere, but this is the general feel with comics of today—the drama inciting trope. The shock is where readers thrive. It leaves the reader wanting more. 

Overall, this issue is the beginning and end of an age. Geoff Johns is a different writer than in 2006, and he is giving us a different paced story than anything he has ever done. It will be interesting to see his growth. 

If you haven’t stopped by your LCS to pick up this gem, we highly recommend you do!