It’s hard to believe that this is Geoff Johns’ last issue of the Justice Society of America. Some creators are connected to their characters, while others have become synonymous with their companies. It was an exciting experience. For the most part, we have some great comic books from his time at the company. I was lucky enough to be reading Grant Morrison and Howard Porter’s JLA when the “modern” JLA/JSA crossover happened in Crisis Times Five. Luckily, that momentum continued with one of DC’s fifth week events, JSA Returns, which continued into the JSA series. It was a great experience, but now we are moving towards a new golden age of resolution. So how does Geoff Johns put it all together?
dc comics
The New Golden Age promised so many interesting things. Stargirl: The Lost Children saw a “new” character escape from an unknown prison. This series also saw the return of the android Hourman, the Red Lantern menace in Alan Scott: Green Lantern, and the Huntress and the Legionnaires in this series. Unfortunately, some ideas didn’t get as much screen time, such as the Golden Age version of Aquaman, Mister Miracle, and JSA Dark. Another big question will concern the fate of the next generation of Watchmen. Thankfully, that won’t happen with the Justice Society of America.
dc comics
In this issue, Geoff Johns does what he does best, giving us a story that’s deep in character. One of his best partners in crime, Todd Knack, teams up with Johns to bring you a comic with a timeless feel. There are quite a few splash pages reminiscing about Johns’ time in the JSA, and they’re as vibrant as if they happened just yesterday, but a lot of time has passed. The first big splash, the battle between Stargirl and Stripe and Shiv and the Dragon King, took me back to 1999. Check out the batter’s name, Robbie Reid, and get ready to see some heroics. King could be the next owner of the HERO Dial, which is a fun Easter egg.
dc comics
The rest of the issue continues a beautiful story that interweaves Stargirl’s personal history with her relationship with Pat Dugan, as they grow into an excellent father-daughter duo. The nostalgic vibe continues on this page as we revisit great stories from the JSA era. It’s very bittersweet that it’s over, but it’s a reminder of what an amazing journey it’s been. You have to dig up your past problems and make another trip. Geoff Johns does a great job of making Stargirl’s narration double as a graduation speech, and it’s great to see the heroic faces in the crowd. Jack Knight was a success! It was a turbulent series, but Johns and Company ended it with flying colors. I wish him the best of luck with Ghost Machine. We also look forward to seeing what Jeff Lemire and Diego Olortegui have in store for the association.
The era of the Justice Society ends in good faith with the end of the New Golden Age. Geoff Johns and Todd Nauck deliver a beautiful issue that perfectly captures the nostalgic atmosphere. Get ready to want to do the trip all over again. Stargirl reaches a new milestone with her extended family cheering her on. The Titans are together and the Justice Leaguers are legends, but the JSA reminds us that they are a family legacy.
“Justice Society of America” #12 Review: End of an Era
Justice Society of America #12
With the end of the new Golden Age, the era of the Justice Society ends in a very honest way. Geoff Johns and Todd Nauck deliver a beautiful issue that perfectly captures the nostalgic atmosphere. Get ready to want to do the trip all over again. Stargirl reaches a new milestone with her extended family cheering her on. The Titans are together and the Justice Leaguers are legends, but the JSA reminds us that they are a family legacy.
Honest and heartfelt, this issue is a reminder of how valuable the JSA is to the DC Universe.
Todd Nauck’s art is flawless and timeless in this issue
Geoff Johns recaps Courtney’s journey and you’ll see how much Courtney loves this character
There are so many great moments to look back on during the JSA era and remember just how many members they had.
It was a rocky run that left some promises unfulfilled, but ultimately a beautiful story with some great character moments.
