The first issue of JSA was a lot to take in. The senior members of the Justice Society were trapped in an alternate dimension, while the younger members continued their fight against Cobra, turning on each other in the process. JSA #2 turns back the clock one week and takes us through the events that led to this split…and doesn’t downplay the tragedy.
Jeff Lemire, who previously wrote about most of the young JSA members in his debut issue, takes a look at how the team operates as a whole. In the process, he showed that there were already some cracks in the foundations of the JSA. Obsidian favors harsher justice when dealing with Cobra, which causes friction between him and Wildcat. But there are also some heartwarming moments between the superheroes’ infighting and their direct battles with supervillains.
It happens when an old JSAer gets pulled into another dimension. As Jay Garrick sets out on the trail to find his way home while Hawkman and Hawkgirl take to the skies, they quickly show why they have become a force to be reckoned with. However, it was Wildcat who had the standout moment, successfully comforting Doctor Fate in a moment of crisis. This shows that he is more than the “crusty old boxer” he is usually portrayed as, and is able to juggle so many different characters without losing sight of what makes him a fan favorite. A testament to Lemire’s creative talent. This bodes very well for his upcoming appearance in Absolute Flash with Nick Robles.
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I continue to be impressed by Diego Horrotegui’s artwork. His lines are clean and crisp, yet somehow very dynamic. Every time Jay or Jesse Quick moves, it’s with the speed of one of the fastest people alive. Hawkman and Hawkgirl soar with inhuman grace even as they battle the ferocity of their namesake birds.
But the standout moment is the two-page spread in which the Injustice Society invades the JSA brownstone. It’s not only sudden, it’s devastating. In one panel, Solomon Grundy literally drops from the sky and sends the heroes flying with a huge shockwave. Shortly after this, other members of the Injustice Society arrive. It’s a whirlpool of violence and chaos, illuminated in clashing colors by Luis Grelo.
Like the first issue, JSA #2 ends with a big bang. But unlike other comics that feel like they have to throw something shocking at you to grab the reader’s attention, this one feels like a genuine surprise thanks to the characters on display. One thing is for sure: Lemire and Olurotegui aren’t pulling any punches when it comes to JSA.
“JSA” #2 grows with character dynamics
JSA #2
Like the previous issue, “JSA #2” ends with a big shock. But unlike other comics that feel like they have to throw something shocking at you to grab the reader’s attention, this one feels like a genuine surprise thanks to the characters on display.
Lemire’s flair for character work helps sell the interactions between the JSA.
Orlotegui brings the hell out of super-powered combat.
The Injustice Society’s entrance is marked by clashing colors and monstrous violence befitting a supervillain.
On the last page, there is a surprising development that looks like the real thing!
