JSA #3 – Jeff Lemire, Writer; Diego Olortegui, Artist; Luis Guerrero, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: Jeff Lemire has overhauled this series a lot more than anyone was expecting, dividing the team between dimensions and leaving the younger generation in charge – with Jade struggling to fill in as leader and unaware that her brother Obsidian has been replaced by a disguised Johnny Sorrow. There are some interesting subplots including a very awkward Sand trying to use this opportunity to make his move on Jenny, with some good dialogue about what sets the JSA apart from other super-teams, but it’s not long before all hell breaks loose and Sorrow’s ruse is unmasked – plunging a member of the team into mortal peril. Meanwhile, in the Tower of Fate, Hawkgirl grapples with her complex feelings for the missing Hawkman, whose destiny has been severed from hers for the first time in eons, and Doctor Fate has a crisis of faith that allows Wildcat to step in as the most unlikely member of the Society.
There’s some great moments across the board in this issue, particularly in the characterization of Wildcat, but this issue really belongs to one character – Hawkman. While he seemed to die at the end of last issue, he’s actually been transported to a demon dimension where he’s tormented by the Demons Three, some very obscure DC magical villains who work for one of the members of the new Injustice Society. As he’s tortured, he tries to figure out where he is and what it means for his immortality – before encountering one a surprising figure from the past of the DCU, or at least a new version of this icon. Lemire is juggling a massive cast of characters here, and it’s a testament to his skill that it’s so damn smooth. Longtime Lemire fans will quickly recognize a lot of the themes from Lemire’s other superhero works, and DC is very lucky to have this top talent back in the talent roster.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
