JSA #11 – Jeff Lemire, Writer; Diego Olortegui, Artist; Luis Guerrero, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: Jeff Lemire has been writing one big epic story for the first year of his JSA run, and will be switching over to a definitive origin story for the team with the second year. That means this penultimate issue has a lot to resolve before next issue’s final showdown, and largely it sticks the landing perfectly. This issue kicks off with a very awkward conversation between Hourman and Jesse Quick, followed by the two of them picking up Dr. Mid-Nite and a comatose Obsidian. The heroes are still split across the various dimensions, with Obsidian and Jakeem Thunder stuck in the 5th dimension going up against the twisted creations of Qwsp. As the remaining heroes confront Wotan and his allies, they get a surprise assist from Kid Eternity and the Hawks, who arrive with a message from Kent Nelson. That gives Khalid the confidence boost he needs to make a huge move as Doctor Fate – and reset the table.
The visuals in this issue are fantastic, particularly in the multiple dimensions the story takes place in. I was surprised by just how much emotion went into some of the scenes, particularly the one where Alan Scott discovers that Ruby believes her father is still alive. I don’t know how this squares with the recent Pride special, where Tim Sheridan closed out the story of the original Red Lantern in heartbreaking fashion, but it’s a great added wrinkle to the story. Some of the reunions provide great catharsis as well, although I’m not sure if Wildcat’s fate will be resolved next issue. The final reveal, as Wotan and Johnny Sorrow summon their masters, shows off Lemire’s talent for horror, which he hasn’t gotten to indulge as often as he would in his indie work. It’s an incredibly hard task to follow up Geoff Johns’ definitive run on these characters, but Lemire has been up to the task.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
