JSA #17 – Jeff Lemire, Writer; Gavin Guidry, Joey Vasquez, Artists; Luis Guerrero, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: We’re reaching the end of the road for JSA: Year One, as the different factions of the team have had the chance to meet each other and the true villain has been revealed. The Ultra-Humanite, originally Superman’s arch-enemy, has been impersonating Alan Scott’s friend for months and is ready to cut a deal with Hitler. As the entire JSA gathers for a final showdown, we see the first moments of the full team in action. But as the issue ends, things are thrown into chaos once again. However, the end of the issue has some very interesting implications – as we flash forward to the present as Alan Scott and Jay Garrick discuss the future of the JSA – and if there even is one in the aftermath of Wildcat’s death. The return of two beloved members to the team kicks off the next big story, with the possible return of a major JSA player who has been missing from the DCU for a while possibly in the offing.
Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #3 – Gabriel Hardman, Writer/Artist; Romulo Fajardo Jr, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: Things are heating up as three of DC’s grittiest vigilantes battle for control of a shady private island for the rich. Emil Rotha, the villainous executive, has built a refuge for the rich. Bruce Wayne was an invited guest. Green Arrow had to bluff his way in. And the Question had to infiltrate as a worker. But now, with Rotha at death’s door and the workers facing potential execution at the hands of his mercenaries, time is running out – if the heroes can figure out how to work together long enough. This is a version of Green Arrow who is kind of a mess, coming off a nasty breakup that caused him to leave Seattle. Question doesn’t play well with others, and this is the most intense Batman takes we’ve seen in a while. Overall, it’s a strong issue, even though it’s very much setting the table for the big finale, and Gabriel Hardman’s gritty art is perfectly suited for the action scenes.
Batman/Static Beyond #4 – Evan Narcisse, Writer; Miguel Mendonca, Artist; Wil Quintana, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: It’s the penultimate issue of this future-set crossover, with the new Bang Baby Shutdown throwing the Earth’s power grid into flux – and Static’s powers with it. This issue brings in a ton of new cameos to step things up, and while it makes the issue a little more chaotic as a result, it also provides a lot of great easter eggs for long-time fans of the series. I was particularly happy to see the iconic Static Shock villain Ebon, who had one of the coolest visuals on the series and also an intriguing MO. As the threat comes from the government and Shutdown, he becomes an unlikely ally for Batman as he races for an answer. There are also some intriguing scenes set in space, as Hawkgirl’s son – now the hero Warhawk – gets involved on Earth as some of the scheming aliens plan to use this chaos as part of a plot against Earth. There is a lot going on here, and it’s setting up a great finale.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
