JSA #15 (DC COMICS)
Greatness is never born overnight.
In the case of the JSA, this couldn’t be more true. A murder in Gotham in 1940 would become the catalyst for drawing unlikely heroes together for a common cause. The Fifth Columnists are keeping Atom and Wonder Woman’s hands full. Sandman and Hourman are in deep trouble. Jay Garrick and Alan Scott might be able to work together but what about Jim Corrigan?
They may need more than just luck to survive….
JSA #15 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) presents another chapter in the “Year One” storyline.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the events that forged a legendary superhero team!
JSA #15 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire opens with a touch of magic in the air. Seeing Dr. Fate hold court over other heroes concerning the Spectre sets a solid pace for the chapter. The worry of what the entity is capable of is enough of concern. Watching to see if Corrigan can handle it is another issue. The writing builds up Fate’s tense thoughts to a boil. Once events move to Garrick, Scott and Corrigan, there appears reason for worry. Readers watch the personalities clash. It rolls into another fan-favorite striking the party. This is sure to be a fan favorite moment.
Atom and Wonder Woman lens into some action as they start warming up to the concept of team-work. Lemire sprinkles in some fun moments while dealing with their threat. Cyclotron’s skirmish with Sandman and Hourman leads to a more dire outcome. Readers watch as both heroes struggle to find their success. It does lead to another guest being included in the fun. Lemire balances the cast out enough to make each new addition feel important. This remains true for the close. Corrigan’s strength is tested. The result leads into a needed confrontation that could spell the end of everything before it begins. There are many moving parts within these pages.
Guidry & Guerrero give Fate’s group a grand entrance into this story. The discussion of Corrigan leads to many different looks form the group at hand. Fate’s fears can be sensed with every action he takes. The art locks in on this factor until it transitions to Scott and company. These panels vent the unlikeliness of teamwork in trying times. Readers can easily take away any thoughts of teamwork. Save for Garrick, the mood is a ticking timebomb. This allows the first guest star to make a big splash via full page.
Readers watch as the actiion starts with Wonder Woman. A near full page image sees her kicking her opponent in the face. There’s nothing held back in these moments. It leads to a quick win with the pair starting to buy in to forming an alliance. The Cyclotron fight gets a great two-page spread to get it rolling. Sandman and Hourman are outclassed in these panels. The art lets Cyclotron loose. This gives way to another prisoner in the fight. The full page image spells disaster for now but for how long. It is capped off in the final act with great panels of Corrigan fighting. Readers are left with a fantastic final image to send events into next chapter. How these elements all function together will be a win for the audience.
FINAL GRADE: 8.4
The JSA’s biggest threat may not be an enemy but each other in this latest chapter. Lemire’s writing adds more weight into the heavy dramatics of their conflicts. Guidry & Guerrero’s art hones in on the challenges of working for a common goal. Superhero storytelling that remains timeless. That’s JSA 101. Check it out.
Let me know your thoughts on JSA #15 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
