JSA #16 (DC COMICS)
Who ever said teamwork was easy?
When trying to solve a friends murder, Alan Scott’s worlld has crashed into Jay Garrick and Jim Corrigan. Atom and Wonder Woman have been on the trail of some other evil souls. Hourman andd Sandman have ran into a surprise prisoner. This is only the tip of the iceberg on how the legendary superhero team was formed.
Someone has to be behind all of these issues right?
JSA #16 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) drops a few reveals in its’ “Year One” storyline.
Let’s take a closer look at what comes to light now.
JSA #16 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire presents a very steady look at all the moving characters within these pages. This felt more lined up to move the story forward. Dr, Fate and Corrigan have an intense exchange. Knowing what power Corrigan presents, Fate handles this as delicate as possible. The move provides a great pivot point to highlight the other characters involved. Atom and Wonder Woman has been a fun match-up. Seeing them face off with another notable pair brings some fireworks to the crime fight.
Alan Scott’s meeting with Walter Baze leads to some key breaks into the case. Their interaction carries a heavy cost. Readers don’t have much time to process as the story moves to a meeting waiting to happen. Once here, the combustible personalities don’t mesh as well as one optimistic party would like. It is a stark contrast from Sandman and Hourman. The mood shifts with the tragic tale of who they discovered. The issue comes full circle with a strong goodbye as one of the largest questions finally becomes answered.
Guidry & Guerrero open with Corrigan ready to explode against Dr. Fate. The panels mirror his struggle to remain calm. Fate’s play allows for others to start getting the spotlight. There’s a quiet build-up for Atom and Wonder Woman’s time. This becomes eclipsed as a flying pair swoops in to make a dramatic entrance. Their full page shot ushers in some quick action before more drama unveils.
Readers watch as Scott walks into Starco with a curious look. This sequence takes a few turns until its’ shocking ending. Once the art goes back to the action at Gotham airport, it makes some noise. A two page spread gives readers a great group shot before everything goes up in smoke. Guidry hits another great full page spread when dealing with Sandman and Hourman’s find. Both moments hit but nothing like the last page. A full shot gives readers a wild surprise as the chapter stops. Solid work all around.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
Many secrets are finally revealed as “Year One” moves onward. Lemire balances out the drama with solid action. Guidry & Guerrero throw some great looks into the big twists and turns that challenge each hero. “Year One” has been a timeless trip that everyone should get a ticket for. Check it out.
Let me know your thoughts on JSA #16 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
