JSA #17 (DC COMICS)
All roads have led to this moment.
With the Ultra Humanite revealed, Alan Scott takes action. The diabolical genius has been orchestrating events in the 1940’s in search of terror and wealth. What he didn’t realize is the actions would draw a group of heroes together that would become legends!
JSA #17 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Joey Vazquez, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) delivers it’s pen-ultimate “Year One” storyline chapter.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the foundation of the historic super-hero team!
JSA #17 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Joey Vazquez, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire kicks off events with the Humanite-Scott showdown. Tensions run high knowing what the genius is responsible. Their dialogue is classic in delivery. It doesn’t take long for more invested parites to join in. Hawkman and Hawkgirl come in swinging, leading to a fast escape. Pacing never slows as the ensemble cast becomes drawn into the drama. Readers watch as the interactions prove humorous and vintage as they would hope. spins into a larger issue at hand.
Humanite’s forces show a fracture in ranks. The writing teases the over-zealous nature of their leader taking hold. This moment proves fleeting as Lemire draws in more of the heroes. Readers will enjoy seeing the line-up play off each other with the one-liners. None might be better than Hawkman and Atom. The good times stop rolling as the final pages hit. Lemire leaves one more cliffhanger ending for the audience before bowing out of this particular story.
Fear not, because there is another story to close the chapter with. Lemire jumps back to present day to speak of the aftermath from the latest Injustice Society battle. There are many emotions on display. It conveys a finite message until someone opts to correct it. The dialogue proves to be the spark of hope needed with a fun surprise to end events with.
Guidry & Guerrero let the Humanite and Alan Scott go for the finish in the opening pages. Panels are frantic with Scott playing defense. A strong two page spread spins into a solid attack. This allows for some help to join in via half page. After the fight pauses, the following panels start ushering in more heroes. The art locks in on the clash of personalities. Amazing-Man’s escape stands out with the sharp dialogue. This leads into a great full page shot of the heroes meeting en mass. Readers watch as the expressions and body language showcase the quirks in this awkward moment. It helps add to the final page and cliffhanger left in its’ wake.
Vasquez steps in for art duties on the epilogue. Scott and Garrick’s talk showcases the weight of their legacy and recent events. Scott’s center panel recap doesn’t shy away form the recent loss. Once others join the scene, a new breakdown gives sorely needed hope to the pages. Events conclude with an exciting final page that is sure to please longtime JSA fans.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
The endgame is here for the JSA as the Ultra-Humanite makes his move!. Lemire unites the squad with a clever set-up. Guidry & Guerrero easily handle juggling the large case with quality moments. “Year One” has been a huge win thus far and looks to conclude on a strong note. Check it out.
Let me know your thoughts on JSA #17 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
