JSA #18 (DC COMICS)
A society is born!
The Ultra Humanite has been revealed as the mastermind behind many devious actions. Every move has been met with opposition form the greatest heroes of the 1940’s. Alan Scott took the fight to the mad genius. Joined by other heroes, they walked into a trap. An explosion looks to have taken everyone out. Once the smoke clears, the quest for Justice proves tougher to kill than the Humanite thought.
JSA #18 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Joey Vazquez, Luis Guerrero, John Kalisz and Steve Wands (DC Comics) concludes “Year One”
Let’s take a closer look at how this incredible story ends.
JSA #18 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Joey Vazquez, Luis Guerrero, John Kalisz and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire gives a thunderous close to this impactful tale. The opening deals directly with the Humanite’s deadly trap. This allows the heroes to start showcasing their teamwork. Readers will start developing a smile as they see the heroes go to work. One that jumps out in this mix is Jim Corrigan. Having the power of the Spectre is a a heavy burden to carry. The writing allows a more heroic take to unwind. It is subtle but pacing reflects how fast this group is coming together as a team.
It is never more apparent than with Green Lantern, Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Their frantic confrontation with the Humanite (in true form) sets off the domino effect of combat. Readers watch as other pairings get their fair due. This all circles back to the parties unifying in battle. The result is a pay-off moment fans have been waiting for. Its’ fallout cements the foundation of the legendary team before an epilogue caters to its’ future.
The epilogue is a much needed piece to move events forward for the initial arc. Lemire hits the key points in explaining the need for the Society to evolve. it’s an ambitious take with many possibilities for larger issues. One of which is the closing page. Readers have much to be excited for in the future of the long-standing team.
Guidry & Guerrero start with a breakdown of each heroes reaction to the explosion. Tensions run high as they break to stop the mad genius. One in particular has a monster impact on events. The full page of the Spectre holding up the tunnel makes a statement. It compliments the fast action with the heroes going to work. Readers watch as a near full shot reveals the Humanite’s true form. The moment speeds up pacing as more action follows.
The battle covers more ground with others joining in. Panels connect the hopeful counters as they close in on the villain. Readers get a chilling display of the Spectre’s power in a half page shot. This spills into the final standoff. The near full page image cements the good guys gelling as a team. Alan Scott is given his own panel to put an exclamation point on this fight. The fallout locks in on the bubbling thoughts of a team forming. Readers watch it all come together in a perfect final page.
Vasquez and Kalisz are on art duties for the epilogue. Jade’s imitative takes a broader look with a near full page unveiling its plans. Fan can catch some familiar faces lurking on screen. It gives way to a more optimistic look from both Garrick and Scott. The happy times cap off here as the final page unlocks another danger in waiting. A new arc is coming that will lock in fans attention for the long haul.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
“Year One” wraps up in a timeless display of heroics for fans to enjoy! Lemire’s writing structures the birth of a society perfectly. Guidry & Guerrero deliver on key action and planting the seeds for a better tomorrow. As times change, one thing remains the same: Long live the Justice Society!
Let me know your thoughts on JSA #18 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
