JSA #19 (DC COMICS)
A New Day dawns on the Justice Society of America.
Year One is over. The team snaps back to the present with some changes. Stargirl is rejoining the squad. Jade is leading a new direction for the legendary team. It sounds like the hope they’ve been searching for but it doesn’t come without questions. One of which is what happened to Kid Eternity?
It turns out she might have more problems on her plate than anyone realizes.
JSA #19 by Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui , Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) starts off “The Search For The Spectre”!
Let’s take a deeper dive into this brand new arc.
JSA #19 by Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui , Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire brings the team into this new stat quo with many fresh takes behind them. Seeing the Spectre trying to claim Kid Eternity is a wild way to start events but effective. The writing shows the fallen JSA members trying to assist the young hero in escaping. This creates much drama as they know this will not be easy. This is verified when the team calls in some help to figure out Eternity’s whereabouts. You will always have me sold with a Detective Chimp cameo. His words ring true as there’s much danger in the air.
Events are not that heavy for the remainder of the team. Readers watch as the personal lives of the younger members take center stage. Sandman and Hourman have a discussions of relationship woes. Stargirl’s return comes off as a happy return. This doesn’t escape the supernatural action. There is plenty of huge moves on display until events cross over into the land of the living. This leads right into the final pages. The vision of what’s on the last page screams danger as this story is only just beginning.
Olortegui returns to the series after “Year One”. The reflective look at old photos quickly fades as Eternity’s story begins. A solid two page spread shows the possession starting to take place. This steers into a full page shot of the JSA spirits trying to intervene. Another full page image shows they might be too late. Events calm down as the team calls in some help in finding the missing Eternity. Chimp’s words cause a distinct reaction to his proclamation.
The other members of the team get a smaller panel feature but never less impactful. Readers watch as they deal with their own issues. This is a relatable aspect to the team. It is a far cry from the initial escape from the Spectre. There are plenty of wild action sequences taking place. A daring full page shows the Spectre in hot pursuit of his new host. Eternity’s arrival at the JSA headquarters comes through with a near full page. This leads into a frantic closing sequence. The full page visual sends a final message to the readers: GET READY!
FINAL GRADE: 9
The Spectre comes back into the lives of the JSA and no one is safe! Lemire welcomes readers back to the present with an excellent return. Olortegui & Guerrero construct an incredible visual ride. JSA continues to be a can’t miss series in the “All In” era.
Let me know your thoughts on JSA #19 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
