JSA #21 (DC COMICS)
No one is safe from this wrath of vengeance!
The Spectre has been without a host since Darkseid attacked the JLU in the beginning of DC K.O. In Jim Corrigan’s absence, a void has been created with nothing sustaining. Heroes have stepped up to offer themselves as sacrifice but one might have given the Spectre the fuel for more chaos.
Obsidian looks to be the latest host with eternal darkness setting in on the JSA!
JSA #21 by Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) ramps up “The Search For The Spectre”!
Let’s take a deeper dive into the latest.
JSA #21 by Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire answers many questions that have been in the air since “ALL In” began. The quick origin story of the Spectre hits the landing as “kid JSA” watch in shock and awe. It leads them into one of the darker points of recent history. Darkseid’s quest for absolute power brings him on the path to the embodiment of vengeance. It’s a key component on how the Absolute Universe came to be. Before heading full speed into this area, Lemire moves events back into an unstable present.
Using Obsidian as the host proves dire as his overwhelming issues take over scenes. The writing plays up the deep rooted issues to take events into a new plateau. Readers get a glimpse of multiple hosts taking over to unveil the broken state of the Spectre. Alan Scott’s pain of seeing his kids struggle with the spirit can’t be overlooked. Once this plot moves into another space, the story shifts back to the truth of Darkseid’s actions. The writing excels in bringing his schemes to a devious stage. It results in a blunt depiction of current stat quo. This allows the final pages to throw one more curve at readers before bowing out. Brace for impact with where things go now.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!
Olortegui & Guerrero open with a stylish look at the fight between Heaven and Hell via two page spread. It picks apart Aztar’s past in front of his young audience. This spills over into a few loud panels screaming into what’s just unfolded. The close-up on Darkseid’s eyes sells the trouble forthcoming. Panels shift back at this stage to the present problems. Spectre’s use of Obsidian comes with a horror feel via full page The image shows the terrifying reality the heroes find themselves in. It only escalates upward from here.
The looming face of the mashed up hero sets a haunting feel. It is matched by the look of overwhelming grit by Alan Scott. Seeing his children used in such a manner lights a fire under his soul (again). Readers watch as the story swings back to Darkseid at this pivoting point. A fantastic two page spread re-creates his defiant assault on the Watchtower. It leads into the despised levels of actions in the quest for power. Ripping Corrigan away from the spirit makes a statement via two page spread. This allows for the ending to have some momentum to take events home. The final full page shows a major detour has occurred with many questions surrounding it. Solid work.
FINAL GRADE: 8.7
Hope burns out fast as the Spectre’s latest host drowns its’ light with a strong chapter! Lemire levels more secrets out with extra twists involved. Olortegui & Guerrero recraft the look of one of the DCU’s darkest points. JSA is a series that always keeps readers guessing what’s next.
Let me know your thoughts on JSA #21 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
