JSA #23 (DC COMICS)
In the 1950’s, the JSA was left with an impossible choice to make.
The government wanted them to disclose their identities. They opted not to & made the call to disband.
However, you can never stop a hero from acting in the face of evil. What resulted changed their focus to working in covert operations
JSA #23 by Jeff Lemire, Teddy Kristiansen, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) delivers it’s pen-ultimate issue.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the throwback tale.
JSA #23 by Jeff Lemire, Teddy Kristiansen, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire sets up a very tough look at the team and politics in the 50s to begin. Their interaction with Congress is less than kind. It raises an age-old question of government regulation on heroes. Their answer is a very natural response. In disbanding, it casts a large shadow of the evolving world of superpowered beings. The result leads to a 10 year lay-off before the call to action resumes.
Readers watch as the heroes have adjusted to everyday life. Some have more of an itch to get back than others. The writing allows each character their own destiny when approached for a new mission. One encounter leaves a less than favorable impression due to previous treatment. Once the story moves into the reunion of some members, the tone shifts to a sense of quiet joy. As they reunite, the old feelings of comradery is clouded when the true pieces of their call to duty come together. It leads into a exciting finihs once the full reveal is exposed. If Lemire is leaving the series, he’s not going out quietly.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!
Kristiansen steps in for art duties for the farewell chapters. The meeting with Congress has a tense look as the heroes refuse to give in. Panels resemble the jury artist renderings which adds something extra to this sequence. Once the time jump occurs, Ted Grant’s life is a calm state of affairs. Readers can sense the depressed looks of normal life take hold. It is clear walking away from action has worn on his soul. This becomes challenged when he’s the first recruit for the secret mission.
The same can be said for Rex Tyler. Panels mirror the want to get back into business. His interaction with the recruiter is more friendly than hostile. It is a stark contrast from the final recruit. The exchange here is more guarded with suspicion. Color sequences are simple but used to emphasize the secrecy of this duty. As the team connects, it is evident the refueled bond starting again. This shifts slightly when the last member enters. Panels never ease on the tension between parties. This moves to a magnificent to page spread showing the covert squad heading to action. It sets up a shocking final page with a lasting image to cement the dangers involved. Steady in presentation but wow, ever impactful.
FINAL GRADE: 9
The struggle between government and heroes in the 1950’s leads to a covert mission of grave stakes. Lemire stages the last hoorah with a script that never eases on pressure. Kristiansen & Guerrero give a cold look at the dark reality of secret heroics with excellent art. A timeless tale that won’t be soon forgotten.
Let me know your thoughts on JSA #23 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
