JSA #1: Still Standing

Absolute Power shook up the DC Universe and that is apparent in JSA #1 from writer Jeff Lemire, artist Diego Olortegui, colorist Luis Guerrero, and letterer Steve Wands. With some of the heavy hitters of the JSA missing, those remaining need to figure out what happened while dealing with the fallout of Absolute Power. Most of the characters associated with the JSA, like Hawkgirl, Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Jay Garrick, and Alan Scott, are absent for most of the issue, though we do see them defending the Tower of Fate in another dimension. Being a first issue, Jeff Lemire does an excellent job introducing the JSA and its legacy, influence, and role in the DC Universe in just the first few pages. Backgrounds and histories of characters at DC are usually fluid and adapt with time except for the JSA, which is one of the only things that plants its foot and puts an age on its origins being connected to post-WWII America.

Lemire impressively balances a large cast, which comes as no surprise. His work at the Big Two and in his creator-owned properties are usually character-driven and delve into the complexities of the characters’ journeys. The Justice Society has some of the most beloved and iconic DC characters, and Lemire is taking the care required to give readers something special with an emphasis on exploring themes of loss post-Absolute Power. There is some great action on this issue but the majority of the issue features heated arguments at the JSA headquarters which might not sound exciting but this creative team ensures that this is a character-driven book. Diego Olortegui is an incredibly talented artist and a great choice for this series. It can be a daunting task to draw this many distinct characters but Olortegui’s knocks it out of the park here. In addition to being able to handle a large cast, he is also doing a fantastic job of showing emotion in the masked characters’ faces. With loss being such a dominant theme in this story, one can feel what the characters are going through. Luis Guerrero is also an excellent choice as a colorist. Guerrero brings a lighthearted vibrance that balances the seriousness of the story. Steve Wands does an excellent job with the lettering, especially the dialogue. There are a lot of distinct characters in this issue and Wands’ care for their speech balloons ensures that readers can follow along and retain the many tones and voices of the characters.