Justice Society of America #1 (***SPOILERS***) [Archive]

Dr.Geekibus

12-04-2006, 02:07 PM

Ok, I am a little confused. The last I saw Damage he was nabbed with the rest of the Freedom Fighters. What's this about his face being messed up? And since when does he talk like that? I guess it's oyl and all, but the last time I saw him he was still a kid and didn't seem so hateful.

Does anyone know what's happened to him in the last year or two?

btw, the art does look good. But since when can Hourman catch a flying car with one hand? I don't recall Miraclo ever being quite that powerful. Rick Tyler get an upgrade that I don't know about?

Doc

Nevets F

12-04-2006, 02:08 PM

I am so excited about this book! Everything looks fantastic.

Trademark

12-04-2006, 02:12 PM

Lonewolf36

12-04-2006, 03:52 PM

Mary Marvel's Simple Spoilers from the DC Forum.

-World War III. Just a Splash Page with no real clues to 52.
-Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman ask Wildcat, Green Lantern and Flash to start up the Justice Society; “The Justice League is a Strike Force. The Justice Society is a family”.
-Mr. America gives us his origin in his thoughts.
-Mr. America’s wife and two sons are killed.
-Flash and Green Lantern are picking the new team. Wildcat wants no part of that as He does not feel that he is the Society's moral compass
-Damage fights Rebel in Philly and takes out a police car while doing it. In the background that appears to read “Wacker 52% off. Going out of business”. Damage partially blocks the sign but you can still make out most of it.
-Hourman and Liberty Bell ask Damage to join the Society. When asked what they can offer him, they tell the police to bill the Society for the car.
-Mr. America finds and beats up Catalyst.
-Ma Hunkel’s granddaughter is offered a position on the Society. Maxine is a jabber jaw.
-Starman saves a helicopter from crashing and then flies back to a mental hospital.
-Stargirl and Dr. Midnight arrive at the hospital to offer Starman a position on the team and to hopefully help him sort out the “voices in his head”.
-“There’s a star on Thangar. I dreamt about it. HA! 52!”
-Starman
-Mr. America gets beaten up and thrown through the roof of the Society’s headquarters
And lands on the conference table where most of the team is getting ready to meet.
-Flash and Green Lantern show Wildcat they claim is his son.

Coming this year in Justice Society of America; four panels

-Batman is outside of Arkham Asylum with some of the Society.
Batman “What else did you see Sandman”?
Sandman “I saw you, Batman. Torn to shreds inside those walls”
-This appears to be Dawnstar’s right arm with Legion ring. “I have to go. I have to track down Starman”.
-Powergirl at Kal-L’s grave with an arm coming up from the grave.
-Kingdom Come Superman “It never ends for people like us”.

kal_el21

12-04-2006, 03:52 PM

Can somebody please post more info on Damage? I know he was a member of the Freedom Fighters, but what of his background, age, etc.?

mikeofottawa

12-04-2006, 11:01 PM

How did I miss all this info? It came from the DC boards? Do you have links to any of these sources?

LordEd1976

12-04-2006, 11:44 PM

Damage's face apparently got messed up during Infinite Crisis #1 when the Freedom Fighters fought the Secret Society. I guess you could blame the fact that they had to cram too much story into too few pages because in Infinite Crisis #1, that scene never came across as showing Damage being hurt that badly.

In the next issue Perry White mentions that Damage was in critical condition. Not to mention that he was hit several times in the face at super-speed by Zoom.There arent that many people that I know of in the DCU who could probably take that kind of abuse and not come out with alot of scars.

the4thpip

12-05-2006, 05:09 AM

Wacker: 52% Off - Going Out of Business!

:D

I love Dale. He gets a book with a cast that is second only to the Legion, yet he still takes the time to put in little easter eggs and realistic details everywhere.

The Shadow

12-05-2006, 06:30 AM

I. Cannot. Wait.

That is all.

Babylon23

12-06-2006, 12:06 AM

Me neither. I love the JSA.

I've got to see, Dale Eaglesham seems to have pulled out all the stops for this series. I've always liked his artwork, but these preview pages are fantastic.

the4thpip

12-06-2006, 04:35 AM

Me neither. I love the JSA.

I've got to see, Dale Eaglesham seems to have pulled out all the stops for this series. I've always liked his artwork, but these preview pages are fantastic.

And I've heard it on the grapevine that he was only getting warmed up with issue 1, and that 2 and 3 will really knock our socky socks off.

PastePotPete

12-06-2006, 06:57 AM

I like this new Damage. The new personality (a potty mouth) match his powers more than the old persona did. Plus, it's cool to have a hero with a scarred up face and a bad attitude on a team that has so many straight arrows.

Now who can tell me what's going on with Sandman? He has his dream powers back? He no longer turns into sand? I love the new look. Sand was a cool character in the previous JSA stories, but I always wanted them to bring back the Mystery Theater style vigilante and lose those sand transformation powers.

Rob on the Job

12-06-2006, 07:56 AM

This looks great.

I really hope this JSA can stay together. The "family" aspect is crucial.

Jmacq1

12-06-2006, 08:10 AM

This preview is looking awesome. It'll be great to see the JSA back on-track. It floundered a bit later in the last volume, but this really looks like a good "return to form."

Ok, I am a little confused. The last I saw Damage he was nabbed with the rest of the Freedom Fighters. What's this about his face being messed up? And since when does he talk like that? I guess it's oyl and all, but the last time I saw him he was still a kid and didn't seem so hateful.

Does anyone know what's happened to him in the last year or two?

btw, the art does look good. But since when can Hourman catch a flying car with one hand? I don't recall Miraclo ever being quite that powerful. Rick Tyler get an upgrade that I don't know about?

Doc

I'm thinking his experiences with the Titans and the Freedom Fighters have hardened Damage a bit (particularly the latter). He's always kind of been the "desperate for acceptance" type, but I'm thinking that the Freedom Fighters getting nigh-slaughtered before his eyes may have given him a healthy dose of survivor's guilt (coupled with some strong self-loathing due to his scarring). Hence the new "badass" attitude.

And actually IIRC, Miraclo does in fact make it's user quite strong indeed. Well into the superhuman ranges.

skally19

12-06-2006, 10:32 AM

HOLY CRAP THIS WAS AMAZING! this an 52 this week blew me away. this was awesome. i wasn't planning on even getting it till a few days ago. oh man. this was great. that "this year" part made me scream. it was amazing.

handOFfate

12-06-2006, 12:22 PM

Well, i'm sold. I thought that Damage was originally Atom Smasher. Both Teen Titans and Green Lantern improved significantly following OYL, so hopefully Justice Society can follow suite. Im interested to see if Johns can handle such a huge roster. I also like Sand returning to the Sandman gear. Hopefully it'll make him important again.

Rob on the Job

12-06-2006, 12:24 PM

In many ways, the JSA is the heart-and-soul of DC.

Obviously, Supes & Bats & Wonder Woman & JLA are the big guns.

But the JSA hearkens back to a nostalgic past.

It would be nice to see that past remain alive.

Cayman

12-06-2006, 01:19 PM

Very good first issue. Much better paced than the JLA debut.

I thought the reveal of Mr. America was a little silly, given the hardboiled narration that preceeded it. But once we get beyond that, the issue really kicks in.

I don't have a lot of interest in Damage, but I enjoyed the other new characters that were introduced. I like Maxine a lot more than the other recently introduced freckled redheaded motormouth, Misfit from BoP.

big_dippin

12-06-2006, 01:49 PM

Being a first time reader to JSA, I really enjoyed the first issue. Can't wait for #2.

Frankie Dennis

12-06-2006, 02:45 PM

I thought this was going to be a slow issue, I'm glad I was wrong.

NMoline

12-06-2006, 05:10 PM

Another missing year question,

When we see Starman looking at the calendar the Date is Wednesday Decmber 06, 2006 which happens to be today.Since this obviously takes place OYL or after. Then that would mean that 52 takes place during 2005-2006 or so and while we were reading Infinite Crisis in 2006 the events had already taken placce in 2004-2005?

I know people say comics and real life time don't match up or there is a formula; but if this is the case why do editors allow for calendars to be used that match up with the current date?

All in all I loved the issue and I really don't care about the date just found it interesting. This is how the new Justice League should have been handled; when comparing the two it seems obvious this will be a much better story than the new JLA.

ultramandingo

12-06-2006, 06:46 PM

so is that the original mr. america ? he didnt seem old enuff .hope he didnt die , we need more heros who smack villians with whips!!!! loved wildcats torn up mask , bet he never washes his tights either

The Shadow

12-06-2006, 07:07 PM

Being a first time reader to JSA, I really enjoyed the first issue.

I cannot recommend enough getting either the back issues or the trades of the previous JSA series. It was (until the stopped it to get ready for this series) probably the best team book on the market from either Marvel or DC.

titanfan

12-06-2006, 07:51 PM

This issue was sooooo good! Well worth the wait! I love all the introductions and re-introductions! Johns really knows how to take advantage of the OYL thing as his books all did it the best.

My only really tiny regret is that they could have:

put Mr. America on the cover art, since it was apparent that he wasn't on it--he wasn't going to make it out of the arc alive. (Especially considering the villain is going after legacies....

Sean Walsh

12-06-2006, 09:03 PM

so is that the original mr. america ? he didnt seem old enuff .hope he didnt die , we need more heros who smack villians with whips!!!!

This was Trey Thompson. The original was named Tex. Not sure if this was a revamp (like so many that've shown up in the DCU after INFINITE CRISIS) or, like you said, one guy whose the latest member of the Mr. America legacy...

Tony Starkz

12-06-2006, 09:37 PM

I cannot recommend enough getting either the back issues or the trades of the previous JSA series. It was (until the stopped it to get ready for this series) probably the best team book on the market from either Marvel or DC.

Which ones would you suggest?I have no plans in getting all of them for budget reasons.

The Shadow

12-06-2006, 09:53 PM

Which ones would you suggest?I have no plans in getting all of them for budget reasons.

As I said in the other thread... get em all ;)

Stop eating out for a few weeks... you won't be disappointed! Get em slowly or for christmas or birthday presents... talk to your LCS and see if you can drop $5.00 a week on em or SOMETHING!

TitoJones

12-07-2006, 01:42 AM

Did Mister Terrific show up at all in this issue?

StrikeForce Albert

12-07-2006, 06:54 AM

Did Mister Terrific show up at all in this issue?

Him, Steel, Sandman---I don't think either of those popped up

but trust me, issue of the week, freaking amazing

For the love of god I love Starman

jerrymcl89

12-07-2006, 08:24 AM

Did Mister Terrific show up at all in this issue?

He was there, he just didn't do or say much. He was with Power Girl when they went to recruit Maxine.

Cayman

12-07-2006, 08:28 AM

He was there, he just didn't do or say much.

Maxine didn't give him much opportunity. :p

davros42

12-07-2006, 09:28 AM

I was looking forward to this issue for months and it doesn't disapoint at all.

A Mr. America that harkens back to the Golden Age

The return on Jesse Chambers.

Some interesting new characters.

I love the new Starman, or should I say old Starboy? Looks like we've got someone stealing the Psycho-Pirate's schtick from Animal Man.

And, just when you thought it couldn't get any better... Dawnstar?!?!? Kal-L?!!?!? Holy crap!

PatrickG

12-07-2006, 09:39 AM

Jack

12-07-2006, 11:46 AM

Now all I need is for Starman to be Jewish and I'll finally have my exact minority in superhero form! Awesome.

The Shadow

12-07-2006, 01:21 PM

Can someone fill me in on the new Starman?

It it Jack or Ted Knight? Or does he have any affiliation with the original Starman??

Thanks!

Jack

12-07-2006, 01:39 PM

Can someone fill me in on the new Starman?

It it Jack or Ted Knight? Or does he have any affiliation with the original Starman??

Thanks!
It's probably Thom Kallor, the former Star Boy of the Legion of Super-Heroes (though which incarnation of the Legion is up in the air, given the appearance of Dawnstar, who was never in the Post-Zero Hour Legion, in the previews).

In the last Starman series, during a trip to the future, it was revealed by the future Shade that Thom would eventually travel back in time to become the Starman of Opal City, and that he would be one of the greatest in history. Shade had in turn been told this by Thom-as-Starman in the 21st century, rather than the 30th.

As for affiliations, he met Jack Knight when he travelled to the future, and he's currently operating in Opal City, but that may be it.

Matthew E

12-07-2006, 01:41 PM

It seems to be (especially if you can take Alex Ross's slightly unspecific word for it) Thom Kallor, aka Star Boy of the Legion.

I've been trying to figure out exactly how that works, and obviously there's no way of knowing exactly what's going on until they tell us.

But: apparently, the Superman on the last page of JSA is the Kingdom Come Superman. And Ross says that the Starman he used in Kingdom Come was the original Star Boy, who was in the Legion with Dawnstar, who was also on the last page of JSA #1, saying she was looking for Starman. So that's one suggestion that this Starman is the original Star Boy.

Another is the pills Starman was taking. He referred to them, jokingly, as 'Color Kids and Polar Boys'. Color Kid and Polar Boy were members of the original Legion, but in subsequent versions of the Legion Color Kid didn't appear at all, as far as I know, and Polar Boy was only a very minor character.

Reasons why this Starman might not be the original Star Boy:
1. original Legion continuity was wiped out in Zero Hour. Obviously that's something they can get around. But I thought I'd mention it.
2. in original Legion continuity, Star Boy retired from superheroing, got married, got a job, and sort of let himself go a bit.
3. Star Boy doesn't have the kind of power Starman displayed in JSA #1.
4. the Star Boy that was supposed to grow up to be Starman, according to the James Robinson Starman series, is not the original Star Boy but the rebooted Star Boy, who did have the kind of power Starman displayed in JSA #1, more or less.

So could this Starman be the rebooted Star Boy?
1. One problem with that is that there was no rebooted Dawnstar. So how could a Legionnaire from one continuity be looking for a Legionnaire from a different continuity?

Plus, Dawnstar. The type of flight ring she was shown as wearing doesn't look like the flight rings the original Legion had. That's just a detail, though, and may not be significant. It could be just the way the artist drew it. She is in her yellow outfit, though, and she stopped wearing that long before the original Legion's run came to an end. Significant, or not?

The Shadow

12-07-2006, 01:58 PM

Reasons why this Starman might not be the original Star Boy:
1. original Legion continuity was wiped out in Zero Hour. Obviously that's something they can get around. But I thought I'd mention it.
2. in original Legion continuity, Star Boy retired from superheroing, got married, got a job, and sort of let himself go a bit.
3. Star Boy doesn't have the kind of power Starman displayed in JSA #1.
4. the Star Boy that was supposed to grow up to be Starman, according to the James Robinson Starman series, is not the original Star Boy but the rebooted Star Boy, who did have the kind of power Starman displayed in JSA #1, more or less.

So could this Starman be the rebooted Star Boy?
1. One problem with that is that there was no rebooted Dawnstar. So how could a Legionnaire from one continuity be looking for a Legionnaire from a different continuity?

ACK!

DC and their ever changing continuity and reboots and tweaks... I wish they'd just stick to ONE THING (I don't even care what history/continuity... just STICK WITH IT!) and go from there.

It wasn't Crisis that made all these continuity problems... it was DC trying to incorporate certain things while certain writers tried to incorporate what THEY liked about certain elements of DC. While I don't think continuity should be the be-all end-all nor should a writer be 100% restrained by it I don't think it's a bad thing either... especially in a shared universe.

titanfan

12-07-2006, 02:22 PM

FYI, the first panel of the last page, isn't someone mis-drawn or colored like I assumed.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/z00merang/JSA01_final.jpg

If you go by this Newsarama interview, it's a teaser to the last member of the JLA:

NEWSARAMA: Well let's go panel by panel…the first one - from the numbering you mentioned, that's the JLA/JSA team-up, right?

GEOFF JOHNS: Right. Issue #5.

NRAMA: So we've got Batman, and Sand…man? Not just Sand?

GJ: Right - that's Sandman. That's Sand Hawkins going by the name Sandman now. He's more in tune with the Sandman Mystery Theater version of the character. He comes back in the next few issues. Alex redesigned him to be more in tune with the original Sandman, and conceptually, he'll be serving more as the recon guy that goes out, finds out information, digs things up, and then reports back, allowing the JSA to be a little more proactive.

NRAMA: And that's Starman beside him?

GJ: Right.

NRAMA: And standing beside Batman…

GJ: I don't know who that is…[laughs]

All I can say is you'll know who that is when the next issue of Justice League of America ships in a couple of weeks.

Geo-Force? Booster Gold? Animal Man?

Killer Frost

12-07-2006, 02:41 PM

Matthew E

12-07-2006, 02:55 PM

As far as Alex Ross is concerned, original Legion continuity ended with Crisis and nothing after 1985 matters. None of these "facts" would stop him from transplanting the original Thom Kallor and the entire pre-Crisis LoSH along with him to the Kingdom Come Universe, if he was given his way.

I could certainly live with that.

Not me. I'd hate it. That's a lot of Legion history to be throwing aside, and throwing aside good stories is what got DC into this mess to begin with. Bringing back only part of the original Legion (and none of the reboot Legion) is not satisfactory, and if Alex Ross (or anybody) thinks otherwise then he can eat applesauce.

Edited: oh, wait. You said the Kingdom Come universe? That's different. Doesn't matter what happens in the Kingdom Come universe. I'm just talking DCU here.

Sean Walsh

12-07-2006, 03:20 PM

Geo-Force? Booster Gold? Animal Man?

I'm guessing it's one of the latter 2, but it certainly looks like Geo-Force in his original duds.

Then again, why all the mystery around Geo-Force? :cool:

Jack Zodiac

12-07-2006, 03:34 PM

Huh... wow, thanks Titan! I just finished reading it and glossed right over who was saying "I'll notify the League." But you're right! My hopes and dreams that, maybe one day, Booster wil return to me are slowly being inflated! LOVE!

As for this first issue... could've been a lot better. The art was fantastic, but for a $3.99, 40-page book, a whole lotta' nothin' happened. And once again, they've given Johns a pen and a hitlist to go to town with. I hope this book completely surprises me by not being a kill-fest. Aside from that looming shadow, the book was fairly good. Picking up the Starman legacy from Shade's hint in Jack's book was excellent, and Thom being cracked is a pretty good bit, especially with all his disheveled continuity name-drops and Ambush Bug-like fourth-wall bashing. Rick and Jesse getting together was, also, an amazing idea (though I'd like to hear why she's dressed like her mother since, last we saw her, she didn't have any powers). And then yanking out that six-year-old plotpoint about Ted's son... now that was a shocker. Enough to keep me around, 'cause I love Wildcat.

Still, every time I turn the page, all I see are crosshairs. Surprise me, Geoff.

kalorama

12-07-2006, 04:02 PM

Unlike Justice League, this is the way to kick off issue one of a new team book. Very nicley sets up the story and kicks things off. Gives us enough info to not feel lost but leaves enough unanswered questions to hook us into coming back. I even liked th e art (for the most part) which was a bit of a surprise as I've never much cared for Eaglesham's work.

Johns did a nice job of thumnailing what we needed to know about the personalities and relationships among the remaining founders in a quick decisive fashion. I like the idea that all of the new recruits seem to have some kind of emotional issues. It really puts the Society's mission to provide direction and guidance in a stark light.

SlightlyMad

12-07-2006, 04:28 PM

The months of waiting are finally over, and boy were they worth it!

I like Maxine already, she's going to be fun.

As is the "special" new Starman, it's like have a super-powered "Howling Mad" Murdock on the team. I'm sure his illogic may prove fun in contrast with Mr. Terrific's logical nature. I'd love to see him go up against Bizarro!

Not really seen enough of Liberty Belle to from an opinion, but Damage seems to be filling in for Atom Smasher in attitude as well as costume style (although I understand the mask isn't as much of a choice as it is a necessity).

The trailer page for next year was fun & wicked too, who knows how long we're going to have to wait to find out what happens in some of them. The first one presumably can't take place until 52 is over, if that is Animal Man or (more likely) Booster Gold (although than doesn't not necessarily mean it's Michael in the suit).
And as for that last panel, could it be that Alex Ross is doing an issue or arc next year?!

Jonah Weiland

12-07-2006, 04:41 PM

A transcript of today's press conference with Geoff and Dale can be found here on CBR:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=9103

SarcasmoBlaster

12-07-2006, 04:43 PM

I'm new to JSA, and I gotta say this issue started off with a bang. I'm looking forward to upcoming JLA issues far more than issues of the new Justice League.

The Shadow

12-07-2006, 04:48 PM

As for this first issue... could've been a lot better. The art was fantastic, but for a $3.99, 40-page book, a whole lotta' nothin' happened.

Still, every time I turn the page, all I see are crosshairs. Surprise me, Geoff.

In defence of the first issue it was all set up and Johns made no secrets of it in the time leading up the its release. And unlike JLA they actually had the whole team assembled by the end setting up the remainder of the arc.

Jack Zodiac

12-07-2006, 04:53 PM

In defence of the first issue it was all set up and Johns made no secrets of it in the time leading up the its release. And unlike JLA they actually had the whole team assembled by the end setting up the remainder of the arc.

Oh, I'll definitely give him that. Meltzer's still holding the prize for "worst relaunch of the year." I just think that with someone of Geoff's caliber writing, the first overpriced, oversized issue of the series could've done more than put everyone in a room together with a dead nobody hero leading into what will, no doubt, be a kill-fest of a first story arc. It was a much better first issue than Justice League of America, and by no means a bad book, but it could've been better.

Magneto_X

12-07-2006, 06:35 PM

Then again, why all the mystery around Geo-Force? :cool:

Maybe it's a new Geoforce.

Magneto_X

12-07-2006, 06:38 PM

I'm new to JSA, and I gotta say this issue started off with a bang. I'm looking forward to upcoming JLA issues far more than issues of the new Justice League.

If you like this buy the previous JSA series that was written by Goyer and Johns.
Most of their run should be in trades by now. You shouldn't be disappointed!

StoneGold

12-07-2006, 07:24 PM

Is it me, or was the art incredibly uneven? There were parts where it looked amazing, and others... not so much. That opening shot of Superman for instance. Or the shot of the old incarnation of the Society, with Atom Smasher looking like a microcephallic.

CMBMOOL

12-07-2006, 07:45 PM

WOOOH, I can't wait for the rest of this series. :D

Sean Walsh

12-07-2006, 08:05 PM

Maybe it's a new Geoforce.

Rip Hunter fused with Booster Gold assuming the mantle of Geo-Force, who was killed by Superboy Prime during the Infinite Zero Hour? ;) :p

CYOTI

12-07-2006, 09:09 PM

Seeing how we are going to get both the KC and Earth-2 Superman in JSA, I'm wondering if Johns is going with a crossover with the multiple versions of Superman.

Heck they could call it, Crisis of Infinite Supermen, and it'd sell like hotcakes. And better yet they also have SBP and the Earth-1 Superman hanging around.

mandog

12-07-2006, 09:16 PM

Geoff Johns has single handedly made me a fan of DC. First Green Lantern, now JSA.

steve2275

12-07-2006, 10:24 PM

always end with a mystery

The Lucky One

12-07-2006, 10:36 PM

All I can say is, it's nice to be back. Read JSA from the first issue of the last relaunch up until... geez, I guess a year and some change ago, when it started to get... you know, uh, not good. Still early to tell, but this relaunch looks promising (although, geez, that's a hell of a lot of characters to pack onto one team).

Had a few questions, some of which may have answers and some not; but if anyone who read the book all the way till the end could help me out, I'd sure appreciate it.

1) So Jesse Quick has dropped her dad's identity for her mom's now? Last I remember she was powerless and serving as secretary or something for the JSA; oh, and her mother was encouraging her to date Rick. Obviously that worked out (though call me a cynic, but the incredibly lovey-doveyness they're projecting worries me)... did they get married in the book, or during OYL?

2) What's the status of Rex Tyler? Last I remember the android Hourman had taken his place in Zero Hour, restoring Rex back to the main DCU. Is Rex still alive, or has he bought it since (and if he IS still kicking, why wasn't he around at least in an advisory capacity during the selection process?).

3) I know very little about Damage except that he's related to the GA Atom and his power is (or maybe was) to blow up. Have his powers changed since then, since he seems to have super-strength and everything now?

4) An encounter between Maxine and T.O. Morrow is referenced; is Maxine a preexisting character, or is that an untold story?

5) When did Obsidian get his powers back?

If anybody could answer some or all of those, that'd be awesome. Thanks!

-D

The Shadow

12-07-2006, 11:18 PM

2) What's the status of Rex Tyler? Last I remember the android Hourman had taken his place in Zero Hour, restoring Rex back to the main DCU. Is Rex still alive, or has he bought it since (and if he IS still kicking, why wasn't he around at least in an advisory capacity during the selection process?).

Rex and Rick just teamed up to kick Bane's ass as Bane's venom has ties to miraclo!

This was just in JSA Classified #'s 17 & 18 (19 just came out)

CYOTI

12-07-2006, 11:27 PM

^Hourman III was suppose to return OYL at least according to Per Degaton.

3) I know very little about Damage except that he's related to the GA Atom and his power is (or maybe was) to blow up. Have his powers changed since then, since he seems to have super-strength and everything now? Blowing up is only one of his powers, he was designed by Vandal Savage to have the powers of every superhero. Don't know if Johns will use that angle though.

4) An encounter between Maxine and T.O. Morrow is referenced; is Maxine a preexisting character, or is that an untold story? Probably an untold story. She is a brand new character unless you count Kingdom Come.

sly_kat

12-08-2006, 12:47 AM

Rip Hunter fused with Booster Gold assuming the mantle of Geo-Force, who was killed by Superboy Prime during the Infinite Zero Hour? ;) :p

Hahahah!!! add the Monitor appearing before a dead body... 'uh your supposed to be dea.... ' *disappears into thin air*

Michael Painter

12-08-2006, 01:50 AM

For those wondering, Geoff said elsewhere that Jakeem is not coming yet, but will show up soon, and that Hawkman I believe shows up very soon, this arc, too.

the4thpip

12-08-2006, 06:43 AM

2. in original Legion continuity, Star Boy retired from superheroing, got married, got a job, and sort of let himself go a bit.
3. Star Boy doesn't have the kind of power Starman displayed in JSA #1.
4. the Star Boy that was supposed to grow up to be Starman, according to the James Robinson Starman series, is not the original Star Boy but the rebooted Star Boy, who did have the kind of power Starman displayed in JSA #1, more or less.

The Silver Age Starboy did have those Superboy-like powers in his first few appearances in addition to his gravity-manipulations, but they quickly faded. Possible that he gained them back, or that this Thom was picked from the time stream very early on.

brundlefly

12-08-2006, 10:19 AM

I was looking forward to this relaunch more than the JLA one and I wasn't disappointed. Few minor gripes (absence of Sand(man), Terrific and Mid-Nite relegated to background cameos) but nothing to get bent out of shape about since it's a first issue setup with a large cast and a lot of ground to cover. Johns hooked me the last time he did a JSA relaunch back in '99, so I had high hopes for new series. I had dropped out of JSA around the time of the IC tie-ins and the endless Gentleman Ghost arc and was looking forward to this series getting back to greatness and adding it back to my pull list. Great first issue; I'm really looking forward to next month.

Rex and Rick just teamed up to kick Bane's ass as Bane's venom has ties to miraclo!

This was just in JSA Classified #'s 17 & 18 (19 just came out)

Pshaw. That was more of a stalemate then the Tylers "kicking his ass." He got the best of them in most of the physical confrontations in that arc. Loved that JSA Classified two-parter though, since I'm a fan of both Bane and the Hourmen. Are you following the current arc with Dr. Nid-Nite that started in #19?

Scott Evil

12-08-2006, 11:07 AM

Awesome awesome awesome. I picked this up on a whim, since I haven't followed JSA since the Black Reign arc, but this has got me all hyped! Loved the art, the character bits, and especially the last page "Coming up in JSA.." I love getting teased like that.

So jumping the gun a little; but would it be too far fetched to think that the Superman in panels 3 & 4 are the SAME guy? *If* Kal-L does return, why not update the look a little, he'd still have the grey temples in the Ross art, and his dialogue of "..Our kind never dies.."(paraphrased) would carry more meaning. Then the JSA would truly be legacy carrying over from the Golden Age.

Just sayin'

jadrax

12-08-2006, 12:19 PM

The trailer page for next year was fun & wicked too, who knows how long we're going to have to wait to find out what happens in some of them. The first one presumably can't take place until 52 is over, if that is Animal Man or (more likely) Booster Gold (although than doesn't not necessarily mean it's Michael in the suit).
And as for that last panel, could it be that Alex Ross is doing an issue or arc next year?!

I believe that will take place during 52, which rules out Booster and Animal Man.

Also, I suspect the 11th member of JLA is a girl, and the only person I can think of who wears a yellow mask which shows her black hair is Katana. Although she's currently an Outsider.

the4thpip

12-08-2006, 01:49 PM

Hmm.. I notice that "Tom Cat" has his earring in his right ear.

If that still means what is used to mean, we're gonna find out how an old bruiser like Wildcat is gonna deal with having a gay son. :)

The Lucky One

12-08-2006, 01:56 PM

If that still means what is used to mean, we're gonna find out how an old bruiser like Wildcat is gonna deal with having a gay son. :)

Pffft... knowing Ted, he'll treat his boy to a few rounds in the ring and knock the gay right out of 'im. Then they'll bandage themselves up and go out for some beers and hookers, father-son style.

-D

Scavenger

12-08-2006, 02:06 PM

Why are people thinking that Dawnstar is going to show up? Or that Starman is Thom Kallor?

Have you people never read comic books before? I mean, seriously...Everybody's been waiting for Thom to show up as Starman...and so you think it's happened? Because the guy is making Legion references? Does the term fished in mean anything?

Shellhead

12-08-2006, 02:31 PM

Does the term fished in mean anything?

I don't know. Does it?

skally19

12-08-2006, 02:31 PM

Scavenger

12-08-2006, 02:45 PM

geoff mentioned dawnstar specifically.

Well never mind then.:)

Jack

12-08-2006, 03:01 PM

Hmm.. I notice that "Tom Cat" has his earring in his right ear.

If that still means what is used to mean, we're gonna find out how an old bruiser like Wildcat is gonna deal with having a gay son. :)
So... Is he being introduced as a love interest for Obsidian?

glennsim

12-08-2006, 03:10 PM

I believe that will take place during 52, which rules out Booster and Animal Man.

Also, I suspect the 11th member of JLA is a girl, and the only person I can think of who wears a yellow mask which shows her black hair is Katana. Although she's currently an Outsider.

I think there's a female Judomaster running around, who would theoretically be a legacy from the World War II era version. Maybe it's her...

the4thpip

12-08-2006, 03:55 PM

geoff mentioned dawnstar specifically.

And she is shown on the "coming up in the first year of this book" teaser page. With her Legion flight ring and everything.

the4thpip

12-08-2006, 03:56 PM

So... Is he being introduced as a love interest for Obsidian?

Hmm... didn't Obie already have a boyfriend in Manhunter? Of course, they might have broken up in the meantime.

Scavenger

12-08-2006, 04:50 PM

And she is shown on the "coming up in the first year of this book" teaser page. With her Legion flight ring and everything.

So you failed the contextual reading part of the SAT, then.

My point, not knowing that Johns had said by name she was coming, that seeing a part of a picture that would make you think it was Dawnstar is the biggest clue that it isn't her. But apparently Johns is going the route of "people will expect the unexpected and assume the clues are tricks, so instead will give the unexpected expectations.

SKJAM!

12-08-2006, 06:38 PM

Young Avenger

12-08-2006, 06:46 PM

My only experience reading JSA is from the Classified book. Though that book is just used for character arcs. This the first time I read them as a team and I enjoyed it alot. I thought this was better than the JLA relaunch. I'm sticking with this.

Jack Zodiac

12-08-2006, 07:18 PM

I think the date was emphasized for a reason--the next day is December 7th, a date that has a special resonance for the Golden Age heroes. It could be that it also has a special resonance for the villain of this arc.

Ah! Ya' think it's Degaton? Johns has been pumping him up for the past couple of years in JSA, maybe he's been holding a big hand and decided now would be a good time to play it.

the4thpip

12-09-2006, 12:46 AM

So you failed the contextual reading part of the SAT, then.

Huh? Where did that come from. You're not very nice, are you? Does the term "respect" mean anything?

Suzanne

12-09-2006, 01:00 AM

I enjoyed this as much as JLofA's first issues. It was well-done all around. I really like Maxine and Starman. Dale Eaglesham was right, she is somone you'd want to "put a protective arm around." Starman's my kind of crazy :cool: Because they're both oddballs, I can see them becoming good friends. I also dug the involvement of the League and the GLC. There's just something cool about two of the DCU's most prominent teams helping out the first ever one get back on its feet. This one's definately a keeper on my pull list.

Bored at 3:00AM

12-09-2006, 06:19 AM

Nice relaunch.

Given the number of characters Johns is juggling here, the fact that each character felt unique to me is a pretty impressive feat. Eaglesham's art looks to be a nice fit for this book. I really enjoyed his work on HERO (which I really recommend to everyone--great comic)

The last page preview is an excellent idea. I would love to see this used on other debut issues.

areacode212

12-09-2006, 06:48 AM

I just finished reading this. It's fucking great!!! Miles better than the recent Justice League of America relaunch and I enjoyed it more than Johns' previous JSA #1. I've never fully gotten behind the idea of having the JSA exist in current times, but this issue completely turned me around. GJ did a great job of (re)introducing the new characters. I never followed Damage before, but he looks like he'll have a decent character arc. Maxine Hunkel was cute--I liked her a lot, and it looks like Power Girl will be getting lots of face time in the book.

Now the mention of WW3 made me even more psyched for what's coming up in 52 (I was momentarily annoyed at being spoiled, but then realized that this was intentional). Also, it looks like not only will the JSA will carry on the legacy of Earth 2, but the pre-Zero Hour LSH as well? Here's hoping. Maybe they'll go even further and have Shikari join up around issue #40.

EDIT: I also loved Wildcat's line about how he prefers the term "mystery men". So much good stuff in this issue.

TheTen-EyedMan

12-09-2006, 09:31 AM

This comic illustrated the difference between comic writers and book writers.

Brad Meltzer has spent 4 issues advancing the plot of Justice League of America at a glacial pace...like a book. Geoff Johns has put four issues of story into one book.

Justice Society is Jessica Simpson's breasts good.

SKJAM!

12-09-2006, 09:40 AM

Ah! Ya' think it's Degaton? Johns has been pumping him up for the past couple of years in JSA, maybe he's been holding a big hand and decided now would be a good time to play it.

It's a fairly strong possibility. Baron Blitzkrieg is another strong contender. (And would have a grudge against the entire All-Star Squadron, not just the JSA, thus going after Mr. America's successor.) Are there any other WWII JSA or All-Star villains still active? Most of their enduring baddies weren't really tied to the war.

LordEd1976

12-09-2006, 09:47 AM

It's a fairly strong possibility. Baron Blitzkrieg is another strong contender. (And would have a grudge against the entire All-Star Squadron, not just the JSA, thus going after Mr. America's successor.) Are there any other WWII JSA or All-Star villains still active? Most of their enduring baddies weren't really tied to the war.

Baron Blitzkrieg died in Infinite Crisis #7 so I guess that leaves him out.

Going back the fact that the next day is December 7th, could it be possible that our mystery bad guy is either Japanese or prehaps someone who was at Pearl Harbor?

Jared H.

12-09-2006, 10:33 AM

Very strong issue here, far better even than the last JSA #1.

I'll admit, at first I was a bit leery of the team choices. Too many generic powers.

However, the characters presented in this issue were done so well that I really don't care about the powersets in the least. Very rarely have I warmed up to a new character as quickly as I grew to like Maxine Hunkel.

I'm also loving the possibilities for Damage, and Starman is a blast.

If Geoff and Dale can keep up this level of quality, I'm in for the long haul.

ultramandingo

12-09-2006, 10:44 AM

It's a fairly strong possibility. Baron Blitzkrieg is another strong contender. (And would have a grudge against the entire All-Star Squadron, not just the JSA, thus going after Mr. America's successor.) Are there any other WWII JSA or All-Star villains still active? Most of their enduring baddies weren't really tied to the war.

is the ultra humanite still around ? seeing mr america reminded me of jamese robinsons ( way better that kigdome come) "golden age" . the jsa vs hitlers brain in ultramans body! hooo-weee....

Frankie Dennis

12-09-2006, 10:58 AM

is the ultra humanite still around ? seeing mr america reminded me of jamese robinsons ( way better that kigdome come) "golden age" . the jsa vs hitlers brain in ultramans body! hooo-weee....

I think he died in Crisis on Infinite Earths.

CYOTI

12-09-2006, 11:47 AM

Ultra-Humanite is shown alive in JSA Classified.

StrikeForce Albert

12-09-2006, 12:13 PM

If they bring more from Kingdom Come I really liked Obsidian's "Pulp" look from it

Though they have Sandman with the same style, so it may be overkill on it

dupersuper

12-09-2006, 03:16 PM

Didn't Icicle kill Ultra Humanite at the end of the big U-H takes over Johnny Thunder story? Also, whatever happened to the other Ultra-Humanite from the Robinson Superman story in Legends of the DCU 1-3?

Fatguy

12-09-2006, 06:16 PM

Man, I read the book this morning, and it was as good as my HIGH expectations could have hoped for :cool: All the characters were great. The new Starman caught me so off guard I didnt like him at first, but after about a page or two I found him to be very interesting. I LOVED Maxine, she was great!

Also, I like the Hourman/Liberty Bell marriage quite a bit. In fact, I hope that they as a couple become popular fixtures in the book, and maybe land their own title. It would be cool to see a married super-couple share a series.

Scott Taylor

12-09-2006, 09:07 PM

Dawnstar! Yippee!

So...guys, can you help me out here. I'm confused about the timeline - when was WWIII?

Bored at 3:00AM

12-09-2006, 09:53 PM

So...guys, can you help me out here. I'm confused about the timeline - when was WWIII?

Remember that the weekly 52 series takes place during the past year that all the DC titles skipped over during the "One Year Later" jump. World War III will be shown in 52 #50 a few months from now.

Jack Zodiac

12-09-2006, 10:50 PM

Also, I like the Hourman/Liberty Bell marriage quite a bit. In fact, I hope that they as a couple become popular fixtures in the book, and maybe land their own title. It would be cool to see a married super-couple share a series.

I wholly endorse this idea. Off the top of my head, I can't think of any married couple with superpowers who starred in a book besides team books, like The Avengers or X-Men.

shanejayell

12-09-2006, 10:54 PM

A bit annoyed at the higher cover price, but I liked it alot. No fave character yet, tho I'm hoping for a Jack Knight appearance.

Jack Zodiac

12-09-2006, 10:59 PM

$3.99 for forty-two pages ain't bad, I just wish the plot itself would've been revealed a little more. Considering the sizeable cast, though, and the attention given to each character, there wasn't a whole lot of room (even in forty-two pages) to reveal much, but still...

Either way, much better relaunch than Justice League of America, and I'm definitely sticking at least the first arc out. The last page had a lot of stuff that will keep me interested and wondering when it's gonna' happen, and I wanna' be reading this book when it does.

bfrank

12-09-2006, 11:11 PM

I believe that will take place during 52, which rules out Booster and Animal Man.

Also, I suspect the 11th member of JLA is a girl, and the only person I can think of who wears a yellow mask which shows her black hair is Katana. Although she's currently an Outsider.

how can it take place during 52 if Batman is there?

The Lucky One

12-09-2006, 11:41 PM

So...guys, can you help me out here. I'm confused about the timeline - when was WWIII?

In the last storyline of Grant Morrison's run on JLA, back in 2000 or so. However, this appears to be an entirely different WWIII... perhaps they can call it "WWIII: take two" or something.

-D

LtMarvel

12-10-2006, 01:36 AM

I wholly endorse this idea. Off the top of my head, I can't think of any married couple with superpowers who starred in a book besides team books, like The Avengers or X-Men.

Fantastic Four is a team, right?

And Liberty Belle and Johnny Quick got married in All-Star Squadron.

how can it take place during 52 if Batman is there?

Batman is a very dedicated guy. If a World War came a knocking, he'd cut his vacation short... :)

marshal99

12-10-2006, 04:26 AM

jadrax

12-10-2006, 05:20 AM

how can it take place during 52 if Batman is there?

Sorry that was really unclear.

What i meant to say is that it will happen in the time when 52 is still ongoing, meaning those characters should still be under embargo. Rather than it actually happening in the year of 52 itself.

the4thpip

12-10-2006, 06:34 AM

Okay start , but not digging the art though as Dale's art is not my cup of tea. He's not as bad as some others , but he's not the best either. His works are average at best , wish they could have gotten Sadowski back for the relaunch , can't recall him doing much since he left JSA way back in the first series.

That's because Sadowski himself admitted he had a hard time doing a monthly comic.

And Dale is one of those (these days) rare hard working artists who will take on a book with a huge cast and work day and night to keep up with a schedule. And in an age of tracers and photoshop-copy-and-pasters, he puts lots of thought as well as blood, sweat and tears into every page. And even with a challenging book like Justice Society he takes the time to put tons of realistic detail into his work like the extra pins on the board with the heroes' photos, the stitches on Wildcat's mask, the white-out on Maxine`s desk in school (what is that telling us about her?). And he has a natural grasp of facial expressions and body language that you just don't get when you compose a page out of traced photographs.
If you're a fan of David Finch or Greg Land or Bryan Hitch, this is probably not for you. But good lord, it's actual, carefully crafted comic book art, month after month, and I wish we had more real artists like Dale.

Jack Zodiac

12-10-2006, 11:34 AM

Fantastic Four is a team, right?

Actually, yeah, I think I'd count Sue and Reed in Fantastic Four, since it isn't so much a team book as it's a family book. So I was wrong, I guess there is at least one title out there with a married couple with superpowers as the stars.

Gingold

12-10-2006, 12:10 PM

The art wasn't great, but this was a pretty solid read. The new crazy Starman (must be Thom Kallor, right?) seems pretty fun, and I like the fact that Sand seems to have become Sandman in the missing year. Damage seemed a little too angsty and I worry that Maxine Hunkel will get annoying, really soon. But this was a better start than JLofA got, certainly. Those preview panels were cool, and Ross's cover wasn't that all that bad.

BoosterBronze

12-10-2006, 07:13 PM

Im sure glad Mr. America died. BEcause despite the all time worst costume and worst name... HE HAS THE BRAIN OF ADOLPH HITLER!!!

SKJAM!

12-10-2006, 07:21 PM

Per Degaton had a scheme revolving around Pearl Harbor and arguably helped jump-start the All-Star Squadron in the pre-Crisis history, and I don't think that's ever been directly contradicted since.

The only reason I think it might not be Degaton is because he's already been the major villain of a multi-part story within the last couple of years. I'd like to believe Johns wouldn't run him into the ground.

marshal99

12-10-2006, 08:00 PM

No , that thing about Degaton involvement in the starting arc of all star squadron was erased after he was defeated as time corrected itself and he forgotten all about it and went back to his old job as the professor's assistant. Of course, about a year plus later , his memory came back and he was again involved in that JSA/JLA/All star squadron/CSA arc and once again , after degaton was defeated , time reset itself and that adventure never happened.
Degaton was upgraded to become some sort of master of time during John's run. Pre and post crisis , Degaton was a weak man who died by pathetic means.
In pre-crisis , Degaton killed himself and in post-crisis (not sure whether that story still holds) , his younger self killed his older self.

bfrank

12-10-2006, 08:48 PM

Fantastic Four is a team, right?

And Liberty Belle and Johnny Quick got married in All-Star Squadron.

Batman is a very dedicated guy. If a World War came a knocking, he'd cut his vacation short... :)

but a world war comes knocking and he doesn't.....

shanejayell

12-10-2006, 09:16 PM

Im sure glad Mr. America died. BEcause despite the all time worst costume and worst name... HE HAS THE BRAIN OF ADOLPH HITLER!!!

Alternate reality, don't count.

Harding Prime

12-10-2006, 10:37 PM

Remember that the weekly 52 series takes place during the past year that all the DC titles skipped over during the "One Year Later" jump. World War III will be shown in 52 #50 a few months from now.

I thought they were referring to IC?

Mulett

12-11-2006, 05:13 AM

Loved it! I'm not exactly awash with enthusiasm for the JLA as of yet (I am sure it will come) but JSA #1 really pulled me in.

Starman- he could well be Starboy from the Legion of Superheroes. I am assuming (and I could be wrong) that if he isthe Legion's Starboy then he will be from the current Legion continuity. Has Starboy cropped up in the current Legion? If not, they won't miss him. He might even be linked to Supergirl's appearance in LoSH. Perhaps they swapped places somehow. Interesting, also, that he mentioned '52' which links to Green Lantern/The Guardians of the Universe.

Dawnstar - very exciting. One of my favourite LoSH characters, and very much missed.

Superman - if he isthe Kingdom Come Superman, doesn't that mean he's a possible future version of the current Superman, as opposed to the Earth-2 Superman returning?

Its all very exciting. I get the feeling JSA is going to be the place to be in 2007.

the4thpip

12-11-2006, 05:19 AM

Starman- he could well be Starboy from the Legion of Superheroes. I am assuming (and I could be wrong) that if he isthe Legion's Starboy then he will be from the current Legion continuity. Has Starboy cropped up in the current Legion? If not, they won't miss him. He might even be linked to Supergirl's appearance in LoSH. Perhaps they swapped places somehow. Interesting, also, that he mentioned '52' which links to Green Lantern/The Guardians of the Universe.

The current Starboy is a black kid whose only power is to increase the mass of objects.

Mulett

12-11-2006, 05:23 AM

The current Starboy is a black kid whose only power is to increase the mass of objects.

Maybe this Starman is the Starboy left over from Infinite Crisis - you know, the panel where they showed the previous LoSH still existed on a parallel earth when it re-appeared briefly with all the other earths? Some elements of those earths got left behind. Maybe he did too. Or would that be too convoluted? Mind you, Power Girl's the same . . .

Babylon23

12-11-2006, 07:21 AM

Im sure glad Mr. America died. BEcause despite the all time worst costume and worst name... HE HAS THE BRAIN OF ADOLPH HITLER!!!

Wasn't it Dan the Dyna-Mite that had Hitler's brain? I thought Mr. America had the Ultra-Humanite's brain.

Anyway, i absolutely loved this issue. I had high expectations for this book, and Johns and Eaglesham managed to exceed my expectations. I love the new lineup. Can't wait to see the new Commander Steel.

As for the December 7 date, it could just be a nice artistic nod to Pearl Harbor, which on Earth-2 led to the formation of the All-Star Squadron. Otherwise, it's a good sign that Per Degaton is involved, and may be the major villain for this arc.

Harding Prime

12-11-2006, 10:04 AM

I had no expectations for this book, I was never into the JSA before, I always thought there storylines where very juvenile, but that was more in the 90's when DC wasn't what I was into except for Batman and a little Superman. I was thoroughly impressed with the writing and work but into this, kudos to Johns who seems to have a very full plate of late, for coming out with quality work every week. The setup seems much like the JLA, but I feel I will be enjoying both books, at least for these respective arcs.

glennsim

12-11-2006, 11:01 AM

I was really interested in the fact that the Earth 2 Robin shows up in the flashback. I'm looking forward to the Power Girl/E2 Superman arc to hopefully explain a little bit more about how the JSA views their history.

gentlesatirist

12-11-2006, 02:09 PM

...since I'm not as much up on my JSA continuity :

1 - Damage is the biological son of the Golden Age Atom? And when did this fight with reverse-Flash happen?

2 - Rick Tyler (son of Hourman) and Jesse Chambers (daughter of Johnny Quick and Liberty Belle) got married and are on each other like white on rice?

3 - Where the heck is Dawnstar?

4 - And what happened to Nuklon/Atom Smasher? Dead?

So many questions...

(And you've got to admit that the final page teaser about the return of the original Superman is the best caving-in to fan demand ever...or else a masterstroke by DC in taunthing their fans and stringing them along. So DC either has no idea how their fans will react...or they understand them totally and completely.)

- FE
Wickliffe OH

the4thpip

12-11-2006, 03:11 PM

4 - And what happened to Nuklon/Atom Smasher? Dead?

Amanda Waller recruited him to her Suicide Squad

Trademark

12-11-2006, 03:49 PM

Amanda Waller recruited him to her Suicide Squad

Adam Smasher's Suicide Squad is supposed to be part of Black Adam's subplot for 52. We probably won't find out what happened to him until 52 is over.

SKJAM!

12-11-2006, 06:50 PM

What I meant was that that particular Per Degaton story hadn't been directly contradicted. Unlike, say, the JSA vs. America story, which relied on characters and situations no longer present post-Crisis (and thus Degaton's not being dead from it anymore.) So he'd remember it, even if no one else did.

And perhaps the "Dew of Death" is a clue? That's a rather specific poison for Catalyst to have used.

glennsim

12-11-2006, 06:57 PM

...since I'm not as much up on my JSA continuity :

1 - Damage is the biological son of the Golden Age Atom? And when did this fight with reverse-Flash happen?

Infinite Crisis, I believe.

2 - Rick Tyler (son of Hourman) and Jesse Chambers (daughter of Johnny Quick and Liberty Belle) got married and are on each other like white on rice?

This happened between the last JSA series and this one. Justice Society of America #1 is when we learn this has happened.

3 - Where the heck is Dawnstar?

Considering the fact that her version of the Legion has been rebooted and she retroactively doesn't exist, that's a very good question. We'll learn the answer soon.

Magneto_X

12-11-2006, 09:12 PM

Just got this today.

Johns is on fire these days. Action Comics, Teen Titans and this rock.

This book is as good as the buzz suggests. Which isn't easy considering the number of characters in the cast, the history of said cast (from Hawkman to Dr.Fate to Sandman etc) and the series being one of DC's high profile assignments.

It's great that Jesse is here, too. Loved the character ever since I saw her in my first Flash issue (Dead Heat part 6), keeping her in the super-hero game despite losing the Speed Force *and* marrying Hourman II (another character I am a huge fan of---since I saw him in the Hourman/Bane arc*).

* before that I never knew much about him

MadroxTMMan

12-12-2006, 09:54 AM

I'm digging these new characters getting pulled in...Starman, Jesse Quick/Chambers, Ma Hunkel's granddaughter, but I am getting sick of all these title relaunches. It's like the speculator days of the 90's are making a comeback...

Shellhead

12-12-2006, 09:59 AM

I've been a fan of the JSA since I first read Justice League of America #100. I enjoyed those annual JLA/JSA team-ups, the "Super Squad" stories in the 70's, the Infinity Inc. series, and especially The Golden Age mini and the recent JSA series. (Well, except for the bad Infinite Crisis crossover issues and the exasperating Gentleman Ghost storyline at the end.)

But this first issue was amazing. Johns did a great job of establishing an enduring theme for the Justice Society, as the moral compass for the DC heroes. Within that theme, there are plenty of stories that can be told, and hopefully the Society will be able to steer the DCU away from the dark future of Kingdom Come, or even the worst excesses leading up to Infinite Crisis.

This issue also did a good job of introducing such a large cast. Obviously some heroes won't get enough exposure in a given issue, but we at least got a look at everybody. I'm interesting in seeing more of the newest members, Starman, Damage and Maxine.

The artwork was good, and sometimes even great, like when Power Girl and Mr. Terrific invited Maxine to join. But it did look rushed and a little sloppy in some scenes, like the group pictures summarizing the team history. Maybe once this title is on track as a normal-sized monthly the art will settle down into a solid level of quality.

Some details that I noticed... I think that Starman was talking about Fury and Hector when he was babbling about nightmares and dreams. I was really unhappy about the way they were discarded in the last series, so maybe they will take on some new role in the realm of Dream. That Rebel guy that Damage busted up looked (and acted) like one of the anti-heroes of Kingdom Come. Maybe we will see some other characters from that series show up, as warning signs of what will happen if the JSA doesn't keep inspiring heroes. I love Jesse Quick became Liberty Belle and married Hourman... Rick might finally become as interesting as Rex. I just wish that Rick would wear something that looks more like the original Hourman costume, because the baggy black hood just makes his head look lumpy.

Mr. America was a disturbing element in this story. His look is too retro and corny, but I did enjoy his story. There were elements that reminded me a little bit of The Silence of the Lambs. I suppose that he is sort of DC's version of Captain America, except that he was overshadowed by a different flow of events in the DCU. But every time I looked at him, I thought about The Golden Age mini-series, and his predeccesor Tex Thompson.

Speaking of the Golden Age, I wonder about it's current status with respect to continuity. Officially, it was just an Elseworlds. But both Johns and Robinson have treated certain elements as in-continuity, like the original Starman's mental problems. After the reset by Infinite Crisis, is it possible that The Golden Age mini is now canon?

gentlesatirist

12-12-2006, 12:11 PM

Shellhead

12-12-2006, 12:29 PM

...even referenced in this issue? Am I missing something?

There are four panels of previews at the end of this issue. One depicts a female arm, clad in buckskin leather with hanging fringe, against a background that could be a large wing. There is a Legion flight ring on one of her fingers.

glennsim

12-12-2006, 01:04 PM

...even referenced in this issue? Am I missing something?

And was the Al Pratt connection always part of Damage's backstory? or was it a later addition?

And does Atom Smasher at least get a different costume? Or will we have two oversized guys wearing variants of an Atom costume?

- FE
Wickliffe OH

1. Last page
2. Yes, this was established late in Damage's series. He has the genetic material of many members of the JSA and JLA, but he started out as the baby of Al and Mary Pratt.
3. I think Atom Smasher showed up in Checkmate, but I don't read it so I can't say. People have pointed out that Damage's symbol is for "hazardous materials" rather than radiation. Not sure if that means anything or is just a goof.

Shellhead

12-12-2006, 01:21 PM

3. I think Atom Smasher showed up in Checkmate, but I don't read it so I can't say. People have pointed out that Damage's symbol is for "hazardous materials" rather than radiation. Not sure if that means anything or is just a goof.

Or maybe it's an indication of his low self-esteem and edgy attitude.

Joe Acro

12-12-2006, 08:44 PM

ragnarok_2012

12-12-2006, 08:54 PM

This Starman is Legion-connected, but I don't know how. I was glad to learn of this Mr. America character. I hope his story is not finished. Unfortunately, I don't think I like where this mag is going. Those snapshots of Dawnstar and a Superman much like the one of Kingdom Come lead me to believe time travel and/or alternate realities will be involved soon. The former of which is disappointing considering how much I liked this issue and how much time travel Johns incorporated last time 'round.

In the pages of James Robinson's Starman, it was established that Starboy from the Legion of Super Heroes will travel back in time to become Starman in the near future of Kingdom Come.

And iirc he's the reincarnation of Brian Savage & Matt O'Dare.

I enjoyed the Mr. America character. But the grim & gritty character didn't really fit the costume. It could have used an update.

I think Hourman was pretty OOC. The new characterization is fine. It's just a bit different from the Hourman I've seen in the past. The stubble is kinda reminding me of Black Knight from the 90's Avengers series.

Next up, leather jackets!

(And I enjoyed the issue)

Jack Zodiac

12-12-2006, 09:23 PM

I think Hourman was pretty OOC. The new characterization is fine. It's just a bit different from the Hourman I've seen in the past. The stubble is kinda reminding me of Black Knight from the 90's Avengers series.

I think Rick's demeanor was fine for a guy who's had a !@#$% run of luck in recent years and finally got a lucky break by finding a new wife.

titanfan

12-12-2006, 10:33 PM

This issue also did a good job of introducing such a large cast. Obviously some heroes won't get enough exposure in a given issue, but we at least got a look at everybody.

I'm hoping that JSA Classified starts filling in a bunch of gaps. They can use it to fill in a lot of the character stuff that we missed...

glennsim

12-13-2006, 07:58 AM

I finally had the chance to read this issue this weekend. I thought it was a solid start. I do have a few questions/concerns, though. If Wildcat was an original member, why isn't he shown in the panel focusing on the original team? Why is Earth-2 Robin depicted? As I asked in one of the 52 threads, when did Obsidian get his powers back? Why are Sand and Jakeem absent?

This Starman is Legion-connected, but I don't know how. I was glad to learn of this Mr. America character. I hope his story is not finished. Unfortunately, I don't think I like where this mag is going. Those snapshots of Dawnstar and a Superman much like the one of Kingdom Come lead me to believe time travel and/or alternate realities will be involved soon. The former of which is disappointing considering how much I liked this issue and how much time travel Johns incorporated last time 'round.

I don't think Wildcat was an original original member. Just original in the sense that he was a part of the 1940s team.

Earth 2 Robin joined the JSA during the "Super-Squad" period that was depicted in All-Star Comics in the 1970s. He joined at the same time as Star-Spangled Kid and Power Girl. He was retroactively "erased" after the first Crisis, but the events of Infinite Crisis seem to undone that.

Sand and Jakeem are off doing something else, but are supposed to return soon.

Pretty sure time travel and multiple realities are in the future for this series, yes.

Harding Prime

12-13-2006, 09:14 AM

I'm hoping that JSA Classified starts filling in a bunch of gaps. They can use it to fill in a lot of the character stuff that we missed...

I thought classified was all stories just from the past...

Shellhead

12-13-2006, 09:20 AM

I thought classified was all stories just from the past...

Nope. The Alan Scott vs. Vandal Savage arc was very current, taking place concurrent with OYL and even depicting Alan as the White King of Checkmate.

Harding Prime

12-13-2006, 11:45 AM

Nope. The Alan Scott vs. Vandal Savage arc was very current, taking place concurrent with OYL and even depicting Alan as the White King of Checkmate.

Well that is really unecessary, even though I enjoyed JSA #1 alot, they don't need two current books going on.

Also, that is why I thought they called it classified, because it was on file as something that already happened.

Shellhead

12-13-2006, 11:56 AM

Well that is really unecessary, even though I enjoyed JSA #1 alot, they don't need two current books going on.

Also, that is why I thought they called it classified, because it was on file as something that already happened.

JSA has an odd problem for a team book: an absolute wealth of interesting team members. That gives the writer a lot of options, but he can't focus too much on any one character for long, at the risk of leaving other great characters in the background for too long. With JSA Classified, there is the opportunity for other creative teams to take one or a few JSA characters and put them in the spotlight for specific stories. Even some JSA villains got a story arc earlier in the JSA Classified series, especially Icicle. That story was also set in current continuity.

Harding Prime

12-13-2006, 12:04 PM

I understand they have a lot of characters...but to be blunt, they aren't that popular to have two titles...

Shellhead

12-13-2006, 12:45 PM

I understand they have a lot of characters...but to be blunt, they aren't that popular to have two titles...

JSA Classified outsold JLA Classified by 800 copies in October 2006, the most recent month that CBG has posted sales figures for:

http://www.cbgxtra.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1749

That same issue of JSA Classified sold about three times as many copies as that month's issue of Justice League Unlimited, and twice as many copies as the first issue of Justice League of America. That last number looks like a glitch, though, or else they only counted one of the alternate covers.

Anyway, the point is, you might want to reconsider your perception of the relative popularity of the Justice Society, especially since their new monthly series is off to an amazing start. Meltzar's Justice League, by comparison, has covered less ground in the first four issues.

drwho

12-13-2006, 01:44 PM

I'm liking this, but it shows there are way too many legacy characters and they need to be thinned out alah marvel's no more mutants. So here is to hoping for more butchering. Did we really need some obnoxious Tornado girl? Star Man looks the most interesting out of the new bunch. I just think there are gonna be way too many characters in the book. Maybe would be smart for dc to make jsa classifieds a series that matters and split some of the cast into that.

protege

12-13-2006, 02:02 PM

Shellhead

12-13-2006, 02:10 PM

Finally, i read it. I think Maxine is going to be my favorite, since she's a fan of "Wicked"-but I hope she can get over the hero worship bit and be friends with Courtney.And i hope she gets a better costume, too. Is Starman as annoying as i think he is? Not sure if i can trust this guy. And what exactly happened to Damage, that gave him the bad attitude? And what's the point of introducing Ted's son now?

Like you, I lack enthusiam for yet another wacky, crazy character. Hopefully the upcoming appearance of Dawnstar helps Starman's sanity stabilize.

Although Rebel may not be a reliable source of information, he did spell out exactly what happened to Damage: Professor Zoom ruined Damage's face when they fought during Infinite Crisis.

The point of introducing Ted's son is apparent if you focus on the basic themes of this new JSA series, which were spelled out multiple times in this first issue. The JSA is like an extended family with connections to most DC heroes, and the remaining founders of the JSA will use their status as both active heroes and elder statesmen in the DC metahuman community, in order to provide a good example for all other heroes to follow. Ted's son, who has grown to adulthood without ever meeting his father, will undoubtably prove to be a troubled young hero who needs just that kind of guidance.

protege

12-13-2006, 02:54 PM

JSA has an odd problem for a team book: an absolute wealth of interesting team members. That gives the writer a lot of options, but he can't focus too much on any one character for long, at the risk of leaving other great characters in the background for too long. With JSA Classified, there is the opportunity for other creative teams to take one or a few JSA characters and put them in the spotlight for specific stories. Even some JSA villains got a story arc earlier in the JSA Classified series, especially Icicle. That story was also set in current continuity.

Dr. Midnite seems to be getting the Lion's share, don't you think?

protege

12-13-2006, 02:59 PM

Like you, I lack enthusiam for yet another wacky, crazy character. Hopefully the upcoming appearance of Dawnstar helps Starman's sanity stabilize.

Although Rebel may not be a reliable source of information, he did spell out exactly what happened to Damage: Professor Zoom ruined Damage's face when they fought during Infinite Crisis.

The point of introducing Ted's son is apparent if you focus on the basic themes of this new JSA series, which were spelled out multiple times in this first issue. The JSA is like an extended family with connections to most DC heroes, and the remaining founders of the JSA will use their status as both active heroes and elder statesmen in the DC metahuman community, in order to provide a good example for all other heroes to follow. Ted's son, who has grown to adulthood without ever meeting his father, will undoubtably prove to be a troubled young hero who needs just that kind of guidance.
As long as he Doesn't replace Ted.and Damage is now "damaged?"

Shellhead

12-13-2006, 03:30 PM

Dr. Midnite seems to be getting the Lion's share, don't you think?

Offhand, I would guess Jay Garrick and Wildcat were getting more exposure than there than the rest of the team.

Checking covers and trying to remember...

#1-4: Power Girl
#5-7: The Injustice Gang. Several JSA members show up, but they aren't the stars of this story arc. Going by the covers though, Mr. Terrific, Dr. Midnite, Sand, Stargirl and Hourman.
#8-9: Jay Garrick and Wildcat.
#10-13: Alan Scott and Vandal Savage. Savage isn't just the villain, we see a lot of this story from his viewpoint.
#14-16: Stargirl, and also JLA members Vixen and Gypsy. Jay Garrick and Wildcat also appear, but are not in control of their minds.
#17-18: Hourman I and II.
#19-20: Dr. Midnite.

protege

12-13-2006, 03:40 PM

I thought Dr, midnite appeared in three seperate story arcs, solo.

Harding Prime

12-13-2006, 04:55 PM

JSA Classified outsold JLA Classified by 800 copies in October 2006, the most recent month that CBG has posted sales figures for:

http://www.cbgxtra.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1749

That same issue of JSA Classified sold about three times as many copies as that month's issue of Justice League Unlimited, and twice as many copies as the first issue of Justice League of America. That last number looks like a glitch, though, or else they only counted one of the alternate covers.

Anyway, the point is, you might want to reconsider your perception of the relative popularity of the Justice Society, especially since their new monthly series is off to an amazing start. Meltzar's Justice League, by comparison, has covered less ground in the first four issues.

That's just it, I don't think ANY of those titles should be running.

And about Metzler's run, its top 3 in sales everytime and was number 1 one month, so you can't say much about that, but even then I don't think JLA needs more then 2 titles, and that's pushing it. But I know your wrong about the JLA #1, that was top 5 at least, your way off base.

Constantine Drakon

12-13-2006, 10:43 PM

*Smacks forehead.* Dec 7. Pearl Harbor. DUH. I'm dumb.

the4thpip

12-14-2006, 03:29 AM

But I know your wrong about the JLA #1, that was top 5 at least, your way off base.

That was probably the charting position for the re-orders of JLA#1 the month after it charted originally.

Babylon23

12-14-2006, 03:46 AM

That's just it, I don't think ANY of those titles should be running.

what I like about the Classified books is that they give other writers the chance to create stories using characters they otherwise might not get to write. JSA really is Geoff Johns baby, which means it'll be a while before anybody else can write the series regularly. However, with Classified, they can still tell stories using these characters.

Personally, I'm glad to see a book like JSA Classified. I love these characters, and I'm interested to see how different writers use them. So far, we've had a pretty good lineup of writers on the series.

Mikl C

12-14-2006, 06:30 AM

This is my first time.. ever buying a DC title. I got it for star-girl. :)
I loved JLU animated so I'm familiar with most of the characters, seems very interesting so far :)

Shellhead

12-14-2006, 07:42 AM

That was probably the charting position for the re-orders of JLA#1 the month after it charted originally.

Ah. That makes sense of it. Otherwise, I was having trouble believing that JLA #1 sold so badly.

nerboo

12-14-2006, 09:12 AM

I thought it was readily apparent that Starman is actually Hawkman!

from wiki:
The recent Justice Society of America relaunch, (v3) #1 (December 2006), featured a page that previewed the coming storylines for the entire year of 2007. The second of these appeared to show Dawnstar's arm and Legion ring, along with a text balloon of her pledging to track down Starman.

In a Wizard interview, writer Geoff Johns confirmed that this was indeed Dawnstar's arm, and that

"You'll see this [followed up on] very, very soon. All of these [scenes] take place in the first year, but this one is coming very soon."

In an interview on Newsarama on the same subject, when asked if Starman's earlier comments in the issue that there is a "star" on Thanagar and that "She's looking for [him]" had a link with the Legionnaire, Johns answered:

"Like I said, no line is a throwaway line in this book. And also, who else would be able to blend in and not be noticed on Thanagar?"

Jack Zodiac

12-14-2006, 09:32 AM

This is my first time.. ever buying a DC title. I got it for star-girl. :)
I loved JLU animated so I'm familiar with most of the characters, seems very interesting so far :)

Totally off-topic, but awesome Vagrant Sword avatar. :p

Joe Acro

12-14-2006, 04:27 PM

Earth 2 Robin joined the JSA during the "Super-Squad" period that was depicted in All-Star Comics in the 1970s. He joined at the same time as Star-Spangled Kid and Power Girl. He was retroactively "erased" after the first Crisis, but the events of Infinite Crisis seem to undone that.
But how does an Earth-2 character end up as part of the team within the New Earth timeline if, according to that timeline, there was no Earth-2? (Ignore Power Girl's presence. She's an anomaly.)

glennsim

12-14-2006, 09:12 PM

But how does an Earth-2 character end up as part of the team within the New Earth timeline if, according to that timeline, there was no Earth-2? (Ignore Power Girl's presence. She's an anomaly.)

They really haven't spelled it out clearly, but the JSA does seem to know that they used to be on a parallel Earth, and have access to the way things went down on that Earth, and consider that to be their "real" history. I believe they know that there used to be a Superman, Batman, etc. as part of that history.

Note that I am using the word "know" rather than "remember" - it's not clear if they actually remember two versions of their past, or just remember one, but intellectually know that the other was the case.

Again, it hasn't been clarified. But we've seen certain pre-Crisis elements of the JSA's past back in continuity - somehow. Most of it was in the last JSA arc where they battled Gentleman Ghost - GG kept asking where Wonder Woman was, and the ghost of the Earth 2 Batman made an appearance.

UniqueFrequency

12-15-2006, 12:39 AM

Mulett

12-15-2006, 02:34 AM

They really haven't spelled it out clearly, but the JSA does seem to know that they used to be on a parallel Earth, and have access to the way things went down on that Earth, and consider that to be their "real" history. I believe they know that there used to be a Superman, Batman, etc. as part of that history.Again, it hasn't been clarified. But we've seen certain pre-Crisis elements of the JSA's past back in continuity - somehow. Most of it was in the last JSA arc where they battled Gentleman Ghost - GG kept asking where Wonder Woman was, and the ghost of the Earth 2 Batman made an appearance.

It is a bit of a mess. Its almost like the are making it up as they go along!

Some of it, I think, is simply because JSA members now remember their Earth-2 lives to one extent or another. So although Earth-2 Robin did not exist, technically, he is remembered and so can be seen in flashbacks.

But then . . . . I think Earth-2 will reappear sooner or later. That's why (I think) Earth-2 was the only parallel Earth to re-appear during Infinite Crisis with no people on it. I think the Guardians of the Universe whipped Earth-2 away and hid it, and replaced it with an empty duplicate. So maybe Earth-2 Robin and Huntress have been resurrected and are living there. ;)

glennsim

12-15-2006, 07:55 AM

i thought this was a great first issue (i don't know about it being better than the previous #1 though)

was Wildcat always like that? not wanting to be a father figure? i don't really remember it being a strong theme in the previous JSA series

i like the new characters, i had thought Damage was Atom Smasher initially from the cover 'cause of the uniform. i prefered his old one personally!

hope to see more of Mr Teriffic & Dr Midnite!!

I am calling shenanigans on the Wildcat thing. Wildcat has never had any problem mentoring people and training them, which is just a small step away from being a father figure.

We'll call it another New Earth history revision...

glennsim

12-15-2006, 08:03 AM

It is a bit of a mess. Its almost like the are making it up as they go along!

Some of it, I think, is simply because JSA members now remember their Earth-2 lives to one extent or another. So although Earth-2 Robin did not exist, technically, he is remembered and so can be seen in flashbacks.

But then . . . . I think Earth-2 will reappear sooner or later. That's why (I think) Earth-2 was the only parallel Earth to re-appear during Infinite Crisis with no people on it. I think the Guardians of the Universe whipped Earth-2 away and hid it, and replaced it with an empty duplicate. So maybe Earth-2 Robin and Huntress have been resurrected and are living there. ;)

I have this feeling that they originally were going to have everybody remember everything, then decided that was too confusing. Note that Wildcat's dialogue changed between the Infinite Crisis monthlies and the hardcover to take him from "remembering" Kal-L to "finding out" about Kal-L.

I do think "an" Earth 2 is on the way, but I'm reserving judgment on the nature of it. It might be an Earth 2 that started out as the previous Earth 2, and then diverged at the point of the Crisis. It might be one that, through various circumstances, is actually still just like the regular DCU but with just the JSA heroes. Or it could be a totally new variant, that will end up being called "Earth 2".

Shellhead

12-15-2006, 08:26 AM

I am calling shenanigans on the Wildcat thing. Wildcat has never had any problem mentoring people and training them, which is just a small step away from being a father figure.

We'll call it another New Earth history revision...

It could just be his current mood. I get jaded that way sometimes.

For four years, I worked at a small company with high turnover. Really high turnover. At any given time, we had about 30 people on the payroll. During those four years, we had over 150 employees. When I first started there, I was happy to meet all my new co-workers. By the third year, I didn't bother getting to know any new employees unless they lasted at least a few months.

Another example... I am a big fan of certain reality tv shows, especially Survivor. But after the first few seasons, I found myself initially disliking each new cast of contestants. Like, I don't know these people, but they don't seem as interesting as Richard or Jerri or Sue or Lex, etc. After a few episodes, I would gradually get interested in these new people and really start enjoying the show again.

Consider Wildcat's position. He has been fighting crime for several *decades*. He has seen everything, violence, stupidity, betrayal, and the deaths of several amazing people who were his friends. That has to hurt, and the best way that he can deal with it is to disengage himself, at least emotionally. But now that he knows that he has a son (who we will unfortunately probably be calling "Tomcat"), those defenses will be down, which will lead to some interesting character development.

Harding Prime

12-15-2006, 10:12 AM

Maybe their memories of there former earth sprang back into their minds through everything that went through during the IC. I mean, they did end up on Earth 2 after the earth split and they had Kal-L around like "wassup old buddies" (not a direct quote). Anybody read 52 Week 30, its started the JSA, maybe some answers are there, or just haven't been answered yet but will be once 52 is done.

Animation

12-17-2006, 11:20 AM

I just went out to my local comic book shop yesterday and picked up the new JSA. Overall, I really liked it. It was a decent start. I'm interested in several of the characters, including some of the new ones, so thats a good thing. I'd give it a B+.

My main complaints (and these are minor, my overall rating is high):

1) The opening with WWIII and the core DC trio came across as forced, even after I factor out that I dont know what in the heck WWIII was. I guess I missed it.

2) I hope they either kick Hourman off the team or make him shave.

3) Hourman and Liberty Belle need to get a room and/or make sure I can see where their hands are at all times. Tone it down. I'd rather just see straight up porn in the book than this. They barely seem qualified to tell Damage anything about good behavior. :)

4) I like Maxine, but I have a hard time buying that she isnt liked in her standard life. I mean, she is drawn like a bombshell, and I personally like the kind of woman who wont shut the hell up. That kind of person is fun and interesting. So, I guess while I like her, I find it hard to believe that some super hot bombshell cant find any friends. I didnt believe it when Stargirl's back history was related in JSA trade #11 either. Minor complaint tho. I guess I wish they'd drawn her body a little more awkward or just kinda ramshackle or something, instead of doing the supermodel thing. That said, I love the close ups of her face, like where Power Girl tells her to shut up. The close ups on Maxine make her look awkward but still interesting, and thats a better fit than all the big bosom flying shots.

5) Starman kinda ... sucks? I mean, I'm open to a character who has lost it, but his insanity comes across more like it was written by someone who actually believes the propaganda of Reefer Madness. I mean, does anybody buy this crap? :) I guess you can justify anything, in theory, for an insane character, but singing, sloppy joes, and cryptic hints are just .... stupid. Lets hope theyfind a cure .... fast.

6) The "There's a Star on Thanagar" worries me. Please, please, please let there be no hawkman connection here, or hawkgirl. Hawkman's back history is already so convoluted that I hate even seeing him in any shot or book anywhere, and anything that makes it more freaky, or that threatens to make the Starman history more freaky, makes me nervous. VERY nervous.

OK, thats it. Dont get me wrong, I liked issue 1 a bunch. Some of the stuff just rubs me the wrong way. Still, all that stuff only knocks it down from an A+ to a B+. I'm looking forward to more.

Lewis

LtMarvel

12-17-2006, 01:56 PM

You are not supposed to know about WW III. It has yet to be revealed in 52.

shaxper

12-17-2006, 02:03 PM

You are not supposed to know about WW III. It has yet to be revealed in 52.

So this is official continuity, then? World War III occurred prior to OYL?

Man, you'd think it would have been referenced more by now. You think Batman would have felt some level of guilt for being away while it happened (Supes was helpless and Diana probably was involved).

The Shadow

12-17-2006, 02:14 PM

This is my first time.. ever buying a DC title. I got it for star-girl. :)

Courtney is one of my favorites too

I recommeng getting Stars and STRIPE... it's a short series by Geoff Johns who based Courtney on his sister that died.

stuccoyoutuBE

12-18-2006, 05:49 PM

I thought it was an excellent first issue.

Gozwald73

12-18-2006, 10:02 PM

PastePotPete

12-19-2006, 07:49 AM

well, I was a bit shaky on the idea of this (I've always been a JLA kinda guy, and thought the JSA were a bunch of old foges)

but yesterday I read JSofA #1

AND I FREAKIN' LOVED IT!

Highlight: Maxine - hee hee she's fun, aye?
Needs improvement: Wildcat - he made me yawn in the past, and he's still supremo boring now.

No way, Gozwald! Wildcat rocks!!

Check out the recent JSA Classified arc where he and Jay Garrick are mind-controlled into beating on one another. It's a great little two part plot featuring The Spear of Destiny. Great little story.

Wildcat is sweet because his power is "I'm old and I flat out refuse to take sh** from anyone!!" His other power is: he beats the crap out of people.
All while wearing a kitty cat costume.

No way, Wildcat is one of my favorites.

DC! Let's feature Wildcat in his own ongoing series!! Please? Please?

Whaddya mean it wouldn't sell?!?!?

Shellhead

12-19-2006, 10:16 AM

Needs improvement: Wildcat - he made me yawn in the past, and he's still supremo boring now.

If you ever get the chance, read JSA #10. Wildcat is alone at the JSA headquarters, recovering from get his arm broken by Mordru. Ted is soaking in a bubble bath while talking dirty on the phone with Catwoman. Then the Injustice Gang breaks in, and he beats them all. One-handed, and dripping wet with a towel on, although he does change into costume at one point during the chaos. He even rode down one of the villains with his motorcycle. It was action-packed and yet hilarious, and we need more comics like that.

Captain Atom

12-19-2006, 01:03 PM

One on one though. But Johnny Sorrow gets away.

Magneto_X

12-19-2006, 10:27 PM

Pot Paste Pete:

In Gail Simone's run of Birds of Prey, pre-OYL, Wildcat teamed up with Black Canary in Hong Kong. Should be traded by now.

I think it's called "The Battle Within".

Mulett

12-20-2006, 02:27 AM

Needs improvement: Wildcat - he made me yawn in the past, and he's still supremo boring now.

I'm always a bit shakey on superheroes who have no super powers. If someone gets super powers, then it sort of makes sense that they will put on a costume and use those powers. It's all tied into that 'with great power comes great responsibility' stuff.

But when an ordinary person puts on a costume, I always think they need to have some special or remarkable skill or a powerful driving reason for doing so. Particularly when they join a super-team and end up fighting super-powered villains on a regular basis.

Batman, for me, is a perfect example: detective, fighter, parents killed etc etc. He also has loads of gadgets. It all makes sense. But Wildcat is a bit of a weird one for me. He's a boxer. The best, apparantly. And beyond that . . . ? Hopefully, we'll see a bit more of his story in this.

the4thpip

12-20-2006, 02:37 AM

I'm always a bit shakey on superheroes who have no super powers. If someone gets super powers, then it sort of makes sense that they will put on a costume and use those powers. It's all tied into that 'with great power comes great responsibility' stuff.

But when an ordinary person puts on a costume, I always think they need to have some special or remarkable skill or a powerful driving reason for doing so. Particularly when they join a super-team and end up fighting super-powered villains on a regular basis.

Batman, for me, is a perfect example: detective, fighter, parents killed etc etc. He also has loads of gadgets. It all makes sense. But Wildcat is a bit of a weird one for me. He's a boxer. The best, apparantly. And beyond that . . . ? Hopefully, we'll see a bit more of his story in this.

He was framed (gangsters had drugged his opponent in a boxing match, and I think the guy even died), and he put on the costume to bring the real culprits to justice. After that, he had acquired a taste for wearing tights. And really, who wouldn't.
It wasn't all that random.

Babylon23

12-20-2006, 02:39 AM

I'm always a bit shakey on superheroes who have no super powers. If someone gets super powers, then it sort of makes sense that they will put on a costume and use those powers. It's all tied into that 'with great power comes great responsibility' stuff.

But when an ordinary person puts on a costume, I always think they need to have some special or remarkable skill or a powerful driving reason for doing so. Particularly when they join a super-team and end up fighting super-powered villains on a regular basis.

Batman, for me, is a perfect example: detective, fighter, parents killed etc etc. He also has loads of gadgets. It all makes sense. But Wildcat is a bit of a weird one for me. He's a boxer. The best, apparantly. And beyond that . . . ? Hopefully, we'll see a bit more of his story in this.

Wildcat also has nine lives. I believe he's lost about 6 of them by now, but it's still a unique ability of his.

Also, Wilcat isn't just a boxer, he's a trainer of superheroes. It's been established that he's trained a lot of people, including Batman, Black Canary and Catwoman. As a trainer, he has a specific role to play in the JSA.

the4thpip

12-20-2006, 07:23 AM

Wildcat also has nine lives. I believe he's lost about 6 of them by now, but it's still a unique ability of his.

No, he lost all of them after the story featuring him and Flash in JSA Classified.

Jack Zodiac

12-20-2006, 04:35 PM

All but the ninth one, obviously. :p But yeah, he lost his last one just this year in what is still the greatest arc on JSA Classified.

glennsim

12-20-2006, 09:30 PM

CYOTI

12-20-2006, 10:10 PM

Emphasis on really considering that he can duke it out with some of the deadliest assasins in the Orient including the Brothers in Silk.

Gozwald73

12-20-2006, 10:58 PM

If you ever get the chance, read JSA #10. Wildcat is alone at the JSA headquarters, recovering from get his arm broken by Mordru. Ted is soaking in a bubble bath while talking dirty on the phone with Catwoman. Then the Injustice Gang breaks in, and he beats them all. One-handed, and dripping wet with a towel on, although he does change into costume at one point during the chaos. He even rode down one of the villains with his motorcycle. It was action-packed and yet hilarious, and we need more comics like that.

ah yes I remember this. Yeah it was good, but I need to see more before I can consider him a fave.

ultramandingo

12-20-2006, 11:20 PM

Emphasis on really considering that he can duke it out with some of the deadliest assasins in the Orient including the Brothers in Silk.

plus , he hasnt washed his stinky cat suit since ww2 . i bet even darkseid would think twice about messing with him , once he got a wiff.....

Babylon23

12-21-2006, 12:20 AM

No, he lost all of them after the story featuring him and Flash in JSA Classified.

Oops. Good point. I forget about that.

the4thpip

12-21-2006, 04:18 AM

Oops. Good point. I forget about that.

That run had very purty Dale Eaglesham covers, too.

PastePotPete

12-22-2006, 09:01 AM

ah yes I remember this. Yeah it was good, but I need to see more before I can consider him a fave.

He doesn't have to be your fave, Gozwald. You just got to give him his due.

Hey, can I chime in that Eaglesham's artwork has improved by leaps and bounds? This is much better than the stuff in Villains United, and that stuff was really solid work. This stuff is beautiful. He's really developing his own style now.

Shellhead

12-22-2006, 09:29 AM

Hey, can I chime in that Eaglesham's artwork has improved by leaps and bounds? This is much better than the stuff in Villains United, and that stuff was really solid work. This stuff is beautiful. He's really developing his own style now.

Agreed. Usually I dislike it when the cover artist is different from the interior artist on a comic book, because the interior artwork is usually worse. But Eaglesham really held his own here, and the two different styles worked well for the respective purposes. Ross did the iconic group shot on the cover, but Eaglesham did some really nice work with the storytelling inside, especially with some of the facial expressions. He sold me on Maxine in just a couple of pages. However, I would like to see some improvement with the choreography of his fight scenes. They are a little harder to follow, possibly because there isn't a good flow of movement from panel to panel. He could learn a lot from studying what both Paul Gulacy and Gene Day drew when they worked on Master of Kung Fu.

Jack Zodiac

12-22-2006, 01:36 PM

plus , he hasnt washed his stinky cat suit since ww2 . i bet even darkseid would think twice about messing with him , once he got a wiff.....

Once again, totally off-topic, but I wanna' tell ultramandingo how awesome his "Diabolik" avatar is.

ultramandingo

12-22-2006, 04:19 PM

Once again, totally off-topic, but I wanna' tell ultramandingo how awesome his "Diabolik" avatar is.

......nothing says " happy holidays" like john philip law in skin tight rubber , dubbed in italian

Leebenhouse

12-22-2006, 10:51 PM

Honestly, JSof A and Nextwave have been the two best things I've read this year.

Mr. America was an awesome touch, mixing Se7en with a classic mystery man is the best stuff, ala Sandman Mystery Theatre. Though he's got the Ultra Humanite's BRAIN!!!

It's too bad that Golden Age isn't in continuity. Robinson really wanted it to be, since it would have explained the disapearances of most heroes post- WWII. That's why he wrote it so much into continuity in Starman, and John's followed his lead. Wish they'd finally explain how Red bee diedd, since that was supposed to be his death in Golden Age, but ovbviously that has been ignored.

Also it must be acknowledged that Johns is pretty much the Anti-Roy Thomas, instead of meticulously detailing continuity, he kinda makes it up as he goes along. Sorta like how in Flash he came up with that metal guy and the radioactive guy in prison, as well as the dude with no tongue.

I love Starman. Fits in the tradition of a crazy Starman. I mean, wouldn't you go nucking futs if you knew the exact day and cause of your death, as well as everyone you were friends with?

Jesse Quick and Hourman was a bit unexpected, but when you consider he has an addictive personality, well, that explains it somewhat. And considering that Jesse had the ability to fly from her metagenes she inherited, I wouldn't be suprised if she also managed to unlock some of her mom's abilities.

Per Degaton is DC's equivelent to Kang. His continuity is just a mess thanks to time paradoxes.

As for Wildcat's son, that was something that Johns was trying to set up in the last JSA series, but never got to play out. Even though he's played father figure, he probably never wanted to be called that, since his only child was kiddnapped and until now, he thought he was killed by Killer Bee's son. If you failed your kid like that, I'd think you wouldn't want to be a dad again.

Damn this was a good comic, and I thought the preview was badass too. Maybe the masked guy is Captain Atom in his classic 60's Ditko costume?

I wonder if the faceless guy theyre talking about is Johnny Sorrow. I sure hope so. That guy is one twisted horror.

marshal99

12-23-2006, 05:42 AM

How Red Bee died should still be the same as pre-crisis , namely killed by Baron Blitzkrieg during his time in the all star squadron.

shanejayell

12-23-2006, 08:01 AM

Personally I think of the Red Bee as the charlie brown of the Golden age heroes.

Wildcat: I have nine lives!
Flash: I'm really fast!
Green Lantern: I have a magic power ring!

Red Bee: I have trained bees.

marshal99

12-23-2006, 09:34 AM

Personally I think of the Red Bee as the charlie brown of the Golden age heroes.

Wildcat: I have nine lives!
Flash: Yom really fast!
Green Lantern: I have a magic power ring!

Red Bee: I have trained bees.

At least Red Bee trained Bees , what does the first Mr. Terrific do ? I'm Mr Terrifc because i'm just terrific , ya know.

BoosterBronze

12-23-2006, 11:23 AM

At least Red Bee trained Bees , what does the first Mr. Terrific do ? I'm Mr Terrifc because i'm just terrific , ya know.

Um.... he only extolled the virutues of fair play!

Having a POWER RING to fight Sportsmaster isn't exactly fair.

Leebenhouse

12-23-2006, 08:38 PM

How Red Bee died should still be the same as pre-crisis , namely killed by Baron Blitzkrieg during his time in the all star squadron.

Which issue of ASS was that?

Brady

12-24-2006, 12:23 AM

I'm thinking with the clues given, WWIII will have something to do with Luthor's Everymen running around. They've established animosity between Infinity Inc and the JSA in 52, and the JSA obviously played a big part in whatever WWIII was. Also, all the talk about it being so vital to train the next generation and show them how to be heroes, while it's a touchstone of the JSA it has particular relevance with regards to the hundreds of superhumans Luthor is creating in 52.

the4thpip

12-24-2006, 06:19 AM

Is it time for issue 2 yet??

Babylon23

12-24-2006, 03:02 PM

Which issue of ASS was that?

#35. The Red Bee was killed by Baron Blitzkrieg while trying to free the imprisoned Freedom Fighters.

The confusion as to whether this death is in continuity stems from the fact that the Bee was killed on Earth-X, the pre-Crisis earth where the Nazis won WWII.

titanfan

12-24-2006, 07:30 PM

#35. The Red Bee was killed by Baron Blitzkrieg while trying to free the imprisoned Freedom Fighters.

The confusion as to whether this death is in continuity stems from the fact that the Bee was killed on Earth-X, the pre-Crisis earth where the Nazis won WWII.

Aha, that gives new meaning to the (latest) Red Bee's sudden appearance in the most recent Uncle Sam.

Leebenhouse

12-25-2006, 01:50 AM

#35. The Red Bee was killed by Baron Blitzkrieg while trying to free the imprisoned Freedom Fighters.

The confusion as to whether this death is in continuity stems from the fact that the Bee was killed on Earth-X, the pre-Crisis earth where the Nazis won WWII.
That and the fact that every JSA writer from the 90s on has been purposely elusive as to explaining how he died, Robinson wanted his version, and Johns avoided it.

Damn, I should be reading 52.

the4thpip

12-26-2006, 10:15 AM

Dale Eaglesham got his own web site for Christmas:
http://www.daleeaglesham.com/

Tre Styles

12-29-2006, 08:06 AM

I know I'm extremely, extremely late on reading this, but I heard so much buzz about it, I ordered it and recieved it yesterday. All I have to say, is : yes. This is an excellent way to hook an ol' time, hardcore Marvel fan* and I'm in love with this book already. I had collected some of the early JSA first relaunch, and kinda dropped off (but looking to get some back issues via trade). I just like the whole feel that Johns has set up, and Englesham....well, I've always been a fan of his work. This book has got a classic yet fresh modern tone to it and I'm loving it.

*still a Marvel fan, but I also have been a GL/GA,Titans, JLA junkie before and now as well.;)