Justice Society of America relaunch by Geoff Johns / What is your verdict ?

[sabongero]

Geoff Johns fans loved his work on JSA. It was recently relaunched late 2006 and is up to issue #8. How have you liked Geoff Johns's work on Justice Society of America so far ?

What are the pros and cons ?

[4thHorseman]

I haven't enjoyed it. I think the big Lightning Saga crossover really helped clinch that I don't really enjoy the book too much, along with all these single stories about characters I'm not really fond of. The closest one so far I've liked is the recent one with Damage against Zoom. Otherwise, i don't feel compelled to keep getting these.

Except for the upcoming Kingdom Come arc....damn you Johns for keeping me on books I dislike!

[Jack Zodiac]

JSA was a drag at times, and pretty mediocre, but still plenty of fun. Justice Society of America, though, has been great. The first arc was a little underwhelming, and the needlessly excessive violence turned me off, but once the "Lightning Saga" arc started up, it got toned down a lot. The superhero team-up kept me interested through the crossover, and the issues since then have been amazing character pieces. And what he's doing for Power Girl is fantastic.

Dale's art is one of the biggest draws for the first six issues, for me. I love how that guy draws superheroes. Hope he stays on.

All in all, book's been pretty great.

[Shellhead]

I have mixed feelings about this run. The covers are great, and the first issue was fantastic. The rest of the opening story arc was fairly good. But the Great Lightning Saga was a horrible trainwreck of failed storytelling, not to mention a worthless continuity wankfest. The last two issues each had about one good scene, while the rest of those two issues was subpar for JSA and for Johns.

[itsyaboy]

I liked Johns' JSA better than his Justice Society of America. The relaunch has been kind of dragging along. And I'm not a big fan of the art. I still pick it up in hopes that it will get better.

[Hawkman]

I've enjoyed it thoroughly from the get-go. My one complaint is not enough Hawkman, but with an ensemble as big as Mr. Johns has had to work with, it's completely understandable.

That said, Geoff has done a good job of keeping the stories succinct and exciting, a vast contrast to what Meltzer had been doing over in Justice League at the same time. With every issue, I've felt as though something relevant has taken place, and there's already been some real character development for Liberty Belle and Citizen Steel wrapped up in all of two issues.

As for Mr. Eaglesham's art: Fantastic. The characters are drawn comic-booky, like I like 'em, but they also have a very real sense of weight to them. Definitely one of my favorite artists over at DC right now.

So in closing, Justice Society of America gets two big thumbs-up from me.:)

[Sean Walsh]

JSA kinda fizzled at the end of Johns' first run.

But it restarted with a BANG with this run.

I approve.

And I think it'd take a lot for Johns to do bad with the JSA, considering he's basically the guy (not the only one, mind you, but mainly) who's revived them COMPLETELY for modern day DC Comics.

[DayWing]

yeah, Geoff can't seem to do wrong with DC comics. They are made for each other. Would love to see him write Nightwing full time. Nightwing deserves some quality writing. I like Marv and Fabe but if there is a new writer coming on, I would like it to be Geoff.

[Miss Kitty Fantastico]

I love it, no question about it - the best DC book I'm reading. The opening arc was strong, but not flawless - the level of violence was necessary for Vandal's scheme, but I would have preferred for it to have been addressed in some manner during the wrap-up, to signify that Vandal had pulled a more heinous stunt than the usual supervillain antics. But balanced against that was very strong character writing on all fronts - especially Cyclone, who had me hooked from the start, but all the featured characters were very accessible and engaging, and Johns handled writing about a large team in multiple locations and situations at once brilliantly.

The Lightning Saga was the weakest point so far - so far as I can see, Starman was the only reason it involved the JSA at all, and the scene between him and Superman in JSA#7 basically addressed that well enough that there need never have been a crossover. Still, there were worthwhile character moments for a lot of the JSA characters along the way, so it wasn't a complete loss.

The two issues since then, though, have been utterly flawless so far as I'm concerned. They've been outstanding development pieces for their focus characters, terrific superhero stories in their own right that have grown out of previous issues without damaging their appeal as done-in-one stories, and the spotlight on one character has in no way lessened the role the other characters have played. Power Girl in particular has shone like few heroes I can think of recently, as a truly inspiring, intelligent, courageous leader - her solo series can't come fast enough, but I'm dearly hoping it tells stories about her commanding the JSA, rather than having adventures on her own.

In short, so long as there aren't more externally-mandated crossovers that don't really belong in JSA (and so long as Final Crisis doesn't disrupt things by mindlessly mucking about with continuity), I see nothing but a bright future for this book, and Johns can be justifiably very proud of it.

[jv2k]

I think the biggest contrast between Johns and Meltzer could be seen in the first issue of the book when the big 3 of the JSA are also picking members. They did it the same way the JLA were did, but they got the job done in just a couple pages instead of 6 issues.

Besides the lightning saga(which would have probably been better had it not crossed over with JLA) the series has been great. Only issue arc of the previous run I disliked was the one year later story.

I also like how JSA classified has begun telling stories about individual members now instead of the team as a whole.

[Infra-Man]

Justice Society of America is good, but I'm waiting for it to finally hit its stride. Lightning Saga felt limped along and I'm really waiting for the first full-team throwdown in a big story. The next arc might be the the arc that does the job, though.

[Nick Kal]

This book is really cool. I'm so excited for the next arc.

[Hulkamaniac]

double post, oopsy

[Hulkamaniac]

Just a great comic book. Love how this title has portrayed it's characters, one can't help getting into each individual characters stories. Makes for one great read, and the art aint to shabby neither :D ;)

[Karl O'Neill]

Geoff johns is doing a great job,

This and Green lantern are my two fav comics at the moment,

[lovefist911]

i really dig the JSA now. Johns got me hooked on characters that i considered "2nd rate" but now I have a fondness for, same goes for Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters (Acuna's Phantom Lady, hubba,hubba!).

Compared to the JLA book, the JSA is just better written, the JLA has the art, but tells a messy string of stories. JSA, with the Ross covers and no bullshit cover varients, Wins.

[Johnny_Luck]

the first arc was cool ,but its been downhill since, the lighting saga was horrible and the two issues following gave us way way way too much PG and made people who should in the frontline of action like Stargirl buses by having her fly people around rather than fight.

The problem is the team is way too huge and People like Cyclone who are cool new characters aren't going to get the time they deserve.

I definately think issues 85, 86 and 87 of JSA were super amazing in the way they used the team and they used Stargirl and wildcat in the amount they should be used right now.

Its weird that stargirl is being a sidebar character for Geoff because I pretty sure he created her)

I love to see the gentleman ghost as hes one of the best, least used dc villain out there.

[lovefist911]

Damn Johnny Luck, you just mentioned the ONE thing that I do hate about John's JSA, Cyclone. She looks like a super hero reject. Her costume looks like a drunk Keebler Elf seamstress made it while freebasing. I really hate Cyclone, to the point were I ignore her in the stories.

[kello]

I like the characters, but I'm waiting for the introductory story to settle. I think the Kingdom Come story will change the minds of any naysayers.

Pros: Introduction of new characters that have a logical connection to the DCU as the descendants of other heroes.

Consistent artwork.

Citizen Steel is cool.

While it is taking a while to build to something, the series has a direction and a purpose, which was spelled out in the first issue as leading the way for better good guys

Cons: The order of the stories seem confusing to me because of the focus on the individual characters.

The lightning saga came about too early in the series.

Not enough Hawkman.

No Hawkgirl.

[sabongero]

I know that Geoff has been doing a great job on the current re-launch of The JSA. However, the previous volume of JSA, he co-wrote the early ones with David Goyer right ? How were those issues co-written with David Goyer ? Were they better because of the collaboration with David Goyer, or basically it was Geoff Johns that was the primary writer ?

[blackphoenix]

I didn't vote. There should have been a third choice, something like not that great, but not horrible either. We actually need to see the TEAM, not individual characters. That's what JSA Classified is for.

[Shellhead]

The quality remained really high for at least 3 years after Goyer left, so I think it's questionable whether he contributed much. By issue 40, Johns slipped into a pattern of amazing story arcs with lackluster filler issues in between those arcs.

On this new JSA series, it looks like we're back to that pattern, except that the Lightning Saga was an unusually bad story arc. I can't help but see Meltzar's involvement as the reason. The two latest issues of JSA look like lackluster filler issues to me, redeemed only by a few outstanding pages in each issue where the characterization really connected with me.

EDIT: and I agree with blackphoenix, there needed to be a third choice in this poll. That's why I haven't voted either.

[Infra-Man]

The quality remained really high for at least 3 years after Goyer left, so I think it's questionable whether he contributed much. By issue 40, Johns slipped into a pattern of amazing story arcs with lackluster filler issues in between those arcs.

Have either of them ever commented on what the Johns/Goyer co-writing relationship was like and how it worked? I've always wondered about that.

[sabongero]

Power Girl is the current chairman of the JSA. Who were the previous chairmen of the JSA ? Also, do you think Geoff Johns wrote PG as chairman due to the popularity of the character with the fans or he really did want to tackle the book with her as leader in this new chapter in the JSA

[Mon-el]

Power Girl is the current chairman of the JSA. Who were the previous chairmen of the JSA ?

I'll answer this part: Going from memory here so I'm probably wrong.

Mr Terrific was the Chairman before Powergirl.

I think Hawkman was acting chairman for a little while before that, and I blieve Sand was chairman before Hawkman.

[Jack Zodiac]

The first chairman was Jay Garrick, then Alan Scott, then Carter Hall, and then after Robinson relaunched the book he made Sandy the chairman, and after him Carter again, and then Michael Holt, and now Karen. I think Alan may have been chairman more than once, too, but I can't remember.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Justice Society of America is Johns best book. Its a nice read and deserves the praise. I loved the touches back to Damage's origin from the 1990's in #8 and seeing Liberty Belle's origin as well. He's pretty much DC's best writer and you can tell he respects the characters a lot.

[ScottySummers]

I'm mostly a slut for Marvel but recently went through a 'read everything I can get my grubby little mitts on' phase and so started reading a few DC titles too. Justice Society of America is easily my favourite.

I started with issue #5 but really had to go and get the back issues. It's now not only my fave DC title but one of my most anticipated reads every month out of any of the books I'm picking up.

[sabongero]

The quality remained really high for at least 3 years after Goyer left, so I think it's questionable whether he contributed much. By issue 40, Johns slipped into a pattern of amazing story arcs with lackluster filler issues in between those arcs.

On this new JSA series, it looks like we're back to that pattern, except that the Lightning Saga was an unusually bad story arc. I can't help but see Meltzar's involvement as the reason. The two latest issues of JSA look like lackluster filler issues to me, redeemed only by a few outstanding pages in each issue where the characterization really connected with me.

EDIT: and I agree with blackphoenix, there needed to be a third choice in this poll. That's why I haven't voted either.

Can I just on that JSA series prior to the re-launch last year, what did you mean that by issue 40 Johns was writing amazing storyarcs ? Let's say I was going to purchase a couple of TPBs from JSA, which storyarcs would you recommend ? And what makes it amazing ? Thanks for anyone answering this.

[Killer Frost]

Neither choice applies to me, either.

I like Alan, Jay, Grant, Tom, Jesse and Rick. I'm even warming up to PG after all these years.

Dislike Starman, Maxine. Citizen Steel and damaged Damage.

I want Hawkman on the team.

A big MEH to all the others. Keep Jakeem out of it.

No problems with the artwork, but the momentum was badly affected by the atrocious Lightning Saga.

[a-spidey]

i think he's doing a great job at JSA. It's at the moment my favourite book from DC.

[DanielAV]

This series is my first exposure to the JSA and I'm really liking it so far. The first arc was good as it introduced me to a lot of new characters who are equally intriguing and likable. The lightning Saga I didn't enjoy as much, I think purely because I haven't read anything in the way of old Legion or the Flash, but nevertheless I enjoyed the JSA interacting with the JLA. The two last issues I really got into, the Liberty Belle issue more so, I don't know why but I've felt the urge to re-read it.

All in all I think this series is great, it's got some cool characters who even though they have been around for ages I'm able to enjoy. I like the whole idea about the JSA family tree and bloodlines and such.

Cool stuff.

[steve2275]

I liked Johns' JSA better than his Justice Society of America. The relaunch has been kind of dragging along. And I'm not a big fan of the art.
thats my #1 reason i do get this
and it started with a new # 1 issue

[Shellhead]

Can I just on that JSA series prior to the re-launch last year, what did you mean that by issue 40 Johns was writing amazing storyarcs ? Let's say I was going to purchase a couple of TPBs from JSA, which storyarcs would you recommend ? And what makes it amazing ? Thanks for anyone answering this.

Up through Stealing Thunder, nearly every single issue of JSA was great. After that, and definitely by issue #40 or so, JSA alternated between strong story arcs and weak filler issues.

The trades that I recommend, in chronological order, are:

Justice Be Done
Darkness Falls
Return of Hawkman
Fair Play
Stealing Thunder
Black Reign

What made JSA so amazing in these storylines? Nice character moments for everybody in a large ensemble cast, punctuated with plenty of action and some downright amazing scenes. The series opens with an immortal villain who has battled the Legion of Super-Heroes in the future. Later, there is pulp science-fiction action on Thanagar, Lovecraftian horror that is nicely inserted in the JSA's past, adventures in ancient Egypt, veiled commentary on the invasion of Iraq, and a wild Matrix-style adventure against a villain who successfully conquers Earth.

[Kid Kamikaze10]

Love it.

The only thing I really didn't like was the Lightning Saga interfering with the series.

Oh, and the lack of Stargirl, but that will definitely change after these character development issues end.

However, JSA was better. But that might change (doubt it, cause that stuff is classic. Almost better than Morrison/Waid's JLA).

[Liberty Belle Fan]

Absolutely love it! Of all the comics on my pull list, this is always my most anticipated each month. The direction this book is going will truly be outstanding. I can't wait for this coming Wednesday's Issue 9, and October's KC Superman cover.

[Babylon23]

Justice Society is my single favourite comic book series. It's the one book that I absolutely hang out for each month. IMO Johns is doing an excellent job, and Dale is producing the best artwork of his career.

What impresses me most about the artwork is that each character is distinct. They have different body and facial shapes and sizes and different body language. It's rare to see such nuance in comic art.

[antifascist]

I am glad that some other folks are feeling the same as me. I have always been a huge fan of the JSA/All-Star Squadron, ever since I saw the All-Star books in quarter bins at the flea market, but there is just something rather unerwhelming about this incarnation of The Justice Society. I am not sure it is bad so much as the the medicority of the book pervades every last vestige of the thing. I think after reading this thread, I have been convinved to drop the title. I need to purge some books anyhow, as I am up to spending $200 a month on comics, and the excitment just is not here.

[trickster]

I voted bad. I know Europe (and Germany in particular) is the big American (boo-ga-boo or whatever it's spelled like), but Nazis? Again? I've yet to see a depiction of Nazis that isn't actually mentally retarded in American comics.

[Shellhead]

I voted bad. I know Europe (and Germany in particular) is the big American (boo-ga-boo or whatever it's spelled like), but Nazis? Again? I've yet to see a depiction of Nazis that isn't actually mentally retarded in American comics.

Committing torture and murder on a massive scale can really stick a group with a bad reputation. How do you propose that nazis should be depicted in fiction, given that they are generally considered the epitome of evil in the 20th century?

[trickster]

I think you misunderstand. I don't want to see them at all. I'm tired of this dead horse whooping. Can't think of a credible threat? Out of ideas? Nazis to the rescue. The damn Skrulls would be better than Nazis. But since you ask: how about they be portrayed the same as Americans who invade Irak under false pretenses and who dropped the nuclear bomb on Japan? And who didn't exactly deal the Indians a good hand. Or the Blacks they had in slavery for years. But that would mean no longer being hypocritical. And besides, true or not, that is at least one generation ago. What beating this dead horse does is strictly shitstirring.

[Mon-el]

But since you ask: how about they be portrayed the same as Americans who invade Irak under false pretenses and who dropped the nuclear bomb on Japan? And who didn't exactly deal the Indians a good hand..

Offhand: As shown in Jonah Hex.


Or the Blacks they had in slavery for years. But that would mean no longer being hypocritical.

Offhand: As shown in The New Frontier.

[Hatut Zeraze]

I can't really vote fairly. I dropped the current JSA series like a rock after the first story arc. The first one was kind of blah! to me, and when I heard the next arc was going to be crossing over with a comic, JLA, that I thought was absolutely hideous, I pulled my head out and asked myself "Why am I continuing to buy a comic that isn't fun or interesting or entertaining to me?"

So I stopped.

What is weird is that I have nearly every issue of the previous JSA run. I loved it.

[Jack Zodiac]

I think you misunderstand. I don't want to see them at all. I'm tired of this dead horse whooping. Can't think of a credible threat? Out of ideas? Nazis to the rescue. The damn Skrulls would be better than Nazis. But since you ask: how about they be portrayed the same as Americans who invade Irak under false pretenses and who dropped the nuclear bomb on Japan? And who didn't exactly deal the Indians a good hand. Or the Blacks they had in slavery for years. But that would mean no longer being hypocritical. And besides, true or not, that is at least one generation ago. What beating this dead horse does is strictly shitstirring.

Strawman aside, Nazis are a staple in American comics and have been for almost seventy years. Given that DC's franchises took off with characters like Superman and the Justice Society of America fighting comically evil Nazis, pretending they wouldn't have some decades old comically evil grudge is more than optimistic. And the depiction of Nazi supervillains in Johns' first arc, while visually heavy handed, is perfectly in line with their Forties counterparts.

[trickster]

Strawman aside, Nazis are a staple in American comics and have been for almost seventy years.
Yeah, you just made my point. It's been a while. Maybe it's time to let go.
Strawman aside, Nazis are a staple in American comics and have been for almost seventy years. handed, is perfectly in line with their Forties counterparts.

How would you know,Methuselah?

And which strawman would that be?

[Mystique25]

I personally love it. I haven't read the newest issue with Liberty Belle yet, so I can't comment on that, but otherwise issues 1-7 have been great. I've never read any JSA stuff before this, and I pretty muc knew very little about any of these characters, but I find it great. I love Power Girl, Starman, Cyclone, and all the rest. Great book, and I would reccomend it to anyone.

[Duy]

This is the title I look forward to getting every month. I love the entire lineup, and I can't wait for Geoff to return to total form like he was when he was on top of his game in the JSA run.

[Jack Zodiac]

Yeah, you just made my point. It's been a while. Maybe it's time to let go.

Yes, and maybe it's time to let go of superpowers, silly costumes, stupid names, gimmicky schticks and teen sidekicks.

See, that's a strawman.

How would you know,Methuselah?

And which strawman would that be?

I've read more than just the past fifteen or twenty years worth of comics? I'm, apparently, more informed than you about this.

And when you reply to a point with an absurdly unnecessary counterpoint, like, "Well, if Nazis are depicted as Jew-murdering racist supremacist monsters, then Americans should be depicted as slave-owning genocidal warmongers," that is a strawman.

[sabongero]

I just read issue #8. The moment when Liberty Girl uttered her dad's formula and saved her fellow JSA member and took care of Zoom, all I can say was WOW! What a great moment.

And the ending was just the feel good moment that just hits the heart, that is rarely seen in comics these days.

[Babylon23]

I think people need to stop looking at the more superficial elements of the Nazi villains in the first storyline and actually focus on WHY Vandal Savage chose to use Nazis in the first place.

Savage was trying to hit the JSA where it hurts the most. Having a group of Neo Nazis slaughter the descendents of JSA and All-Star members just adds insult to injury and adds that extra devastating touch to the carnage. That's going to be pretty telling for a group that lived through WWII and fought the Nazi menace firsthand.

Personally, I liked this element of the story. It shows the level of calculation and detail Savage put into his plan.

[Sandy Hausler]

I'll answer this part: Going from memory here so I'm probably wrong.

Mr Terrific was the Chairman before Powergirl.

I think Hawkman was acting chairman for a little while before that, and I blieve Sand was chairman before Hawkman.


I don't believe Hawkman was ever chairman in this incarnation of the JSA. I believe, he and Sand ran for chair against each other and Mr. Terrific won.<g>

Sandy Hausler

[Mon-el]

I don't believe Hawkman was ever chairman in this incarnation of the JSA. I believe, he and Sand ran for chair against each other and Mr. Terrific won.<g>

Sandy Hausler

Didn't Hawkman just sort of take over/demand leadership before the first time they invaded Kahndaq(Black Reign) or am I misremembering?

[Akelexre]

I didn't vote. There should have been a third choice, something like not that great, but not horrible either. We actually need to see the TEAM, not individual characters. That's what JSA Classified is for.

Yeah there should be more choices. I voted, "great" but that's not quite how I feel. There should be an, "I'm enjoying it, but I don't think its the best thing in the world" option.

[Suzanne]

I hope Geoff and Dale stay for the long haul. I'm enjoying this run more than the previous outing, which was pretty solid anyway.

[sabongero]

Was Dr. Fate ever part of the Justice Society of America in the modern version. I know he was part of the original JSA way way back then.

And is there a name for the JSA's headquarters? Like the JLA's HQ is called the Watchtower...and back in the superfriends days...The Hall of Justice.

[CYOTI]

The previous Dr. Fate was a member in fact him joining the JSA was the first arc of the previous volume.

[sabongero]

The previous Dr. Fate was a member in fact him joining the JSA was the first arc of the previous volume.

CYOTI, thanks for the info. Now that Dr. Fate that joined on the previous JSA, was he Dr. Kent Nelson or was he a different Dr. Fate ?

And on a separate note, is the All Star Squadron tied to the current JSA or only tied to the JSA prior to Crisis of Infinite Earths ?

[Babylon23]

Was Dr. Fate ever part of the Justice Society of America in the modern version. I know he was part of the original JSA way way back then.

Hector Hall (the fromer Silver Scarab from Infinity Inc.) was reincarnated as Dr. Fate during the first 4 issues of the previous JSA series. He remained with the team through most of the previous run, until dying around the time of Infinite Crisis. He and his wife Lyta then took of with Daniel/Sandman into the Dreaming to live happily ever after.

[Babylon23]

And on a separate note, is the All Star Squadron tied to the current JSA or only tied to the JSA prior to Crisis of Infinite Earths ?

The All-Star Squadron is still tied to the JSA in that the Squadron was a team that consisted of almost all of the Golden Age heroes, including the JSA members. The Squadron disbanded at the end of WWII.

[sabongero]

The All-Star Squadron is still tied to the JSA in that the Squadron was a team that consisted of almost all of the Golden Age heroes, including the JSA members. The Squadron disbanded at the end of WWII.

Wasn't the leader of the All Star Squadron, a guy named Commander Steel ? Is the recent Steel of the JSoA related to that A.S.S. leader by any chance ?

[Billage]

The previous volume was so steeped in continuity and very non new reader friendly.

I feel that with this relaunch,Geoff has properly introduced the JSA and what differentiates them from all other superhero groups.

Their purpose is clear and the stories feel more personal.

[marshal99]

Wasn't the leader of the All Star Squadron, a guy named Commander Steel ? Is the recent Steel of the JSoA related to that A.S.S. leader by any chance ?

He's related
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_(comics)

[Babylon23]

Wasn't the leader of the All Star Squadron, a guy named Commander Steel ?

Commander Steel was a member of the All-Star Squadron, but never the leader. the original Liberty Belle was team leader.

[HotRod_Tim]

I for one, loved the first arc of this series, it felt like a perfect introduction to the Justice Society and who they really are. The Lightning Saga story though, like everyone else has said, sucked, although I did enjoy the JSA side of it somewhat more than the JLA side, the following character focus issues were cool but now we're back on track again with Thy Kingdom Come. Hopefully this'll keep the ball rolling.

[Chiroptera]

I've really loved Justice Society's relaunch. Aside from Gail Simone's new Wonder Woman, it's my favorite comic at the moment. I've loved the single character stories giving some development time to each member of the team individually, the art is amazing, and I'm really loving how Jones has made this story less of a fight of the baddies, beat back the aliens, save the day and more about the insight and thoughts of veteran heroes as they do those things.

I like the team dynamic, I like the character development, I've even enjoyed the JSA side of the Lightening Saga. I wish more comics were like this.

[David O Burcham]

Speaking of All-Star Squadron... it seems like I've seen something similar to the cover of issue #1 in the last year.


http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/features/images/roythomas/allstarsquad1.jpg


I just realized the relaunches of the Society and the League started with homages to this cover. Cool!

[Babylon23]

Ah, All-Star Squadron #1, the first non-reprint DC comic I ever bought. Man, that takes me back.

[Eumenides]

Your poll could use a few more options, like, It's good but could be better.

I've only read issues #7-9 so far, and although I see the usual themes of legacy and training the new generation of heroes, and although there are still great character moments like in the previous series, I'm a bit upset there's a lack of focus. The Kingdom Come storyline couldn't depress me more - I'm not a hardcore DC fan; I just like the JSA, so all this multiverse crap just annoys me.

And I hate the fact that I'll leave holes in my collection if I decide to get the missing backissues, since I'm making a point of not buying the Lightning Saga: I don't like Meltzer; I hate crossovers between series; the LHS means nothing to me; and again, I despise the multiverse and this growing trend in DC for all its top writers to be crazy about pre-Crisis continuity.

I used to read the JSA because I liked the dymanic relationship between the old heroes and the new heroes. But I haven't seen much of that yet in this new series. I don't think I'll give it many more chances before moving on.

[elise]

Just wanted to revive this topic to ask about the current JSA... is it good right now? I haven't read any JSA, so would it be an okay idea to jump on starting at #10 or should I start from the beginning?

[jadrax]

Just wanted to revive this topic to ask about the current JSA... is it good right now? I haven't read any JSA, so would it be an okay idea to jump on starting at #10 or should I start from the beginning?

It's excellent.

I would try an get the back issues you have missed, although you can probably skip the Lightning Saga crossover ones if you don't have JLA.

[Kage Kisaragi]

i cant believe 10 people actually said otherwise.

[elise]

Great, thanks! I'll give it a try. :D

[sabongero]

What do you guys think about the Kingdom Come Superman in the pages of JSoA so far ? You think Geoff Johns has handled his character well in the series so far and improved the series since the Lightnig Saga. I haven't picked up the book since the middle of the Lightning Saga. I was wondering if it's a good time to pick it up again ?

[chriskenny]

First, let me say that choosing between GREAT and BAD isn't a very nuanced way of looking at things. I'm somewhere dead in the middle.

I like the creative team and the new characters that have been introduced since the series has started are very promising. My main issue has to do with the fact that all these great characters--new and old--are so stuffed into the book that no one has gotten a decent amount of time to really develop.

I feel like the recruitment should maybe be more staggered, more slow. That way we can actually, for instance, get to know the new Wildcat, Cyclone, or Citizen Steel before introducing a new Judo Master, Amazing Man, etc. It just becomes a big pile-on of characters. As a result to this constant flood of characters, there is a sense that most of the book is exposition explaining the bare bones of a character's background just enough to get a vague impression of what they are like. The story is so busy doing this that the plotlines these characters inhabit aren't terribly elaborate or compelling. Even Vandal Savage's big scheme in the first arc seemed sort of silly and one-dimensional for such a epic, brilliant character.

I am also pretty ambivalent about introducing yet another alternate reality Superman, especially one from Kingdom Come. Maybe as a brief guest star, but as a mainstay character? Not feeling it. Seems too gimmicky to me.

I like the characters, I like the basic set-up, but I just feel like it's on issue thirteen and I'm still waiting for the actually story of this society of heroes to get started. I'm still waiting to catch up on what's going on with Hawkman and Alan Scott, two of my favorite characters who have been crowded out of the book.

[sabongero]

I was just in the local comic book store and three subscribers for Justice Society didn't really like the Kingdom Come Superman character being part of the team. They didn't mind the action in the series.

Is this really the case ? Does the Kingdom Come Superman character turn-off mainstay readers of Justice Society of America ? Why is this so ?

I am not really familiar with the Kingdom Come Superman other than what was in Wikipedia. I am sure the character made other appearances and seems to be popular in a way. But it turned off die hard JSAer fans.

[Babylon23]

I'm an absolute JSA die-hard, and KC Superman doesn't bother me in the slightest. He's currently part of an ongoing storyline related to Kingdom Come, so his presence in the book makes sense.

Plus, I grew up reading pre-Crisis JSA, All-Star Squadron and Infinity Inc. stories, so the idea of an older Superman in the JSA seems natural to me.

Of course, things might change once the Thy Kingdom come/Gog storyline ends. I'm not sure if there's any logic to keeping KC Superman around after this current storyline concludes.

[Shellhead]

I was just in the local comic book store and three subscribers for Justice Society didn't really like the Kingdom Come Superman character being part of the team. They didn't mind the action in the series.

Is this really the case ? Does the Kingdom Come Superman character turn-off mainstay readers of Justice Society of America ? Why is this so ?

I am not really familiar with the Kingdom Come Superman other than what was in Wikipedia. I am sure the character made other appearances and seems to be popular in a way. But it turned off die hard JSAer fans.

Those three guys really missed the point. Although this series is obviously a continuation of the previous JSA series which was mostly written by Geoff Johns, this series does have a different theme. The Justice Society is now working to train and inspire the upcoming generation of heroes. They are setting an example, and taking in young heroes to train. If there had been a Justice Society in the Marvel Universe, the recent Civil War and Initiative storylines would never have come to pass.

More to the point, the dark future depicted in the Kingdom Come series will not happen either, not as long as the Justice Society is on the job. So the appearance of KC-related characters like KC Superman and Gog speaks directly to the basic theme of this series. They represent the consequences if the JSA should falter.

[titanfan]

I was just in the local comic book store and three subscribers for Justice Society didn't really like the Kingdom Come Superman character being part of the team. They didn't mind the action in the series.

I actually don't really like KC Supes being part of the team either, just because I think having a Superman should be "special", and having another Superman around kind of waters down the first one. (This is assuming he becomes a permanent member after this story arc, a recurring role is fine)

That and the JSA is already starting to become insanely powerful.

[Shellhead]

I actually don't really like KC Supes being part of the team either, just because I think having a Superman should be "special", and having another Superman around kind of waters down the first one. (This is assuming he becomes a permanent member after this story arc, a recurring role is fine)

That and the JSA is already starting to become insanely powerful.

I have to admit that the recent issue of JSA featuring two Superman teaming up was a bit much, especially when the JSA already has a huge cast of heroes that need more attention. But there is tradition to think about, and Superman was a member of the JSA more than a decade before the JLA even existed. And the JSA has always included some powerhouses. The original lineup included Green Lantern (Alan Scott), Doctor Fate and the Spectre.

[BoosterBronze]

Those three guys really missed the point. Although this series is obviously a continuation of the previous JSA series which was mostly written by Geoff Johns, this series does have a different theme. The Justice Society is now working to train and inspire the upcoming generation of heroes. They are setting an example, and taking in young heroes to train.

And I for one do not care for the theme. I preffered 'here's a really good superhero comic with classic characters that actively acknowledge, but are not defined by their legacies.'

In just a handful of issues I have been repeatedly introduced to characters I find uninteresting at the expense of characters I like. I have seen 'legacy heroes' of some serious D-list heroes, including an Amazing Man, Commander Steel, (Neither of whom are real Golden Age Heroes anyways) and TWO Mr. Americas. Two or three new heroes in a year might have been fine, but 8!?!

And I love Alex Ross, but Lightning has to be the worst looking character of all time. Not every character he designed when he was in Junior High needs to be in comics. And just because Magog had a female Judomaster on his evil team in KC, does the JSA need a pet Japanese person none of them can talk to, or even try to, but they keep around?

JSA was my favorite book. The new Justice Society book sometimes feels like a chore.

[Shellhead]

And I for one do not care for the theme. I preffered 'here's a really good superhero comic with classic characters that actively acknowledge, but are not defined by their legacies.'

In just a handful of issues I have been repeatedly introduced to characters I find uninteresting at the expense of characters I like. I have seen 'legacy heroes' of some serious D-list heroes, including an Amazing Man, Commander Steel, (Neither of whom are real Golden Age Heroes anyways) and TWO Mr. Americas. Two or three new heroes in a year might have been fine, but 8!?!

And I love Alex Ross, but Lightning has to be the worst looking character of all time. Not every character he designed when he was in Junior High needs to be in comics. And just because Magog had a female Judomaster on his evil team in KC, does the JSA need a pet Japanese person none of them can talk to, or even try to, but they keep around?

JSA was my favorite book. The new Justice Society book sometimes feels like a chore.

Great points. I really enjoy the theme, but the execution is not so good. Lightning is indeed terrible-looking, and Judomaster is a waste of page space. The second Mr. America feels very optional, and Citizen Steel is fading from sight. However, I do like the new Amazing Man and the new Wildcat is okay. I would definitely like to see a reduction in cast size so we can get more attention to some overlooked characters.

[BoosterBronze]

Great points. I really enjoy the theme, but the execution is not so good. Lightning is indeed terrible-looking, and Judomaster is a waste of page space. The second Mr. America feels very optional, and Citizen Steel is fading from sight. However, I do like the new Amazing Man and the new Wildcat is okay. I would definitely like to see a reduction in cast size so we can get more attention to some overlooked characters.

I really think that the ratio of mentor/mentee and the focus on the legacy of the JSA was perfect in the first run.

You had Jakeem, Courtney, and even Black Adam getting the 'shown the ropes' thing. You had the relationship between Hourman and his dad in the time bubble (bitchin'). Green Lantern feeling he failed his son (heart-wrenching).

There was Sand finally coming of his own (completely thrown to the side now), Mr. Terriffic was a 'legacy' hero who totally stood on his own, in contrast to some of the others. I loved that whole book.

I dont hate the whole new series. I think the new Amazing Man is the new character with the most potential, although I do also like the damaged Damage being under Liberty Belle's wing. I also dig on Cyclone being the new 'teen girl' now that Star has kinda grown up.

[Adset]

Love it. Reading via trades, so I'm up to #12. I really liked part one of Thy Kingdom Come. IMO, this is how the Kingdom Come sequel should have been done. I don't think you can ever go back to the KC world, like The Kingdom tried to do; it just won't work. Thus, having some of the major KC players come to the main world is the way to go

I would rank it slightly below Green Lantern as my favorite DC read

[sabongero]

After issue #15 just came out, all I can say is that this has got to be the best DC series out there right now. If not then at least in the top 3 being cranked out every month.

[Babylon23]

I would definitely like to see a reduction in cast size so we can get more attention to some overlooked characters.

In interviews around the time the new characters were introduced, Johns stated that not all of the new characters would be joining the team. I get the feeling that some will branch off on their own at the end of the Gog series, possibly even splitting up along the lines of the Batman & Superman teams from Kingdom Come.

[sabongero]

I'm just bumping this up all because of the awesomeness of the Justice Society of America. Although with the presence of Gog and the Kingdom Come Superman, I feel like an impending doom is about to come up and with dire consequences for certain members of the team. I hope I am wrong.

[varsity_club]

Johns has been on this title since it was title JSA. He started with Goyer and then ended up writing the series by himself. If Infinite Crisis did not happen, then I think Johns' run on JSA would not have been interrupted and it would probably be in the 100's issues by now.

All in all after the reboot, I liked the family and legacy direction Johns went with the start of the rebooted series a couple of years ago.

However, with the Kingdom Come Superman and Gog in the picture, I don't know where John is heading with this. Maybe it will end up in some apocalyptic style of death for Gog or some other members of the Justice Society.

All in all I give it a solid performance month in and month out.

And Dave Eaglesham is just the man to draw this series.

[sabongero]

Geoff Johns needs to have a direction for the Kingdom Come Superman. I don't know if it's because Geoff hasn't grasped how to write the Earth having two Supermen on the planet. I mean Geoff is doing a tremendous job on the title don't get me wrong. But I just think eventually he'll have an interesting direction for the Kingdom Come Superman, and be able to grasp the concept of the Earth having 2 Supermen in the planet at the same time.

[sabongero]

This post contains *** SPOILERS***





I just re-read JSoA issues #16 to #18. I just realized how much more dangerous Superman E-22 is as compared to our own Superman. Geoff is limiting E-22 Superman's dialogue and relying on Eaglesham's art to convey his character. I like this direction by Geoff Johns on this particular character. Even though I still kind of think that Geoff still hasn't grasped the concept of having two Supermen on Earth at the same time. But limiting the dialogue of the non Earth 1 Superman, is a cool way of depicting him in JSoA. And with Gog knowing the desires and wants and hurts of each being he is in contact with, he shows Earth 22's Superman not wanting to go back there as there is nothing to go back to.

Power GIrl will definitely be back as she's going to be starring in her own monthly. But I am very curious as to how Mr. Terrific is going to come out of this storyline. It's like Gog cannot "hear" or "read" him. Mr. Terrific is going to be the main figure that will be responsible for taking down Gog, and the former corporal who is now Magog. ... maybe.

[princesa]

I never bought this book prior to the relaunch. Its not bad and the current is interesting...the cast is so huge the main characters I like (Mr T, PG, etc) don't get as much time as I'd like.

[Bob Violence]

I like the book, but it has two problems. 1 -The size of the cast is growing to old Legion of Superheroes-class. Johns gets just a little bit of everybody in there each month, but it's disappointing, I want more of the JSA regulars. 2- This current storyline is dragging, There are too many subplots that have been churning along, and I'm expecting this Gog/Magog thing to resolve several of them, mainly the KC Superman and the Thom 'What the Hell am I doing here?" Kallor storylines.

[Sandy Hausler]

I like the book, but it has two problems. 1 -The size of the cast is growing to old Legion of Superheroes-class. Johns gets just a little bit of everybody in there each month, but it's disappointing, I want more of the JSA regulars. 2- This current storyline is dragging, There are too many subplots that have been churning along, and I'm expecting this Gog/Magog thing to resolve several of them, mainly the KC Superman and the Thom 'What the Hell am I doing here?" Kallor storylines.

You know, outside of KC Superman, I don't really care much of any of the other new characters in the book. It's not that I don't like them. I just prefer the old timers, Star Girl, Mr. Terrrific, Dr. Midnite, Sand, etc. I'm glad that Power Girl is back, but I don't understand why she's the new leader. I mean most of her teammates don't even know her. And Mr. Terrific was doing a pretty good job.

Sandy Hausler

[Karl O'Neill]

Geoff Johns is doing a fine job on JSA.

starman and citizen steel are my two new favourite members of the team.

[Chemical King]

I really like the current storyline, that Gog character is really impressive. I was having some major problem though when the series was dragging on for months, recruiting more and more and even more new members every issue. I'm glad this period is over.

Johns JSA is way better written than the current JLA, and it made me pick up his earlier run - just got the whole series on German Ebay, hope I'll enjoy it as much. His storytelling - as it has been in Green Lantern, for example - is just the right mix for me: Complex (all those characters!) but not confusing, mostly in the right narrative pace and full of original, new ideas for often very old, but lovable characters.