Hawkman is in Hell. After being impaled last issue, the fierce warrior is not in good shape. He joins the rest of the Justice Society Of America. After getting attacked by the Injustice Society, the team is on the ropes. The younger generation of the long standing DCU team is faced with another issue: adapt or fall.
JSA #3 by Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) seeks to answer if the team is “All in” or All out of Luck.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand now.
JSA #3 by Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) Cover: Cully Hammer
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire plays into the strengths of Hawkman for this chapter. The brash anger never escapes readers as his deals with his set-backs. Pacing keeps events moving right along. This helps with such an ensemble cast. Even as his story takes off, the other side plots get a fair share of time.
The Infinity Inc. portion gets a well timed pay-off set in issue #1. At their current state of question, the “traitor” is revealed. The bad guys plan is all going according to plan. Once a young hero finds some confidence, tides turns. This is as vintage JSA as it gets. This is also what makes it a great win as well. The close throws in an unlikely surprise. How this plays out is up in the air, but readers will enjoy the path there.
Olortegui and Guerrero dive into the emotions of the heroes for this chapter. Hawkman’s rage as he’s captured pours on each panel. Jade dealing with her team’s losses showcases a different side. The traitor reveal is brief but hits its mark.
Once the main battle starts, the issue picks up in action. A near full page image turns the course of direction. Its fallout sends the heroes into a new place. This eventually launches into the closing pages. Readers watch as an unlikely ally appears in Hawkman’s darkest hour. The art provides a fun backdrop into the classic tropes on display.
FINAL POINT: 8
Hawkman’s darkest hour arrives but not without possible help. Lemire’s writing brings out the best of the classic team. Olortegui, Guerrero and Wands dive into the pure emotion of conflict for an entertaining tale. How can you not be a fan of what is happening here!
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