The World’s first Super Hero team. A group of individuals joined forces to fight extreme evil in 1940. Since that time, this unit has carved a legacy unmatched. Times may change. Heroes never do.
After the latest round with the Injustice Society, events turn back the clock. The latest adventure is a true throwback. Welcome to JSA: Year One!
JSA #13 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) kicks off a detailed look at the early days of the JSA.
Let’s take a closer look at how legends were made.
JSA #13 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire welcomes readers to this timeless era with a easy intro. Seeing glimpses of the key players teases the inevitable. Once the spotlight moves to Alan Grant, the story finds its’ footing. Running into his old friend Gordon plants a few key seeds. One of which is who is pulling the strings on a recent project.
The mystery of Starco slowly starts to peel back its’ layers. Readers watch as the first hero team-up teases many themes. One of which is a dire premonition. Other major players get page time building their own cases. Hawkman’s has a more heroic flare to lead this pack. The writing moves these portions at a steady pace. Events circle back to Scott’s meeting for the close. Scott’s investigation leads into a shocking parting moment. Paired with the narration, it is a fitting ending to this engaging opening salvo.
Guidry helms art duties for this story arc. The opening page carries a vintage aura as the 1940’s come alive. A two page splash ushers in the era with smaller panels. This allows a larger moment to follow. Alan Scott’s conversation gets a stacked look via its’ panels. It draws up the drama being weaved. Both characters’ eye speak volumes.
Once events move to Hourman and Sandman, the display has a new vibe. Their unlikely grouping unveils a shocking image in a mid-shot. It is balanced out in the most action-filled portion of the book. Hawkman’s encounter flows very fast. Atom Smasher hits the scene via half panel. His discoveries tease a dark future. Readers watch as this all gives way to the final page. Seeing Alan Scott in a full page vision teases to danger mounting in the distance. There’s much to enjoy with this chapter.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
A look back into the 1940’s explores the JSA’s foundations. Lemire crosses through a loaded cast to present the impending drama. Guidry and Guerrero deliver on a historic feel with the art. From cover to cover, an engaging tale not to miss.
Let me know your thoughts on JSA #13 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!