Legends are not made overnight. In 1940, heroes fighting evil had no idea what their destiny was. Alan Scott was approached by a friend who later is murdered. The Atom is dealing with the Fifth Columnists. A Scarlett Speedster is drawn into the fray after stopping an attack on Keystone City.
How this is all connected showcases the first year of DC’s legendary first superhero team!
JSA #14 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) continues its’ “Year One” storyline.
Let’s take a closer look at what is transpiring now!
JSA #14 by Jeff Lemire, Gavin Guidry, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire adds Jay Garrick into the mix in a very exciting way. The opening sequence features Flash in action. The writing ties him into Gotham activities with ease. The same can be said for Jim Corrigan. Having him investigate Scott’s friend leads into an unlikely pairing. Their banter is vintage as they unlock new secrets. Those two are not the most surprising of this chapter.
Atom and Wonder Woman provides fun quips as both are on the Fifth Columnists case. The writing shows their contrast in styles. Much in the same way with Sandman and Hourman. Juggling the large cast is a challenge Lemire has fully mastered. Even with more being added in the closing, it never feels overwhelming. There’s much intrigue as events come into focus. This especially hits on the closing page. To say there are many moving parts is an understatement but it works here.
Guidry & Guerrero start with a fast paced look at Garrick in action. His work is quick (no pun intended) as the more invested piece is up next. Scott and Corrigan’s pairing is filled with tense reactions. The personality clashes make to balance out their investigation. It creates an aura of uncertainty that maneuvers into more varying team-ups.
A half page image of Wonder Woman crashing Atom’s work sets off a banter series. Their reactions to the dialogue show the frustration of working with the other. It is different than Hourman and Sandman, who gel much easier. Same with Hawkman and Hawkwoman. Once the close kicks in, Garrick makes a full page intro to Scott and Corrigan. Guerrero’s coloring teases another character looming in the background. It doesn’t hold a candle to the final page. More fan-favorites hover in a full page send-off. Long time JSA fans will appreciate who’s returning for this excellent story.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
The timeless tale of justice continues in another superb chapter. Lemire adds in more combustible personalities via the writing. Guidry & Guerrero’s art locks in the vintage energy as a new audience looks on with much excitement. A true glimpse into classic storytelling in the modern age.
Let me know your thoughts on JSA #14 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!