The JSA has suffered a devastating loss. Ted Grant was killed in the battle with the Injustice Society. On top of their grief, there is other issues at hand. A young member crossed a line. Another has do find a traitor before more damage is done. There is absolutely no rest for the weary.
JSA #7 by Jeff Lemire, Rafael de Latorre, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics) pays tribute to their fallen friend.
Let’s take a closer look at how the team picks up the pieces.
JSA #7 by Jeff Lemire, Rafael de Latorre, Luis Guerrero and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire pens a fitting tribute for the legendary hero. Jay Garrick’s eulogy hits all the emotions. It carries the weight of their history with a touching goodbye. Post services, the focus shifts to Yolonda and her guilt of loosing control. The dialogue unveils her pent-up guilt. It leads to a rash decision that may not last as time goes forward.
The remainder of the book deals with other members. With such a big cast, a few sub-plots have been lost in the shuffle. Hourman and Jesse Quick has been one. Events are upstaged when some notable heroes pay their respects. Their conversation isn’t well received. It fits perfectly into the emotions the JSA is carrying. Events wind down to a startling close. With the final page, there’s more mystery than closure which isn’t a bad thing.
De Latorre steps in for art and delivers big time. The two page splash of the funeral drives home the remorseful tone. It gives Garrick’s words more gravity. The feelings of the team come into focus in post. Yolonda’s guilt is unavoidable. She covers many emotions while on page. The same can be said for the other members in mention. They’re all upstaged by the appearance of a certain trio. Their near full page entrance switches all attention to a looming choice.
The conversation between the JSA and their allies mirrors another stage of grief. How each approach their ideas is met with confrontation. Readers watch as the standstill leads into a definitive call. This rolls into the closing pages. The art teases a unique direction to take the story. Its’ full page close cast a larger question as events move from tragedy into hopeful triumph.
OVERALL GRADE: 8
The JSA pays their respects to a fallen friend in this emotionally charged chapter. Lemire navigates the heroes through tough times with the writing. De Latorre excels at developing the wide range of feelings as the post-Wildcat life begins. Where things lead from here is anyone’s guess.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts about JSA #7. Thanks for reading!