DC Comics reviews 11/29/22 – Nightwing Annual 2022 #1, Justice Society #1

Justice Society of America #1

Geoff Johns continues his time experiment with the Justice Society in reimagining the team he helped bring back to prominence in the 2000s. Huntress and Power Girl are leading a new team filled with former villains making good on Huntress’ goal to offer second chances to villains seeking a do-over.

It’s definitely the most unique JSA roster as much as it’s disappointingly the least diverse since the original roster. This feels unnecessary in 2022 heading into 2023, but teams should not have the same racial makeup as they did in the 40s. Sure, the team has plenty of LGBTQ+ members on the various rosters, but where is Amazing Man, Wildcat II, Dr. Mid-Nite, Flying Fox, Tsunami, etc.?

Not that there’s any need to get too attached to this team. Johns isn’t establishing these rosters for long before a mysterious assassin — who resembles Per Degaton — wipes them out sparking the need for retribution and a new JSA.

Mikel Janin’s art is outstanding. Johns is partnered with one of DC’s cleanest and skilled artist and this is a potent combination. Janin works in plenty of detail that colorist Jordie Bellaire brings out further with strong color choices.

This title hasn’t hit its stride yet — but Johns has earned a little patience in seeing how a story plays out. Hopefully this is just a lull before this revised JSA truly takes off.

Rating: 7 out of 10