DC Comics reviews 12/4/24 – Absolute Superman #2, JSA #2

JSA #2

In a major positive for JSA fans, new writer Jeff Lemire is not content to play the opening arc of his run safe. In lieu of an extended buildup, Lemire is coming out swinging landing some big bombs on reader expectation.

First, he immediately sics the latest incarnation of the Injustice Society after the team, which is reeling from some philosophical clashes. This is a pretty significant step for Lemire as previous architect Geoff Johns didn’t typically make the old guard vs. the new guard a common storyline issue. Lemire is making this difference in approaches a regular occurrence, which realistically would happen with a team so diverse across multiple generations.

The team dynamic has also impressed. Lemire is doing a strong job already of balancing all the various characters without making it easy on himself by reducing the roster. This is a sizable JSA and Lemire is smoothly handling all of the personalities and not making anyone sound drastically out of character. And it’s nice to see somewhat forgotten characters like Sand, Jakeem Thunder, Hourman II and Jessie Quick getting more of the spotlight.

Artist Diego Olortegui is also doing quality work with exciting page layouts. Lemire is writing an action-packed JSA and Olortegui is keeping up just fine whether in the heated struggle vs. the Injustice Society or against the demons at Dr. Fate’s tower. Colorist Luis Guerrero has partnered with Olortegui very well in creating a bold color scheme for this title while letterer Steve Wands also embraces the sentiment of building a better JSA with larger font sizes at various points in the action.

JSA had a very promising start with the All-In debut and the creative team seems dialed in to make this incarnation of them team memorable for years to come.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: DC Comics