DC Comics reviews 5/6/26 – Batman 8, Absolute Superman 19

JSA 19

With the excellent Year One story completed, writer Jeff Lemire turns his attention to one of the founding members in the present — The Spectre. As has been the case for the 20 years or so, The Spectre is in search of a new host and decides to bond with Kid Eternity and it’s up to the JSA to help her and prevent The Spectre from passing judgement on the planet.

That’s a solid premise even if most of the focus of this issue is on catching readers up with the current roster. Jay Garrick is questioning the old guard’s place on the team while Hourman II is still smarting from the demise of his marriage with Jesse Quick. While Lemire teased a potential Jade and Sand pairing, he seems to have changed his mind opting against this couple. That’s disappointing since the JSA is all about legacy and the passage of time. As people age they get older and welcome that phase of life. Jesse and Rick were a good superhero couple who were better together than apart.

Of all the DC titles, the JSA doesn’t have to chase after younger readers, and more mature themes are actually welcome. Instead, Lemire teases awkwardness with Jakeem and Stargirl and potentially Khalil’s crush on Cyclone. Lemire also tends to write the female characters, save Jade, more abrasive and obnoxious particularly in regard to how they treat their male teammates. It doesn’t help Wildcat II and to a lesser degree, Stargirl, when they’re dismissive of their teammates’ feelings.

Artist Diego Olortegui’s style works fine with the larger JSA roster and provides a lighter, less moody vibe for the series. That doesn’t necessarily align with The Spectre going dark, but the expressive characters and engaging layouts balances it out fine. Luis Guerror’s vibrant colors and Steve Wands’ easy to follow lettering complements the art smoothly.

The Search for The Spectre gets off to a decent start that hopefully leads to some fun team-based efforts and action.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Photo Credit: DC Comics