Long-time fan favorite characters Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Jade, Obsidian, Jesse Quick, Hourman, Ted Grant, and Sandman are all back on the roster as DC’s first super team faces their greatest and most personal challenge yet. Will golden age ideals hold true in a world recovering from the events of Absolute Power? Or do they need a more hardcore approach to stand a chance against the new Injustice Society of America? JSA #1 brings the classic team into the “All In” world in a debut that’s a bit of a mixed experience.

I love Jeff Lemire‘s writing. He’s a name that I see on a comic and I know I need to check it out. I’ve rarely walked away from his comics without at least being entertained, though at times a bit perplexed. He’s one of those creators that can deliver amazing comic experiences. Which makes JSA #1 all the more frustrating.

The idea of “Golden Age” superheroes attempting to figure out their role in a modern world is a really intriguing one. JSA #1 teases that in some ways with a team divided in how to go about dispensing justice. But, it’s more of the “modern” members of the JSA. Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and more are missing, having been whisked away by some unknown force. That leaves the newer members to not just figure out what happened but also how to go about it.

And that begins my frustration with JSA #1. The idea of Golden Age heroes figuring out how to be heroes in the modern world is an amazing one. But, that’s not what this is. This is more modern heroes fighting over the direction of the JSA while some hold onto the ideals of those Golden Age heroes. The main attractions aren’t really there for much of the comic.

Which leads into the second problem with the issue, you really need to know who these characters are. A lot of the conflict comes from personal relationships and personalities. None of which is really explained leaving new readers generally in the dark as to who these characters are and why they have beef with each other. The comic’s biggest challenge is its history and continuity. For a first issue, it relies too heavily on it.

The art by Diego Olortegui is ok. With color by Luis Guerreo and lettering by Steve Wands, the comic looks good but not great. There’s some aspects that really stand out and others not so much. There’s a few panels where things are fantastic but again others where its rather average. The characters themselves look good, the action is decent, the emotion is generally there but still, it feels a bit “daytime soap” as opposed to grand superhero epic.

JSA #1 isn’t a bad start but it’s also not inviting to new readers. I generally have no idea who these characters are let alone the conflicts they have with each other leaving me generally in the dark for personal one-on-one scenes that rely heavily on all of that. The comic feels like a continuation of what’s come before instead of using what has come before as something it can tease, wink, and nod to, while still being a welcoming read for those that are new. JSA #1 is for the hardcore fans only at this point.

Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Diego Olortegui
Color: Luis Guerrero Letterer: Steve Wands
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle