DCU Comic Book Reviews

JSA #66

Out Of Time, Part II

December 2004

Written by Geoff Johns

Pencils by Don Kramer

Inks by Keith Champagne

Cover by J. H. Williams III

Synopsis

Keystone City...Five weeks ago...Jakeem Williams is visited by a mysterious visitor who says that Jakeen must come with him before it all changes.  At the time point, Rick Tyler has just jumped into the time stream to join the battle against Extant, knowing that he will die, but knowing that he will save his father and give him a second chance at life.  In that instance, time has fractured, which gives Per Degaton a window of opportunity.  Meanwhile, Rick is about to battle Extant when his father Rex attempts to stop him.  Rick refuses to listen to his father.  The Android Hourman from the future realizes what must be done.  He stops both Rick and Rex and then takes Rex’s place in the battle with Extant, allowing both men to live.  Later, Rex decides to retire as Hourman and spend more time with his wife while Rick continues as Hourman.  In Khandaq, Atom Smasher is visited by Rip Hunter who says the Justice Society needs his help. 

Review

I liked the ending to this two-part story which in reality has been long running subplot that has been simmering in the book for some time.  Granted it was fairly predictable since we knew the android Hourman would be the one to die (otherwise, why was he in the story?) but the emotional payoff with Rex and Rick coming back home to Wendi was worth it.  As I stated in the previous story, the undercurrent emotional impact of father and son and husband and wife relationships helps elevate this story beyond just simple superhero plots.  The page of Rick recalling all the times that his father was not there for him is something that I am sure a lot of people can relate to.  Fathers working late, long hours rather than spending time with their children is unfortunately a common occurrence.  I like it when a story can really be about something more than just finding a way to beat the bad guy.

The problem I had with this issue is found at the beginning and at the end.  The framing sequence with Rip Hunter coming to ask JSA members for help is a good tease for the next storyline, but I found it to be annoying to my enjoyment.  When I opened the comic, I wanted to see what happened to Rick and his father, not read about a character that has not appeared in the pages of JSA for quite some time.  Yes, it was only two pages, but still...it might’ve helped if these pages were at the end, after the main story.  -- Review by MRB

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