DCU Comic Book Reviews

JSA #71

JSA/JSA, Chapter IV:  Past Mistakes

May 2005

Written by Geoff Johns

Pencils by Don Kramer

Inks by Keith Champagne

Cover by Dave Gibbons

Synopsis

In 1951.... In New York, Al Rothstein watches as Al Pratt refuses to cooperate with the feds in an effort to bring Hawkman and Hawkgirl to “justice.”  When the feds attempt to hurt Pratt for turning them down, Rothstein interrupts to protect his godfather.  In New Orleans, Michael Holt defeats a group of KKK members with an assist from Terry Sloane.  In Washington DC, Per Degaton torments Rex Tyler by erasing future friends from his life.  Before he can erase his future wife, Rick Tyler arrives to save his father.  In Opal City, Stargirl tells Jack Knight that he saved the world in 1951.  In New York, Sandy Hawkins convinces his mentor Wesley Dodds to help the JSA.  In New York City, Al Rothstein convinces Al Pratt to also help.  In Gotham City, Johnny Thunder agrees to take Jakeem Thunder to the JSA headquarters.  There they find all of the other heroes, present and future, are waiting.  As they debate what to do next, Rick Tyler appears with his father.  Rick tells them of Degaton’s plans:  to assassinate the president of the United States. 

Review

The story finally gets all of the heroes together, just in time for the final issue.  Part of me is glad as we know haven learned what Degaton is up to and how he plans to destroy the JSA (I can imagine the death of the president would create a huge uproar, especially if the murderer is in “costume).  Part of me, however, is disappointed and that has to with the simple joy I am feel when each of the current heroes get a chance to interact with the heroes that have inspired them.  The current line-up of the JSA has been based on the idea of a new generation of heroes (who are based on ideas or powers from former heroes) learning for the past generation.  To see the Thunders or the Terrifics or the Mid-Nites talking to each other, is great to see.  The large two-page splash of the heroes together, watching the Thunders enter the room is something that I almost felt like tearing out of the book and putting up the wall.  The only thing that stopped me was the fact that neither Hourman was in the picture.  At least I’ve got the great Alex Ross double cover of all the JSA/JSA. 

What has been really nice is that a lot of the material regarding the 1950s counterparts have bee extremely accessible.  I am not that conversant in the histories of characters like Sandman or Mr. Terrific, but there are scenes that still have an impact for me, especially Sandy’s revelation about his time in suspended animation.

I won’t even speculate on the time (ha!) factor regarding how all of the other heroes reached the JSA headquarters in Gotham City so quick.  I suppose Hawkman and Hawkgirl could have flown the Atoms in from New York City, which is not that far, really.  While Stargirl has her rod, how far is Opal City from Gotham?  And how did the Terrifics get there so quick from New Orleans?-- Review by MRB 

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