In Review: JSA (2024-) #1

Synopsis: In JSA #1, 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?

The Story

When founding members of the JSA go missing, Jade steps up as the team leader, determined to unite everyone and uncover what happened to Jay, Ted, and the others. The challenge? Jesse Quick, Obsidian, and Yolanda, the new Wildcat, don’t agree with Jade’s approach. They believe that facing Kobra and gathering intel requires far more extreme methods. Meanwhile, the JSA faces an even greater threat from within: the Injustice Society has infiltrated their ranks and is quietly working to dismantle the team from the inside.

The Artwork

 Diego Olortegui delivers some fantastic artwork in this book. I especially enjoyed the opening pages where Obsidian corners two Kobra operatives and contemplates using torture. The way his shadow powers are depicted is both captivating and chilling—definitely something that would be terrifying if it were real.

The art in the second part of the book was also a highlight, showing the original JSA members in action. However, we’re still left wondering where they are and how this ties into the main storyline.

Overall

Jeff Lemire brings us an intriguing new story with the JSA. I especially liked the brief introduction that recaps the JSA’s legacy and its influence on later teams like the Justice League. I’m also drawn to how the main story questions whether the JSA’s traditional approach to justice still holds up in a world where the line between good and evil isn’t as clear-cut. The clash between Jade, Obsidian, and Jesse Quick effectively highlights this tension between the established ways and Obsidian’s desire for a different approach.

Overall. This is a fairly strong first issue.