Review: JSA #11
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Art: Diego Olortegui
Colors: Luis Guerrero
Letters: Steve Wands
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
“The Old Guard” and Infinity, Inc. factions of the JSA come back together in this issue as they make their first move against the Injustice Society.
Positives
The overall positive tenor of this issue is a nice change from the misery that usually permeates this title. This is brought about by the different factions of the JSA coming together finally as differences seem to be set aside. Khalid Nassour’s return to the mantle of Dr. Fate is probably the best realized of these returns. It does lead directly to Obsidian’s rescue who we’ve seen in a coma for issues. It would’ve been nice for him to have more agency in his return.
That said, Kid Eternity is fairly interesting and is one of the bright spots in the series, she provides a nice surprise against the ISA. Furthermore, the most emotional impact comes from Alan and Ruby discussing the reasons for her turn against the Justice Society. Lemire builds off of the history between the two characters as developed in the previous Justice Society series, but this is not without its drawbacks as I’ll point out below.
Diego Olortegui’s art remains solid and does a good job of storytelling.
Negatives
There’s still too much going on in this title as all the subplots come together at once. Spread out over so many issues it makes the story drag as well as give the impression that not a lot has happened. Indeed it is hard to gauge exactly how much has transpired since issue #1.
Perhaps, the biggest challenge with JSA #11 is the fact that the reassembling of the group doesn’t feel earned. It’s great that they get back together, but all the infighting and inner conflict was never set up well to begin with. We still don’t know why Rick and Jesse aren’t getting along and it makes their conflict seem contrived. Like other aspects of this storyline, it feels like things could’ve been set up differently to make it interesting or at least earned. As addressed above, at least in this issue Alan Scott’s concern over Ruby’s turn against the JSA feels different because there is a history between the two. If you’ve read Geoff Johns recent Justice Society of America, this is building off of that. In that way it works, even if the retconning of Alan’s sexuality still feels awkward and out of place for the character. Like Leah Williams’ writing of Power Girl, the change is forced and just doesn’t fit. The writing of both characters gives the sensation that the writers are purposely trying to mislead the reader because it is so out of character. (It’s similar to James Gunn’s decision to make Jor-El and Lara give Kal-El the mandate to conquer, rule and impregnate the women of Earth in order to create a new race of Kryptonians- and Gunn can’t figure out why people keep asking if that message is real…. He doesn’t get why it doesn’t fit, same with the above Power Girl and Alan Scott examples).
Negatives Cont’d
Yolanda’s return to fold definitely feels rushed and unearned. One day she’s emotionally decimated and the next she’s ready to try again. There’s just not enough time for this to feel genuine. I’m not advocating for a longer story arc, but rather suggesting Yolanda’s journey back should’ve taken more time. She didn’t need to come back by the end of this series.
These concerns make it hard to invest in this series and it still comes off as too much “telling” and not enough “showing.” It’s one of the elements that is holding this series back.
Verdict
JSA #11 is one of the better issues of this series so far. It’s certainly not miserable even if it still feels shallow and emotionless. I still question Lemire’s heart being in it. He’s written some great stuff, but this isn’t it. Olortegui’s art continues to be enjoyable and helps elevate this to above mediocre. Reuniting the team certainly puts things in a better place going forward.
