Ever since DC relaunched their entire lineup with this 'New 52' thing back in August, a lot of stuff has happened. We have see these fictional titans of myth get a mega upgrade (or downgrading). Superman's costume has changed in both books, he's different in a lot of ways. And the same can be said for Batman as well, heck for all the characters. Now, we are getting an new look at an team of heroes who have been fighting the good fight since WWII. I am of course, talking about The Justice Society of America.
For those of you who read this blog, you may ask "who the heck is the Justice Society"? Well I'm glad you asked, because I'm gonna tell you.
The Justice Society of America or JSA, is by and large considered to be the first ever superhero team to appear in the comics. It featured many of the characters being published by All-American Comics and National Publications (who would join together in the mid 40's as one company). The original lineup, appearing in All Star Comics #3 consisted of Flash, Green Lantern, Hour-Man (original spelling of the name) Dr. Fate, Spectre, Hawkman, Sandman and the Atom.
In the 57 issues the team appeared in )1940-1951), the roster expanded to include Wonder Woman (later revealed to be Diana's mother Hippolyta during the queen's brief stint as Wonder Woman in the 1990's), Starman, Dr. Mid-Nite, Johnny Thunder and his Thunderbolt, Wildcat, Black Canary, Mister Terrific, and Batman and Superman, though the latter were only honorary members during the 1940's. During their time together, the team fought such villains as Vandal Savage, the Fiddler, Solomon Grundy, Brainwave, Psycho-Pirate (the first one), Per Degaton, Gentlemen Ghost and the Injustice Society (consisting of Vandal Savage, Per Degaton, Brainwave, Fiddler, Wizard, Gambler and Thinker).
After superheroes fell out of style at the end of the 1940's, there was a ten year gap period in which the team appeared in no comics, until the Flash (Jay Garrick's) appearance in the classic Flash story Flash #123 'Flash of Two Worlds'. After that, the fire was lite and the flame of the JSA was reignited. DC established that the JSA existed in an alternate dimension, called Earth-2, while their counterparts in the Justice League existed on Earth-1. Throughout the Silver Age of Comics, the JLA and JSA would team up in stories, often featuring villains from either or both of their worlds. The JSA also received their own title during this time, where new adventures featuring original team members and added members were told.
After the events of the multi DC storyline Zero Hour the JSA remained inactive as a team, though Flash, Green Lantern (renamed Sentinel) and Wildcat were reserve JLI (Justice League International) members. The team was then revived in 1997 for a four issue series, and then again in 1999, which had original team members and a new generation of heroes, successors to their friends original legacies, joining the team, with the book running from 1999-2006. The JSA was then revived again in 2006, with a new team being formed under the leadership of Flash, Wildcat and Alan Scott (having retaken the name Green Lantern). This series ran 2006 to August of 2011.
And this brings us to now, and the new DC '52' book which has just released issue 1. I'm not going to spoil the storyline for those who haven't read in, but like with many of the other new comics, the heroes of that world have only appeared within the last five years. Here's a look at the cover to issue 1.
I've already bought and read my copy of 'Earth-2' and I loved it. I can't wait to see what direction this revamping of such a classic Golden Age group like JSA goes. For those out there who read and follow my blog, buy your copy of 'Earth-2' #1 today and keep your eyes peeled for the next issue which hits the stands on June 6. And you know what? Heck with it, here's the cover to issue 2, more incentive to get out there and there and get a copy.
Hope everyone is having a great summer! Keep reading and always, keep commenting!
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