We have travelled back in time to before the infamous Superman punch that split the DC Universe into the Injustice tangent. Here, everybody is still friends; so much so that the current crop of heroes are having a party for the old timers, the JSA. Of course, being a prequel means that there is plenty of foreshadowing going on, which covers issues 1 and 2, before the Hawks lead us into the World War in which the JSA made their names.
Alternative universe maestro, Tom Taylor is back in the universe that he helped shape in the first place, coloring in the gaps left by the two Injustice games. It’s a world that Taylor is certainly familiar with, though he has also spent time on Earth 2 and DCeased. Taylor gives us a Batman and Superman who are truly the World’s Finest. The dialogue works well between the pair, especially as they interact with the larger cast. Legacy is the tone for sure; this is reflected in all three issues and I am somewhat pleased as it gives the reader something else to enjoy other than the steps taken by the Joker to set up Superman. A happy byproduct of focusing on the Hawks is that we get away from yet another Joker story or at least take a break from one.
The art in the first two issues is provided by. Roge Antonio with Cian Tormey taking the reins on chapter three. Looking at Antonio’s work first; there are some great panels, mainly the Chavard and Joker scenes. The heroes strike their usual poses, though there can be a lack of facial details that distracts. Maybe this is the price you pay for what is essentially a two team book. There is some nice Batman and Robin mirroring on show that is quite charming. Tormey’s pencils are more fluid to some extent. Less characters and a big action set piece will certainly help iron out the previous chapters’ problems. Both artists do well then for the most part, though I would say that Tormey edges it. Colors across all three chapters are supplied by Rain Beredo who manages to set the darkness to come vibe well. Finally, Wes Abbott’s letters round off the issues with some fun lettering and different text boxes for different speakers, which has become a bit of an industry standard.
Since the Injustice game first came out, along with the subsequent comic series, the comic industry, and DC specifically, has embraced the alternative universe style of storytelling. Apart from the various Taylor-verses I mentioned earlier you have a swathe of Black Label books and Snyder ‘s ‘epics’ that all feature worlds not as we know them. So despite the talent that Taylor evidently has, this feels like a little old hat, maybe an alternative universe story too far. With that said, it always great to see the JSA in action, even if by basing them as an Earth Prime legacy team means that we don’t have Power Girl!
Writing – 4 Stars
Art (Antonio) – 3 Stars
Art (Tormey) – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
Overall – 3.5 Stars
Written by; Tom Taylor
Art by; Roge Antonio & Cian Tormey
Colors by; Rain Beredo
Letters by; Wes Abbott
Published ; DC Comics (Digital)
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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