“The Unnamed Ones”
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artists: Gavin Guidry
Color Artist: Luis Guerrero
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Kendra Smart
Justice Society of America #8 is upon us and with it a lost tale from the history books of the JSA. Set in the Golden Age with a cover to match, back to the closing of World War II we go. A departure from the Justice Society of America #7 storytelling and timeline, we are stepping away from the pain in the present and delving into the reasoning why all this is happening, in the past.
Michael Cho has given readers an astounding representation of what a Golden Age cover, prime cover to grab to be sure, looks like. Wotan at a large perspective, wielding the Spear of Destiny, as the Justice Society rallies to the fight. Jay Garrick, Wildcat, Doctor Fate, Hawkman, Hourman, and Liberty Belle all look so wonderful in this callback. It is an amazing cover that really brings back the thrill of seeing your favorite comic with a new story. Brava.
A Moment In The Past Thought Foiled
As Justice Society of America #8 opens we are back in 1945. Hitler has been defeated but the Spear of Destiny resides not in Hitler’s stronghold, but under it. The Justice Society of America are not the only ones with their eyes on the prize. Baron Blitzkrieg and Zyklon are on their way as well with their men. Meanwhile, Ted and Rex are following their guide…until it is as far as The Unknown Soldier will go!
But not all is as it seems as Baron eludes to there being more to this as he and Zyklon take on members of the JSA who aren’t dummies. They pick up fairly quick that this isn’t just a battle for the Spear. But Ted and Rex get a first hand account of what Wotan and Johnny Sorrow are plotting. This is for more than the Spear…it will ripple effects across time and space. Have the JSA gotten in too deep?
Fate Is Ticked Off
Jeff Lemire gives us an issue with Justice Society of America #8 that very well could have been a stand alone testament. Gavin Guidry and Luis Guerrero gives a solid taste of what the Golden Age comics looked like and felt like to read. Steve Wands helps to elevate that ambiance. Seeing Nabu beyond disgusted with Wanton linked with Ted going after Johnny Sorrow is powerful.
It is a nice gift of a callback to the hero felled that we know and love. Getting the break from the sadness of loss and the funeral affecting the team is a blessed respite. One that gives a platform for the future and definitely answers some very pending open questions.
Conclusion
The Justice Society of America sure has come a long way since their first feature in All Star Comics #3. Justice Society of America #8 is such a wonderful mixture of the world’s and time frame. A true adventure in the past. I’ll see you next time friends.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.