“New Friends, Old Enemies.”
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Mikel Janín, Jerry Ordway, and Scott Kolins
Color Artists: Jordie Bellaire and John Kalisz
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Review by Kendra Hale
The premiere issue of this new series delivered a whirlwind of action and a stunning introduction. I enjoyed every minute, including the end of the issue which saw Helena Wayne being sent back in time by her Mother Selina. Her ending is where we pick up in Justice Society of America #2, with Huntress back in 1940 alongside the original members of the JSA.
*squee* I’m not even going to try to hide any tiny bit of my excitement.
Kind Eyes, Warm Heart
Helena wakes and pieces together that she’s arrived in November of 1940. As she rises and makes her way through the building, she soon finds herself face-to-face with the bulk of the JSA. Jay Garrick (the Flash) is one of the first to address her, and of course, his first concern is her well-being. Helena proceeds to spill what is going on very upfront with everyone, but most especially Kent Nelson aka Dr. Fate.
Kent’s more than willing to help but as he attempts to, his consciousness is slung along his personal timeline, as someone’s blocking his abilities. While he manages to find a loophole, poor Helena sees, as well as Kent, just what has happened in the moments after her absence… as well as learning more about the person behind this malady.
You Never Believe Me
There are many heart-wrenching moments that appear in this issue, but the one that took my breath away was the scene in which Helena tried to tell her Mom about this “stranger” she keeps seeing. The artwork switches to match the tone and the whole sequence is just… make sure you have tissues.
Geoff Johns has a way of making the reader invested, with all they have in the characters he writes for. Whether it’s cheering them on to achieve their goals, or rooting for the heroes while chastising the one bringing pain. It’s a credit to his talent, to say the least, to hold such sway and power over the fans. Paired with this group of beyond-talented artists, the issue was devoured quickly, from when turned the first page.
Conclusion
If you haven’t picked up the first issue of this series, do yourself a favor. Do it. Justice Society of America #2 carries with it the same bang as the first issue but also brings the heart into play. My only complaint would be spending so little time with the OG JS gang, but to be fair it is only the second issue and I really feel that there’s still so much more to come.
This series feels very special and is a treat to fans new and old. I cannot wait to see what is waiting just around the corner.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
