“The Gentleman’s Game“
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Mikel Janín and Marco Santucci
Color Artist: Jordie Bellaire, Ivan Plascencia, and John Kalisz
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Review by: Kendra Smart
Justice Society of America #10 is here after what feels like a slow motion waiting fever dream. Seriously, my patience was severely lacking. It seems like we were heading towards quite a climatic turn of events. With the whole of reality seemingly hanging by a thread, Helena must be at odds with herself as she struggles to prove villains can be reformed. Not only to the JSA members, but to herself.
The cover of Justice Society of America #10 is done by Mikel Janín and is a sucker punch of nostalgia. I really adore the personal touch Janin gives to his ¨Golden Age¨ style cover. The way the characters are featured to the color choices are all an exquisite example of the world of yesteryear. It is such a great invitation into the issue and really sets a tone of expectation.
¨This Is Not A Job For Us¨
In the 31st century, The Legion of Substitute Heroes has members in a heavy debate over their best course of action. The JSA may be the first superhero team but they will be realityś destruction. We move very quickly over the JSA in the present. The team is currently after the last reformed villain on Helena Wayneś list, The Gentlemanś Ghost, Jim Craddock.
Icicle makes a brash, horrid error in judgment causing the situation to go from manageable…to old wounds sheering open. Epic in proportions to say the least, Ragnarok to be specific. Helena really begins to question whether or not her plan and purpose are really feasible in this different timeline.
But what Mordru does to try to fix things…changes everything.
The Hardest Cut
Justice Society of America #10 really packs several punches. It is very hard not to drop spoilers when the issue is this hard hitting. Geoff Johns does a breath taking job at making readers really think about what the lines in the sand are between good and evil. The good done to prevent evil. What lengths a hero must be willing to traverse in order for the greater good to prevail. Also, what they give up. Johns explores this topic from a variety of viewpoints from different characters and in several ways.
We also get to see Mikel Janín shine on the interior pages along with artist Marco Santucci and color artist Jordie Bellaire, Ivan Plascencia, and John Kalisz. It really is a delight seeing so much talent in one book. The emotions captured, the action shots throughout the book, all of it is in sync for the most part. There are noticeable switches but it doesn’t deter too badly from the flow of the story.
Conclusion
There is definitely some hard choices to be made, Justice Society of America #10 makes it clear that nothing is off the table as we move forward. I look forward to seeing what effects will result from what is happening with the JSA and Helena Wayne.
Right now, as a reader, I cannot predict what will happen next and that is rare indeed. I WANT to know what is coming and that is part of the draw of this series. It has reopened the door for many characters to be remembered and introduced. I look forward to seeing where the pathways all lead.
See you next time, friend!
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.
