“Ragnarok”-Part 2
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artists: Diego Olortegui
Color Artist: Luis Guerrero
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Kendra Smart
JSA #2 is out and with it, the continuation of our story. When last we left our heroes, they were awash in the sea of different emotions. Adrift in more ways than one as we readers came to find out. With Jade leading in her Dad’s absence. She has been at odds not only with members of her team in decision making, but also with her brother Obsidian. But there is serious danger and plots at play and while we were left with many questions with JSA #1, many of those answers are awaiting us in the pages of JSA #2.
Pausing for one moment to discuss the cover. I need to state that literally everything about the main cover screams legendary Justice Society of America vibes. I know I am looking at a modern cover for the modern team. But I would swear to you that it belongs among the ranks of comic cover gold from the Golden Age. Major props to Cully Hamner for giving readers such an astounding cover featuring Jade and Obsidian as they lament over the lost and divided in their team.
What Do We Do When We Fall Down?
We are greeted with the events leading up to the division of the team and how half of them are trapped inside the Tower of Fate as JSA #2 opens. Fallen victim to a diversion on Kobra’s part, the Justice Society of America finds themselves on the bad end of a siege by the Injustice Society of America. Betrayals are made known as Alan sees Ruby Sokov has chosen her side in the world. But the Injustice Society seems to have an aim on Khalid’s helmet and with that knowledge, Doctor Fate tried to make the member with him safe.
Back in the present the team is facing really hard odds, the beasts and monsters are now in overwhelming numbers surrounding the tower. The Injustice Society are not merciful in their chase for the helmet. Time is running out for the team to find a way out of this realm that leads them back to the Brownstone. But, what are they returning to, if they return at all?
Hidden In The Shadows
JSA #2 delivers the same high mark of work as the first issue did. On more levels. As this second part to the Ragnarok saga has sprouted more knowledge into just what happened to the team. While many questions are answered, such as the Injustice Society showing their hand, just as many new questions spring forth. JSA #2 really focuses on the events leading up to the rift in the team, and to the team members “trapped” in the Tower OF Fate.
Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui, Luis Guerrero, and Steve Wands really do exposition scenes and emotional scenes exquisitely. Some of my favorite moments from this part of the story are when we see Alan and Ruby face off for the first time after the reveal and Obsidian and Ted Grant’s moment. Obsidian and Ted are discussing possible options to react to the Kobra problem, and Ted really holds his ground. “That’s NOT how we do things.” had me holding my breath.
Conclusion
To say for certain, JSA #2 was devoured quickly. The flow of the story just has your eyes hungry on the page, craving the new twist and turn. A breath-taker of a cliffhanger leaves us waiting patiently, until next time friends!
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.