“Ragnarok”-Part 6
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artists: Diego Olortegui
Color Artist: Luis Guerrero
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Kendra Smart
Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #6 is upon us fellow readers, and with a promise to keep. With the Injustice Society attacking relentlessly on multiple fronts, the JSA has been struggling to keep a foothold let alone a step ahead. The old Guard has been fielding off an onslaught at the Tower of Fate, trying to find captured and kidnapped members, fighting unease and separation amongst the newer members. It is a fight for the very foundation and existence of the JSA. We rejoin them at the heat of this battle and it is time to see how it all plays out.
We get an astoundingly poignant cover to remind us the stakes as the tools or implements associated with beloved heroes laying at the feet of the new members. It is a forged in fire circumstance and each hero is facing their own demons and odds. Let’s rejoin our heroes.
Walk Like A Man
A touch back on a conversation, a lesson to be learned. Knowledge to be earned. A moment in time where Ted tried to pass on the lesson that not every battle can be won using magic. This is how Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #6 starts. But meanwhile in the now, things are grim. Grim is putting it mildly. Outside the Tower of Fate the odds are overwhelming as the demon horde gains the higher ground and Jay and Alan are faltering. Khalid faces far worse as he watches members of the Injustice Society outnumber them and the worst happen to an honored friend and member of the JSA.
Meanwhile, Jade and Rick have caught up to “Obsidian”, Yolanda, Jesse, and Sanderson. A lead has led to discovery and the tension and emotion is the room raises higher as the evidence of a very hurt…or worse Dr. Mid-nite. Emotions rise as actions take the place of words. Actions that once they happen will change the the JSA as it is known forever. But the team has been scattered this whole time, what happens when all the pieces come back together, minus one?
It Was Never My Path (Spoilers)
The loss of a hero is always a gut punch, especially when it is a finite moment. Something you know isn’t a magic wish, a rub of a lamp, the turn-back of time through a swirling vortex of hope and humanity’s tears away from restoration of life. Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #6 is no exception as we lose a Ted Grant. Wildcat is shown for exactly who he is, the heart of the JSA. The mentor and confidante. The fierce warrior and ardent supporter. The friend and the man. It has been a solemn honor sir. Diego Olortegui and Luis Guerrero served vital moments with ease, painfully and stunning.
Jeff, this part’s for you. Sir. I should have known, respectfully. I was so naive when pondering just who could be lost as the heart of the JSA, and to be far an argument could certainly be debated…but it was always Ted. From the moment he lifted Khalid up and helped him see his true moxie, the mentor that Ted has always been…that was the moment it should have clicked. You made me sob. Before I ever sat to write the review, the tears flowed. So brava sir.
Conclusion
A solemn issue indeed is Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #6. But a vital issue by definition if there ever was one. This loss will be felt in earnest, we will see in the next issue. Join me friends, I will have the tissues ready.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.
