“Valhalla”-Part 1
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artists: Rafael De La Torre
Color Artist: Luis Guerrero
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Kendra Smart
Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #7 is upon us and with comes the heavy knowledge that Ted Grant has in fact passed on. Jorge Fornes gives readers both a gut punch and artistic mastery in his cover for this issue. Seeing the spotlight on a ring and in the light of the ring is our Heavyweight Champion of the World, our Hero and friend, Ted Grant as Wildcat. The artwork is a beautiful and bittersweet reminder of where we rejoin the Society. The Injustice Society has made their move, and a brutal move at that, let’s dive into Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #7.
Best Damn Left Hook
Starting with a brief look into the past, Jay Garrick tells a tale of a friend, Father, leader, Hero, and Champion. A quick transition has us in the best seat at the beginning of the funeral for Ted Grant, Rest in Peace. Each of the members of the JSA are handling the turn of events in their own fashion. After her actions last issue with the Kobra Agent, Yolanda has doubt not only in herself, but in her purpose as the current Wildcat. Even Power Girl is unable to soothe the complex emotions in keeping or giving up the emotions.
The other members are each taking their own turn in taking stock of what has happened, and with what still remains to be faced. Jade is one looking at the bigger picture of the enemy still awaiting them outside, and a traitor still inside. As she and Rick are dealing with that, Khalid is dealing with his grief beside Jakeem. Founding members unite, and helping hands are extended but Alan and Jay make their path known…this is the Justice Society’s situation to handle.
Good Night Champ.
Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #7 gives amazing artwork from Rafael De Latorre, the first page feeling ringside during Ted Grant’s Heavyweight reign. The pacing and transitions are wonderful. We see tensions and emotions flare and bare themselves in the wake of such a tragedy. Lemire gives us the check in and time with a mass amount of the team. We get to see them dealing with complex emotions. Some of which has ramifications in the here and now, as Jesse and Rick discover.
Watching the members as they go through the motions and stages of grief is tough. Khalid handling it as both a hero and a medical professional is especially rough. We get a hint at what’s to come and the build up for Eternity is intriguing. What mysteries does she hide? Just what is next for the Injustice Society now that they have yet another piece in their possession with the Helmet of Fate?
Conclusion
A harder thing to do than say good bye is few, but Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #7 does give us the time to do that. Nothing is gone forever, and we will see just what Valhalla awaits to show us.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.