“The Gotterdammerung”-Part One
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artists: Diego Olortegui
Color Artist: Luis Guerrero
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Kendra Smart
JSA #9 continues with the theme of Golden Age art style for the cover. This time Leonardo Romero gives us an amazing cover of the looming presence of Obsidian as he casts a shadow over the members of the JSA. Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Jay Garrick, Alan Grant, Doctor Fate, and Hourman find themselves reminiscent of quicksand as the Shadow monsters overtake them. Is this foreshadowing? Let’s find out!
Blinded By The Light
As we open JSA #9 Doc Mid-Nite is making her way through the ice and snow, Todd’s unconscious body in tow, as she makes her way away from The Injustice Society’s lair. Racing against time and climate as she struggles with her own diminishing capacity. A faltering moment that Scandal Savage has been waiting for, two birds one stone motif. While his body is under the care of Beth, Todd finds himself still in the labyrinth with Jakeem as Johnny Thunder remembers himself and lends more information of the danger and dimension they find themselves in.
Back at the Brownstone, Jade and Alan finally get a chance to talk. They discuss the happenings only to be interrupted by “Todd” who readily throws fuel on the fire and asks about the location of Hawkman’s secret location. A reveal made amongst false safety could hold dire consequences. Khalid tries his hardest to drag Yolanda out of her pit, both chosen and dug…
Where Do We Go From Here?
Jeff Lemire has done a fantastic job of taking us around the different worlds that our heroes are experiencing. For JSA #9 we get a decent amount of touching base with each group of members as the differing moments of the issue unfold. The movement and flow let’s go forward the stories that are converging. Watching as Diego Olortegui and Luis Guerrero give us stunning moments like the labyrinth maze paneling as we follow Jakeem and Todd struggling to find their way. The struggle between Scandal Savage and Beth Chapel.
Each page gives another reason to want to stay and absorb the time spent there, that much more. JSA #9 is a heck of a building block to a big bang.
Conclusion
JSA #9 brings our team together just as much as it separates them. What is next is certain, Blackhawk Island is next on the itinerary. Who arrives first and what these next steps mean for the Justice Society of America, I guess we will have to see. See you next time friends!
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.
