Justice Society of America #31 - DC

I have to say, I was a little concerned when Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges took over this book. Not because of either one of their talents, but because I loved Geoff Johns and Dale Eaglesham's interpretation here. I thought it was near perfect. How the hell could these guys compete with that? But then they added Jesus Merino as the artist. He doesn't have the same style as Dale, but . . he definitely has his own interpretation of these characters. And he has a great story sense. He really brings a great feel to the book. Right now the JSA is still trying to figure out what's going on with their recent attack by the menagerie of villains, the attack on their headquarters and Obsidian, and the personal attack on Michael Holt, Mr Terrific. They know that they're all connected, but they don't know why . . or how. They did capture a few of the villains, but the information they've given is vague. All they know is that they're being funded by someone bigger. Much bigger. And that they've been given specific instructions to stay away from Stargirl. In fact, if anybody laid a finger on her . . nobody got paid. Magog has taken up the cause of the attack on the headquarters. He calling for stricter security, background checks, and comprehensive military combat training. Needless to say, a lot of the other JSA'ers aren't to hip on that idea. While they agree with the training part . . they want the younger heroes to be better adept at using their powers . . they don't agree with the military, warrior focus. They believe they're supposed to help people, maybe be preemptive. But certainly not trained soldiers and killers. And Michael's attack? They managed to piece the security system together enough to get an image. They see footage of the All-American Kid stabbing Michael at least a dozen times. The problem is . . he doesn't remember any of it. He was in the room studying with King Chimera, who saw him leave, but didn't actually see what he did. And it's all further complicated, because at the end of the issue Alan announces that they couldn't save him . . 'Mr Terrific is dead.' Needless to say . . next issue is going to be a pretty important issue. Looking ahead at this team . . this conflict, and these recent attacks are going to cause the team to spit. We'll still have the JSA, but then some of the members will leave to form the new JSA All-Stars. That book will be out in December. Plus, Bill and Matthew's collaboration will also split at that time. Bill will stay with the JSA, while Matthew steers their new direction with the All-Star book. I know there's a lot of internal conflict going on with these characters right now, but . . this is really an exciting time to be following this team. Yes they'll be splitting, but . . I think that's just the tip of the iceberg. I have a feeling that next year is really going to be an exciting year for the JSA, all around. By the way, if I didn't say it . . I think Bill, Matt and Jesus are doing a terrific job.