JSA All-Stars #3 - DC

I thought Matthew Sturges did a good job of passing around the story to some of the other characters this issue. It seems like we've been focusing so much attention on Magog lately that the only other one we've really heard from is Power Girl. And that's only because she's been so vocal with Magog's actions and motives. Really, my only complaint is that this issue should've come out before JSA Annual #2. That's how the time-line fits together. But . . in this issue they only mention that they've received the distress call from Haven, and that they think Magog is trying to do a jailbreak. I'm glad they didn't play on that to much because it would've been awkward after having already read the story. Anyways, in the beginning we see that Johnny Sorrow seems to be more over the edge than usual. He actually cuts out Killer Moth's heart. He says that it's going to help him get whatever it is that he wants. And we still don't know why he put the hit on all the JSA members, or why he's professing his love for Stargirl. We get a little glimpse at Hourman & Liberty Belle's relationship. Since they're in separate groups now, it's kind of like they're commuting. They don't spend much of their days together. It was also nice to see Rick and his dad have a little heart to heart talk. We do get a little bit of Magog, but it's right before he takes off to head to Haven. He and Power Girl are trying to work with the kids to give them a little training and preparation for when they face Johnny Sorrow, and his minions. But of course Karen and David fight over tactics and desired results. I actually think that they both want the same thing, they just each have their own way, their own line in the sand, when it comes to reaching those results. The problem is, if they keep this up much longer it's going to tear the team apart also. We also catch up with Sandy. He's been in this dream-state for a long time now. But Wesley shows up to try to help bring him out of it. When he does, he desperately needs the help of his fellow team-mates, but . . they aren't answering. They're off at Haven. Oh yeah, and we get a glimpse of Atom Smasher. We don't really know where he is, or who's got him, but . . whomever it is seems to be majorly obsessed with him. He's got him trussed up like a greased pig. I'm sure we'll get more on that in the upcoming issues. The other thing I really like about this book is Freddie Williams II's artwork. The style that he's using, to me, is very reminiscent of Bart Sears. Which I like . . a lot. His story flows great. And he's putting a lot into these individual characters. I think it's got a fantastic feel to it. I'm also enjoying the Hourman & Liberty Belle back-up story. They're chasing around Icicle and Tigress for this book. The interactions and what happens when they cross paths is great. In the end they all end up in Venice, but . . it doesn't look good for any of them. I think Jan Van Meter is doing a good job with the story. And I enjoy Travis Moore's art immensely. Although these characters all belonged to the JSA, this isn't really a JSA book. Well . . it is, and it isn't. It has the characters, but it has a completely different feel to it. And that's ok. There's a lot of younger, less experienced characters here. They shouldn't act the same. They have to forge their own path and prove themselves. So far I'm enjoying the direction of this title.