What you’ve heard about the JSA book is true: “It hasn’t been the same since Geoff Johns left.” That said either Bill Willingham is getting more consistent in accurate charecterization and good JSA style plotting or perhaps, with this and last month’s issue, his plan and style are starting to make sense to the reader. Elaborate set-up? Maybe. Either way, Willingham continues to use his substantial mystery weaving skills to hook the reader without making the whole issue devoid of JSA trademark warmth and humor – via Wildcat and a fair share of villians.

Artist Jesus Merino returns this month mainly sticking with a harder edged and more realistic style than his previous issues. The tone, perhaps also thanks to inker Jesse Delperdang, reinforces the serious feeling of the story and adds heaviness to the indoor fight scenes. Still there is a bit of the Eaglesham Rockwellian warmth especially in the Liberty Belle scenes which is nice.

I think Willingham truly has grasped the charecters and has figured out the kinds of stories they should be in. I plan on sticking around, keeping my Johns-style expectations in check now that this team is starting to shine.