JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #51

Review by: Neb

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Avg Rating: 3.8
 
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Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM
Art by TOM DERENICK
Cover by VICTOR IBA

Size: 32 pages
Price: 2.99

I gotta say that this is the strongest issue of Justice Society of America yet.  While I’ve been enjoying Guggenheim’s run on the series so far, I found this particular issue to be really strong.  Even though this issue is the first in a new story line, it takes time to wrap up a few dangling story threads from the previous arc while pushing the story forward.  It’s a really nice touch to see these threads being taken care and not completely forgotten.  My hope is that in the course of this arc, Guggenheim and company will take time to deal with the hanging storyline with Mr. Terrific.  The book is rife with really cool scenes, including Dr. Fate, Alan Scott and Blue Devil rescuing one of their teammates and Jay Garrick doing the equivalent of a political smackdown.  I could see the political scenes being bothersome to some people, but they didn’t bother me one bit and I think they stayed true to Jay Garrick.  On the art duties, Scott Kolins takes a break this issue and we’re treated to guest artist Tom Derenick.  While Derenick’s style is consistent to the look of the book, I’ve gotta say that I find him to be the stronger artist in this style.  His characters have an edge and detail to them that Kolins’ newer models tend to lack.  The coloring has a lushness to it that seems to not be present in Kolins’ work, which might be due to the extra detail and thicker line of the artist.  It sort of reminds me of Eric Powell’s style lately with the Goon.  There also seems to be a bit more dynamism on the page as Derenick takes some risks on panels and spacing that Kolins’ hasn’t taken yet.  As with any art in this style, there are a few moments that look awkward, but nothing that detracts from the story.  Overall, I thought this was a great issue, and I look forward to the next installment.

Story: 5 - Excellent
Art: 4 - Very Good

Comments

  1. I’ve enjoyed this run too but I thought that this was a weak issue in comparison to the others. Everything is sorted out a little too easily. Jay sorts every outstanding political issue by making a few trite remarks and Lightning is saved by just deciding she wants to live. It just felt like Guggenheim wanted everything dealt with quickly to concentrate on the mystery of what’s in the vault.

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