JSA #1
Illustrated by: Diego Olortegui
Written by: Jeff Lemire
Release date: November 6th, 2024
DC Comics
*Minor Spoilers ahead
THE NEW ERA OF THE JSA BEGINS HERE! Long-time fan favorite characters Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Jade, Obsidian, Jesse Quick, Hourman, Ted Grant, and Sandman are all back on the roster as DC’s first super team faces their greatest and most personal challenge yet. Will golden age ideals hold true in a world recovering from the events of Absolute Power? Or do they need a more hardcore approach to stand a chance against the new Injustice Society of America?
If you’re a fan of classic superhero teams, JSA #1 is going to grab your attention right away. Jeff Lemire and Diego Olortegui have done a fantastic job of reviving the Justice Society of America in a way that stays true to their roots while giving us a fresh, compelling storyline that feels meaningful for modern readers. Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Jade, Obsidian, Jesse Quick, Hourman, Ted Grant, and Sandman are all back, and it’s like a reunion with a few surprising twists right from the start.
The story takes off quickly. The Flash, Green Lantern, Wildcat, Dr. Fate, Hawkman, and Hawkgirl have mysteriously disappeared, and the only person who might know how to help, Jakeem Thunder, is barely hanging on. Lemire doesn’t waste time reintroducing each character; instead, he throws us right into the thick of things. For me, that was a refreshing choice—it trusts us to keep up without spoon-feeding every detail.
One of the best parts? The internal drama. At the JSA’s round table, there’s tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Wildcat practically takes his frustration out on the furniture, and you can feel that this team isn’t just going to agree on everything. For me, that internal conflict is part of what makes team books so engaging. Without it, things just feel too clean.
Each character has a unique voice here, and while there’s definitely that fun comic-book flair, the dialogue never feels forced. Lemire gives us just enough depth and personality for each member to hint at the potential growth we might see in issues to come. This is the kind of opening issue that feels like a perfect foundation for something special.
If you’re as excited about this as I am, we’ve got JSA #1 right on our new comic book wall, and you can easily add it to your weekly pull list. Don’t miss out on this incredible start to the JSA’s new era!
A Bold New Era for DC’s Original Super Team
Colors - 9.8
Design - 9.8
Illustration - 9.8
Narrative - 9.8
Subplot - 9.8
9.8
Jeff Lemire and Diego Olortegui bring the Justice Society of America back with gripping character drama, high stakes, and action-packed storytelling. With old favorites like Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and Wildcat, this issue is everything I hoped for and more.