The latest issue of JSA, issue #11, is a powerhouse issue that finally brings the sprawling cast back together for an epic showdown. Writers Jeff Lemire and Diego Olortegui have spent this run scattering the team, but this issue feels like a triumphant all-hands-on-deck moment, setting the stage for a massive, climactic battle.
Throughout the issue, there’s a recurring theme of hope emerging from overwhelming doom. After dealing with loss after loss: from Wildcat’s death to the theft of Dr. Fate’s helmet, the JSA has been taking some serious hits. But this issue is where the tide begins to turn.
The story hits the ground running with a small, but incredibly satisfying, victory. Kid Eternity, leading the charge with a ghostly Hawkman and Hawkgirl, delivers a devastating blow to the Injustice Society. It’s a fleeting moment of triumph, but it’s enough to give the heroes a much-needed morale boost and force a strategic retreat from their enemies.
As the team begins to regroup, we get some truly crowd-pleasing reunions. The return of Yolanda Montez, donning her Wildcat suit once more, and Obsidian waking up surrounded by his family are highlights. The writing perfectly captures the pure joy and relief of these moments, making you feel the payoff for sticking with the series. However, that sense of hope is short-lived. The final pages drop a bombshell, revealing the arrival of the Lovecraftian Nameless Ones. The look of terror on the heroes’ faces says it all.
While the stakes are impossibly high, this issue shines in its focus on the small, quiet character moments. Lemire weaves in these humanizing beats amidst the chaos. The opening pages are a perfect example, dedicating time to Rick and Jesse’s relationship issues. Their conversation is mature and deeply human, exploring the shaky foundations of their romance and showing them finally beginning to work through their past.
These heartfelt exchanges are the core of the comic. The dialogue, whether it’s terse encouragements or worried whispers, feels real and full of emotion. It’s clear that these heroes are bound by something more than just duty: they are a family. This emotional weight gives the impending final battle a deeper resonance, reminding readers that what’s at stake is not just the world, but the bonds that hold this team together.
Diego Olortegui and colorist Ivan Plascencia’s art is a major highlight. While some panels feel rushed, their work on facial expressions is top-notch. The art is at its best during the quieter moments, perfectly capturing the joy radiating from Jade and Alan upon hearing that Obsidian is safe.
The art truly excels at building tension. A powerful two-page splash of Kid Eternity’s charge gives you a rush of adrenaline, and the full-page reveal of the Nameless Ones is a moment of pure, overwhelming terror. It’s the perfect setup for the final confrontation, leaving you with a chilling sense of dread and excitement for what’s to come.
Overall, JSA #11 is a fast-paced, emotionally resonant issue that expertly sets the stage for a spectacular finale. It reminds us that even with cosmic stakes, the heart of a great comic lies in the connections between its heroes.
