Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Justice Society of America # 23

By Koppy McFad
January 30, 2009 - 23:28

Black Adam is reunited with his resurrected wife, Isis and together, they take over the Rock of Eternity.

This issue follows up the extended and overlong "Gog" storyline quite briskly, introducing the major characters, bringing them into conflict and setting the stage for a more far-reaching story. The status of various characters from the earlier stories are followed up and virtually all the main characters get a chance to show off their personalitie-- all in one issue.  Who says everything has to be a six-chapter epic?  Not this time, thankfully.

Although Black Adam is the focus of this story, almost all the related characters from the SHAZAM books are included or at least mentioned in this book. In fact. this issue looks and feels like Ordway's old book, THE POWER OF SHAZAM, where he first reintroduced the world of Captain Marvel to modern readers. Not only do we see Billy Batson again but even his step-parents, the Bromfields, make a reappearance. While Billy is removed from the Rock of Eternity rather abruptly, this moves the story along at a good pace rather than forcing us to endure ten pages of villainous plotting that would have slowed the story down.

The art makes the story easy to follow from panel to panel. The fight scene between Adam and Billy especially stands out as you can actually see how tje antagonists move from one action to another. While the art in this issue  isn't as detailed as other books onthe stands, it has a humanizing effect that makes all the characters easier to relate to. If there is any shortcoming, it is the fact that some of the more god-like characters, like Isis or Billy, look a bit too mundane.... too human, rather than the ethereal beings they are suppose to be.

 

 

Rating: 8 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12