Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Justice Society of America Special # 1 (of 1)

By Koppy McFad
October 3, 2010 - 02:45

The Justice Society are summoned to stop Magog who appears to be causing random destruction.

Of course, as it turns out, Magog is actually trying to stop the cult followers of Gog, the Old God who created Magog in the first place. But the JSA doesn't fully understand this. In fact, the readers probably won't fully understand this either since this book is basically just wrapping up a couple of loose ends left over after Magog's own book was cancelled.

Frankly, those who haven't been following Magog's exploits will be left confused, wondering what is going on and who the heck N-I-L-8 or that horned chick are. Obviously, Magog's book didn't have that many fans or it would not have been cancelled. That means the vast majority of readers of this book will probably be buying it for the JSA and will be ignorant of Magog's backstory. The creators could have at least given us a brief synopsis just so we know what is at stake.

The creators also don't do a good job of showing us what the setting is. Evidently, there is some sort of "Stargate" in this story and some characters jump from one planet to another but they fail to show clearly, where the characters are during the action scenes.

The art, while depicting the action scenes well, also fails to make the setting clear. Maybe that is because they are trying to cram too many characters and plot developments into one thin comic. There isn't enough panel space for everything.

The need to resolve all of Magog's plotlines in one issue makes it look like DC Comics is determined to kill him off very soon. That is a bit sad as the writers were doing something original with Magog: depicting a character who wasn't likable and who didn't try to appeal to the reader for sympathy but who was still a hero. Well, one thing they did succeed in doing in this issue was showing the reader that Magog wasn't just a one-note character but despite everything, was actually quite admirable. Too bad we won't be seeing much more of him.

 

Rating: 6.5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12