Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

JSA All-Stars # 6

By Koppy McFad
October 12, 2003 - 11:08

Well, I guess Charles McNider isn't gay. We'll get back to that later but for now, we'll discuss the modern-day Dr. Mid-Nite who is the focus of this issue of the mini-series giving the background on the second generation heroes of the JSA.

The main story is the old chestnut of a doctor having to deliver a baby in the middle of a disaster. This time, the new Dr. Mid-Nite, a.k.a. Pieter Cross does the duties. There is no real conflict, no big surprises. There are some revelations on the connections between the two Dr. Mid-Nites that may seen a bit forced. This is more of a character study with the new doc telling the pregnant woman why he does what he does. As the new Dr. Mid-Nite is one of the least-explored characters in the JSA, seeing him in the spotlight should be interesting. But if you are one of the many who aren't deep into the JSA, then it might come off as dull and self-indulgent.

Sadowski's art is rather de-glamourized this time, which suits the sitution. He also makes Dr. Cross look rather formidable and in command, even without showing the doc in combat. And he finally shows what those weird metal armbands of Dr. Mid-Nite are for.

The backfeature, by Azzarello and Risso on the other hand, show a golden-age Dr. Mid-Nite who is meaner and tougher than ever before. It is a simple story of McNider going after a gang of jewel thieves, tracking them through one of the thug's abused girlfriend. There is a pulpish feel to this story, quite different from the previous depictions of McNider who always seemed more doctor than crime-fighter. The twist at the end is a nice surprise. It also seems intended as a rejoinder to all the speculation that Dr. McNider was gay or to other writers who depict him as an upper-class, intellectual cold fish.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12