Justice Society of America #45

DC Comics
Justice Society of America #45
By Hervé St-Louis
November 28, 2010 - 11:27

DC Comics
Writer(s): Marc Guggenheim
Penciller(s): Scott Kolins
Inker(s): Scott Kolins
Colourist(s): Mike Atiyeh
Letterer(s): Rob Leigh
Cover Artist(s): Shane Davis, Sandra Hope, Barbara Ciardo
$2.99 US

Jay Garrick, the first Flash, discovers the truth behind Scythe, the terrorist that destroyed Monument City last issue. How much is he and the Golden Age Green Lantern responsible for the turn of events. Is there anything he can do to fix the mistakes of the past he committed?

Sometimes, you skip pages when reading a comic book, but you still get the feel for what you’re missing just by looking quickly at the pages. I knew what the story would be about the moment I opened the book but could not force myself enough to read the stilted script and dialogue by Guggenheim. It’s a saving grace that Kolins’ storytelling is that good that one can just look at the pictures and still get the story and skip the painful read the writer concocted. This issue was really much better without the dialogue. This issue skipped over all the stupidity Guggenheim introduced in the last one and focused on a simple backstory to reinforce his current storyline. Now that Jay Garrick has a guilt trip over Scythe, we know he’s gonna work hard at rebuilding the city he thinks he’s responsible for destroying. Problem is there are still many gaping holes left. What did Green Lantern and Flash do with the baby they found all these years back that would one day become Scythe. If they didn’t kill him who did they hand the baby to? Why didn’t they try to take it back with them and raise him? Isn’t that how they get sidekicks usually? I’m still one of those displeased reader wishing Guggenheim was taken off the book quickly before he can damage the team further. I’ve always like the Justice Society. Now I cringe at looking at what’s coming up next. The plot is so simple and idiotic. It feels like a bad retread of an old X-Men story from the 1970s with first level characterization. “the misunderstood Justice Society tried to save a city from an old villain they somehow created and are now being punished by the very people they swore to protect but will stick around anyway, hoping for a better day.”

I don’t like the painterly look of Kolins’ work. But I guess the painterly look is back in fashion in comic books. The one thing I can’t pin on Kolins is for making static poses. Many times painted comic books feel stilt. They don’t here because Kolins is a master storyteller and understands motion and dynamism in comic book storytelling.

Rating: 7/10