 |
 |
 |
04-05-2007, 07:37 AM
|
#1 |
|
|
JUSTICE SOCIALIZING: UNFINISHED BUSINESS
 by Troy Brownfield with four-color commentary by Geoff JohnsWelcome to the first installment of the newly minted Justice Socializing. Over the past few months, Geoff Johns and I have teamed up a few times to give you an inside look at the new Justice Society of America. Now, thanks to Geoff and the illustrious Mr. Brady, we’re making these pieces an ongoing monthly concern. With the rich tapestry of the DC Universe to draw on, and a number of big developments in the future, we’ll address characters, concepts and ongoing themes in this new regular space. First off, let’s wrap up our look at the roster from the first issue by profiling some of the more veteran members of the team. Dr. Mid-Nite III Name: Dr. Pieter Cross First Appearance: Dr. Mid-Nite #1 (1999) Powers: He’s a brilliant physician and surgeon who employs gadgets like his ultrasonic lens (to compensate for his vision) and blackout bombs. Legacy: Cross bears the name originally borne by Dr. Charles McNider. There was a second Doctor, Elizabeth Chapel, though she spelled the name Dr. Midnight. McNider died at the hands of Extant in Zero Hour, while Chapel was killed fighting Eclipso in the thirteenth issue of that ‘90s series. Key Story: His origin mini and his inaugural mission with the team in the second JSA trade, Darkness Falls are both great. Dr. Mid-Nite has quite the high profile in the DCU of late. He’s the super-community’s go-to guy in times of medical crisis, and he also troubleshoots for S.T.A.R. Labs and others. On the personal side, he had an ill-fated relationship with Black Canary. Dr. Mid-Nite still has a team of operatives working in his home town of Portsmouth City, and pals around with his sidekick, Charlie the owl. Geoff Johns Says: Dr. Mid-Nite is a visionary, figuratively and literally. Blinded by an accident, he’s able to see on all spectrums through the filters on his goggles. And as Troy said, in an age of E.R. and HOUSE, Dr. Mid-Nite is more relevant and important to the DC Universe than he’s ever been before. Expect him to pay close attention to Nathan Heywood and his ongoing developments. The Flash Name: Jay Garrick First Appearance: Flash Comics #1 (1940) Powers: Super-speed (and persistent vitality) Legacy: Legacy? He’s the original, kids. Key Story: Good Lord. How do you choose? I’ll let Geoff have this one. Geoff? Geoff Johns says: The Flash #123 without question. It’s his first team-up with Barry Allen and more importantly the first time he appeared as a mentor figure. It also set the stage for the entire comeback of the Justice Society of America. One of the rocks of the team, Jay is one of the few members to also serve as a member of the Justice League (remember that, way back in the early ‘90s?). Though a little bit slower than he used to be, Jay still has the vitality of a man around the age of 50 thanks to his prolonged connection to the Speed Force. Jay is still married to Joan and acts as a mentor to Bart Allen (presently bearing the mantle of The Flash IV). Geoff Johns Says: Along with Alan Scott, Jay is as important to the DC Universe as Superman in my eyes. He represents that tie to history and tradition and he fills a role no one else does. I think it’s important to have older mentors in a fictional universe who kick ass, just like Obi One and Gandalf. There was an editor at DC who no longer is there that said when we launched JSA back in ’99, “You should get rid of the ‘old guys’; they just make it lame.” I immediately thought, this guy doesn’t get it. The greatest thing about the DC Universe is the diversity in character types. From Adam Strange to Zatanna. From Krypto to Swamp Thing. Why have all the same type of characters? There are so many more stories to tell when you make the possibilities endless. Green Lantern Name: Alan Scott First Appearance: All-American Comics #16 (1940) Powers: Originally a regulation ring-slinger, Alan is now infused with the green flame from the mystical Starheart. His focusing of his power via a ring was something that he resumed in issue 50 of the recently concluded JSA series. Legacy: Though there are thousands of Green Lanterns in the galaxy due the Guardians of the Universe, Alan Scott was the first Earthman to go by that name, and independently at that. Key Story: Princes of Darkness from JSA is pretty key, as he returns to the ring and the name and manages to set Obsidian’s path toward redemption. Father of hero-turned-villain-turned-hero Obsidian and deceased heroine Jade (and husband of Golden Age Harlequin Molly Mayne), Green Lantern is another long-time adventurer that acts in a mentor capacity. He was also briefly affiliated with the government agency Checkmate. The overall history of his power is rather complicated, but for now, Alan Scott is indeed a ring-wielding guy named Green Lantern. Geoff Johns Says: Like Jay, he’s a mainstay in the DC Universe. He’ll be taking center stage in the last half of the year of Justice Society of America as he comes face-to-face with a new member he sees a lot of himself in… Hawkman Name: Carter Hall First Appearance: Flash Comics #1 (1940, a very busy year at National) Powers: Carter uses Nth metal implements and his artificial wings for flight. The Nth also allows for other abilities, like greater strength and eyesight. Carter favors ancient weapons, and has a marked predisposition for being reincarnated when he dies. On top of that, he’ll just flat kick your ass. Legacy: Can of worms? Hi! Let’s just leave it at this: Carter is a reincarnated Egyptian prince whose abilities are tied in to the Nth metal of the planet Thanagar. Damn! That was easier than I thought. Thanks, Geoff! Key Story: For the present version of the character, it’s gotta be “The Return of Hawkman”, collected in the third JSA trade. Hawkman’s history has been a little murky over time due to retcons and general weirdness, though it began to get more linear after the “Return of Hawkman” arc. Like the Flash, he served alongside the JLA post-COIE. He’s also been a long-term chair of the JSA. Hawkman is regarded as something of the team enforcer, and occasionally takes delight in heavy-duty combat. His eternal love is presently incarnated as Kendra Saunders, Hawkgirl of the JLA. His son, Hector Hall, began a heroic career as the Silver Scarab, and later became Sandman III and a recent incarnation of Dr. Fate; Hector and his wife Lyta apparently departed this reality during the events surrounding Infinite Crisis. Carter has just returned to Earth after a year spent in space. Geoff Johns Says: Hawkman is one of the most visually impressive characters in comics to me. His wings, helmet, mace and blood-stained uniform say it all. Like I’ve said before, he’s a flying Conan. But meaner. It’ll be interesting to see him interact with Hawkgirl…I really like what Brad did in Justice League of America #9. Mr. Terrific II Name: Michael Holt First Appearance: The Spectre #54 (1997) Powers: The third smartest man on Earth (likely just behind Lex Luthor and David Hasslehoff), Michael Holt holds fourteen PhD’s, is an Olympic gold-medal-winning decathlete, a gadgeteer, and rich. His best gadgets are his floating T-spheres, which can be used for a variety of purposes, and his nanotech-laden mask. His sole “super-power” is that he can’t be detected by machines. Legacy: Michael is inspired by the “Fair Play” motto and example of Terry Sloan, the original Mr. Terrific. Key Story: While his origin comes in The Spectre #54, the JSA trades Fair Play and Lost feature him well. Mr. Terrific also became a popular member of Justice League Unlimited on the animated series of that name; he gets several great moments in a late episode called “Patriot Games”. Presently the White King of Checkmate, Mr. Terrific just ended a long tenure as the JSoA’s Chair. An avowed atheist, Mr. Terrific has nevertheless suffered a lengthy existential crisis arising from the death of his wife. He’s currently involved with Sasha Bourdeaux of Checkmate. Geoff Johns Says: I find it astonishing how much Mr. Terrific has grown since he was first introduced. He took a major supporting role in a Justice League cartoon. It’s fantastic. And just like the JSA itself, if you ever said Mr. Terrific would be a popular character back in ’98 you’d be laughed at. Now he’s one of the most capable leaders in the DC Universe. I’m as proud of how far we’ve brought Mr. Terrific as I am Stargirl. Obsidian Name: Todd Rice First Appearance: All-Star Squadron #25 (1983) Powers: Obsidian’s powers are shadow-based, fed by the extra-dimensional locale known as the Darklands (presumably the same place from whence the Jesus and Mary Chain draw their powers of overdrive guitar). Capable of becoming a living shadow, Obsidian’s also evinced great strength, the ability to grow to mammoth size, and to spread darkness from himself. Legacy: Obsidian is the son of Green Lantern and Thorn I. Key Story: In recent years, the two most critical are from JSA: “Darkness Falls” and “Princes of Darkness”. They chart Todd’s immersion into villainy and his subsequent journey toward redemption. Obsidian and his late sister Jade were founders of Infinity Inc., and he briefly served in Justice League America after Zero Hour. One of the few openly gay super-heroes, Todd is in a relationship with A.D.A. Damon Matthews (who appears in Manhunter.) Obsidian was shown in the first few issues of the new JSoA series in his shadow form, acting as the “security guard” for the new JSoA HQ. In issue #4, he’s seen having what will likely be a critical conversation with Sand. Geoff Johns Says: Obsidian is going to uncover some bizarre phenomenon as we explore his powers and the worlds he walks between. He’s very reluctant to participate with the Justice Society directly. Why will be revealed soon… Power Girl Name: Karen Starr/Kara Zor-L First Appearance: All-Star Comics #58 (1976) Powers: The full Kryptonian layout Legacy: After a completely insane history (which I documented here ), we can once again safely say that Kara is the cousin of the late Earth-2 Superman Key Story: See referenced article, in which I include about a dozen. Something of a lost soul for a number of years in the DCU, due largely to having her history repeatedly yanked out from under her, Power Girl was restored to her original origin during the lead-up to Infinite Crisis. Typically a hothead in her early days, Power Girl has now been entrusted to be Chair of the new JSoA. Geoff Johns Says: She represents the success story of the Justice Society. She was one of the first “new kids” to be taken in under their wing and since then she’s grown so popular she can stand next to Supergirl and win. Her taking the role of chairwoman of the Justice Society is just another step in her growth. And she’ll do this with all the guts and energy she’s always had. Her relationship with one of her teammates will become romantic. Stargirl Name: Courtney Whitmore First Appearance: Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. #0 (1999) Powers: Courtney draws her powers from two gadgets: the Cosmic Converter belt, and the Cosmic Staff. The first gives her enhanced physical abilities and her “shooting stars”, while the second allows her to fly and project energy blasts. Legacy: Originally known as the second Star-Spangled Kid, Courtney in effect carried on the late Sylvester Pemberton (who was the crime-fighting partner of her step-father, Pat “Stripesy/S.T.R.I.P.E.” Dugan) by using his name and equipment. Later, after Starman VII, Jack Knight, gave her his Cosmic Staff, she took on the name Stargirl. Key Story: How about her own series, soon to be collected in trade paperback? Since becoming the JSA’s youngest member, Courtney has matured quite a bit. She’s an inspiration to new team member Cyclone, and in fact, Geoff Johns considers her the “team cheerleader”. Her step-brother, Mike, has been strongly hinted as a candidate for the S.T.R.I.P.E. armor, and at least one adventure has shown that their toddler sister may eventually become a new Stargirl when she reaches her teens. Geoff Johns Says: What else can I say about Stargirl? I’m hoping the trade of Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. does well enough to warrant at least a Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. special, mini-series or more. Her friendship with Maxine will continue to grow in a positive way. The goal is to really move these two towards the same kind of team between Mr. Terrific and Dr. Mid-Nite or that great friendship between Wonder Man and Beast in Avengers.  WildcatName: Ted Grant First Appearance: Sensation Comics #1 (1942) Powers: Ass-kicking. And, at one time, nine lives. Legacy: He’s the original super to bear the name. Key Story: JSA #10, wherein Ted lays a beating on the Injustice Society by himself. A former prize fighter and the trainer of many heroes (Batman, Black Canary and Catwoman among them), Ted is the brawler and ladies’ man of the original team. He professes a hate/hate relationship with Power Girl, but it belies a deep affection. Ted recently learned that he has a son, Tom Bronson. Geoff Johns Says: The man who didn’t want to be a father is going to start being one, all in his own special way. And that includes going one-on-one with his son in Justice Society of America #7. Wildcat III Name: Tom Bronson First Appearance: Justice Society of America #1 (late 2006) Powers: Tom can transform into a were-panther. Neat, eh? Legacy: He’s the son of Ted Grant. The second Wildcat, Yolanda Montez, took over as Wildcat II after Ted was wounded in COIE. Unfortunately, she was killed, along with Dr. Midnight/Mid-Nite II, due to the machinations of Eclipso. Technically, there was already a third Wildcat, Hector Ramirez, though he only appeared one time and died; he was never officially recognized as a carrier of the name. (For the curious, that was in Batman/Wildcat from ’97). We just met Tom, but he seems like a good kid. Throughout his life, he’s avoided conflict because he was afraid what he might do to someone with his powers. Though he grew up without a relationship with his father (who only recently learned of his existence), Tom appears to have no overwhelming issues with his pop and teams up with him against Vandal Savage. Tom is introduced to the JSoA by his dad, who insists that in a world with multiple Flashes and Green Lanterns, there can be two Wildcats. Geoff Johns Says: Hell, yes there can be two Wildcats. And Tommy isn’t coming in to replace Ted, he’s coming in to help Ted grow. The banter between them is the most fun to write next to Starman. And now that we’ve finished dealing with the roster, how about a few wrap-up questions? Mr. Johns, if you please . . . Q1. What was your goal with the first arc, and how pleased are you and Dale Eaglesham with the results? GJ: Dale is the star. He absolutely knocked this out of the park and everyone stood up and took notice. The goal of the story was to illustrate the purpose, function, strength, vitality and all around kick assness of the Justice Society of America. All while introducing brand new characters to the JSA and the DC Universe. We won’t rest even after JSoA is on the top of everyone’s reading list. Q2. You’ve really pumped up the ranks, but have hinted that the membership isn’t done growing. Can you ballpark how much more the roster will expand this year? GJ: It will slowly welcome two more members on to the Society. We actually have enough members for two books, don’t we…? Q3. Some readers have challenged the depiction of violence in issue #3, particularly in regard to the picnic ambush. For my part, I thought that the vicious nature and intensity of the conflict made #4 more satisfying in its resolution. Would you care to comment on the overall issue of violence in this book, and/or the industry in general at present? GJ: Dale and I made a choice on how to depict it and it obviously garnered a reaction. It was supposed to be horrifying and terrible. They are Nazis. For me, like you, this made the triumph and the ultimate message of the first arc resonate that much more within the scene between Ted and his son at the close of issue #4. You can’t kill these symbols. So don’t try. But next time we’ll portray nicer Nazis. Q4. Looking ahead, we’ve got the JLA/JSA crossover. And between the inclusion of Starman and that very specific guest star in the last panel of #4, it doesn’t take a 12th-level genius to guess what’s coming next. Care to drop any hints or teases for the tale? GJ: Look up “Dream Girl” on Wikipedia. And read Justice League of America #7 this week. Q5. One last one, totally off-topic. Dude! Booster Gold?! Spill it, if you please. GJ: I know! Crazy, huh? But I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t believe in the premise I’ve had spinning in my head since we started 52. And working this all out with Jeff Katz and Dan Jurgens has been a blast. I grew up with him in the Justice League. So it is a chance to work on a character that I loved and have really grown closer to over the last few years. The humor, the attitude and the character journey of Booster Gold was too much of a draw. I kept thinking about what a series for him would be. Connecting it to the greatest moments and characters in DC history. It’s more snarky than what I usally do, got a sprinkle of Giffen in there, and there’s a different feel all round. I’m really just trying to serve the character and the high concept as best I can. Some writers only write A-list characters. I think that’s frankly rather boring. If they’re not A-list then make them A-list. It worked for JSA. Geoff Johns writes a metric ton of comics every month. Troy Brownfield reads a metric ton of comics every month. Together, they fight crime! |
|
04-05-2007, 08:19 AM
|
#2 |
|
|
First Post! Liking the direction of this series waaaaaaaaaay more than JLA! Never thought I'd say that.
|
|
04-05-2007, 08:20 AM
|
#3 |
|
|
Some writers only write A-list characters. I think that’s frankly rather boring. If they’re not A-list then make them A-list.
***************** Well said, GJ! That's it exactly. |
|
04-05-2007, 08:28 AM
|
#4 | |
|
|
Quote:
That said, this was a great article. Looking forward to reading it every month. |
|
|
04-05-2007, 08:35 AM
|
#5 |
|
|
Great feature. I like really like the character profiles that Troy does. Keep it up!
 |
|
04-05-2007, 08:39 AM
|
#6 |
|
|
Great series
My LCS gave a great recommendation on this book. I never followed JSA, but I'm starting to wonder if I should be collecting the Trades. Looking forward to the crossover, and mildly curious to see if this book doesn't start to cross with Checkmate soon.
Cheers, B |
|
04-05-2007, 08:49 AM
|
#7 |
|
|
"And now that we’ve finished dealing with the roster..."
Um..... Hourman, Liberty Belle, Damage? |
|
04-05-2007, 08:54 AM
|
#8 |
|
|
They forgot one
Where's the Cyclone profile?!?!?!?
You don't want Ma Hunkel coming at you with the rolling pin. |
|
04-05-2007, 08:57 AM
|
#9 |
|
|
Yeah, stop making Nazis look bad.
|
|
04-05-2007, 09:03 AM
|
#10 | |
|
|
Quote:
It was very brief. It was in issues 78-79 of the '87 run (what started as the Giffen era, but then wasn't after Breakdowns), although he may have appeared again at some point. |
|
|
04-05-2007, 09:09 AM
|
#11 | |
|
|
Quote:
First Article http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=91761 second Article http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=101448 Last edited by nafannataz : 04-05-2007 at 09:11 AM. |
|
|
04-05-2007, 09:09 AM
|
#12 |
|
|
I just hope the JLA crossover doesn't interefere with the TPB colletions. JSA was one of the few books so good I had to own issues AND TPBs. Hopefully 1-6 will be released with the 3 issues of JLoA for JSoA v1.
But yeah... Definitely a must own book. It's one of the only DC books I get these days... and 52, of course.  Chris |
|
04-05-2007, 09:10 AM
|
#13 | |
|
|
Quote:
|
|
|
04-05-2007, 09:16 AM
|
#14 |
|
|
Instead of putting Stargirl in her own book again, how about a ongoing title featuring Stargirl and Cyclone? It might be kind of interesting to see these two teens interact with each other a lot more than can be shown in JSA. Also, it would help expand the female niche in comic books, sort of like what DC's new Minx line is set up to do. The Stargirl/Cyclone series could established as a sort of lighthearted "Thelma and Louise" type of story, with occasional guest stars from other DC teenage heroines. Maybe by working together Courtney and Maxine can help straighten out Supergirl! ;-)
|
|
04-05-2007, 09:20 AM
|
#15 |
|
|
I get that you want to show Nazis as horrific, but if that's the case, why use Nazis.
I really think that JSA should be a book that should be more accessible to more ages, just like JLA should be(and man, what they did to Reddy's arm there). The IDEAS should be big and mature and challenging, just like Johns' first run on JSA was. But it doesn't need to be so graphic to get that across. In fact, for years, Geoff was the counter balance to Millar and Ennis and whoever else as the guy who was able to put forward the most mature and interesting ideas out there without taking the easy outs of extreme violence and profanity. I don't know. Maybe I'm just bugged because I want to be able to put up the JSA poster in the 5 year old's room, and I would have felt ok doing that with the last series, but not with Justice Society of America so far. It's going to be years before I'll feel comfortable showing it to him. Which is a shame, because the book IS really good. |
|
04-05-2007, 09:24 AM
|
#16 |
|
|
If Mr. Terrific's an atheist, he can't be THAT smart
 Regardless of our own world, it's been pretty well established that a 'God' does exist in the DCU right? Hell, Mr. Terrific first appear in the Spectre... |
|
04-05-2007, 09:27 AM
|
#17 |
|
|
I love this title. The new volume has delivered on all aspects. More, please!
|
|
04-05-2007, 09:36 AM
|
#18 | |
|
|
Quote:
|
|
|
04-05-2007, 09:45 AM
|
#19 | |
|
|
Quote:
|
|
|
04-05-2007, 09:48 AM
|
#20 | |
|
|
Quote:
Hmmm. I really like this idea. It's a shame I don't greenlight comics.  One thought: Since DC is finally starting to use 'umbrella' titles again (Brave and Bold, Mystery in Space, Tales of the Unexpected), why not revive the title "All-American Comics"? I could easily see it as a somewhat more light-hearted take on the two of them (lighthearted, not lightweight). Actually, Courtney's step-brother could be a regular too, as S.T.R.I.P.E., and mentoring the teens could be Pat Dugan and Ma Hunkle. Heh. Now if only I could get to write the book. - Kim  |
|
|
04-05-2007, 09:49 AM
|
#21 | |
|
|
Quote:
Love how you phrase the hardball questions... |
|
|
04-05-2007, 10:03 AM
|
#22 |
|
|
I see that the article mentions that Green Lantern is the father of Obsidian and deceased Jade.
What about Hawkman? Does he even know that his son (Dr. Fate III -- previously Silver Scarab and Sandman III) is supposedly dead now? |
|
04-05-2007, 10:03 AM
|
#23 | |
|
|
Quote:
Hmmmm? And who's PG gonna hook up with? |
|
|
04-05-2007, 10:07 AM
|
#24 | |
|
|
Quote:
|
|
|
04-05-2007, 10:08 AM
|
#25 | |
|
|
Quote:
To further expand on this, his role was more as a trainer to the younger members of the team than as a full-fledged combatant. If memory serves he also briefly appeared as a member in Avengers/JLA#4, in which all members of both teams not key to the story were nevertheless in the background of panels. --Andy EN |
|
«
Previous Thread
|
Next Thread
»
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| Display Modes | |
Linear Mode
|
|
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:52 PM.
