I.M.O. Review: Justice Society of America # 27 (DC Comics) By Eddie R.

Ghosts of the past.

When I started reading comics, one of the first monthly titles I got hooked on was Infinity Inc. To me it felt like this was my version of the JSA. They were all second generation heroes who just wanted to follow in their elders footsteps. It seems kind of ironic today at how the struggle those heroes had to go through, in order to be accepted by the older generation, paved the way for heroes like Stargirl and Cyclone to join the ranks of the JSA almost effortlessly. But if you know your history, you will understand why this happened.




Justice Society of America #27 opens with Albert Rothstein, also known as Atom Smasher, having a drink with fellow Ex- Infinity Inc member Mr. Bones. The meeting between these two is more than what it seems,because soon after when Atom Smasher leaves the bar with Stargirl and Cyclone, Mr. Bones is seen contacting a certain agency about his "subjects" being unaware about certain G.P.A activity.

Meanwhile, Stargirl fills Atom Smasher in on how Hourman had one of his one hour “future flashes”, where he saw his wife, Liberty Belle, die. Unfortunately no one is able to enter the JSA headquarters in order to protect her. This is due to Obsidian enveloping the building in darkness, going into lockdown mode, and saying an evil presence is near and wishes to enter the building in order to attack the JSA members inside. The heroes both on the outside and inside of the building try to reason with Obsidian, believing it might be just him having another breakdown, and choose to ignore his warnings. It’s this “trust issue” which I find to be the JSA’s biggest weakness right now. And this adventure exploits it quite well.

Just then, a stranger collapses right outside the front entrance of the building and Mr. Terrific runs to help. But this act of kindness turns into something more sinister once Stargirl gets involved. Soon this evil presence manages to gain entry into the JSA headquarters, and once inside, proceeds to abduct five of the JSA members and transports them to a limbo of sorts. When the spirit does make its identity known, it is someone who will be very familiar to those who read the All- Star Squadron back into 80’s. The reasons why this villain was chosen remains a mystery to me? The team has confronted some amazing villains over their long existence, but this one is not a real stand out.

With the rest of the remaining JSAers trying to figure out what’s going on, and where their missing teammates might be, a familiar Spirit of Vengeance intervenes. He tells the group in order to save the missing five, those who are willing to be judged must go with him to make matters right.

If anything, it’s nice to see this ghost from the past come to haunt the JSA.

7.5/10

Eddie R
Review Editor