I.M.O. Review: Justice Society of America # 28 (DC Comics) By Eddie R

As real as it gets

To me, this issue of Justice Society is exactly why I like the series. Even though sometimes it does get bogged down with either some very campy storylines, or polar opposite ones which have darker overtones, there is one thing which is consistent: It feels real and believable.




Justice Society of America # 28 opens with the dramatic exit of the Spectre and the rest of the JSA, who are crossing over to a limbo, where the missing JSA members from the previous issue are being held by Kung. The way the news media, outside the JSA headquarters, acts when they see this grand exit is exactly what I would expect to happen. I mean, it’s kind of hard to ignore a pink elephant in the room, especially if he’s The Spectre.

As for the JSA members who were abducted, they are having a hard time trying to figure out if they really have been transported to the middle of the Second World War, or is it just an illusion created by Kung? All their senses say that this feels real, but is it? And if it is, will this adventure do any damage to the timeline?

The best part of this issue for me was the revelation of how Kung and the Spirits got out of their limbo in the first place. I enjoyed seeing how a previous storyline was tied into this one, and how the spirits escape route was well planned out. Even the vessel, which Kung chose once as a means of convenience, seemed to feel appropriate. Although I am surprised at how out of all the members of the Marvel Family, Kung chose the oldest and most unreliable. No wonder he had to change bodies again.

Another highlight for me was to see the Spectre return to the JSA. There is just something electric about him which feels right when he is working with this group. And I feel that it is this spark which is the only thing lacking in the JSA roster. With so many new recruits coming aboard, I guess I long for a touch of something familiar.

The end of the story is a bit heartbreaking though , as Atom Smasher tells Stargirl something which she doesn’t want to hear, but must accept. Atom Smasher must accept the reality of this situation also, but you can tell that even though the story might say “The End” in the final panel on the page, it feels like it really isn’t in this case.

8/10

Eddie R
Review Co-Editor