Customer Reviews

JSA: Black Reign (Book 8)

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After following the TPB series since the beginning, I found my interest lagging somewhat by volume 5 or so. JSA was still one of the better books out there, but some newer, more provocative titles came along that demanded my limited budget, so I stopped at vol. 6. After reading the enthusiastic reviews here at amazon.com, I picked things back up with vol. 8, JSA: Black Reign. Let me tell you that the reviews are true, and this is the strongest, most powerful JSA collection in the series.

Geoff Johns really pulls out all the stops here. Black Reign is a much deeper thinking, and ultimately more emotionally hard-hitting than what has come before. Tackling similar themes as Moore in The Watchmen, and Gruenwald in Squadron Supreme, Johns goes right to the heart of what motivates a hero and how far he or she is willing to go to satisfy these motives. Although all of these characters can be considered heroic, the questions of who will be saved and who needs saving, along with how far do you go to "save" people, goes through the minds of each of our colorful cast of characters with varying results. While similar in many ways, Hawkman and Black Adam are on opposite sides of the issue here, with everyone else somewhere in between. Johns is absolutely masterful in telling this tale. The pacing is perfect, with great, epic battles, and moving personal interaction. The gamut of emotions are presented to great effect, from anger and outrage to despair and grief. The ultimate success of this story lies with the blurring of certain boundaries. The issues are no longer just black and white, good vs. evil. The shades of grey, which naturally temper the real world, are introduced here and utilized throughout to great impact from start to finish.

JSA: Black Reign is about as good as superhero stories get. Geoff Johns, as well as the brilliant cast of artists (sorry about not mentioning the art sooner, as it is even better than fans of the JSA TPB's have become accustomed to), have put together one of the most powerful, adrenaline inducing, yet thought provoking tales in recent memory, and should be part of your collection, if it isn't already.

While most trade paperbacks are comic book collections, this one nearly qualifies as a stand-alone graphic novel, easily accessible with strong character arcs.

This is Al Rothstein's (Atom Smasher) story. It's the story of his fall from grace and the beginning of his redemption. Though this series crosses over with Hawkman, he serves more as a catalyst, and for the first time, friendships as old as the Golden Age of comics are strained.

In many ways, this book marks a bittersweet return of Infinity, Inc., the sons and daughters of the JSA. They play the part of villains (more precisely antagonists), but when Hector Hall as Doctor Fate and a surprise return of a certain Infinitor, the tables are turned.

This book succeeds as a war story. Every character is altered by the events of this book and it leaves the reader with more questions than answers. Geoff Johns rocks!

This is great stuff. Perhaps with the exit of David Goyer, Mr. Johns was able to write the book he always meant to. Everything about the writing improves here: the depth of the characterizations, the meaningful nature of the conflicts (both personal, political, and super-powered), the pacing of the plot, and the intensity of the action.

Most satisfying is the denoumont of the Black Adam storyline, and the resolution of the Atom Smasher/Black Adam relationship. The stories of Hawkman/Hawkgirl, and Hourman, are also accelerated.

Less satisfying is the confusing resolution of the Dr. Fate/Nabu/Lyta Hall story. The nature of these mystical relationships has always seemed a bit muddy. And the trite and thoroughly over-used minds-within-a-mind device is handled no more effectively here than it ever has been anywhere (and it was done to death in the last volume, Princes of Darkness): totally unconvincing and destined to confuse anyone who tries to sort out the internal logic behind it all.

Even the artwork in this volume seems much more effective. One of this series' major problems has always been the uninspired, workman-like art. Artists rotated so frequently, as well, that it seemed like individual issues sometimes had multiple artists! In Black Reign, from the pencils of Morales and Kramer, to the moody approach of the inkers and colorists, a face lift has certainly taken place. This art is much more consistent, creative, and emotional than the work featured in previous volumes. That being said, it is still on the highly conservative side, which I suppose befits the nature of this venerable team, but in my opinion, is still very boring in comparison with work to be found in the The Avengers (whose "Disassembled" story is contemporary with this book), for example.

I will say that, unfortunately, if you are considering buying this book, it is actually an awful place for a new reader to enter in. The story and characters are so entrenched in prior developments, that it would be utterly confusing for a new reader. Sadly, new readers may have to go back to the beginning of JSA with volume one and slog their way through more mediocre stories, in order to fully appreciate the final evolution of this title into a truly great super-hero comic.

When does a hero step over a line and stop being a hero? There are no easy answers in JSA: BLACK REIGN.

Over the past several issues (see JSA: Princes of Darkness (Book 7)) Black Adam has been gathering a small group of superpowered allies (which numbers among it ex-Infinity, Inc. members Atom Smasher, Brainwave, and Northwind). Now, as the BLACK REIGN storyline begins, he invades his ancestral home of Kahndaq and bloodily disposes of the reigning dictatorship. With his countrymen declaring him and his friends as heroes, Black Adam takes over the sovereignty of Kahndaq. This draws the attention and massive ire of Hawkman, who then proceeds to wrest away the JSA chairmanship from Mr. Terrific. With the JSA in tow - some of whom are mutinously grumbling - Hawkman storms off to Kahndaq, and it's not for a cup of tea.

JSA: BLACK REIGN (Book 8) collects JSA #56-58 and Hawkman #23-25 and introduces one of the best JSA story arcs ever. Thought-provoking and gut-wrenchingly emotional, BLACK REIGN asks hard-to-answer questions and delves into moral, topical, and even timely issues. Writer Geoff Johns presents three sides to this conflict. Black Adam fiercely intends to do something about the state of his long oppressed nation, and he takes the most direct means to achieve this. Hawkman, who's had a long history with Black Adam, states that he merely wants to bring home the JSA's lost teammates. Meanwhile, Jay Garrick, the Flash, acts as the voice of reason as he cautions against ignoring the legal system. JSA allegiances become divided, with further oomph provided by the vigorous, fiery debates between Hawkman and the Flash, two of DC's longest established heroes.

Naturally, because this is, after all, a comic book, these worldview differences translate to non-stop metahuman action. Hero clashes with hero, with no clear cut winner in sight. But I'll tell you what, for me, the fact that Black Adam's crew comes off as the villains probably hinges more on Brainwave and Eclipso's seemingly dubious intentions. Otherwise it would've made it more difficult to pick a side, as, truly, each faction comes up with convincing arguments, despite some of the more unsavory measures taken. The opening pages, rampant with shocking violence and scenes of frightening powers unleashed, are told from Black Adams's perspective, and he actually has me agreeing with some of his thoughts. Things are become complex and muddled in this corner of the DC universe, where I can actually see the merit of each and every point of reasoning. Somehow Geoff Johns writes the story with clarity and enough impartiality. He's pretty good.

There's a however. Several noteworthy events crop up in this story arc which really could've used more going over, so, yes, I did feel that Johns rushed things near the end there. Also, Hawkman's secret plan falls a shade to being overdone. But, overall, Johns, who writes both JSA and HAWKMAN, again impresses the heck out of me with his storytelling. This time he opts for a darker tone and it's very effective. Rags Morales's art continues to be full of energy, and Don Kramer comes into his own with his dynamic illustrations. I wasn't too keen about Kramer's work in previous issues, but, oboy, is it me or has this dude shockingly improved in a short span of time? Also, a thumbs-up to whoever decided to revert Hawkman back to his full hawkmask as this lends Carter Hall a fiercer, more warlike look.

With this collection also reprinting John Watson's fantastic original covers, JSA: BLACK REIGN is a must have for Justice Society completists and for comic book fans who prefer their superhero adventures doused in depth and characterization and perhaps some controversy.

In his writing run on JSA Geoff Johns has consistently delivered two types of stories: team battles on a massive scale and small character driven pieces. His smaller stories have always been handled well showcasing a real love for the characters. The larger epics have been of the more hit-or-miss variety.

Black Reign is written as well as any superhero epic. There's action, plot, and a strong moral ground (for both the heroes and villains...and rarely does that happen in comics). In fact the political end of the story hits solidly with current developments in Iraq. I was torn between my respect of the Black Adam as he fought to reclaim his homeland from tyrants, to my understanding of why the JSA were forced to go into the country and battle Adam and his companions.

JSA: BLACK REIGN is a great read for any comic book fan!

JSA: Black Reign was my re-introduction to the Justice Society after a 20-year break. I tuned out after they were lost to limbo and Infinity Inc was canceled.
I had heard good things about the new JSA but wasn't sure what to expect.

My mind was blown from the very first page of this book. Black Adam narrates over a picture of 40s-era JSAers... he wonders why heroes with such power would limit themselves to such "provincial" concerns - if men have the powers of a god, why not act like it? Immediately, Geoff John's prose is sharp and thought-provoking. Cut to... soldiers guarding a building. Black Adam flies down - lands on top of them - they're crushed to bits. and we're off!

A real page-turner. I was very invested in all the characters - good and "evil". That's one of the main questions the book asks... who determines right from wrong in a war-torn land filled with atrocities? Don't worry, though... the philosophical questions don't get in the way of some serious action!

I love how Geoff Johns brings together the generations of heroes. Honoring past storylines but heading in totally new directions. Stargirl became my instant favorite. I couldn't believe how Nuklon with his 80s-mohawk had evolved into the morally-conflicted Atom Smasher. A surprise appearance later in the book by an old favorite was an awesome twist.

Art by Don Kramer and Rags Morales - gorgeous.

Overall, I recommend purchasing JSA books 1 through 10 for the full experience.

Black Adam takes over.

Getting sick of what had been happening to his former country, Adam recruits some metahumans, including some heroes, to do something about it. In particular, Atom Smasher.

The JSA decide to stick their noses in, and it gets very bloody indeed. Not a pretty fight, this one, or result.

Once again Geoff Johns brings these characters to life in an excellent trade collection.

Black Adam takes over a fictional middle eastern country that he originated from. The people view him as a savior and the rest of the world a menace.

It is an excellent example of anti-hero and shades of grey for comic characters.

Great read and I am looking forward to the overall resolution.