Jsa: Black Reign - Vol 08

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.

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.

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!

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!