JSA Kingdom Come Special: The Kingdom #1 (One Shot)

This is the third and final chapter in the series of special issues spinning out of the regular Justice Society of America comic, and it sets up the final two issues of the ongoing Kingdom Come series.

And it seems to me that this has been a difficult series for fans to get behind, for a variety of reasons. For one, the JSA has grown its membership to Legion-like proportions, adding quite a few new heroes, bringing in the children of JSA members and other new faces. Also, the storyline has been split between the Superman of Earth-22 (the Superman from the original Kingdom Come mini-series) and the appearance of the fearsome old god known as Gog.

It's the story of Gog that seems to have thrown readers, because it has taken an unexpected path. When Gog was first discovered, he towered over the landscape like a skyscraper, with a fearsome visage that's somehow even scarier because he's constantly smiling. But readers expecting a huge battle between the JSA and Gog have been surprised to see the story move in an unexpected direction. Despite Gog's appearance, he seems to be a benevolent deity, as he grants wishes, speaks of peace and opposes war.

His actions have led to the JSA being split into two factions - the ones who believe Gog is what he claims to be, and those who suspect a more sinister motive.

It's been obvious that there is more to the character than meets the eye, but for months now we've been given no reason to doubt his good intentions - but finally, with this issue, we finally see what Gog wants in return for his efforts - and it's chilling.

The story by Geoff Johns and Alex Ross has taken perhaps a bit too long in playing out, but there's no denying the power behind it, and now we anxiously await the final issues in the series.

The art by Fernando Pasarin and numerous inkers is quite good - strong and solid, though not overly flashy.

Johns seems to be the master of the sprawling saga, and after a few stutters and starts, this one looks like it's heading for a strong finish. I can't recommend this comic to a reader who hasn't been following the storyline, because there are too many character references they won't understand - but it's an excellent addition to the ongoing story, and readers who have been following along will be rewarded for their patience.

Grade: B+