Justice Society of America #29

First the first time in a long time, the Justice Society of America comic is not being guided by Geoff Johns.

With this issue, a new creative team takes over. The writing is provided by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges and the art by Jesus Merino. And while, with just one issue done, it's too early to pass judgment on their run, I can say that they're off to a promising start.

We start where things left off under Johns, with the JSA being a cross between an extended super-hero family and a small army of heroes. No less than 14 heroes are presented on the first page, and more are waiting inside. The problem of too many heroes will probably be managed by the upcoming spinoff JSA title - but more about that in the months ahead.

This issue kicks off with a mystery - the discovery of a jet-black egg. While that's being investigated, the team is called away to a hostage situation that seems simple enough, but soon grows into a challenge that could spell the end of the JSA.

Then the issue wraps up with a double-cliffhanger - what's not to like? Well, the only problem with the issue is that it all feels a bit cramped and rushed - like they were trying to squeeze too much into one issue. But that's a mild complaint - better too much than not enough!

Merino's art is quite good, although he has to crowd so many characters in there that we don't get much room for close-ups or dramatic angles - still, it's a promising start.

The same is true for the rest of the book. The JSA is loaded with potential, and so far the new creative team is doing a good job of carrying the torch.

Grade: B+