Justice Society of America #30

One of the strengths of a team superhero comic is the interaction between the characters. It allows lots of room for romance, conflict, humor - all the things that make up a good story.

Conflict seems to be the first order of business in the first storyline from the new creative team - writers Matthew Sturges, Bill Willingham and artist Jesus Merino. The Justice Society can usually count on being able to overwhelm an opponent by sheer force of numbers, so they're understandably shocked when they find themselves up against an even bigger army of super-villains who have set an ambush.

It's interesting to note that this issue is written very much in the style of a Marvel comic (settle down, that's not a bad thing) - lots of conflict (both between heroes and heels and between JSA teammates), lots of action and some mysterious subplots unfolding.

It's quite a switch, since up to now the team has been portrayed as one big happy family - but the conflict makes sense, and sets up the already-announced split in the team. That's also a good thing, because the cast here is way too big - it's like an out-of-control issue of Legion of Super-heroes or the X-Men.

But you definitely get the sense that the creative team is moving the pieces into place for something big.

The art is quite good - Merino's layouts are dramatic, the characters are well-rendered and distinct, and he has some pages that really pop (especially the Flash's burst of speed).

I don't think this new take on the JSA is quite there - it needs more humor and romance, for example - but it's definitely moving in the right direction.

Grade: B+