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America vs. the Justice Society #1-4
America vs. The Justice Society
Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Years after his death, Batman’s diary is made public only to accuse his old teammates, the Justice Society of America, of being Nazi collaborators with Hitler himself. Not wanting to fight their own country, the Justice Society surrender themselves to the law, and now stand trial for crimes they did not commit. Who is the mastermind behind framing the World’s Greatest Superheroes? And why would they tarnish these pillars of society? This classic tale collects AMERICA VS. THE JUSTICE SOCIETY #1-4.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 31, 2019
I had not read this since the original issues were published. The series is basically a walk through the history of the JSA, pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths. Why has the Earth 2 Batman prior to his death written a journal charging the JSA with being in the pocket of Hitler during WW II. The series is short on action. The tension is between the adult Robin and Batman's daughter, The Huntress.
September 20, 2015
Updated: I didn't read this when it was first published in the 80's. It's not a bad story but the execution leaves something to be desired. The bulk comes off as a complete, and I mean complete, recitation of the full history of the Justice Society of America. So, it's 98% exposition and very little story-telling. I'm giving my review an extra star only because other reviewers are being ridiculously unkind to this book. It's not completely horrible. If you're a JSA fan, it's worth a read.
Initial comments: Wow. It's like it's put together by amateurs. Why even bother hiring Alfredo Alcala as an INKER? LOL. Nuts! He's one of the all-time greatest artists in all of comicdom. And you don't let him illustrate? You assign him to ink an unranked amateur? This artist must have blackmailed his way into the DC offices; he's horrible. Proportion and prospectives so wrong. So, so wrong. Even the word balloons are shakily drawn. All of them! Like a elementary school child would draw. Gosh and I haven't even read the first full chapter yet.
Please, go dig up and read some old CONAN or HOUSE OF MYSTERY find some real Alfredo Alcala artwork. He'll rock your world. He elevates illustration to such great heights it's astounding. It's so sad he's so nearly forgotten these days. He's a giant. And I love him.
Initial comments: Wow. It's like it's put together by amateurs. Why even bother hiring Alfredo Alcala as an INKER? LOL. Nuts! He's one of the all-time greatest artists in all of comicdom. And you don't let him illustrate? You assign him to ink an unranked amateur? This artist must have blackmailed his way into the DC offices; he's horrible. Proportion and prospectives so wrong. So, so wrong. Even the word balloons are shakily drawn. All of them! Like a elementary school child would draw. Gosh and I haven't even read the first full chapter yet.
Please, go dig up and read some old CONAN or HOUSE OF MYSTERY find some real Alfredo Alcala artwork. He'll rock your world. He elevates illustration to such great heights it's astounding. It's so sad he's so nearly forgotten these days. He's a giant. And I love him.
December 10, 2020
Very well written story of the Golden age DC heroes. If you are a comics fan and a history buff this is a perfect mini series for ya. I could actually see the world reacting like this to the heroes that saved them in WWII during the "red scare" of the post war years. Nice art complements this story well. Very recommended
October 13, 2015
I remember reading this when I was in high school, but didn't remember it being so, well, underwhelming. Crisis on Infinite Earths was getting ready to demolish the old continuity, doing away with the Earth 2 Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, and those three, along with the Huntress and Earth-2's Robin, are the predominant stars here.
What is supposed to be a mystery, where Batman wrote a diary accusing the JSA of treason, turns into a rather tedious account of the JSA's history. Roy Thomas's dialog is just awful in most places, fully of histrionics and melodrama. It's really bad, because there is a lot of outrage from the JSAers and then some congressmen who are investigating them, and it's really hard to read at times.
I love the Bronze Age, and the JSA in particular. I don't think Thomas did a bad job on the All-Star Squadron, but here it's rather dull over all. The art is not that great, either. Although inker Alfredo Alcala holds the books together, the pencillers are drab and boring and mostly not good at all.
If you're looking for a short history of the Golden Age JSA, then this is ok to pick up, but for a story, it's a disappointment and worth passing over.
What is supposed to be a mystery, where Batman wrote a diary accusing the JSA of treason, turns into a rather tedious account of the JSA's history. Roy Thomas's dialog is just awful in most places, fully of histrionics and melodrama. It's really bad, because there is a lot of outrage from the JSAers and then some congressmen who are investigating them, and it's really hard to read at times.
I love the Bronze Age, and the JSA in particular. I don't think Thomas did a bad job on the All-Star Squadron, but here it's rather dull over all. The art is not that great, either. Although inker Alfredo Alcala holds the books together, the pencillers are drab and boring and mostly not good at all.
If you're looking for a short history of the Golden Age JSA, then this is ok to pick up, but for a story, it's a disappointment and worth passing over.
January 2, 2022
A thorough retelling of the origin and history of the Justice Society of America. Roy Thomas carefully details the Golden and Silver Ages of the JSA to include their time with the All-Star Squadron and the retcon where the JSA retired for a time after refusing to unmask for the HUAC.
The final issue provides for the second Justice Society series and the introduction of Infinity Inc. The reader also gets the resolution of the Batman's fake diary and the reveal of the villain behind everything. The bad guy's identity was telegraphed in issue one, but it does not hurt the overall story.
This series closed just a few months before the start of Crisis on Infinite Earths, which eliminated Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman from the Golden Age. It's a bit sad for an older fan like me to see just how much was lost because (In My Humble Opinion) the new generation of editors and Critics couldn't be bothered to look up a few references. That said, the DCU has kept on rolling for nearly another 40 years with some amazing stories being told in each of them.
A must-have for fans of anything JSA-related and those who love comic-book history in general.
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
The final issue provides for the second Justice Society series and the introduction of Infinity Inc. The reader also gets the resolution of the Batman's fake diary and the reveal of the villain behind everything. The bad guy's identity was telegraphed in issue one, but it does not hurt the overall story.
This series closed just a few months before the start of Crisis on Infinite Earths, which eliminated Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman from the Golden Age. It's a bit sad for an older fan like me to see just how much was lost because (In My Humble Opinion) the new generation of editors and Critics couldn't be bothered to look up a few references. That said, the DCU has kept on rolling for nearly another 40 years with some amazing stories being told in each of them.
A must-have for fans of anything JSA-related and those who love comic-book history in general.
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
October 14, 2016
This was a weird one. As a catalogue/encyclopedia of the Pre-Crisis Earth 2 JSA it's pretty indispensible, especially if you're me and tracking down whatever Levitz/Brennert/Thomas Bronze Age Earth 2 you can find. Unfortunately the story is just a thin pretense for a lot of flashbacks and listing of adventures, which never adds up to anything satisfying. Check Alan Moore's Judgement Day if you want a better example of a superhero trial comic that folds in a lot of fictional history. The art's an intriguing mix of Golden Age and stiffly evocative wood carvings, but those Jerry Ordway covers can't help but make you wish he'd drawn this.
May 16, 2018
I saw the first two issues in my local comic store and decided to check them out. The entire series itself is interesting because it weaves in the entire history of the JSA with actual events in history. At times it does grow a bit boring, but at the core is the question of the diary's authenticity. The claims that Batman make are damning and over the course of the four books we don't get a lot of action, just story telling. This is a series to introduce people to the JSA, but modern fans may be turned off by this because at times, it's a bit hard to follow. Most of the events occur on Earth 2 and newer comic fans will be baffled by most of these superheroes. Who the hell are they? Thankfully in the books you get a timeline detailing most of the events as well as where and when these stories took place.
As a series it's ambitious, and tells a good story. If you're new to comics this is worth a look, but just be prepared to be hit with a lot of back story to clear the name of the members of the JSA. it's an interesting story and one comic fans should at least read just to say they've read it. I liked the idea behind it and found by the 4th issue we aren't any closer to finding the truth than we were in issue one. Still, I enjoyed it because it isn't like other books, and tells a great story. The artwork is well done as well and very detailed. Everyone will feel differently about this one and for good reason. It's not an easy book to read, but it's a piece of comic history and one that does a decent job of keeping readers interested.
As a series it's ambitious, and tells a good story. If you're new to comics this is worth a look, but just be prepared to be hit with a lot of back story to clear the name of the members of the JSA. it's an interesting story and one comic fans should at least read just to say they've read it. I liked the idea behind it and found by the 4th issue we aren't any closer to finding the truth than we were in issue one. Still, I enjoyed it because it isn't like other books, and tells a great story. The artwork is well done as well and very detailed. Everyone will feel differently about this one and for good reason. It's not an easy book to read, but it's a piece of comic history and one that does a decent job of keeping readers interested.
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April 9, 2019This book is basically a recap of JSA history from the 40s to the 80s. There’s a framing device, and some storytelling, but it’s all secondary. I like the JSA, so the history intrigued me.
August 4, 2024
Issue #1
EXTRA EXTRA! THE JSA WORKING FOR HELPED THE CROUTS DURING WW2! So says Batman’s diary!!
This is such an interesting story that walks us through the events of the JSA and their founding, then warps all of it to make them look like war criminals. And all of it comes from Batman’s supposed diary that he passed off to someone before his death. I’m really glad I read the generations saga beforehand as this takes place immediately after. As the JSA members are out in handcuffs and taken for a congressional hearing, Dick Grayson is left behind to help them from the outside. Same with Helena Wayne and as they are both lawyers they are key in helping clear the JSA’s name, hopefully it doesn’t come down to throwing Batman’s name in the dirt.
Or that would be the case, if Dick didn’t drop out from helping the JSA at all because of his conflicting emotions. But then be coerced into joining the congressional prosecution AGAINST the JSA. This is going to make for a really interesting matchup. Robin vs huntress in the courtroom.
But the entire case revolves around 2 events. Some of the original JSA members encountering Hitler with the sword of destiny and attempting to assassinate FDR. And another event where they were sent into the future to get a bomb proof device that was allegedly tampered with to fail. Both of which are treason, with the JSA living a completely different set of events that have to prove is true. And spectre just has to be on a different multiverse.
But the prosecution has a star witness behind the scenes they are ready to throw out: THE WIZARD! Who according to the diary, his first encounter with the JSA was in an attempt to stop them as he realized they were working for the Nazis…what’s even true anymore…
Issue #2
How come the validity of “Batman’s diary” is not a point of contention here. Sure supes and the others took a look and seemingly confirmed it was Batman’s handwriting, but what other handwriting from Batman is available to the public that could be forged. Honestly having a hard time believing the book wasn’t faked.
But this issue goes through as the JSA members recount the events during WW2 as accurately to the truth as they can. Through Hitler’s use of the spear of destiny to disrupt things and going to the future to get the bomb proof device, and pointing out that they should all also be looking at the time related scientists who were connected to that project. Which also includes per degaton, who is seemingly watching these proceedings unfold.
We also got in some surprise witnesses which includes Shining Knight and Robotman as they were also there around that time. And they attempted to help explain all of the time travel BS that has unfolded over the years that seems to confuse some of the parts of the story.
We also got a wildly unhelpful appearance from spectre. Who after seeing the ridiculous proceedings, asked if he should destroy the world and take them all to a new one where they are respected as heroes. He’s a real one fr. Obviously that offer was declined and spectre proceeded to leave. We are left with the tease at the end of this issue that we will finally see the wizard have his day in court.
Issue #3
It is so interesting to see the complicated history of the JSA and how it relates to WW2. From complicated explanations of the freedom fighters on a different earth, to explaining all the different side adventures that happened during that time, and especially confusing when explaining all the repeat encounters and time resets with per degaton.
They decided to play their star witness today: The Wizard! Who along with being the only person that can collaborate the claims of the JSA being Nazis, BUT he is also the one to claim that he supplied hitler with the spear of destiny capable of controlling them and was the JSA’s reason for not being able to participate in the war as heroes as it created a magical barrier. Wizard also ended up helping the JSA’s case by immediately trying to escape after speaking, which Fate was able to immediately reverse his teleportation lol. Then we are again left with a tease, as it seems per degaton is no longer content with watching from the shadows.
Issue #4
I feel as though I now completely understand the need for crisis. After reading generations saga this book is a good companion piece to take a broad look at the history of the JSA on Earth 2, through all of their convoluted exploits. And this book really hit on some of the more interesting points I’ve been curious about. Namely when and why the JSA was originally brought for hearings and then told they have to reveal their identities only for them to disappear instead only to return years later, only after working with a parallel earth. Crazy stuff and I love it.
But more so this story ends up providing an ending for per degaton of all villains. After all the previous exploits of world domination and their subsequent failure and reset. Only for him to get his memories back and try again, where would that leave him? Well it turns out he slipped up t he last time he got his memories back and instead of time traveling himself, his boss time traveled to the future on the date of his 100th birthday right as degaton shot him. So degaton was forced to play the long game and wait for the Time Machine to come back. Getting up to villainous exploits in the process. During the end of Bruce Wayne’s life it also turns out that he had cancer and his mental state was degrading. And in some alternate persona way, the Batman wrote the journal as a way to express what he believed per degaton was up to and to try and alert the JSA to investigate in the most convoluted way possible, and ultimately worked out lol. As ultimately Robin put the pieces of the time group together and tracked per degaton to his bosses old lab where he admitted to everything, and even that he had evidence the wizard was a total liar and didn’t even give the spear of destiny to Hitler. Now he only admitted all of this as his dying boss identified him as his murdered when his Time Machine showed up on that specific day. All according to Batman’s insane plans lol. As all of the JSA showed up to witness the final events unfold per degaton took his own life instead of a life back in prison. I think it’s quite ironic that he ended up taking his life the same way other world dictators, we’ve been discussing the whole time, would.
It’s such a convoluted mess, and I love it so much.
EXTRA EXTRA! THE JSA WORKING FOR HELPED THE CROUTS DURING WW2! So says Batman’s diary!!
This is such an interesting story that walks us through the events of the JSA and their founding, then warps all of it to make them look like war criminals. And all of it comes from Batman’s supposed diary that he passed off to someone before his death. I’m really glad I read the generations saga beforehand as this takes place immediately after. As the JSA members are out in handcuffs and taken for a congressional hearing, Dick Grayson is left behind to help them from the outside. Same with Helena Wayne and as they are both lawyers they are key in helping clear the JSA’s name, hopefully it doesn’t come down to throwing Batman’s name in the dirt.
Or that would be the case, if Dick didn’t drop out from helping the JSA at all because of his conflicting emotions. But then be coerced into joining the congressional prosecution AGAINST the JSA. This is going to make for a really interesting matchup. Robin vs huntress in the courtroom.
But the entire case revolves around 2 events. Some of the original JSA members encountering Hitler with the sword of destiny and attempting to assassinate FDR. And another event where they were sent into the future to get a bomb proof device that was allegedly tampered with to fail. Both of which are treason, with the JSA living a completely different set of events that have to prove is true. And spectre just has to be on a different multiverse.
But the prosecution has a star witness behind the scenes they are ready to throw out: THE WIZARD! Who according to the diary, his first encounter with the JSA was in an attempt to stop them as he realized they were working for the Nazis…what’s even true anymore…
Issue #2
How come the validity of “Batman’s diary” is not a point of contention here. Sure supes and the others took a look and seemingly confirmed it was Batman’s handwriting, but what other handwriting from Batman is available to the public that could be forged. Honestly having a hard time believing the book wasn’t faked.
But this issue goes through as the JSA members recount the events during WW2 as accurately to the truth as they can. Through Hitler’s use of the spear of destiny to disrupt things and going to the future to get the bomb proof device, and pointing out that they should all also be looking at the time related scientists who were connected to that project. Which also includes per degaton, who is seemingly watching these proceedings unfold.
We also got in some surprise witnesses which includes Shining Knight and Robotman as they were also there around that time. And they attempted to help explain all of the time travel BS that has unfolded over the years that seems to confuse some of the parts of the story.
We also got a wildly unhelpful appearance from spectre. Who after seeing the ridiculous proceedings, asked if he should destroy the world and take them all to a new one where they are respected as heroes. He’s a real one fr. Obviously that offer was declined and spectre proceeded to leave. We are left with the tease at the end of this issue that we will finally see the wizard have his day in court.
Issue #3
It is so interesting to see the complicated history of the JSA and how it relates to WW2. From complicated explanations of the freedom fighters on a different earth, to explaining all the different side adventures that happened during that time, and especially confusing when explaining all the repeat encounters and time resets with per degaton.
They decided to play their star witness today: The Wizard! Who along with being the only person that can collaborate the claims of the JSA being Nazis, BUT he is also the one to claim that he supplied hitler with the spear of destiny capable of controlling them and was the JSA’s reason for not being able to participate in the war as heroes as it created a magical barrier. Wizard also ended up helping the JSA’s case by immediately trying to escape after speaking, which Fate was able to immediately reverse his teleportation lol. Then we are again left with a tease, as it seems per degaton is no longer content with watching from the shadows.
Issue #4
I feel as though I now completely understand the need for crisis. After reading generations saga this book is a good companion piece to take a broad look at the history of the JSA on Earth 2, through all of their convoluted exploits. And this book really hit on some of the more interesting points I’ve been curious about. Namely when and why the JSA was originally brought for hearings and then told they have to reveal their identities only for them to disappear instead only to return years later, only after working with a parallel earth. Crazy stuff and I love it.
But more so this story ends up providing an ending for per degaton of all villains. After all the previous exploits of world domination and their subsequent failure and reset. Only for him to get his memories back and try again, where would that leave him? Well it turns out he slipped up t he last time he got his memories back and instead of time traveling himself, his boss time traveled to the future on the date of his 100th birthday right as degaton shot him. So degaton was forced to play the long game and wait for the Time Machine to come back. Getting up to villainous exploits in the process. During the end of Bruce Wayne’s life it also turns out that he had cancer and his mental state was degrading. And in some alternate persona way, the Batman wrote the journal as a way to express what he believed per degaton was up to and to try and alert the JSA to investigate in the most convoluted way possible, and ultimately worked out lol. As ultimately Robin put the pieces of the time group together and tracked per degaton to his bosses old lab where he admitted to everything, and even that he had evidence the wizard was a total liar and didn’t even give the spear of destiny to Hitler. Now he only admitted all of this as his dying boss identified him as his murdered when his Time Machine showed up on that specific day. All according to Batman’s insane plans lol. As all of the JSA showed up to witness the final events unfold per degaton took his own life instead of a life back in prison. I think it’s quite ironic that he ended up taking his life the same way other world dictators, we’ve been discussing the whole time, would.
It’s such a convoluted mess, and I love it so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2015
Started with a grand premise, continued into delightful congressional-hearing antics (superhero courtroom drama is my kryptonite), then the marathon recitation of JSA continuity went from weird to nearly monotonous. The ending felt sudden and pat, but the ride there was still fun, plus Helena Wayne chews out Dick Grayson for sitting on his hands moping.
Also, who in their right mind would address Wonder Woman as "Mrs. Trevor" in person?! I was waiting for a thought balloon or whispered dialog about what a discreet slap in the face that was. It comes off as so tone deaf: Wildcat, The Flash, Wesley Dodds... MISSES TREVOR.
Also, who in their right mind would address Wonder Woman as "Mrs. Trevor" in person?! I was waiting for a thought balloon or whispered dialog about what a discreet slap in the face that was. It comes off as so tone deaf: Wildcat, The Flash, Wesley Dodds... MISSES TREVOR.
June 21, 2017
I love the Justice Society, so I wish I could give this book an endorsement. The first two chapters were fine, although rife with clunky comic-book dialogue that only exists in order to get minor characters some screen time. However, mid-way through chapter three, the device of having each JSAer recite some past adventure in a mindless, mind-numbing drone destroyed any momentum the book had. Ultimately, I walk away wondering why this thing was published in the first place. Not terrible, but not great either.
December 21, 2015
It's basically a recap of the first 50 years of stories of the Justice Society.
February 22, 2024
America vs the Justice Society is a recap of an earlier generation's superheroes.
A time when these characters were still rough around the edges, their myths still yet to be perfected.
Most of these characters are forgotten to mainstream audiences and comic book readers: The Sandman, Starman, Johnny Thunder, Atom Smasher, Hourman, Dr. Mid-Nite, Wildcat, and others were characters steeped in the era of the 40s, before the silver age of comics reinvented many of these characters.
With that context provided, Roy Thomas has to recount every character's purpose, origin, and the JSA's history to tell a story that is so boring and lackluster. Every other page, one of the heroes is about to throw a fist in rage that the public wouldn't believe them, only for one of the other heroes to try and rationalize them. Because its only 4 issues dedicated to a team of over 10 heroes, you miss any chance to cover the personalities or make me as a reader feel engaged. Even then, its not an excuse.
Batman has accused the JSA of being underground Nazi's since they met Hitler in the early 40s. Its an idea, and its fun to see Batman set up against his peers even in death. Oh sorry forgot to mention, Batman has been dead for over 4 years at the time of this books release. A journal is published accounting the JSA's involvement with the Axis powers, with Superman being the only hero who wasn't an underground Nazi.
This could be SO MUCH MORE INTERESTING. Thomas has a great premise with such poor execution of characters constantly repeating things that happened in their history. As a reader who's only somewhat familiar with Earth 2 DC, its helpful, but its presented in such a boring way and is supposed to serve as the full story rather than used to present this new story. Really missed opportunity.
A time when these characters were still rough around the edges, their myths still yet to be perfected.
Most of these characters are forgotten to mainstream audiences and comic book readers: The Sandman, Starman, Johnny Thunder, Atom Smasher, Hourman, Dr. Mid-Nite, Wildcat, and others were characters steeped in the era of the 40s, before the silver age of comics reinvented many of these characters.
With that context provided, Roy Thomas has to recount every character's purpose, origin, and the JSA's history to tell a story that is so boring and lackluster. Every other page, one of the heroes is about to throw a fist in rage that the public wouldn't believe them, only for one of the other heroes to try and rationalize them. Because its only 4 issues dedicated to a team of over 10 heroes, you miss any chance to cover the personalities or make me as a reader feel engaged. Even then, its not an excuse.
Batman has accused the JSA of being underground Nazi's since they met Hitler in the early 40s. Its an idea, and its fun to see Batman set up against his peers even in death. Oh sorry forgot to mention, Batman has been dead for over 4 years at the time of this books release. A journal is published accounting the JSA's involvement with the Axis powers, with Superman being the only hero who wasn't an underground Nazi.
This could be SO MUCH MORE INTERESTING. Thomas has a great premise with such poor execution of characters constantly repeating things that happened in their history. As a reader who's only somewhat familiar with Earth 2 DC, its helpful, but its presented in such a boring way and is supposed to serve as the full story rather than used to present this new story. Really missed opportunity.
July 4, 2018
Roy Thomas (along with co-plotter Dann Thomas) once again flies into old continuity to create a new story, this time trying to explain the actions of the JSA during World War II and the elderly Earth-2 Batman's animosity towards them before his death in this mini-series that would have been a lot more interesting if it was less plot summary and more action.
Thomas is at his best and worst here, depending on your feelings about his style. He can definitely work within comics history better than anyone, but it also means his stories often lack life, relying on the pull of history to drive reader interest instead of the plot itself. After awhile, I started to get annoyed that instead of creating history, this mini was just going over it, with a little bit added at the edges. My main reason for sticking was that I really dig the old pre-Crisis JSA and seeing them together was just worth it enough for me.
DC wants you to be happy Jerry Ordway is in this. He is--for 1 page of art and covers. The rest of the art is mostly by Howard Bender and Alfredo Alcala, and they do a great job of effectively drawing Marvel, I mean DC Saga over the course of these issues. The characters flow across the page, emote when needed, and do the work, but they aren't going to overcome the handcuffed script.
Overall, probably not something you need in your life, unless you're a big fan of Thomas or the characters. It's nice to see these getting reprinted, but I'd love an "Adventure Comics featuring the JSA" instead, to read some of this as it was originally intended.
Thomas is at his best and worst here, depending on your feelings about his style. He can definitely work within comics history better than anyone, but it also means his stories often lack life, relying on the pull of history to drive reader interest instead of the plot itself. After awhile, I started to get annoyed that instead of creating history, this mini was just going over it, with a little bit added at the edges. My main reason for sticking was that I really dig the old pre-Crisis JSA and seeing them together was just worth it enough for me.
DC wants you to be happy Jerry Ordway is in this. He is--for 1 page of art and covers. The rest of the art is mostly by Howard Bender and Alfredo Alcala, and they do a great job of effectively drawing Marvel, I mean DC Saga over the course of these issues. The characters flow across the page, emote when needed, and do the work, but they aren't going to overcome the handcuffed script.
Overall, probably not something you need in your life, unless you're a big fan of Thomas or the characters. It's nice to see these getting reprinted, but I'd love an "Adventure Comics featuring the JSA" instead, to read some of this as it was originally intended.
November 2, 2021
This is a very odd comic and certainly not for someone just getting into comics. ESPECIALLY not Superhero comics. It's SUPER wordy, there is NO action, and if you don't know much about DC comics prior to Crisis of Infinite Earths, you are going to be insanely confused.
These aren't the DC superheroes you know from the movies or cartoons, these DC heroes are from an alternate Earth with a vastly different timeline and trajectories. Batman (Bruce Wayne) dead, Dick Grayson is an adult Robin, Huntress is Bruce Wayne's daughter and it's the Jay Garrick version of the Flash with the winged hubcap for a hat and everything. That's just to start with.
The comic acts as more of an overview of previous JSA exploits while also explaining away why the Superheroes never just teamed up and ended Hitler and WWII. It's not quite a frame story, but it's as close as it can get without just reprinting pages from the original stories.
I read it all in one shot, but that is because I was trapped in a stopped vehicle for over 6 hours and needed to kill some time. If it hadn't of been for that unique situation, I certainly wouldn't have read it all in one day, but I'm not even terribly sure I would have made it past the first issue of the mini-series without stopping.
If you dig Pre-Crisis DC comics, or are a bit of a comic historian, then this will at least be an interesting one for you. If you don't, or don't have any interest in Pre-Crisis DC comics, then you should probably give it some room.
These aren't the DC superheroes you know from the movies or cartoons, these DC heroes are from an alternate Earth with a vastly different timeline and trajectories. Batman (Bruce Wayne) dead, Dick Grayson is an adult Robin, Huntress is Bruce Wayne's daughter and it's the Jay Garrick version of the Flash with the winged hubcap for a hat and everything. That's just to start with.
The comic acts as more of an overview of previous JSA exploits while also explaining away why the Superheroes never just teamed up and ended Hitler and WWII. It's not quite a frame story, but it's as close as it can get without just reprinting pages from the original stories.
I read it all in one shot, but that is because I was trapped in a stopped vehicle for over 6 hours and needed to kill some time. If it hadn't of been for that unique situation, I certainly wouldn't have read it all in one day, but I'm not even terribly sure I would have made it past the first issue of the mini-series without stopping.
If you dig Pre-Crisis DC comics, or are a bit of a comic historian, then this will at least be an interesting one for you. If you don't, or don't have any interest in Pre-Crisis DC comics, then you should probably give it some room.
February 26, 2024
3.5 stars.
The cover to this collection was quite striking. It was the cover to the first issue of this miniseries, a spectral vision of Batman accusing the Justice Society of America (JSA) of treason from beyond the grave. It was the kind of cover design that gets bought from the books stands.
The art was amazing. It was from the traditional school of muscled mystery men, where the costume fabric was draped over the chiseled physiques. This miniseries actually had two different pencilers, but their similar styles are brought together to a visual cohesion by the strong, nigh overpowering inks of Alfredo Alcalá.
The writing was directed at a more mature audience than usual for a comic book. It dealt with mature themes like a war crime in treason, and suicide. There was too much dialogue, but it was necessary, because the miniseries also functioned as a narrative of JSA history as it looked back into it pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths history with a reboot looming on the horizon.
The story can be boring, it hardly had any action. However, the drama was riveting. I hated how it made Dick Grayson, the original Robin, weak-minded. Thank goodness that this story was already out of continuity, and we had excellent Grayson stories since. The excellent Tom Taylor Nightwing series comes to mind.
"Mr. Chairman, Wonder Woman was right when she said the JSA really is on trial here. The Justice Society of America - that entity has been the life's blood of the thirteen people seated at this table for nearly half a century now their entire careers, their good names, their very souls, have been tinged by this astonishing accusation of treason!"
The cover to this collection was quite striking. It was the cover to the first issue of this miniseries, a spectral vision of Batman accusing the Justice Society of America (JSA) of treason from beyond the grave. It was the kind of cover design that gets bought from the books stands.
The art was amazing. It was from the traditional school of muscled mystery men, where the costume fabric was draped over the chiseled physiques. This miniseries actually had two different pencilers, but their similar styles are brought together to a visual cohesion by the strong, nigh overpowering inks of Alfredo Alcalá.
The writing was directed at a more mature audience than usual for a comic book. It dealt with mature themes like a war crime in treason, and suicide. There was too much dialogue, but it was necessary, because the miniseries also functioned as a narrative of JSA history as it looked back into it pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths history with a reboot looming on the horizon.
The story can be boring, it hardly had any action. However, the drama was riveting. I hated how it made Dick Grayson, the original Robin, weak-minded. Thank goodness that this story was already out of continuity, and we had excellent Grayson stories since. The excellent Tom Taylor Nightwing series comes to mind.
September 30, 2017
On the heels of several of their members having committed crimes after having fallen under the influence of Koehaha, the Stream of Ruthlessness, the Justice Society now finds itself on trial for crimes they did not commit. A diary supposedly written by the late Batman has surfaced (ironically in the hands of Daily Star editor Clark Kent), and it accuses the wartime Justice Society members of having been Nazi agents.
The Society surrenders and stands before a tribunal to defend their reputations against the accusations of the Batman diary. The Huntress abandons her costume to defend them as attorney Helena Wayne, and to her surprise, the prosecution recruits Dick Grayson- Robin.
Different members of the Society narrate their storied history, and dispute the Batman's claims that they once swore allegiance to Der Fuhrer. This was an innovative way to give the Society's entire history while solving a mystery in the process. I shouldn't have been surprised by the villain of the piece, but I was, and pleasantly so.
If you're a fan of the pre-Crisis Earth-2, you'll love this.
The Society surrenders and stands before a tribunal to defend their reputations against the accusations of the Batman diary. The Huntress abandons her costume to defend them as attorney Helena Wayne, and to her surprise, the prosecution recruits Dick Grayson- Robin.
Different members of the Society narrate their storied history, and dispute the Batman's claims that they once swore allegiance to Der Fuhrer. This was an innovative way to give the Society's entire history while solving a mystery in the process. I shouldn't have been surprised by the villain of the piece, but I was, and pleasantly so.
If you're a fan of the pre-Crisis Earth-2, you'll love this.
April 1, 2021
This is a very nice read. It features some of my favorite characters reciting many of their greatest stories and the team's history to a congressional hearing because Batman wrote in his journal that they were really Nazis loyal to Adolph Hitler.
Roy Thomas does a fine job creating a story that does a good job bringing fans up to date on the history of the JSA. I like that he uses longtime foe the Wizard as the series primary villain but leaves the clean up work to my favorite JSA villain Per Degaton, man of the future.
There are four artists on the series but the one that mainly holds the story together is Alfredo Alcala. He does a great job making the other three artists work look similar enough as to not confuse readers with the flow of the story. All the art looks great.
All in all a solid read for anyone that would like to know the history of DC's oldest super team.
Roy Thomas does a fine job creating a story that does a good job bringing fans up to date on the history of the JSA. I like that he uses longtime foe the Wizard as the series primary villain but leaves the clean up work to my favorite JSA villain Per Degaton, man of the future.
There are four artists on the series but the one that mainly holds the story together is Alfredo Alcala. He does a great job making the other three artists work look similar enough as to not confuse readers with the flow of the story. All the art looks great.
All in all a solid read for anyone that would like to know the history of DC's oldest super team.
July 27, 2020
From beyond the grave Batman accuses the Justice Society of treason! Robin and Huntress react differently to their mentor's "lost" diary and the governmental hearings into the matter provide the excuse for the real purpose of this miniseries: a retelling of the history of the JSA. This is the kind of story Roy Thomas has mastered. And in the days before archive editions and digital comics these were the most affordable ways for readers to discover the Golden Age of comics.
Thomas and an array of 80's stalwart artists bring the career of the world's first super team to light in a fun way and the dramatic thrust of the story is neatly woven into continuity.
Thomas and an array of 80's stalwart artists bring the career of the world's first super team to light in a fun way and the dramatic thrust of the story is neatly woven into continuity.
November 24, 2023
There is not much story hear, but it does give Roy Thomas the chance to recount the legendary history of the legendary Justice Society of America. Roy even manages to weave the late Batman and Bruce Wayne of Earth-Two into the story. There are several references to Infinity Inc. which was an ongoing DC title at the time this story was being written. The inside artwork is okay and nothing to write home about but Jerry Ordway does provide some nice covers for the series. This collection ties in nicely with several stories in the recently read volume, JSA: The Demise of Justice. If you are a JSA fan, this book is recommended.
September 14, 2024
I love the JSA but this is the filmiest excuse for a story, just so Roy and company can do a walk through of JSA history.
The history is interesting and if it had been just that, I would have cut it some slack, but the 'mystery' is lame and forced and the tension amongst the Earth 2 Bat-Family doesn't so much create drama as it does annoy the reader.
And the big reveal is... that the bad guy is one of the most overused villains in JSA history.
I get DC was looking to sideline the JSA and Roy was doing all he could to remind people how cool they are, and how big a piece of DC history, but this was a weak effort.
The history is interesting and if it had been just that, I would have cut it some slack, but the 'mystery' is lame and forced and the tension amongst the Earth 2 Bat-Family doesn't so much create drama as it does annoy the reader.
And the big reveal is... that the bad guy is one of the most overused villains in JSA history.
I get DC was looking to sideline the JSA and Roy was doing all he could to remind people how cool they are, and how big a piece of DC history, but this was a weak effort.
January 8, 2023
The basis of the story was kind of interesting, as with a lot of Roy Thomas JSA yarns, he gets too tangled up in “making it all fit” or showing off how deep his knowledge (love) of the characters run.
This series starts out with a bizarre premise. The Earth-2 Batman accusing the JSA of Treason. The rest of the series is basically a rehash of the JSA history to that point. Golden Age, Silver Age, and at the then Current Age. The payoff was pretty lame, to be honest.
Thomas’s love for the JSA is so well known, but he shouldn’t be allowed near them ever again.
This series starts out with a bizarre premise. The Earth-2 Batman accusing the JSA of Treason. The rest of the series is basically a rehash of the JSA history to that point. Golden Age, Silver Age, and at the then Current Age. The payoff was pretty lame, to be honest.
Thomas’s love for the JSA is so well known, but he shouldn’t be allowed near them ever again.
June 5, 2023
This is more for the comic book historians than the casual reader. Roy Thomas had long been DC’s continuity cop for the Justice Society and Earth—Two, and used this platform to take all the Golden Age stories of the 40’s and 50’s and arrange them in a definitive timeline.
A worthy enterprise, but unfortunately makes the story that frames it very dry and obviously just a means to an end. We get a lot of classic characters with very little to do, but a whole lot of exposition and talking.
I enjoyed it, but that’s the old school fan in me.
A worthy enterprise, but unfortunately makes the story that frames it very dry and obviously just a means to an end. We get a lot of classic characters with very little to do, but a whole lot of exposition and talking.
I enjoyed it, but that’s the old school fan in me.
February 10, 2021
Yeesh, this was hard to get through. Roy Thomas does his thing, by which I mean writing pages and pages of soulless exposition, with the bare minimum of actual story to stitch it all together. Unless you're a die-hard fan of his Earth-2 work, there is absolutely no reason to read this. Instead, I recommend "JSA: The Golden Age" by James Robinson, or the myriad of other post-Crisis JSA comics by authors much better than Thomas.
February 7, 2023
This mostly reads like a retconned retelling of the JSA, which is a good enough proposition on its own terms - including the changing voices, but is laid thick atop a plot, the titular trial, the resolution of which feels a bit too sliver-agey for my own taste. It would in fact have been more palatable if it was presented as what it actually is, like Marvel's Grand Design books or the Secret Origin issues.
January 23, 2017
2.5/5
There are some neat ideas in here, the real drama that should be at the heart of AMERICA VS THE JUSTICE SOCIETY is buried under the weight of endless recaps and a convoluted mystery that'd early adds up to nothing. Really, if the final reveal of the comic were more of the central focus, it would have been a better work overall.
There are some neat ideas in here, the real drama that should be at the heart of AMERICA VS THE JUSTICE SOCIETY is buried under the weight of endless recaps and a convoluted mystery that'd early adds up to nothing. Really, if the final reveal of the comic were more of the central focus, it would have been a better work overall.
January 25, 2024
could be better
Stories of the JSA are always great now with this one unfortunately the stories feels very convoluted and what is sad is that their are so many good aspects from the stories that could be pulled together but the bones and potential are great.
Stories of the JSA are always great now with this one unfortunately the stories feels very convoluted and what is sad is that their are so many good aspects from the stories that could be pulled together but the bones and potential are great.
May 13, 2019
A bit over wordy and campy by today’s standards, but still a fun read. An interesting tour of the JSA’s career in the 40’s-60’s.
Read
February 21, 2020Bored me. Didn't finish.
August 30, 2015
A bit of a strange mini-series- it really serves as a summary of the JSA's adventures from their creation until the story's present (this was published in 1984/5 so would be around the time Crisis had an impact on DC's heroes of various worlds, so may have been a farewell of sorts to Earth Two).
It's repeatedly pointed out that the JSA aren't actually on trial, so as the various members recount their adventures there's no sense of anything actually being at stake in the story, just the curiosity of wondering how the allegations of Nazi collaboration will be proven false. This aspect of the plot is almost thrown away, and thus seems somewhat irrelevant, although it does allow a poignant reconciliation in the lives of the now adult members of the Batman family.
The art is a nice combination of the Golden age and the more contemporary style of the era, capturing both periods well without ever allowing them to be too contrasting, which could ruin the atmosphere- dialogue heavy court scenes vs. robots, aliens & time travel could very easily become jarring if the art wasn't capable of rendering both to the same standard.
Overall, this doesn't read as a key work in the history of either the JSA or the DC universe, but as a summation of their adventures from the 40s to the 80s, it was an enjoyable read, if lacking in any real suspense.
It's repeatedly pointed out that the JSA aren't actually on trial, so as the various members recount their adventures there's no sense of anything actually being at stake in the story, just the curiosity of wondering how the allegations of Nazi collaboration will be proven false. This aspect of the plot is almost thrown away, and thus seems somewhat irrelevant, although it does allow a poignant reconciliation in the lives of the now adult members of the Batman family.
The art is a nice combination of the Golden age and the more contemporary style of the era, capturing both periods well without ever allowing them to be too contrasting, which could ruin the atmosphere- dialogue heavy court scenes vs. robots, aliens & time travel could very easily become jarring if the art wasn't capable of rendering both to the same standard.
Overall, this doesn't read as a key work in the history of either the JSA or the DC universe, but as a summation of their adventures from the 40s to the 80s, it was an enjoyable read, if lacking in any real suspense.
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