Status Updates From Last Days of the Justice So...

Justice Society of America -
Back to WWII! Well, just before it, really.

America is still neutral but FDR suggests that its ‘Mystery Men’ meet the army attempting to invade England.

Mostly due to Dr Fate’s efforts, 8 of the most powerful heroes join forces for the first time.

After an encounter with Hitler, the Spear of Destiny, Valkyries and The Voice, the fledgling team’s mission is a success!

Golden Age Atom -
Al Pratt was bullied because of his height. His bully was also interested in Mary James, the girl Al liked!

After being humiliated and rejected, Al meets a bum who will change his life forever.
The man is Joe Morgan, ex-boxer.

After training for a year and some happenstance, Al Pratt becomes The Atom (and gets the girl)!

Dr. Fate -
Not sure why Wotan's the one narrating this tale or how he knows things he wasn’t present for.

This reiterated some things I’d learned from the Dr. Fate series.

It also showed me Fate and Wotan’s interactions which I had not read previously.

What I really didn’t like was that Inza was dragged along in only a nightgown.

Dr. Mid-Night -
Dr Mid-Night is probably the hero within this collection I know least about.

I didn’t quite understand how a scientist/doctor became an inventor/crime reporter though I’m glad they mentioned Charles had always been active and fit.

The end where Maroni flew out the window but then he actually didn't was confusing...

Overall, not a bad story but not for me.

A green meteorite lands on Earth, becomes a lamp that grants good fortune for some and misfortune for others.
Centuries later, it becomes a lantern.

Meeting Alan Scott fulfills its ancient prophecy and gives incredible powers to the unsuspecting engineer.

Then we follow the new Green Lantern as he brings justice to his friend, helps a desperate young woman and her brother plus saves a Judge’s daughter!

Golden Age Hourman
This story was told in the context of a letter written by the first Hourman, Rex Tyler to his son, Rick or Hourman II.

Rex was a timid lab scientist, who never stood up for himself, until one day he used his secret formula on himself and gained incredible abilities… and confidence.

While he could never perfect the formula for himself, it being addictive, he was able to for his son!

“The Spectre” -
Jim Corrigan as he was!
Funny to read about this version when I’ve already started the ‘new’ Spectre series.

Jim’s loving life; in the height of his career and engaged to the woman of his dreams.
Of course, this does not last.

Interestingly, this story makes it seem like Jim becomes Spectre after his death, not that Spectre is a separate being.

Johnny Thunder -
I’ve always read about Johnny’s character in the pages of crossovers between the JSA & JLA so it was an interesting look into a pretty different origin.

Because of when Johnny was born, he was kidnapped, forced in taking part of a ritual and at the age of 23, discovered he could summon a very helpful (if not feisty) Thunderbolt.

Golden Age Hawkman -
Carter Hall has created anti-gravity tech plus something called ‘Ninth’ metal.

An ancient crystal dagger helps unlock memories of his past life as Khufu, Prince of Egypt.

Then he meets Shiera… And after a traumatic event... Carter leads her back to his place.

I didn’t like Shiera’s portrayal.
Barely spoke, just a damsel-in-distress, there simply to have the male hero save the girl.

Golden Age Flash -
The framing of the story was different… It is told via a recording made in 1942!

I was surprised by the lack of surprise Jay showed in waking up from a two week coma and suddenly being able to run REAL fast.

I’ll say, it was a little weird seeing Jay as a teen and young adult. I’ve only really read about (or watched) him as an older, semi-retired hero…

‘The Star-Spangled Kid and Stripesy’ -
Sylvester Pemberton, once named Star-Spangled Kid, now Skyman recounts the beginning of a decades spanning partnership and friendship.
Though, it was not a smooth start.

I don’t think I’ve read about these characters before, unless they were in a team crossover…

Secret Origins #7 - Golden Age Sandman -
I am not familiar with The Sandman at all!

It was cool to read that after 47 years, this was his first origin story.
Although, I think that worked against ol’ Wes Dodds as we were also shown brief glimpses of what other JSA/All Star Squadron members were up to.

I love that the costume choice wasn’t explained and the way he comes up with his code name was hilariously silly.

Special #1 -
I’m not a huge fan of WWII stories - they're just not something I can really get into…

So, I really struggled with this story.
Plus I felt like 1 Crisis right after another was a bit redundant.

I would have preferred if the story was more about looking back at the JSA career; the highlights and maybe some crossover tales.
Then at the end, they gracefully (and well-deservedly) retire.