Comic Book Review: JSA All-Stars #12

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Matthew Sturges

Penciller: Howard Porter

Colorist: Richard & Tanya Horie

Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Cover Art: Freddie Williams II

Editor: Mike Carlin

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

We finally delve into a story revolving around the clever and fun-loving high school sensation, Cyclone!  Sturges has done a fantastic job at keeping her useful in her “minor character” status, but it is about time we give our twisty, redheaded and freckled tiny toon a chance to shine.

Having no powers Maxine takes this opportunity to see and experience the normal side of life; going through college, doing homework, all the fun stuff right?  It’s too bad she has to deal with fellow students gawking at her trying to recognize if she is who they think she is.  On top of that, a young looking professor attempts to use his powers of nerdity and put the moves on our dear little Maxine as well has having a nice, yet unexpected visit from herself.  (what?!?!)  With the All-Stars fighting Alien crime in outer space, Cyclone has a lot to deal with on her own.  Keep your fingers crossed!

While I enjoyed the bulk of this issue, I was mostly impressed by the art work of Howard Porter.  You can definitely see a difference, but I was amazed at how similar the styles between him and Freddie Williams II were.  Granted I don’t really like William’s artistic vision, which in turn means I don’t like Porter’s style, but the way he changes his artistry to meet the standard that Williams has established is a talent most artist will never achieve. 

The story itself seemed a little chaotic and strange, even for my tastes.  I’m not going to throw the baby out with the bath water just yet as I’m sure Sturges wants his readers thinking to themselves, “huh?”  But I do have an issue when a random plot device is thrown into the mix near the beginning of a story and not even a slight hint of explanation is given.  Not only do we have to deal with the fact that there are TWO Cyclones, the last panel on the final page brings a third Maxine into the story.  There’s not even a lingering puff of smoke to help signify that an oddity occurs, it just seems to happen.  Certainly this will be explained next issue in this two part story.

I like how Sturges establishes that being on a team isn’t necessarily about what powers you have, but more so about who you are and what you stand for.  Brad Meltzer tried to enforce that mentality early on when he began writing for the Justice League, but that idea never retained its potency.  I hope Sturges can continue with this for as long as he remains writing for the All-Stars.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

With some minor editing problems and a few confusing plot devices, this was a solid issue.  And of course the cover has to deal with the side story and not the main theme that goes with this arc, but who’s paying attention right?  (ME!  I am! ME ME!!)

Rating: 8 out of 8

Writing: 8

Art: 8

Themes: 8

Comic Book Review: JSA All-Stars #11

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Matthew Sturges

Artist: Freddie Williams II

Colorist: Richard & Tanya Horie

Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Cover Art: Freddie Williams II

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

What began as a mediocre title that seemed to be nothing more than a circus of out-or-proportioned bodies and a celebration of Power Girl’s gigantic boobs has become a meaningful and fun comic book title I look forward to reading every month.  While the JSA All-Stars isn’t perfect, almost a year later Willingham has turned into the fun book I never thought it would become. 

#11 concludes the four part story arc, glory days, giving many of its characters a chance to shine and also allowing for a change in momentum to occur.  Brainwave decides to defy his personal vow and use his powers to enter into the minds of the All-Stars, telling them to let go of something in their past that they cling too.  This, in turn, took away the powers of the demon gods shrinking them down to human sized beasts.  While the gods were defeated, the All-Stars hesitantly let them leave to live peacefully in their own land.

I do appreciate this idea behind this arc since it gives the All-Stars a chance to create new lives for themselves within this team.  From the start that’s what this team has been lacking, a chance to begin something new and not cling to the past; this will allow them to truly start working as a separate entity from the Justice Society and establish themselves as such in the eyes of the world.  But I wasn’t exactly sure why Brainwave needed to use the All-Stars and why asking them to let go of something from the past caused these gods to become powerless.  When was it established that these gods were powered by human’s inability to free themselves of the past, or the human desire for something that can no longer have?  It was a very confusing turn of events and I’m not sure it completely makes sense.

The scene where each of the heroes let go of their past was interesting with both good and bad points.  It makes sense with all of the stories involving the JSA recently and how it all led up to this point, but I’m not sure it was executed that well.  Surprises are great, but my reaction was not what I’m sure Willingham wants it be from his readers.  The need to “let go” hasn’t really been personified well enough for the effect to truly work.  I think it’s good that Willingham is pushing forward this need for change with the team, but I can’t help but feel as if it was a little too bland.

But who really believes anyone completely lets go of their past?  It’s certainly true of Stargirl who stares in disappointment as Atom Smasher begins his courtship of the team’s time traveler, Anna.  (Who is quite the hottie I must say.)  Plus, I highly doubt that power Girl has completely let go of the fact that she will never again see the Kal-El of her dimension, or that King Chimera hasn’t seen the last of his painful, ghost-like memory of his old fling.  Comics need drama, and these are perfect ways to bring drama to the stories.

Williams II is slowly growing on me.  He is bringing a much more balanced look to his art, straying away from the chaotic look of the characters he draws.  His style still isn’t my thing, but I’m glad to see he’s getting a better handle on the overall visual for the All-Stars.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

The book is a lot of fun and I would say if you haven’t been reading this title, number twelve might be a good place to start up.

Rating: 7.9 out of 10

Writing: 8

Art: 7

Themes: 8

Comic Book Review: JSA All-Stars #9

Book Information

Written by Matthew Sturges
Art and Cover Freddie Williams II
Colors by Richard & Tanya Horie
Letters by Pat Brosseau

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
Matthew Sturges continues his epic story from last month. Montez has discovered a way to bring Gods to life in human form, and the vessels he uses to accomplish this task…the psychic children that seemed so tore up and terrified last issue. The All-Stars now must fight for their own lives as these risen deities, as the cover suggests, will now invade the minds of the splintered section of the Society.

I love it when a writer decides to push boundaries and give a hero a questionable motive. Here we have Brainwave, or Henry King, who hates the criminal activity going on around him, but is compelled to stay for the sake of the children. In essence, he supports Montez and his drug trafficking. I agree with Power Girl and Atom that this is very wrong, but I also appreciate what Brainwave is trying to do. It’s a question of taking care of the most important issue, does he stop Montez or help the suffering children? What’s the most pressing issue?

Sturges does a fantastic job at balancing the three plotlines; not allowing the two minor plots to overshadow the main one, but still allows enough “teasing” to occur for it to be interesting. King Chimera is developing quite nicely as a character and the tension between him and little Miss Tornado is building up very quickly.

The humor in this issue is really strong as well. Citizen Steel’s uncertainty of his image towards the young children is priceless as he spats off a bunch of cliché, moralistic one liners. ”Stay in school! Don’t do drugs! And, uh, riding in the back of a pickup isn’t safe,” he states while riding away in the back of a truck. Likewise, Stargirl takes issue with Steel knocking out the leopard who was on the verge of tearing her in half, whom she refers to as a “kitty.” And of course, Roxi has a pleasantly sarcastic tone in her voice which gives any tense situation a much lighter feel to it. Sturges is really giving this title everything needed to keep readers coming back month after month.

Artistically, Freddie Williams II brings us his typical style that will always annoy me to some extent. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to warm up to his “prunish” look in overdoing the muscular structure of every character. King Chimera and Torny, however, look just fine, but that’s because Chimera is wearing a suit and Maxine is too skinny for it to matter. I know this is what Williams likes to do, but I would love to see it toned down even more.

He does present some impressive visuals though, especially during the fight scenes. The moment the gods burst out of the temple was very impressive.

My Awesomely Climactic Conclusion
Overall, this is a great issue and I’m anxious to see how this will turn out and if Chimera’s dilemma plays out in the overarching scheme of things.

Ratings
Writing: 10
Themes: 10
Art: 7
Overall: 9 out of 10

Comic Book Review: JSA All-Stars #8

Book Information
Written by Matthew Sturges
Penciled by Freddie Williams II
Colored by Richard and Tanya Horie
Lettered by Pat Brosseau
Cover by Freddie Williams II

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
Finally! JSA All-Stars is finding its stride! Now that the annoyingly idiotic Magog is gone, the team can finally focus on actually accomplishing some good instead of going into fights without thinking first. Matthew Sturges is quite the writer and very creative, but this series really took some time getting on its feet. It seems Power Girl now holds command and is bringing in her brand of crime fighting elitism into the mix, which bodes well for the team’s future. However, with the “tooth and nail” mindset being thrown out of the window, I wonder how this new version of the JSA will differ from that of its counterpart.

The two teams seem to have similar goals now. The militaristic focus in the All-Stars has been replaced by a more compassionate approach, focusing on the “friends and family” aspect of the team, something Magog never slightly entertained. Power Girl, commanding that same level of respect that Wonder Woman has had for so many years, will be able to lead this team with a much more compassionate and loving fervor, something the All-Stars needed to have in place within their leader. In fact, every hero on this team seems to be much more in tune with the relationship building within the team rather than fighting crime with no intimate connection and family orientation. Even the cold-shouldered King Chimera seems to have a soft spot for our young and freckled Cyclone. But I would like ask DC Comics this…how is this going to differ from the other JSA team? I truly like what Mr. Sturges is doing with this title, but this really does seem like more of money making scam by having two JSA titles. But what’s worse…I’m totally going to buy into it! DAMN ME TO HELL!!! I guess that speaks to Matthew Sturges’ writing quality huh?

The art from issue #1 was WAY over the top. Freddie Williams II had a knack for created unproportional body types that either had way over exaggerated physical features and looked more like prunes. Williams since then has progressively toned it down so much that his characters look much happier and lovely, which makes it much more pleasant to look at and enjoy. But then something happened that killed it for me! I can’t tell if Cyclone was actually clawed and sliced in half, or if there’s just some red, mucky mess on her shirt that will develop into some bad stain that will annoy her to death. If I had my scanner working, I’d totally put it up here, but I guess this means you’ll have to buy the issue and see for yourself huh? (Yes, my plan is working!)

On a much lighter note, I have to say that Roxy is my new favorite minor character in any comic. She is absolutely hilarious and a joy to have on the team, but she doesn’t become overbearing within the stories. She’s just the right amount of comic relief needed for this angst driven title and I hope she’s stays around forever! (I’ll betcha Barbara Gordon and her would get into it all the time!)

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion
Ok, so I don’t really know why there are two JSA teams, but Sturges is really starting to deliver with the All-Stars. The team development and character developments have so much potential now that I think I’m going to become a hard-core All-Stars fan for life! Keep it up Sturges!

Ratings
Writing: 9
Themes: 9
Art: 8.5
Overall: 8.83 out of 10

Comic Book Review: JSA All-Stars #7

Written by Matthew Sturges
Art & Cover by Freddie Williams II

Lettered by Pat Brosseau

Colored by Richard & Tanya Horie

Associate Editor: Rachel Gluckstern

Editor: Mike Carlin

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Apart from the fact that a superhero team name like “All-Stars” is ridiculously boring and silly, JSA All-Stars hasn’t been my most anticipated title since it began.  The redundant nature of this book has been less than appealing both in the writing and the art.  Sturges has been feeding us story lines month after month that have focused more on the team development and not so much the individual characters, which isn’t a bad thing in and of itself, but it hasn’t served this title well enough to give it the edge it needs.  With #7, Sturges gives us a chance to really dig deep into the hearts of two very underestimated characters and gives us, as readers, a new perspective on the future of the All-Stars.

Judomaster and Damage have both been a unique addition to the team, but have not been utilized to the full potential advantage they obviously have.  Both have felt more like “fillers” that help save the weakened heroes who hold the spotlight most after month.  Sturges presents an interesting take on the two heroes as Judomaster apparently had a thing for Damage, which gives her every right to present the eulogy at his funeral.  I never actually knew they had a relationship to begin with, but I think I like it despite how random it felt.  This also gives King Chimera a brief but good interjection, showing that deep down inside, he does have a soft spot for sentimentality.

Speaking of Superhero funerals, I wonder if there will ever be one where each hero dresses in “NOT” superhero outfits.  I’m just saying, it seems out of place and weird.

FW the second’s artwork seemed much more bearable this go-round even though I still hate it.  His “prunish” approach seems to have diminished slightly despite what the horrendously terrifying cover might have you believe.  There is still enough ugliness to his work that causes my artistic gag reflex to engage at full force, but I found myself able to look at each page without hurrying through it.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

Fun issue; there are many flaws, but it’s still fun.

Writing: 7

Themes: 9

Art: 3

Overall Rating: 6.33 out of 10

Comic Book Review: JSA All-Stars #5

Book Information

Written by Matthew Sturges

Art by Freddie Williams II

Plot

Constellations Part IV

Stargirl has been sent to a strange world by the evil Johnny Sorrow and the All-Stars have no idea how to find her.  Now, with the aide of a new and mysterious mystic female, the All-Stars begin the hunt for their missing teammate.  But as they frantically prepare for the mystical journey to the unknown, Star-Girl and Atom Smasher do all they can to survive the obstacles ahead of them in the Subtle Realm. 

My Thoughts

I wanted to like this issue, I really did.  It’s got so much cool magical and mystical aspects to it that it should be right up my alley!  However, the direction the Mr. Sturges takes with the story is less than appealing.

Writing

I have no problem with a love story, none at all!  In fact, some of my favorite stories are, in fact, love stories.  American Gods by Neil Gaiman has a very interesting and emotional love story going throughout it.  Star Wars, as twisted as it may be, has an interesting, implied love story which boosts the likeability of each Han Solo and Leia.  Lord of the Rings, Superman, Down with Love, Cars, etc etc, they are all love stories, and quite popular ones at that!  But when you have a girl, and the girl can do nothing but swoon over the guy she hasn’t seen for a very long time, my gag reflex starts to initiate and make me vomit.

It’s not all bad, in fact it has this dark undertone to it.  Stargirl is a seventeen, underage girl who is in love with Atom Smasher, who reciprocates that love but cannot act upon it due to the difference in age.  But there is a genuine feeling of tension flowing through the air which always makes for a great angst driven story.  But when you get almost ten pages of this…

“I love him, I do…but I’m only seventeen.”

“It’s so strange being here with Al…being alone with him makes impossible things seem possible.”

“I just thank God for Al.  Without him here, I don’t know what I’d do.”

“I won’t admit it, but I want him to protect me.  I like it.”

“I’m trying to contain my feelings, I really am.”

“Nothing seems real to me except Atom Smasher.”

“The only thing keeping me sane is Al.”

The story begins to loose itself and becomes a corny mesh-up of a young girl’s high school crush, and readers become annoyed with her constant yapping of the same thing over and over again.  Towards the middle I told myself, “I get it!  You love him and you’re conflicted about it and you have no idea how to handle yourself.”  I guess I find myself wondering why so many love stories with females who have this desire for a man to protect them and treat them as if they are a weak vessel in need of a MAN’S companionship.  I guess it’s just the sociologist in me wondering why the gender stereotypes still persist to haunt the literary side of comic books.  Thank God for Gail Simone who’s given women in comics a much more respectable image. 

Rating: 3

Themes

I guess the writing and the themes go hand in hand even though they are separate entities.  Despite the love story being poorly written, the twisted world that they the two love birds are in is a pretty darn good representation of how both Stargirl and Atom Smasher are feeling.

As Stargirl continually regurgitates that same set of corny confessions of love and desire via inner monologue, the world around her seems to always be changing from one unrealistic obstacle to the next.  Monsters around an iron maiden, waterfalls flowing up instead of down, ground that bleeds the color red, forests that resemble a house of mirrors, it’s all very chaotic and does an excellent job at visualizing the emotions running through Stargirl at the surprising appearance of Atom Smasher. 

Now as this has more to do with the art rather than the writing, both Sturges and Freddie had to put their collaborative efforts together in order to create this world.  But honestly, I find it interesting how the writing can suck so severely, but the thematic feel of the love story can come off so successfully.  I have never seen this happen before in my life.

Rating: 8

Art

Again, Freddie William’s has so much potential, but his artwork doesn’t feel right to me.  It’s as if he creates such intricate and unique drawings, which certainly is one of the more unique artistic styles in the comic book industry today, but has no idea where to go with it.  I think he tries way too hard to make his style his own; to not resemble any other artist in any way.  My biggest problem is the overdone muscular stature of each character and the unproportional bodies he makes.  Most of them look like shriveled up prunes that’ve shot up one too many times.

With that being said, he still has his shinning moments.  The kiss that Atom Smasher and Stargirl share is such a movie poster moment that I would have no problem blowing the page up, framing and hanging on my wall.  It quite possible might be one of my favorite emotional full page panels in comics I’ve ever seen.  Speaking of full page panels, the moment Anna Fortune shows up is an amazing display of talent as well.  William’s definitely shows off moments of brilliance with the usage of light, shooting off into purple beams.  The art is both up and down here, showing that Williams can portray wonderfully emotional pieces of art, but does overdo it way too often.

Rating: 5

Other Aspects

Power Girl’s boobs are still proportional!  Yippie!

Rating: 5.3 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming May 5, 2010

"Constellations" concludes as King Chimera makes his desperate move to save the rest of the All-Stars from the grips of the Subtle Realms! But has time run out for Star Girl and her new–found suitor? And in the co-feature, Liberty Belle and Hourman split up from Tigress and Icicle as the hunt for the Staff of Life intensifies on the deadly island of Santa Isabel!

Comic Book Review: JSA All-Stars #4

Book Information

Written by Matthew Sturges

Art by Freddie Williams II

Plot

Both the JSA All-Stars and the Injustice Society fight against Johnny Sorrow’s band of villains and a creature known as the King of Tears.  Now all that stands in the way of the JSA and Johnny Sorrow is Star Girl.  All Sorrow wants is her, will she allow herself to be taken by the JSA’s faceless villain and save her friends, or will she stand her ground and continue the fight against the King of Tears?

My Thoughts

Freddie Williams shines with his explosive and chaotic scenes.  The one paged panel where the JSA and the Injustice Society joined forces to battle the King of Tears is an amazing piece of work, very detailed and complicated in its content.  Along with this, all of the scenes that contain a light show or fight scene (which is the majority of this issue) is pretty effective.  However, like always, it’s William’s artistic approach in how he draws humans that distracts me more than anything.

As with every issue, Williams makes every character over the top with their muscle definition and sexual appeal.  I’m not going to deny that many artists in this field draw their characters with this type of exaggeration, but there is a sense of realism and an appropriate proportional demeanor with other artists.  William’s seems to loose focus and gives his heroes a ridiculous body structure that focuses on the wrong aspects.  Granted, Power Girl has been given a major breast reduction and the males don’t seem to be so cock heavy, (which makes me think Williams might have paid attention to many reviewers comments on the over done characterizations) but still, that same distraction still exists.  I would hope Williams will attempt an even lesser approach to his heroes for future issues.

Another note on the artistic side, which I don’t believe is William’s fault at all, is some of the paneling decisions.  When you have a comic using the same panel over and over again right next to each other, it makes me wonder how rushed they were to get this issue out. Here we have Power Girl and Sand having a conversation, what seems the same to you?...

Keep in mind, this does not happen once, but three more times!  We have a wonderful scene with Stargirl seemingly giving birth to two skeletal dinosaurs…

Its gets better!  Here we have Stargirl trapped in a junk yard type of place where she is the only aspect in this trifecta paneling that changes…

And of course, earlier in the book we have Johnny Sorrow standing over a hole in the ground.  Sure, A few things are different in this section, but Johnny Sorrow is still standing there like a statue. ..

The story itself is actually quite good, it appeals to my twisted attraction to creepy and demonic tales.  I’m enjoying the new characteristic of pedophilia that Sorrow has now adopted.  That aspect of the storyline has helped to boost my ranking up a few points in addition to being engaged the whole way through with the story.  I do worry about how this will all end.  Sturges hasn’t revealed the real reason Sorrow is pursuing Stargirl.  But when he does, I wonder if it’s going to be worth the wait.

Overall

A somewhat below average issue.  I know Freddie Williams has more potential in his pinky finger as an artist than most others do in their whole body, but he just isn’t delivering like I would have hoped.

Rating: 4.5 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming April 7, 2010

The Injustice Society may have found the All-Stars' new headquarters, but Cyclone, of all people, has found a way to turn their own allies against them! Meanwhile, Stargirl shares an intimate moment with a teammate, which could be a BIG mistake!
And in the co-feature, the search for the mysterious Staff of Life leads to some strange partnerships when their objectives force Liberty Belle and Tigress to pair up in order to find Hourman and Icicle!

Comic Book Review: JSA All-Stars #3

Book Information

Written by Matthew Sturges

Art by Freddie Williams II

Plot

The All-Stars decide to start the search for their missing comrade, The Atom Smasher.  This will require some finite training and ingenuity to prepare for any battles they might face in completing their objective.  But as they train, a few problems arise between Power Girl and Magog.

My Thoughts

So I read the Justice Society annual last week a tad bit confused by the sudden rush to stop Magog from destroying a prison.  It was nice to realize that the annual came out two weeks too early in reading All-Stars #3.  I’m not sure whose fault it was for this BIG mistake but someone needs to be put on probation or fired!

Aside from this major distraction, the story itself is a fun read.  Magog’s intentions are admirable, but to be perfectly frank, they suck.  However, it is nice to see the new team finally trying to behave like a team, even though the outcome is quite unsuccessful.  I can see why having the elderly division of the JSA is a much needed commodity.  If the All-Stars continue down this path of hatred and disunity, I don’t see this title sticking it out for the long haul.  #3 is fun to read, but I can’t keep going with the chaos that defines this team (or lack there of) if it doesn’t start to clear up in issue #4.  Hopefully, with Magog gone, things will get better.

Freddie Williams II has the potential of being one of the best artists working for DC right now, however there are multiple inconsistencies in his art that keep him from reaching that level.  Being an artist myself who prides himself on creating quality artwork in the superhero realm this is something I can speak to wholeheartedly.  One thing I do appreciate with Williams II is his attempt at being original and different artistically.  Apart from Frank Quietly, Williams’ art might be the most distinguishable of any artist in comic book history.  With that being said, many aspects of his art are huge distractions for me.

Taking in consideration that muscle definition is an important feature of the superhero, I would much prefer to see heroes that don’t look like shriveled up prunes.  The page of the Atom Smasher lying on the ground, shackled and unconscious while the mysterious, hooded figured hovered over him was gorgeously done, but made him look like a young man in an old man’s body.  Stylizing is important, but there can be a point of no return.

A side note…Did anyone else notice that Power Girl seemed to be a little less weighty in the front and zipped up as well?  I wonder if Williams was reading people’s reviews about the “boobage” and decided to make some changes.

Overall

Fun to read, but really doesn’t go beyond the typical comics book.  Williams’ art needs tweeking, and hopefully Sturges gives this team a new direction which gives them focus.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars

Comic Book Review: Justice Society of America Annual #2

Book Information

Written by Keith Giffen &Matthew Sturges

Art by Tom Derenick & Rodney Ramos

Plot

Magog attempts a loner expedition in thwarting a massive escape attempt by Haven’s most vile and evil criminal masterminds.  However, confusion hit the JSA’s (both versions) radar as the call is made claiming Magog to be the culprit.  With tensions rising, and the team constantly questioning Magog’s crime fighting methods, is this the last straw for the team?  Is Magog truly the one instigating this terrible criminal escape attempt, or is there dirty work afoot at Haven’s doorstep?

My Thoughts

I hate Magog, that’s all there is to it.  He’s an obnoxious character that equals the stupidity that came along in the creation of Lobo and Arm Fall-Off boy.  He was cool in Kingdom Come, but I really hate seeing him anywhere else in the DC universe.  I would honestly prefer brushing my teeth, and then drinking orange juice then having to continually see that idiot Magog on any more pages of a DC comic every again.  However, Giffen and Sturges do make this a “better than your average comic” yearly annual.

There nothing in this issue that’s mind blowing, or allows you to come to new realizations about any of the characters...until the end.  This is without a doubt an explosive and loud comic from start to finish.  90% of this issue has either an explosion, a light show, or fist to fist combat, with the occasional one page consisting of calm, yet tension building plot twists.  The two paged spread towards the end of the destruction of Haven was breathtakingly astounding.  Points go to the artistic team for given us a visual masterpiece on every page turn.  I can only imagine how exhausting that had to have been, and even then I probably fail to fathom it.

The story itself for the first chunk of the book made me think that this was going to be nothing more than a slug fest with no successful or meaningful conclusion.  With Power Girl’s constant bickering, Wildcat II’s whining, and the persistent yelling at fellow teammates while they duke it out with the escaped convicts, I wondered if this issue was going to have any thought provoking end at all.  Much to my surprise, it had just that.  The last page shows the splintered JSA, torn between one another’s differences.  Questions are raised about loyalty, leadership, authority and responsibility.  The approach that Giffen and Sturges took in tackling this dilemma of the teams wanting to be together, yet feeling as if they can’t was perfectly done.  The emotional impact that fighting amongst family or those you are closest too is one of the deeper and more consistently conflicting aspects of life that anyone could write about.  I think this JSA split up is going to be a lot better than I initially thought.

Overall

Exceptional issue.  While being a punch drunk, fist happy, explosively violent comic, it ties all of that rage together into a realization that fighting amongst family and friends will bring nothing but more destruction in addition to what has already been caused.  This issues attempts to showcase the very age old question, “Can we disagree without becoming violently disagreeable?”

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Comic Book Review: JSA All-Stars #2

Book Information

Written by Matthew Sturges &

Co-Feature written by Jen Van-Meter

Art by Freddie Williams II

Co-Feature art by Travis Moore and Dan Green

Plot

Stargirl has been kidnapped and the JSA All-Stars frantically go on the search for their missing comrade.  But instead of finding the teenaged hero, they run into a team of their villain counter-parts, the Injustice Society.  As the JSA fights to free Stargirl, power struggles between Power Girl and Magog steadily increase, and team discover a secret beyond comprehension involving the mystery behind Stargirl.

My Thoughts

This issue is a little less compelling than last months JSA All-Stars #1.  Last month, Sturges was taking the time to develop the characters as apart of this new extension of the JSA, but this issue dives more into the mystery of Stargirl and why no villains dared attack her.  It makes for an interesting read, but does lack some of the qualities #1 had.

One of the most annoying aspects of the Justice League was the other counter-part team, the Injustice League.  Now, after a very long hiatus comes the return of the Injustice Society.  It worked in the beginning, but how can Matthew Sturges have this overly used plot device in his JSA run and not burst into laughter at the ridiculous nature of it?  I can only hope that the Injustice Society is short lived and forgotten about, never to be brought back again.

Mr. Sturges is, however, appealing to my twisted nature with his pedophile main villain, Johnny Sorrow.  The sweet sixteen hero, Stargirl, find herself in the midst of the adult villain, professing his love to her.  This creepy and seedy plot twist adds to the already conflicted storyline of a splintered team trying to find its stride in the crime fighting world.  Johnny Sorrow is a very interesting character addition to the JSA title and it would be nice to see him as a consistent villain for the JSA; he has everything a good villain should have, lust, a power hungry attitude, and a twisted way of getting what he wants.

However, like most of the issues in the JSA for the past three months, this issue is nothing more than one big fist fight for 30 pages, under the leadership of our annoying friend Mr. Magog.  With his constant disagreement of their tactile methods and moral judgments, I’m beginning to wonder why the heck he’s even on the JSA.  Further more, because everyone else seems to disagree with virtually everything Magog commands, I wonder why they decide to leave the regular JSA and side with him in the first place?  I feel a lot more confused about this spilt up now that it’s happened.  Something has to change in order for the All-Stars to maintain some sense of team unity and loyalty.  And based on the cover of issue #3, we may see just that.

The art is no different from issue #1, over the top muscle definition, very well endowed women, and unproportional body types.  Power Girl’s boobs are still shooting right out at my face, which causes me to loose focus on the story and just stare in utter amazement at the size of her mountains.  It’s as if Freddie Williams II told himself “I’m going to see how big I can make her boobs and get away with it.”  Well, he certainly is doing just that, as well as ever so slightly increasing the size of Stargirl’s boobs.  I’m so happy Sturges is NOT doing the art for Wonder Woman right now; he would completely ruin her in every possible way. 

Even with Sturges’ obsession with PeeGee’s boobs, the energy within his art is undeniably strong.  The action in every panel is powerful and moving and causes me to get even more engrossed into the art work.  Sturges is good with the energy, but needs to tone down the “boobage” just a bit.

Overall

This issue is entertaining, however a couple of notches down in quality from last months issue.  I certainly hope the tension between Power Girl and Magog is resolved next month because I know everyone is waiting for that inevitable PeeGee punch to the jaw of Magog.  And seeing how no comic book readers are true Magog fans, there will be a congregational cry around the world on February 10^th, where every comic book junkie will cry out “Hallelujah” and praise Power Girl for being the completely awesome hero she is.

Rating:  5 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming February 10^th, 2010

Co-feature art by Travis Moore and Dan Green Cover by Freddie Williams II
In "Constellations" part 2, the All-Stars are on the trail of the villains who've kidnapped one of their own while internal turmoil creates drama in the ranks! And after what went down in the JSA ANNUAL this month, it looks like Magog won't be on the team much longer!

In the co-feature, Liberty Belle and Hourman trek to Venice alongside Icicle and Tigress in an amazing race to learn the secret of the ancient Staff of Legends