Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Tom Mandrake; Don Kramer; Keith Champagne; Rob Leigh; & Hi-Fi
Cover Art by Ethan Van Sciver & Hi-Fi Design
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for June 2004, it’s Part 1 of “Redemption Lost.” In the 1953 prologue at Portsmouth’s St. John’s Catholic Church, Jim Corrigan’s Spectre banishes murderous occultist Roger Romaine to Hell, though the first Mr. Terrific (Terry Sloane) expresses skepticism that even this measure will thwart Romaine’s mystical evil.
In present-day Portsmouth, a frustrated Dr. Mid-Nite loses a patient in surgery. The Golden Age Hourman (Rex Tyler) over-compensates re: his feelings for his estranged wife and missing son (Rick Tyler – Hourman II) on an all-night crime-busting spree with Flash (Jay Garrick) and Green Lantern (Alan Scott). At JSA Headquarters in New York, the team hosts a school field trip while Mr. Terrific (Michael Holt) and Atom (Ray Palmer) use their advanced technology to hopefully save Rex’s son.
The JSA converges on a Portsmouth homicide scene where the victim was murdered with a tommy gun. Inside St. John’s Church, Mr. Terrific & Dr. Mid-Nite contemplate their perspectives weighing religious faith vs. their belief in justice. An afflicted Spectre (Hal Jordan) seeks their help, as one of the JSA’s deadliest adversaries has returned.
REVIEW:
Steeped in JSA history, writer Geoff Johns pens a noir-like gem, as the chalk outline of the long-deceased first Mr. Terrific on the cover is readily evident. Johns assembles a series of spot-on sequences, carefully dividing screen time amongst the JSA. This issue’s character depth is exemplified in the Mr. Terrific and Dr. Mid-Nite sequence, as newer readers are brought aboard re: the Spirit King’s murder years before of Terry Sloane. Even better yet, the art team delivers stellar visuals to Johns’ dark script. Despite its grim ambiance, JSA # 60 is a vintage crime story for the JSA’s fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a full-page tribute to late DC Comics Editor Julius Schwartz.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
