Justice League of America #207 (October, 1982)
"Crisis on Earth-Prime, Book One: Crisis Times Three!"
Writer - Gerry Conway
Pencils - Don Heck
Inks - Romeo Tanghal
Letters - Ben Oda
Colors - Carl Gafford
Plot Consultant - Roy Thomas
Editor - Len Wein
Cover Price: $0.60
Been having a good time covering books that rub up on the Justice Society of late. Figure, why not take a look at a run of books where the Society rubs up on the League... with a dash of All-Star thrown in for the heck of it.
This is one of those annual JLA/JSA "Crisis" events, which we spoke at length about during the first couple of parts in our Crisis on Infinite Earths episodes of Cosmic Treadmill. You can find that discussion, and about 12 hours of Crisis-related chatter if you click the pic below!
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We open with the Justice League and Justice Society getting ready for their annual get-together. They use a Transmatter Machine in order to visit each other's Earths... and both teams are just about ready to throw the switch on their end. The JSA (Green Lantern, Power Girl, Huntress, Starman and Dr. Fate) step into their Transmatter Cube so that they can be delivered to Earth-1... only, something goes awry! They finds themselves nyoinked "sideways" during the 'port... and somehow, it's Earth-3's Crime Syndicate who winds up at the JLA Satellite!
Lemme tell ya, the Crime Syndicate pulls no punches here, they beat the holy hell out of the League... all the while giving (relative) newcomer, Firestorm a history lesson about their Earth of origin! Heavy(est)-hitters, Superman and Zatanna are thrown into space by Superwoman and Ultraman. The rest of the team, not slouches by any definition (Aquaman, Hawkman, Firestorm), are simply laid out.
The Syndies then spy a rocket ship on board the JLA Satellite, and decide to ride it Earthward so they might start their reign of terror anew on Earth-1. They cite Per Degaton as the reason for their arrival... and are thankful he provided them with a second chance.
So... if the Crime Syndicate were able to ride the cross-dimensional waves to Earth-1... where the heck did the Justice Society wind up?! Well, it turns out they're stuck in-between universes... in the very prison the Crime Syndicate had been stuck in! This provides Dr. Fate with the opportunity to deliver a bit more exposition for (relative) newcomer, Power Girl. Turns out, it took the combined forces of the League and Society to take the Syndies down. They'd been locked up tight every since... until now, that is.
Power Girl begins punching their emerald prison... bubble thing, clearly a construct of Hal Jordan's. Dr. Fate suggests she settle her tea kettle so's he can think. He recalls the battle... and how "like" heroes wouldn't be able to escape this trap. Ya see, Power Girl has a similar powerset to Ultraman... who, himself is the knock-off Superman... so, it stands to reason this bubble would not let her break through. Luckily, neither Dr. Fate nor Starman have analogues in the Crime Syndicate... and so, they're able to bust 'em all out.
The Justice Society floats through the emptiness of the void... while Alan Scott tries to find any rift in the spacial-whatchamacallit that they might be able to travel through. It doesn't take too terribly long to find one... and once passing through, the team finds themselves on... Earth-Prime! Ya know, the Earth "we" live on (along with Ultraa and Superboy)! Only... it's, uh... looking kinda different.
Alan gives the place a scan with his ring, and sure enough... this is Earth-Prime. Dr. Fate opines that this Earth had been decimated by atomic war... and suggests that it, judging by the climate, happened way back in the long ago. Power Girl and Huntress are then attacked by mutant plants... a threat that lasts exactly three panels. Alan scans again to see if he can find some "emotional residue", and deduces that the man behind this holocaust was... Per Degaton!
We shift back to Earth-1 and the JLA Satellite, where the League is licking their wounds. Twenty thousand miles away, Superman wakes up from being kayoed by Superwoman. He spots Zatanna, wrapped up like a metal burrito just as she's about to pass through (and burn up in) Earth's atmosphere. He rescues her and they return to the Satellite together.
Upon arrival, Hawkman informs them that the experimental NASA shuttle they'd been looking after has been stolen (so, that explains why a rocket was even there in the first place!), and they think a bit about where their Earth-2 friends might've wound up. They decide to step into their Transmatter Cube, and find out... and, once they get there... they find the JSA headquarters all shades of messed up!
They do a bit of investigating, and come to the conclusion that the place has been a wreck for rather a long time. Further evidence is that a calendar on the wall is still opened to June, 1942 (we're about to learn that this story "takes place" in 1982).
Aquaman starts feeling deja vu (all over again), and Superman uses his super-breath to bust through a wall of the joint. The League finds themselves... on an ordinary city street... only, there are statues and flags celebrating Per Degaton all over the place! Also, people are still dressed as though it's the 1940's... and neither the architecture nor automobiles have changed from then either, even though a news-ticker indicates that today is October 2, 1982!
When the civilians get a load of the Justice League... they panic! Conway compares the looks on their faces to those of concentration camp survivors... whiiiiich, might be a bit much. Anyhoo, the civvies call for the police, who arrive wearing very Degatonny outfits and red-sunglasses. They attack the League... but, c'mon... that ain't gonna end well.
Rather then hurt the geeks, the League decides to flee. Superman comes up with plan to have Firestorm whip up a sphere with which they could travel through time. Recalling the last date showing on the Justice Society's wall calendar, he's got just the time in mind to visit! This way they might learn how Per Degaton came into power... and hopefully put a stop to it!
Time passes... in reverse, even... and the League arrives back in ye old 1942. The Justice Society HQ is untouched and pristine. Suddenly, a door opens... behind it... aren't members of the Justice Society... but of the All-Star Squadron!
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Wow... they sure crammed a lotta graham into this one, didn't they? This issue on it's own would be a six-parter nowadays!
To take a chestnut from John Byrne, this type of story totally makes me think of some of his comments regarding "fans-turned-pro" (only I'm going to use it favorably). This is a story wrangled by Gerry Conway and Roy Thomas... and is so steeped in DC minutia, that you know the people behind it have a deep appreciation of the characters and universe(s). These are the type of stories we're so sorely lacking today... not only because continuity is a complete and utter joke, but it feels as though comics is just being used as a stepping-stone to bigger and better things for a lot of folks in it. The passion just isn't there... and when it is, the characters are written so out of character to fit whatever story's being told.
Okay, enough of my kvetching. How about this issue?
It was pretty great! Just so much going on... and the seeds of these Crises on Multiple Earths mysteries are planted. It's really some high quality stuff. It's a bit dense, to be sure... but, totally solid. We're dealing with interdimensional time-travel... and yet, it's still pretty easy to follow. I've been known to get "lost" when dealing with this kind of a tale... but, didn't need to pull out Rip Hunter's chalkboard even once here!
Earth-Prime... that is, "our" Earth, has been annihilated... and Earth-2 has been taken over by Per Degaton. Also, Earth-3's Crime Syndicate is now running amok on Earth-1! That's a whole lotta Earths... and it's all going to wind up being connected. Had a lot of fun with this one.
Overall, worth a gander! It's a pretty notable story, if only for it being an early multi-title crossover event. The "even" issues are taking place in the pages of All-Star Squadron. This wasn't really something that happened all that much during the days of (primarily) newsstand distribution. It's a pretty dicey proposition to expect your readership to track down issues of a book they might not read (or be able to find at their local haunt).
Today, of course, that isn't a problem. This issue has been collected a few times (including Crisis on Multiple Earths, Volume 6)... and is available digitally.
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Letters Page (featuring The Mad Maple, because... duh):
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Hawkman (vol.4) #1 (May, 2002)
"First Impressions"
Story - Geoff Johns & James Robinson
Pencils - Rags Morales
Inks - Michael Bair
Colors - John Kalisz
Separations - Heroic Age
Letters - Bill Oakley
Assistant Editor - Morgan Dontanville
Editor - Peter Tomasi
Cover Price: $2.50
If you've ever thumbed through this blog, you might've noticed the lack of Hawkman material covered here... and there's a reason for that! I really can't bring myself to care about the character. Well, I take that back... I've only ever cared about the character once, and it was during the era we're going to be discussing today.
Now, don't take what I just said as a sign that I don't like the character... I do. I think he's great as a hard-ass member of a team, and don't mind him making guest appearances in other books... I just don't care enough about his trappings nor his janked history to follow an actual series wherein he is the star. Except... for the era we're going to discuss today.
This spins out of one of my favorite series's's's's of all-time, JSA. It was during The Return of Hawkman (which we really ought to get to here at the blog), that I started to dig the character. Stood to reason that I'd dig the ongoing as well, and so... I gave it a shot.
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We open in New York City. There is a small passenger plane in the midst of being hijacked... but, they don't get all that far before Hawkman and the JSA arrive on the scene. Carter doesn't waste any time before bashing his way into the cockpit.
The pilot loses control of the small rig, but Hawkman is able to right the flight with his might! He tosses the baddies out, and they are snagged by members of the Justice Society. Power Girl calls out to Carter for a job well done... but he doesn't seem to be in the mood for talking at the moment.
We shift scenes to Ironwood, Michigan where Speed Saunders is repairing his hot air balloon... while it's in the middle of a flight! Now, Speed Saunders is an oldie... actually made his first appearance way back in Detective Comics #1 (March, 1937), if ya believe it. He is the cousin of Shiera Saunders (the original Hawkgirl), and is the grand-uncle to Kendra Saunders (the current Hawkgirl). Speaking of Kendra, she's just arrived to chat Speed up about the Stonechat Museum in St. Roch, Louisiana.
Speed recognizes St. Roch... it's the city where Kendra's parents were murdered. Kendra starts having doubts as to whether or not Speed has always been on the up and up with her regarding the passing of her folks... and begins questioning a lot of what he's told her. She decides to look into it herself... and asks that her grand-uncle does not contact Hawkman. She wants to do this herself. Naturally, no sooner is she out of panel, than Speed is on the phone with Carter.
Next, we're introduced to the city of St. Roch. As far as I know, this is it's first appearance (though, I could be mistaken). It's a port town, reminds me of New Orleans... which, I'm pretty sure it's supposed to. Carter's narration describes it as being culturally and politically divided... and dirty.
We rejoin Hawkgirl inside the Stonechat Museum. She's looking for a man named Danny Evans. She tries to get some answers out of someone who appears to be in charge... but doesn't get far. The fella doesn't believe she is who she says she is. He's met Hawkgirl, ya see. Just then... Hawkman struts in, and suddenly everyone's doubts are lifted.
Carter greets the gentleman. Turns out he's Oliver Evans, Danny's father. Hawkman explains the Hawkgirl situation... which only seems to make Kendra's blood boil. I get it... I think many of us have been in a situation where our credibility is questioned... until someone perceived as being credible vouches for us. It's humbling... and holy cow, is it frustrating.
Anyhoo, Kendra hands over a telegraph from Danny Evans to her parents, Michael and Trina Saunders... warning them not to pursue an exhibit. Oliver explains that Danny is an archaeologist, and is currently on an expedition in Punjab, India.
Also... that they haven't heard a peep out of him in over two days. Looks like Danny might be in some trouble.
We shift scenes to the posh estate of a man with a meticulously manicured mustache. He receives a call about the Hawks snooping around the Museum... which he doesn't seem to be a fan of. Oh, he also really wants The Third Eye of Shiva... which just so happens to be the relic Danny Evans is currently after. Before hanging up, he orders that Bloque be called in to take care of the birds.
Back in St. Roch, Hawkgirl is getting ready to fly off to India in order to track down Danny. Hawkman isn't so sure it's a good idea. As he goes to take off after her, he is grabbed by the ankle and slammed into a nearby car. This baddie... is Bloque. His powers seem to be that he can block (bloque?) out the senses of whoever he's fighting. First he blocks Carter's ability to hear.
Then... his ability to see!
Just as he's about to go in for the kill... he is struck on the side by a crazy-looking knife. Then... he's crushed by a car. Turns out, Hawkgirl hadn't made it all that far yet.
Together, the Hawks beat the hell out of Bloque. The police arrive and refer to the big guy as the "Most Wanted Hitman in St. Roch". When I think of "hitmen", I don't think about someone dressed quite as loudly as this fella. Well, unless he's a Canadian pro-wrestler, I guess. Anyhoo, he's hauled away.
We wrap up with Carter and Kendra deciding to head to India together. Working together suits them... even if it's not as the fabled lovers we might be used to.
Odd note: We learn that Shiera didn't like hamburgers. What's not to love about burgers?!
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A pretty good opener... and one that really side-steps much of the mishegas regarding Hawkman's tortured (and fractured) history. You don't need to know all that much to pick this issue up and enjoy it. It's an issue where a conflict is established, a mission statement is (sorta) said, and we get a bit of action so the characters can flex their wings.
The dynamic between the Hawks here is really neat. I love the idea of Kendra bucking tradition/fate/legend/whatever. She doesn't just fall into this romantic relationship simply because she's told she has to... or that she's supposed to, because it's the way it's always gone down. A lot of interesting story spurs to travel down here.
Gotta say, that scene where old man Evans ain't buying Kendra's story until Carter vouches for her? That one kinda hit me where it hurts. I feel like I've been in just that situation a time or two... and it always burned my ass. I'm not a terribly egocentric guy... but, at the same time, the thought of having my credibility questioned (when it's unnecessary) makes my teeth itch.
I like the addition of St. Roch to DC's fictional United States of America. I've always been a sucker for made up city "analogues". Not sure why... maybe it helps me to disconnect from the real world a bit easier.
While I enjoyed this quite a bit... it's really just a set-up issue, which means there isn't a whole heckuva lot to say about it. I'd say that this (and the JSA arc that proceeded it) might be one of the easier ways to "get into" Hawkman. I know it worked for me... unfortunately though, it turned out to be the only take that really clicked for me.
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Starman (vol.2) #1 (November, 1994)
"Sins of the Father, Part Two: Oil (Paint) and Water"
Writer - James Robinson
Pencils - Tony Harris
Inks - Wade Von Grawbadger
Letters - John Workman
Colors - Gregory Wright
Assistant Editor - Chuck Kim
Associate Editor - Jim Spivey
Editor - Archie Goodwin
Cover Price: $1.95
I sit here today... one aching unit. Thanksgiving turned out to be a fourteen hour sprint... and, who am I kidding, I loved every minute of it. It was a wonderful day at the palatial Christate... and I hope you and yours had a great one too!
Speaking of great... today we're going to take a look at Starman (vol.2) #1... and the first thing that pops into my head is "Man, how ticked off would I be if I bought this not knowing there was an issue zero?"
Well, let's find out...
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We open with a shadowy (shadowy) gentleman writing in his shadowy (shadowy) journal. He waxes poetic about Opal City and conducts himself in a fancy manner. As this is going down, news reports are lit up about a rash of crimes happening all over the City. Smaller crimes... to distract from the bigger ones... which distract from the even bigger ones. It looks like Opal might be just about to bloom into a full-blown riot situation.
Meanwhile, Jack Knight is visiting his father in the hospital. They have a pretty contentious discussion... which isn't entirely without precedent. Jack clues his Pop in that he just had a bullet removed from his leg... a claim that is backed up by a trio of carrot-topped officers... the O'Dares.
The Knight men keep talking... and arguing about, well... a lot of things. Tonight's events have dredged up a whole lot of bitterness between the two. Jack mocking his brother for taking the mantle of Starman... how the "junk dealer" survived, when the hero did not. Hell, even new business like losing Pemberton's Cosmic Belt. He tells Jack that the "Cosmic Rod" he holds isn't even the real deal, only a "Gravity Rod"... complete with 1940's era technology, which... ya know, kinda fits Jack's style.
Jack heads outside the hospital room, and runs into yet another O'Dare... Hope. She tries cheering Jack up... by posing like she's in an ad for blue jeans, and attempting to instill within him how important family is. Well, it's the thought that counts.
She begins to tell a story... and in a really neat bit, Jack flat out tells her he doesn't want to hear it. I feel like that sort of thing doesn't happen enough in comics. Characters are usually more than happy to let a perfect stranger drone on, so long as it provides a bit of exposition. As neat as it was, though, Hope tells the story anyway. Ya see, back in the 1940's, Starman (Jack's dad) saved the Elder O'Dares' life while he was on patrol. Ever since, the O'Dares have sworn to help Starman/Starmen, no matter what.
Suddenly, Ted Knight receives a call... a very threatening one, and one that informs him that both of his sons are dead. Of course, we know better. Also... outside the hospital, it looks like the entire City is on fire!
The caller tells Ted that he's going to take everything away from him. His sons... his home... his science... the safety of his City... and next, the memory of his dead wife. It's clear that Ted recognizes the caller...
Jack asks who it was... and, duh... it was The Mist. Ted insists that Jack get outta dodge. Since The Mist thinks both Knight boys are dead, it would be best for his unheroic son to git while the gittin' is good. He also doesn't seem all that worried about The Mist's latest threat, after all... his wife was cremated. No body to desecrate. Jack hesitates, but finally leaves.
We rejoin Jack at the bus station. Over the news, it's reported that the Opal County Museum has just been attacked... more specifically, the Adele Knight wing. Did ol' Ted really not see this coming? C'mon pal, I know you've had a night, but still.
Turns out, this was the last bit of prodding Jack needed to enter the fray. He lights up the gravity rod, and flies into action.
He arrives atop the museum (or at least a building near the museum) and proceeds to pounce on a masked goon. Onlookers are shocked, and celebrate the fact that the rumors of Starman's demise appear to have been exaggerated. Our shadowy (shadowy) friend, however, knows better.
Jack continues kicking butt, until Kyle Mist shows up. If you recall, he's the one who blew up Jack's Junk Shop last issue. Jack flees, but winds up in the drink. Seems a little bit odd, but I suppose we'll allow it. Kyle and his goons give a half-hearted chase, but decide not to dredge the waters to find him.
Inside, even more goons proceed to loot the place, stealing artwork and whatnot. Our shadowy (shadowy) friend is there looking on, before deciding to reveal himself as being... The Shade. He manifests a beast which eats some of the baddies, all the while reveling in his own purple prose. This is definitely not a dude I'd wanna be stuck in an elevator with.
We wrap up with Jack (at least I think it's Jack... I don't think they've settled on an actual model for him yet) pulling himself out of the water... and coming to the decision that he will not leave Opal City.
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I sometimes stop to think about "bubbles" in fandom. Or really, in all walks of life. Could be career/trade-specific jargon, could be "inside-baseball"... there's just certain bits of verbiage that you've gotta be "inside" to fully appreciate... or, heck, understand at all. As a pro-wrestling fan, I cringe at what the uninitiated must think a "Triple H" is.
What I'm talking about here is... this is the first issue of a new ongoing series, correct? Does it seem like a new-reader friendly outing to you? Now, this is not an indictment on the quality of the story contents... this is more an observation as just how backwards the comics industry can be. Catering to "the bubble"... the already-fans who knew issue #0's could (and would) be "a thing".
Actually, take new-readers (of the day) out of it altogether. Imagine being comics-curious today, and happening across this issue in the bins. You might've heard good things about this Starman series (because, really... who hasn't?), and you snap it up... take it home... annnnnnnd, you're completely lost! That shouldn't be the case, especially not when you're holding a book with a "#1" atop it.
I could segue into kvetching about how many inaccessible #1's we've gotten in the past decade... but, I'd probably only rile myself up... and devolve into writing in all-caps with no vowels or something.
Onto the issue itself. It was another good one... Robinson is definitely just as interested in building the world of Opal City as he is in developing Jack Knight's character... it's a wonderful marriage of concepts, and really scratches me where I itch. I've given lackluster stories a pass because of how ambitious the world building behind it was... so, having this be so good on top of all that? It makes for a really good time... and a great read.
Tony Harris... wasn't really my jam back in the long ago, however, I really couldn't think of a better artist for this series. The character models are kind of all over the place at this early point, but the "mood" of Opal City cannot be denied. This is a great tandem, Robinson and Harris.
Overall... I mean, what can I say? This is a book any fans of DC Comics should go out of their way to check out. Just remember to start with #0! This issue is available digitally.
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(Not the) Letters Page:
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