New Year, New Comics: ‘JSA: The Golden Age’ Is A Gem
by Benjamin Hall
The creative team for JSA: The Golden Age (2005) consists of writer James Robinson, artist Paul John Smith, assistant inker for issue #4 Larry Welch, colors Richard Ory, and letterer John Costanza. Though Welch only sees credit in the original collection — which has the title The Golden Age (1995) — via a thank you from Paul Smith.
This title is an Elseworlds tale (for the most part) featuring characters from the Golden Age of comics. Yet, there are parts such as the early Ted Knight/Starman scenes that one could argue still happen in the main DC Universe (The Golden Age #1 [1993] and Starman [1994-2001, 2010]). Nevertheless, this collection is probably a good entry point for those who want to try a sequential story without worrying about continuity. It is definitely a good tale for those wanting to see an examination of the United States of America post-world war two through the lenses of fictional characters. One such examination is the mindsets these characters have when they are trying to find purpose after the war. Another examination occurs throughout the story with how xenophobia and patriotism leads to aftereffects, specifically the hearings by the House Unamerican Activities Committee. Besides these examinations there is also the ability to see unknowingly prescient thought for both life post 9/11/2001 and the resurgence of fascism in current times.
When it comes to the quality of the visuals in the narrative Smith, Welch and Ory all do fantastic work. Smith, for example, creates art for this story as if he is combining the collective talent of every Golden Age comic book artist with the talent and style of artist Norman Rockwell. Welch’s assisting inks are indistinguishable to Smith’s own, at least to this writer’s eyes. For those looking for coloring that creates atmospheres evoking feelings of another time reminiscent to movies of the early 20th century, Ory does just this. Yet, minus Costanza’s lettering, the writing and visuals would be telling the same story, but not connecting in any way. For Costanza’s skill with the font helps ground and tie together the narrative by making the internal monologues and outer dialogues feel cinematic.
Finally, some words of warning: Those who are looking for a standard superhero adventure will not find it here just as they will not find most of the Justice Society of America (JSA) in these pages. This is down to the story being a thoughtful tale of times past with a suspense building tension to the telling. Although there are superheroes and a big fight near the end, the story is mostly about how one copes when not being a superhero. As for the JSA part of the title, that is simply a rebranding to help sell newer editions of The Golden Age. For this is more a story featuring select members of the All-Star Squadron (All-Star Squadron [1981-1987]) and other characters from the Golden Age of comics. However, if one can get past any gripes one may have with this kind of telling and the misnomer of a title, one will find a gem of a myth.
DC’s JSA: The Golden Age is available in the original single issues and three collection formats. Those with an interest in reading it can find physical copies from various sellers online.
