Justice Society Volume One

 

I've always been more of a Marvel fan than a DC fanatic, but I've also always had a soft spot for the "Earth 2"/Classic DC heroes and this compilation of a mid-1970's series shows off those stars (the original Superman, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Dr. Mid-Nite, the Flash and Wildcat) mixed with a few newer youngsters - Power Girl, Star-Spangled Kid and that world's Robin - as they show off their superior powers while they learn from the elders.

In this tale a threat to the very existence of the world binds these characters together, even bringing some of the older heroes out of retirement. Of course, our side wins - for now! - and decides that together they are stronger than as individuals and continue to fight evil as it appears, as improbably menaces multiply with every issue.

The artwork by Wally Wood (and others, although his work stands out) is exceptional as he always is, although the story telling is a bit more mundane and pedestrian, something that often bothered me about DC. Of course, this is a huge generalization, but it is appropriate for this series. Not to say that this isn't still comic book fun, but don't expect a lot of depth here!