Chronologically, the Justice Society of America are the first superhero team in comic book history. In most incarnations of the DC Comics timeline, the Justice Society is also the first superhero team. That history and sense of legacy figure prominently in the first look at the DC All-In series JSA #1.
Written by Jeff Lemire, with art by Diego Olortegui, JSA #1 opens with an exploration of the team’s origins. From their foundation in World War II, to their most recent battles during the Absolute Power event, the Justice Society has set the benchmark for heroism in the DCU. However, the narration teases a new threat that may destroy all they have worked for.
The main cover and first four pages of JSA #1 may be viewed below.
JSA is all about history and legacy of heroes
“What made me fall in love with DC was the scope and history of the universe,” Lemire noted in an interview with AITP. “The JSA, being from the 1940s, literally has some of the first superheroes ever created in comics. Seeing them carry on through the decades made that legacy stand out in a way Marvel never fully replicated.”
Lemire further discussed the difference between the Justice Society and Justice League, while describing his vision for the new JSA series. While the League is generally populated by the World’s Finest heroes, the Justice Society of America is built upon legacies. The team’s founders recruited their own children and sidekicks, passing the torch through four generations of heroes.
However, that history was often ignored by DC Comics, with various reboots either ignoring the Justice Society of America completely or relocating them to alternate Earths. The new JSA series aims to restore that legacy and build upon it. To that end, the team boasts an impressive roster of 15 members, with multiple reservists as the book opens.
“The DC Universe was very different from what it is right now,” Lemire recalls. “When I was growing up, DC was all about legacy and history, with the JSA being a big part of that. It’s really fun to be back and to be the one writing it.”
JSA #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on November 6, 2024.
