JSA: Justice Be Done - Book 01 [Paperback]

While steeped in history, Goyer has written this story arc so the reader isn't required to be versed in 60 years of comic adventures. References to the past are made where necessary or flashbacks are cleverly used and well integrated into the story. The story itself is spectacular as these retired heroes, attending the funeral of an old friend, decide to reform the world's first super team to search for the next Dr. Fate.

Sadowski's art is simply breathtaking. There is astounding attention to detail that brings the illustrations alive. He also gives a realistic picture of these aging super beings. They have been around for decades and a paunch here and a wrinkle thrown in there are in sharp contrast to the typical pysically perfect, six pack abs hero that never seems to age.

Not only would I highly recommend this book, but its follow up trade paperbacks and the series itself. This dip into history is time well spent.

David Goyer has become an author of repute. He wrote the screenplay for BLADE and BLADE 2, starring Wesley Snipes, in the movie adaptation of the Marvel Comics hero. He's also written NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D., DARK CITY, and THE PUPPET MASTERS. James Robinson, the co-author of this graphic novel, has written THE GOLDEN AGE, LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT: BLADES, TERMINATOR, STARMAN, VIGILANTE, and LEAVE IT TO CHANCE . Artists for the first graphic novel gathering the first five issues of the on-going series are Scott Benefiel, Stephen Sadowski, and Derec Aucoin, with inks by Mark Propst and Michael Bair.

A combination of nostalgia and stunning story-telling enhanced by some of the best comics artwork in the business, JSA: JUSTICE BE DONE succeeds as a treat for the eyes and the heart of the long-time comics follower as well as newbies who take an interest in these legends. Goyer and Robinson's character interplay and dialogue works together to bring a depth to the story as well as a richness to their imagined world. The narrative on the panels is taut and driving, voice-overs for the action that explodes from the pages. The full page splashes of heroes like Hawkgirl and Dr. Fate are absolute treasures. Long-time fans of the JSA will enjoy the way the new authors pay homage to Gardner F. Fox, the first of the writers for the series back in the 1940s, when they split the group into teams to send to missions in different parts of the world. That was very much a Gardner Fox plot device. And they play fairly with Roy Thomas, the scribe for INFINITY, INC., who created the character of the Silver Scarab, Hector Hall.

JSA is one of the best books currently being done in the market. Goyer, because of his training in the film world, possess a cameraman's eye for shots, and Robinson's skills lead him into deep and rich characterizations. They compliment each other, but standing apart on different projects shows that each writer is nearly equally as skilled. Readers will note that the writers obviously have a good time playing off of each other. This graphic novel compliation of the first five issues states the JSA's purpose, to thoroughly entertain the reader and dazzle him or her with gorgeous artwork. Comics lovers who haven't yet tuned into the JSA will find this volume is the perfect place to start.