Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

JSA: All-stars # 5

By The Editor
September 15, 2003 - 15:22

This miniseries gives us a look into the character and backgrounds of the 'new" Justice Society members, that is the ones who have inherited the names of their golden-age predecessors, carrying on the "legacy" of these classic characters so to speak. Along with these stories, we also get a backfeature showing the original heroes at work, back in the 40s.

The lead story gives the lowdown on the new Hourman, Rick Tyler-- how his super-strength and prophetic "hour-vision" works. It also reveals that while he has beaten his addiction to the Miraclo formula that gives him his abilities, Rick still has the addictive personality that plagued his father. This time, Rick has no villains to fight-- just a suicide to prevent, by talking a would-be jumper off the ledge. It isn't the kind of thing that is going to have fans raving but it does let us see a more sensitive, sympathetic side of a guy who is largely relegated to smashing things in the pages of JSA. If Johns and Goyer don't exactly bring tears to our eyes, at least they keep the drama from looking forced and awkward.

DeKraker and Rollins give Hourman a more dynamic look, quite a feat considering how bulky and imposing his costume can be. Some of their backgrounds could use improvement though.

Perhaps the real gem of this issue is the backfeature, telling the story of how the original Hourman, Rex Tyler saved the life of some obscure military officer. Chaykin does the writing and the art and unlike the other backfeatures in this miniseries, he makes no attempt to give the story or art a "retro" feel like it was really from the Golden Age. This is a modern story with modern sensibilities and standards. But it is still refreshingly upbeat. You can almost forgive Chaykin for making the murder of a prostitute such a major point in the plot. Chaykin even makes the rather-intense Rex Tyler a rather likable fellow who easily endures being mistaken for other, more famous mystery-men. The surprise twist at the end is just the right icing on this cake.

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 - 16:51