DC Special #29
Published and © by DC, August-September 1977
Title: “The Untold Origin of the Justice Society”
Synopsis: When Hitler adds Germanic valkyries to his invasion plans, U.S superheroes band together to form the Justice Society of America.
Writer: Paul Levitz
Penciler: Joe Staton
Inker: Bob Layton
Review: Fan-turned-pro Paul Levitz lands the ultimate dream assignment: Penning the untold origin story of comics’ first superhero team, the Justice Society of America. Unsurprisingly, Levitz proves up to the task, delivering a strong tale rooted in both DC continuity and world history. The writer also displays his signature knack for strong pacing and characterization while juggling a massive cast. Joe Staton and Bob Layton are a solid art pairing; Layton’s inks are a bit slick in places, but his use of Zip-a-Tone shading adds nice polish. The artists also deliver some iconic splash pages. Overall, an excellent done-in-one issue.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “This one stands heads and shoulders above the recent ‘Origin of the JLA Minus One.’ ” – Mike Conroy, Comic Media News #31, June-July 1977 … “DC can’t let Marvel’s Invaders have World War II all to themselves, can they? Very nice art most of the time, and the heroes are all intelligently used.” – Martin Lock, Comics Unlimited #45, July 1977 … Included on Alan Brightmore’s “Individual Comics That You Should Not Be Without” list, from “A Consumer’s Guide to D.C. Comics, Part 2,” Comics Unlimited #51, October-November 1979. … “A must for all JSA fans.” – Hassan Yusuf, FantaCo’s Chronicles Series Annual #1, 1983 … “A marvelous story. … Recommended.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: This might be writer Paul Levitz’s best non-Legion work.
Not-so-cool factor: That Neal Adams cover is both striking and … a little off.
Notable: Includes a two-page “The Story Behind the Story” essay discussing Paul Levitz’s research process and documenting the history of the JSA.
Character quotable: “No … not a battalion – we’re not part of any army. We fight only in the cause of justice … and that’ll give us our name … THE JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA.” – Superman, the original
Editor’s note: This review was written Jan. 9, 2025.
