Justice League of America #153
Published and © by DC, April 1978
Title: “Earth’s First and Last Super-Hero!”
Synopsis: Members of the JLA somehow get pulled to Earth-Prime, where they come to the aid of that world’s first superhero.
Writer: Gerry Conway
Penciler: George Tuska
Inker: Frank McLaughlin
Review: Oh, silly story, how Silver-Agey can you be? Seriously, this giant-sized offering from Gerry Conway is a throwback to simpler times, as five members of the Justice League are pulled into infinite Earth shenanigans by an “almost mystical ‘magnetic’ force that draws super-beings together.” There are certainly some workable concepts here – the character of Ultraa is particularly intriguing – but they are constantly undermined by poor story execution. Also undermining this issue is the art of George Tuska, whose style lacks the dynamism necessary for a super-hero team book. Regular artist Dick Dillin is sorely missed.
Grade: C
Cool factor: This reviewer has always been partial to Ultraa, silly costume and all.
Not-so-cool factor: Oh, there are so many choices this time out. Let’s go with Green Lantern’s “giant marshmallow shield” (just beating out the conclusion, where GL creates clothing in different colors, including yellow!)
Notable: First appearance of Ultraa.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a DC survey variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “You see, it might be my fault …” – Julie Schwartz, comic character
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Nov. 4, 2009.
