Justice Society of America: Difference between revisions

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The JSA, therefore, has basically become a team of veterans and mentors for other heroes, as well as the starting point for many heroes in training. This gives the team excellent dynamics: young vs. old, cynical vs. idealist, etc. While its heroes are not as popular as those who form the Justice League, they are respected and admired by all proper heroes in [[The DCU]] as [[Ur Example|pioneers of the principles they stand for]]. After adding [[Loads and Loads of Characters]] in the form of other [[Legacy Hero|Legacy Heroes]], Johns finalized his decade-long run on the book.
The JSA, therefore, has basically become a team of veterans and mentors for other heroes, as well as the starting point for many heroes in training. This gives the team excellent dynamics: young vs. old, cynical vs. idealist, etc. While its heroes are not as popular as those who form the Justice League, they are respected and admired by all proper heroes in [[The DCU]] as [[Ur Example|pioneers of the principles they stand for]]. After adding [[Loads and Loads of Characters]] in the form of other [[Legacy Hero|Legacy Heroes]], Johns finalized his decade-long run on the book.


Following his departure, the writing chores were taken over by ''[[Fables]]'' scribes Bill Willingham and Matt Sturges, who split the massive roster in two. ''JSA All-Stars'' featured Sturges' team, led by Power Girl ( who had by this time been transformed from one-note boob joke to a legitimate part of the DC Universe) and [[Kingdom Come|Magog]], while the original title held all of the important Golden Age characters. Sales suffered an expected drop-off with Johns leaving,but the book remained a major part of the DC Universe.
Following his departure, the writing chores were taken over by ''[[Fables]]'' scribes Bill Willingham and Matt Sturges, who split the massive roster in two. ''JSA All-Stars'' featured Sturges' team, led by Power Girl ( who had by this time been transformed from one-note boob joke to a legitimate part of the DC Universe) and [[Kingdom Come|Magog]], while the original title held all of the important Golden Age characters. Sales suffered an expected drop-off with Johns leaving,but the book remained a major part of the DC Universe.


James Robinson wrote several issues during a crossover with the Justice League, and then Mark Guggenheim became the regular writer. Fan reaction to his take on the characters was mixed, to say the least. His run ended when the [[New 52]] relaunch took place and the title was cancelled.
James Robinson wrote several issues during a crossover with the Justice League, and then Mark Guggenheim became the regular writer. Fan reaction to his take on the characters was mixed, to say the least. His run ended when the [[New 52]] relaunch took place and the title was cancelled.


In the [[New 52]], Robinson is back writing the team, with the second-wave title simply called Earth-2. The Justice Society again originates and operates in the titular corner of [[The Multiverse]], however, the team is no longer tied to World War 2, with the characters being reintroduced as younger versions from a modern background, and with updated abilities and looks.
In the [[New 52]], Robinson is back writing the team, with the second-wave title simply called Earth-2. The Justice Society again originates and operates in the titular corner of [[The Multiverse]], however, the team is no longer tied to World War 2, with the characters being reintroduced as younger versions from a modern background, and with updated abilities and looks.
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* [[Big Screwed-Up Family]]: Most of the inner turmoil in the JSA has been caused by the original Atom, Al Pratt's kids. Atom-Smasher was Pratt's godchild, and more recently, Pratt's son Damage (it's a [[It Makes Sense in Context|complicated story]]) betrayed the team by siding with Gog.
* [[Big Screwed-Up Family]]: Most of the inner turmoil in the JSA has been caused by the original Atom, Al Pratt's kids. Atom-Smasher was Pratt's godchild, and more recently, Pratt's son Damage (it's a [[It Makes Sense in Context|complicated story]]) betrayed the team by siding with Gog.
* [[Butter Face]]: Way back in the early days of the JSA, Johnny Thunder was thrown back in time and was betrothed to a princess who always wore a veil...
* [[Butter Face]]: Way back in the early days of the JSA, Johnny Thunder was thrown back in time and was betrothed to a princess who always wore a veil...
* [[Clothing Damage]]: Power Girl frequently suffers this, being [[Ms. Fanservice]]. Atom Smasher's mask is also unusually fragile, often tearing from a flung bottle or somesuch object.
* [[Clothing Damage]]: Power Girl frequently suffers this, being [[Ms. Fanservice]]. Atom Smasher's mask is also unusually fragile, often tearing from a flung bottle or somesuch object.
* [[Comedic Hero]]: Johnny Thunder and the Red Tornado in the original WWII comics. Both are still around and haven't changed much.
* [[Comedic Hero]]: Johnny Thunder and the Red Tornado in the original WWII comics. Both are still around and haven't changed much.
* [[Cool Old Guy]]: What, you can't see it? The original members ''[[Crowning Moment of Awesome|pantsed Hitler]]'', for crying out loud. The whole flying, bend-steel-with-their-bare-hands thing is a bonus.
* [[Cool Old Guy]]: What, you can't see it? The original members ''[[Crowning Moment of Awesome|pantsed Hitler]]'', for crying out loud. The whole flying, bend-steel-with-their-bare-hands thing is a bonus.
* [[Cool Ship]]: Following the return of their [[Informed Ability|ace pilot]] Atom Smasher, the All-Stars have recently gained one in the form of the appropriately named Star Eagle.
* [[Cool Ship]]: Following the return of their [[Informed Ability|ace pilot]] Atom Smasher, the All-Stars have recently gained one in the form of the appropriately named Star Eagle.
* [[Cosmic Horror]]: Johnny Sorrow and the King of Tears (which would make a great name for a rock duo, but I digress).
* [[Cosmic Horror]]: Johnny Sorrow and the King of Tears (which would make a great name for a rock duo, but I digress).
* [[Darker and Edgier]]: While it's still early in his run, so things may change, Guggenheim's first issue has all the hallmarks of this, with plenty of violence, destruction, and the normally polite and in-control Jay Garrick referring to the villain as a "bastard".
* [[Darker and Edgier]]: While it's still early in his run, so things may change, Guggenheim's first issue has all the hallmarks of this, with plenty of violence, destruction, and the normally polite and in-control Jay Garrick referring to the villain as a "bastard".
* [[Demoted to Extra]]: Sandy Hawkins/Sandman gets this, after the [[The Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] Sandman spent years as the star of [[Sandman Mystery Theatre]].
* [[Demoted to Extra]]: Sandy Hawkins/Sandman gets this, after the [[The Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] Sandman spent years as the star of [[Sandman Mystery Theatre]].
* [[Deadpan Snarker]]: Johnny Thunder's genie, the Thunderbolt, as well as Power Girl on occasion.
* [[Deadpan Snarker]]: Johnny Thunder's genie, the Thunderbolt, as well as Power Girl on occasion.
* [[Depending on the Artist]]: Cyclone's costume is pretty hard to draw, so various artists raise or lower the slit on the side (or remove it entirely), alter the amount of strips on the leggings, change the size or colour of her emblem, and change how baggy or large the overhanging pouch is. Even her hair is subject to this, either having long bangs, or none at all.
* [[Depending on the Artist]]: Cyclone's costume is pretty hard to draw, so various artists raise or lower the slit on the side (or remove it entirely), alter the amount of strips on the leggings, change the size or colour of her emblem, and change how baggy or large the overhanging pouch is. Even her hair is subject to this, either having long bangs, or none at all.
** Quite common for some other members of the team. Power Girl's costume is explained in-universe as having multiple variations after years of varying Boob-Window-sizes, and Stargirl is often shown looking more or less young and busty.
** Quite common for some other members of the team. Power Girl's costume is explained in-universe as having multiple variations after years of varying Boob-Window-sizes, and Stargirl is often shown looking more or less young and busty.
* [[Divergent Character Evolution]]: Even though the Justice Society came first and the [[Justice League of America]] was just a [[The Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver Age]] update of the Justice Society, because the Justice League was more popular, it was decided that the Justice Society needed to find a new core concept to differentiate it from the Justice League. Several different ideas were tried such as being an [[Alternate Universe]] equivalent to the Justice League, being a group of middle-aged superheroes, being a group of senior citizen superheroes, until finally, they found a concept that worked sales-wise: a multigenerational family of superheroes training the next generation.
* [[Divergent Character Evolution]]: Even though the Justice Society came first and the [[Justice League of America]] was just a [[The Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver Age]] update of the Justice Society, because the Justice League was more popular, it was decided that the Justice Society needed to find a new core concept to differentiate it from the Justice League. Several different ideas were tried such as being an [[Alternate Universe]] equivalent to the Justice League, being a group of middle-aged superheroes, being a group of senior citizen superheroes, until finally, they found a concept that worked sales-wise: a multigenerational family of superheroes training the next generation.
** This concept behind the team has been explicitly abandoned by Marc Guggenheim.
** This concept behind the team has been explicitly abandoned by Marc Guggenheim.
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** In ''[[The Golden Age]]'', America's mystery men, including the JSA, return home after [[World War Two]] and find themselves obsolete, unable to go back to catching bank robbers after spending years fighting [[Those Wacky Nazis]]. Unfortunately for everyone, though, the Nazi menace isn't quite finished...
** In ''[[The Golden Age]]'', America's mystery men, including the JSA, return home after [[World War Two]] and find themselves obsolete, unable to go back to catching bank robbers after spending years fighting [[Those Wacky Nazis]]. Unfortunately for everyone, though, the Nazi menace isn't quite finished...
** In ''The Liberty Files'', the Golden Age superheroes are reinvented as super-spies who fight arms dealers, Nazis, and aliens in the '30s through the '50s.
** In ''The Liberty Files'', the Golden Age superheroes are reinvented as super-spies who fight arms dealers, Nazis, and aliens in the '30s through the '50s.
* [[Energy Being]]: Although he was unaware of this at first, Alan Scott's body is now composed entirely of the green energy he's channeled through his ring for 70 years.
* [[Energy Being]]: Although he was unaware of this at first, Alan Scott's body is now composed entirely of the green energy he's channeled through his ring for 70 years.
* [[Evil Cannot Comprehend Good]]: The Wizard's first appearance. He'd been out of touch for years learning his magical powers. When he returned to civilization, he learned of the JSA. He could not conceive of intelligent super-powered people using their powers for good for altruistic reasons, and assumed the heroes were actually [[Villain with Good Publicity|running an enormous scam]], and he demanded to be cut in.
* [[Evil Cannot Comprehend Good]]: The Wizard's first appearance. He'd been out of touch for years learning his magical powers. When he returned to civilization, he learned of the JSA. He could not conceive of intelligent super-powered people using their powers for good for altruistic reasons, and assumed the heroes were actually [[Villain with Good Publicity|running an enormous scam]], and he demanded to be cut in.
* [[Evil Sorcerer]]: The Wizard (one of the JSA's longest-running villains), and others.
* [[Evil Sorcerer]]: The Wizard (one of the JSA's longest-running villains), and others.
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** FDR also had the distinction of directly founding the JSA's sister team (as revealed in an 80s [[Retcon]] and the 80s series of the same name), the [[All-Star Squadron]], a team composed of most active US-based superheroes during the war.
** FDR also had the distinction of directly founding the JSA's sister team (as revealed in an 80s [[Retcon]] and the 80s series of the same name), the [[All-Star Squadron]], a team composed of most active US-based superheroes during the war.
* [[Genki Girl]]: Cyclone, possibly the only example in DC comics. Generally just a hyperactive, over-talkative motor-mouth who ends up with her mouth finally covered by another character at least twice.
* [[Genki Girl]]: Cyclone, possibly the only example in DC comics. Generally just a hyperactive, over-talkative motor-mouth who ends up with her mouth finally covered by another character at least twice.
* [[Girls Night Out Episode]]
* [[Girls' Night Out Episode]]
* [[The Gambler]]: Roulette
* [[The Gambler]]: Roulette
* [[Handwraps of Awesome]]: Hawkgirl, except in her case they go halfway up her arms to hide the cuts on her wrists.
* [[Handwraps of Awesome]]: Hawkgirl, except in her case they go halfway up her arms to hide the cuts on her wrists.
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* [[The Night That Never Ends]]: Obsidian and Ian Karkull attempted to do this to the Earth in one arc.
* [[The Night That Never Ends]]: Obsidian and Ian Karkull attempted to do this to the Earth in one arc.
* [[Out of Focus]]: Happens a ''lot'' considering there's so many members of the team. Dr. Fate and Jakeem Thunder would be gone for arcs at a time in the previous run, and the current one features about 20-odd characters, about 10 of whom get to say something once an issue, and even fewer who get major parts. This led to some bizarre situations where characters were ''introduced'' and then put Out of Focus, not saying or doing anything for another few issues!
* [[Out of Focus]]: Happens a ''lot'' considering there's so many members of the team. Dr. Fate and Jakeem Thunder would be gone for arcs at a time in the previous run, and the current one features about 20-odd characters, about 10 of whom get to say something once an issue, and even fewer who get major parts. This led to some bizarre situations where characters were ''introduced'' and then put Out of Focus, not saying or doing anything for another few issues!
** With the team split, Atom Smasher disappeared for over six months real-time, and Jakeem has been mentioned as not being on either team.
** With the team split, Atom Smasher disappeared for over six months real-time, and Jakeem has been mentioned as not being on either team.
* [[Overprotective Dad]]: Jay Garrick tends to be this around Stargirl--he confronts the "is sixteen, but in an adult's body" Captain Marvel about his relationship with her, and suggests that a firefighter talking her up in another issue consider the age difference. The whole elder trio later forces Atom Smasher to let Stargirl down once and for all. Courtney does not appreciate any of these moments.
* [[Overprotective Dad]]: Jay Garrick tends to be this around Stargirl--he confronts the "is sixteen, but in an adult's body" Captain Marvel about his relationship with her, and suggests that a firefighter talking her up in another issue consider the age difference. The whole elder trio later forces Atom Smasher to let Stargirl down once and for all. Courtney does not appreciate any of these moments.
** Justified in-story: Jay's only (adopted) child died very young, and so he sees all of the young heroes on the team as his children, with Courtney as the youngest.
** Justified in-story: Jay's only (adopted) child died very young, and so he sees all of the young heroes on the team as his children, with Courtney as the youngest.
* [[Passing the Torch]]: Hourman
* [[Passing the Torch]]: Hourman
* [[The Power of Love]]: What Johnny Sorrow was using Stargirl and Atom Smasher's love for- a magic spell to free him from the King of Tears.
* [[The Power of Love]]: What Johnny Sorrow was using Stargirl and Atom Smasher's love for- a magic spell to free him from the King of Tears.
* [[Power Trio]]
* [[Power Trio]]
** Superego: Green Lantern--[[The Cape]], functionally immortal.
** Superego: Green Lantern--[[The Cape (trope)]], functionally immortal.
** Ego: Flash--[[Cool Old Guy]], has been the "uncle" to younger heroes for something like a generation.
** Ego: Flash--[[Cool Old Guy]], has been the "uncle" to younger heroes for something like a generation.
** Id: Wildcat or Hawkman--both [[Badass Normal]], one a [[Boisterous Bruiser]] and the other a [[Blood Knight]], both prone to charging in.
** Id: Wildcat or Hawkman--both [[Badass Normal]], one a [[Boisterous Bruiser]] and the other a [[Blood Knight]], both prone to charging in.
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* [[Sdrawkcab Name]]: It once took the JSA an entire issue of ''All-Star Comics'' to realise that evil Professor Elba and kindly Professor Able were one and the same. Not exactly their finest moment.
* [[Sdrawkcab Name]]: It once took the JSA an entire issue of ''All-Star Comics'' to realise that evil Professor Elba and kindly Professor Able were one and the same. Not exactly their finest moment.
* [[Shout-Out]]: When the JSA All-Stars were looking for a team name, Judomaster suggested ''[[Science Ninja Team Gatchaman|Kagaku Ninja Tai Gatchaman]]'', to which one of her teammates even mention ''G-Force'' (Americanized version of the anime).
* [[Shout-Out]]: When the JSA All-Stars were looking for a team name, Judomaster suggested ''[[Science Ninja Team Gatchaman|Kagaku Ninja Tai Gatchaman]]'', to which one of her teammates even mention ''G-Force'' (Americanized version of the anime).
** In the first storyline for ''JSA'', the team goes up against Mordru and begin shifting into different realities. One of them is a anthropomorphic animal world home to the "Justice Critters". Starman in this world is a fox, making him "[[Star Fox (series)|Star Fox]]".
** In the first storyline for ''JSA'', the team goes up against Mordru and begin shifting into different realities. One of them is a anthropomorphic animal world home to the "Justice Critters". Starman in this world is a fox, making him "[[Star Fox (series)|Star FOX]]".
* [[Ship Sinking]]: Stargirl & Billy Batson (thanks to different editors) and Stargirl & Atom Smasher (thanks to a plot twist that toyed with Stargirl's emotions, and later a [[Romantic False Lead]] in Anna Fortune).
* [[Ship Sinking]]: Stargirl & Billy Batson (thanks to different editors) and Stargirl & Atom Smasher (thanks to a plot twist that toyed with Stargirl's emotions, and later a [[Romantic False Lead]] in Anna Fortune).
* [[Sickeningly Sweethearts]]: Hourman and Liberty Belle.
* [[Sickeningly Sweethearts]]: Hourman and Liberty Belle.
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* [[Suddenly Sexuality]]: Mocked like all hell. When writer Bill Willingham took over the JSA title, there was a great amount of concern among fans about how this would affect Todd (as Willingham is a Republican). Some fans even feared that Willingham would "cure" Todd's sexuality. In Justice Society of America (Vol. 3)#40, Willingham attempted to address this concern in a humorous way by having the newly restored Obsidian announce that his homosexuality has been cured, only for him to quickly renounce this claim, telling the readers, while breaking the fourth wall for a brief moment, that he was only joking and that he was still gay.
* [[Suddenly Sexuality]]: Mocked like all hell. When writer Bill Willingham took over the JSA title, there was a great amount of concern among fans about how this would affect Todd (as Willingham is a Republican). Some fans even feared that Willingham would "cure" Todd's sexuality. In Justice Society of America (Vol. 3)#40, Willingham attempted to address this concern in a humorous way by having the newly restored Obsidian announce that his homosexuality has been cured, only for him to quickly renounce this claim, telling the readers, while breaking the fourth wall for a brief moment, that he was only joking and that he was still gay.
* [[Super Family Team]]: Various with the many founding members' families.
* [[Super Family Team]]: Various with the many founding members' families.
* [[Super Human Trafficking]]: By Roulette.
* [[Super Human Trafficking]]: By Roulette.
* [[Sweet Polly Oliver]]: The original Red Tornado, Abigail "Ma" Hunkel, was a hefty housewife with a mean uppercut who dressed up as a male superhero to clean up her neighborhood and keep her kids safe. She's still around as the JSA's museum curator, though she doesn't do the crossdressing bit any longer (except when she [[Mall Santa|plays Santa]]).
* [[Sweet Polly Oliver]]: The original Red Tornado, Abigail "Ma" Hunkel, was a hefty housewife with a mean uppercut who dressed up as a male superhero to clean up her neighborhood and keep her kids safe. She's still around as the JSA's museum curator, though she doesn't do the crossdressing bit any longer (except when she [[Mall Santa|plays Santa]]).
* [[Take Up My Sword]]: Mr. America.
* [[Take Up My Sword]]: Mr. America.
* [[This Looks Like a Job For Aquaman]]: It sure is a good thing that Dr. Mid-Nite, a licensed physician, is on the team, because they seem to be the only team in comics that regularly has somebody suffer a near-fatal injury in every event. Averted with the [[Retool]] with [[Loads and Loads of Characters]] later.
* [[This Looks Like a Job For Aquaman]]: It sure is a good thing that Dr. Mid-Nite, a licensed physician, is on the team, because they seem to be the only team in comics that regularly has somebody suffer a near-fatal injury in every event. Averted with the [[Retool]] with [[Loads and Loads of Characters]] later.
* [[True Companions]]: Due to blood ties, legacies, life-long friendships, and the various generation gaps, the JSA is one big family.
* [[True Companions]]: Due to blood ties, legacies, life-long friendships, and the various generation gaps, the JSA is one big family.
* [[Will They or Won't They?]]: Atom Smasher and Stargirl appeared to be [[Like Brother and Sister]] at first, with him playing the older hero she looked up to. Other stories have shown them as married in the future, and she showed tremendous amounts of grief towards his betrayal and temporary death. Recent comics flat-out state that they're in love with each other, but the elders forced them to call it off. Then they announced their love, but need time apart after a mess with Johnny Sorrow. Just call them "Colossus and Kitty, Version 2.0".
* [[Will They or Won't They?]]: Atom Smasher and Stargirl appeared to be [[Like Brother and Sister]] at first, with him playing the older hero she looked up to. Other stories have shown them as married in the future, and she showed tremendous amounts of grief towards his betrayal and temporary death. Recent comics flat-out state that they're in love with each other, but the elders forced them to call it off. Then they announced their love, but need time apart after a mess with Johnny Sorrow. Just call them "Colossus and Kitty, Version 2.0".
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