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Justice Society of America (2007)
Justice Society of America, Vol. 7: Axis of Evil
A new era begins for the Justice Society of America as writer Bill Willingham (FABLES) takes over the solo writing chores on the series with artist Jesus Merino (SUPERMAN ANNUAL). After a rift in the team literally split the roster apart, the Justice Society struggles to pick up the pieces! Regrouping at a new, temporary home base, the smaller team reflects on the recent infiltration of their ranks and how they can protect themselves from another such attack in the future! And why is the new Dr. Fate acting so weird? It's all-out war as the leaner, meaner Justice Society of America confront another intruder in their midst! But this time it's bad news for their enemy, as he's facing a team that has learned from its past mistakes! The new incarnation of the Justice Society is more together than ever, which is a plus for them as their old enemies, the Axis of Evil, return! This means war!
168 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2010
About the author
Bill Willingham
1,035 books2,839 followersIn the late 1970s to early 1980s he drew fantasy ink pictures for the Dungeons & Dragons Basic and Expert game rulebooks. He first gained attention for his 1980s comic book series Elementals published by Comico, which he both wrote and drew. However, for reasons unknown, the series had trouble maintaining an original schedule, and Willingham's position in the industry remained spotty for many years. He contributed stories to Green Lantern and started his own independent, black-and-white comics series Coventry which lasted only 3 issues. He also produced the pornographic series Ironwood for Eros Comix.
In the late 1990s Willingham reestablished himself as a prolific writer. He produced the 13-issue Pantheon for Lone Star Press and wrote a pair of short novels about the modern adventures of the hero Beowulf, published by the writer's collective, Clockwork Storybook, of which Willingham was a founding member. In the early 2000s he began writing extensively for DC Comics, including the limited series Proposition Player, a pair of limited series about the Greek witch Thessaly from The Sandman, and most notably the popular series Fables
In the late 1990s Willingham reestablished himself as a prolific writer. He produced the 13-issue Pantheon for Lone Star Press and wrote a pair of short novels about the modern adventures of the hero Beowulf, published by the writer's collective, Clockwork Storybook, of which Willingham was a founding member. In the early 2000s he began writing extensively for DC Comics, including the limited series Proposition Player, a pair of limited series about the Greek witch Thessaly from The Sandman, and most notably the popular series Fables
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 25, 2021
Pues... que lástima, la verdad. Hacía ya tanto tiempo que leí estos tomos de JSA que ni me acordaba, y tenía ganitas de ver cómo era la etapa de Bill Willingham, por todo aquello de ser el creador de Fábulas, una historia que, a pesar de no haber terminado nunca (por lo que sea, parece que no está el destino en que yo termine Fábulas), siempre me ha parecido terriblemente original, y que llegaba a hacerse cargo de algunos de mis personajes favoritos. Y sin embargo, Tierra Patria me ha parecido una historia entre maluna, aburrida y previsible, y ni Jesús Merino ha sido capaz de salvarlo.
En el tomo anterior habíamos asistido a la "disolución" de la JSA tal y como se había construido desde el inicio de la etapa de Geoff Johns, y el equipo se había dividido en dos, la JSA clásica con un estilo más pedagógico y el All-Stars Squadron, de carácter más militarista. En Tierra Patria tenemos las primeras historias de la JSA, con Green Lantern, Flash, Wildcat, Mister Terrific, Doctor Destino, Liberty Belle, Míster América, Relámpago, Obsidian y el Doctor Medianoche, aunque Obsidian quedó un poco de aquella manera en el tomo anterior, convertido en una especie de huevo que el traidor de Karnevil entregó a alguien misterioso. En los dos primeros números incluidos en este tomo, vamos a ver como el equipo, aún de mudanza, se tiene que enfrentar a uno de los malos malosos del mundo mágico de DC, el mismísimo Mordru, habitual de la Legión de Superhéroes y que se había visto atraído hacia el Universo de la JSA en relación al Doctor Destino, con el que vuelve a relacionarse en este número. Pero lo gordo vendrá después, con un ataque de los nazis del Eje del Mal (Capitán Nazi, Espíritu de la Guerra, Dragón Blanco... y otro montón de malvados con afición a las esvásticas) al nuevo refugio de la JSA, que va a acabar con la muerte de varios de sus miembros y en encarcelamiento de todos los superhéroes supervivientes del mundo en campos de concentración y habiendo perdido sus poderes, en una historia que, como en JSA vs Kobra, deja de lado al equipo para centrarse en la perspectiva de un único personaje que... pues sí, vuelve a ser Míster Terrific. Que ojo, repito, que no tengo queja, Terrific me encanta, pero me parece un poco reiterativo volver una y otra vez sobre el mismo personaje. Y es que la historia tampoco me parece nada del otro jueves, una distopía más, con una conclusión ya evidente, y que creo que no aporta nada a la JSA... ¿Qué quizá fuera más una cuestión de que Flashpoint se les venía encima y había que cerrar más puertas de las que había que abrir? Pues puede ser. Pero es muy decepcionante.
En el tomo anterior habíamos asistido a la "disolución" de la JSA tal y como se había construido desde el inicio de la etapa de Geoff Johns, y el equipo se había dividido en dos, la JSA clásica con un estilo más pedagógico y el All-Stars Squadron, de carácter más militarista. En Tierra Patria tenemos las primeras historias de la JSA, con Green Lantern, Flash, Wildcat, Mister Terrific, Doctor Destino, Liberty Belle, Míster América, Relámpago, Obsidian y el Doctor Medianoche, aunque Obsidian quedó un poco de aquella manera en el tomo anterior, convertido en una especie de huevo que el traidor de Karnevil entregó a alguien misterioso. En los dos primeros números incluidos en este tomo, vamos a ver como el equipo, aún de mudanza, se tiene que enfrentar a uno de los malos malosos del mundo mágico de DC, el mismísimo Mordru, habitual de la Legión de Superhéroes y que se había visto atraído hacia el Universo de la JSA en relación al Doctor Destino, con el que vuelve a relacionarse en este número. Pero lo gordo vendrá después, con un ataque de los nazis del Eje del Mal (Capitán Nazi, Espíritu de la Guerra, Dragón Blanco... y otro montón de malvados con afición a las esvásticas) al nuevo refugio de la JSA, que va a acabar con la muerte de varios de sus miembros y en encarcelamiento de todos los superhéroes supervivientes del mundo en campos de concentración y habiendo perdido sus poderes, en una historia que, como en JSA vs Kobra, deja de lado al equipo para centrarse en la perspectiva de un único personaje que... pues sí, vuelve a ser Míster Terrific. Que ojo, repito, que no tengo queja, Terrific me encanta, pero me parece un poco reiterativo volver una y otra vez sobre el mismo personaje. Y es que la historia tampoco me parece nada del otro jueves, una distopía más, con una conclusión ya evidente, y que creo que no aporta nada a la JSA... ¿Qué quizá fuera más una cuestión de que Flashpoint se les venía encima y había que cerrar más puertas de las que había que abrir? Pues puede ser. Pero es muy decepcionante.
December 1, 2025
Coming back to this volume many years after first picking it up left me with mixed feelings. It opens with a rather convoluted framing plot that, at least initially, felt confusing and not entirely convincing. Once the story shifts into its main arc -- an alternate history in which actual Nazis have taken over the United States -- the tone becomes immediately darker and more violent. The scenario itself remains deeply unsettling, no matter how often one encounters it in fiction.
As is typical for alternate-timeline narratives, the creative team uses the setting to make dramatic choices, including killing off major heroes. Here, this happens frequently, and after a while the shock loses its impact. It began to feel more like a narrative device than an organic development of the plot.
The portrayal of the Nazi antagonists is extremely exaggerated, almost camp in its execution. I understand the intention -- to leave no doubt about their cruelty -- but the effect was uneven. At times it made the whole setup feel oddly detached from its own horrors, bordering on the ridiculous instead of sharpening the moral message.
Violence is everywhere in this volume, both physical and psychological. It is relentless, and for me it tipped into a space between bleak and simply too much. The plot itself is a curious mix of genuinely surprising turns and a sense of déjà vu, as if the emotional weight of the events couldn’t quite land because the alternate-timeline nature constantly reminds you that none of it will “count” in the long run.
Overall, this re-read was more distressing than satisfying. Still, its core message that Nazism is evil and must be defeated remains essential. Even if the execution here didn’t fully work for me, the reminder is as important as ever.
As is typical for alternate-timeline narratives, the creative team uses the setting to make dramatic choices, including killing off major heroes. Here, this happens frequently, and after a while the shock loses its impact. It began to feel more like a narrative device than an organic development of the plot.
The portrayal of the Nazi antagonists is extremely exaggerated, almost camp in its execution. I understand the intention -- to leave no doubt about their cruelty -- but the effect was uneven. At times it made the whole setup feel oddly detached from its own horrors, bordering on the ridiculous instead of sharpening the moral message.
Violence is everywhere in this volume, both physical and psychological. It is relentless, and for me it tipped into a space between bleak and simply too much. The plot itself is a curious mix of genuinely surprising turns and a sense of déjà vu, as if the emotional weight of the events couldn’t quite land because the alternate-timeline nature constantly reminds you that none of it will “count” in the long run.
Overall, this re-read was more distressing than satisfying. Still, its core message that Nazism is evil and must be defeated remains essential. Even if the execution here didn’t fully work for me, the reminder is as important as ever.
August 26, 2012
Picked this up at the library today and read it in the park. I've been a fan of the JSA since I was a wee lad and found some All-Star Comics. Wildcat is one of my favs and it's great to see him being explored and growing as a character.
This was all in all a sold read. The first story was good, albeit short, and has some good characterization moments. The villain was a surprise, and I would like to see him face the JSA again.
The second story was a little bit familiar, but well told. I like Mr. Terrific and he was certainly used effectively in this story. There were a few twists that were nice to see and solid characterization.
As far as the creators involved, all of them did a solid job. A few pages were outstanding but most of it was just well done.
If you are looking for a well told tale to spend the afternoon reading, this would be one to try.
This was all in all a sold read. The first story was good, albeit short, and has some good characterization moments. The villain was a surprise, and I would like to see him face the JSA again.
The second story was a little bit familiar, but well told. I like Mr. Terrific and he was certainly used effectively in this story. There were a few twists that were nice to see and solid characterization.
As far as the creators involved, all of them did a solid job. A few pages were outstanding but most of it was just well done.
If you are looking for a well told tale to spend the afternoon reading, this would be one to try.
February 20, 2021
The JSA is under new management !
The new Manager is none other than Geoff Johns, who is arguably the best writer the comics industry has ever produced. He's taken a group of superheros that were gathering dust on a shelf, cleaned them up and re-introduced them to a new group of readers who weren't even born yet when these heroes were shelved.
The story flows like water. It runs along, taking the reader on a thrilling journey to the heart of the DC universe. The characters are so artfully portrayed that you almost forget that you're reading a fiction. The Flash, aka Jay Garrick, is the mentoring Father figure. Green Lantern, the original G.L. is the tough disciplinarian, who nonetheless guides the newcomers in how to use their abilities and keeps them from getting too deep in trouble. There are many other characters and Geoff brings each one to life, making the read as believable as possible in a world filled with meta-humans. The plot is tight, the villains dark and evil, and the heroes always do the right thing and win out over incredible odds. If you want your comics reading experience to be as enjoyable as it was in your youth, buy this series of the JSA. Geoff Johns won't disappoint !
The new Manager is none other than Geoff Johns, who is arguably the best writer the comics industry has ever produced. He's taken a group of superheros that were gathering dust on a shelf, cleaned them up and re-introduced them to a new group of readers who weren't even born yet when these heroes were shelved.
The story flows like water. It runs along, taking the reader on a thrilling journey to the heart of the DC universe. The characters are so artfully portrayed that you almost forget that you're reading a fiction. The Flash, aka Jay Garrick, is the mentoring Father figure. Green Lantern, the original G.L. is the tough disciplinarian, who nonetheless guides the newcomers in how to use their abilities and keeps them from getting too deep in trouble. There are many other characters and Geoff brings each one to life, making the read as believable as possible in a world filled with meta-humans. The plot is tight, the villains dark and evil, and the heroes always do the right thing and win out over incredible odds. If you want your comics reading experience to be as enjoyable as it was in your youth, buy this series of the JSA. Geoff Johns won't disappoint !
January 23, 2025
I love the JSA, and Johns' run. Ghost Stories wasn't bad, but not a great end, which is why I was more than happy to read this volume that continues from it, even if most so far was a re-read. I'm still ardently finishing the rest of this run and hoping for the best.
However, I feel like it's visibly gotten more boring at this point. I liked the beginning, the KC storyline was good but dragged on a little, and the worse storylines are especially prominent after Johns left. The characterisation is very bland, with less of a deep focus on individuals, which is what made JSA so good.
It doesn't help that this book is at the time when there was a split for the JSA All-Stars title, from which the best part was the backup feature. Theoretically, splitting up a growing team should allow for more focus on members of each half, which hasn't really happened here.
There's an averted apocalyptic future here, a trope I find hit or miss, and the JSA return to their Nazi kicking origins...kinda. All in all, not the worst but forgettable. Maybe it's cause some of my favourite characters got moved to All-Stars, and the current dynamics aren't as enjoyable.
However, I feel like it's visibly gotten more boring at this point. I liked the beginning, the KC storyline was good but dragged on a little, and the worse storylines are especially prominent after Johns left. The characterisation is very bland, with less of a deep focus on individuals, which is what made JSA so good.
It doesn't help that this book is at the time when there was a split for the JSA All-Stars title, from which the best part was the backup feature. Theoretically, splitting up a growing team should allow for more focus on members of each half, which hasn't really happened here.
There's an averted apocalyptic future here, a trope I find hit or miss, and the JSA return to their Nazi kicking origins...kinda. All in all, not the worst but forgettable. Maybe it's cause some of my favourite characters got moved to All-Stars, and the current dynamics aren't as enjoyable.
October 8, 2017
PIcking up from where The Bad Seed left off, Kid Karnevil reveals his master plan. Using a corrupted Obsidian for power, the Fourth Reich activates a machine that robs metahumans of their powers and takes down a powerless Justice Society.
Twenty years later, the Fourth Reich rules the USA and is moving against the rest of the world. Mr. Terrific leads a resistance band of former superheroes in an attempt to save Obsidian, undo this corrupted timeline and restore things to what they were before it's too late.
Even without their powers, superheroes are still heroes. The likes of Superman, Wonder Woman, Black Canary, Captain Marvel, Stargirl, Liberty Belle, Hourman, Blue Beetle and others may not have their powers, but their fighting spirits are still intact. This was a great read- thoroughly enjoyable and frightening in scope.
Twenty years later, the Fourth Reich rules the USA and is moving against the rest of the world. Mr. Terrific leads a resistance band of former superheroes in an attempt to save Obsidian, undo this corrupted timeline and restore things to what they were before it's too late.
Even without their powers, superheroes are still heroes. The likes of Superman, Wonder Woman, Black Canary, Captain Marvel, Stargirl, Liberty Belle, Hourman, Blue Beetle and others may not have their powers, but their fighting spirits are still intact. This was a great read- thoroughly enjoyable and frightening in scope.
December 8, 2022
So we had a whole Man in High Castle situation in this volume with a dark figure where the Nazi-aligned Axis of Evil manage to defeat the JSA and eventually take over the world. This finally explains the attacks in the last book and what exactly they wanted with Obsidian, who had somehow been compressed into a egg of himself.
It's largely told from the perspective of Mr. Terrific, who is a good enough narrator I suppose. Maybe things like this lead to the later title The Terrifics where he leads a team of his own. It's a pretty solid story with some very dramatic build-up to show just how bad things got and how they managed to win in the end. But be prepared for a lot of grim stuff because it's one of THOSE borderline Elseworlds stories.
It's largely told from the perspective of Mr. Terrific, who is a good enough narrator I suppose. Maybe things like this lead to the later title The Terrifics where he leads a team of his own. It's a pretty solid story with some very dramatic build-up to show just how bad things got and how they managed to win in the end. But be prepared for a lot of grim stuff because it's one of THOSE borderline Elseworlds stories.
November 12, 2022
Collected here are two tales, both forgettable. The first is a two part Mordru tale that involves this "new" Kent Nelson and we learn nothing. Literally nothing of significance happens. Then a big battle with Nazis!!!!! Why? Because Nazis!!!!!! It was centered on Mister Terrific, which I liked, but the story was full of holes and ended up meaning nothing. Added to that was Bill Willingham's introduction of so many worthless additions to DC's Nazi villain lineup. Merino's art was very good though. Overall, an incredibly lame collection with good art.
April 20, 2024
Justice Society of America
Excellent book, loved the action, the twist and turns! Karla received a scholarship but they didn't go into detail. As always I would recommend this book for others to read!
Excellent book, loved the action, the twist and turns! Karla received a scholarship but they didn't go into detail. As always I would recommend this book for others to read!
August 9, 2011
I'm not a big JSA fan but I am a fan of Bill Willingham's writing, especially his always interesting twists on the superhero genre. That said, the first half of the graphic novel with Dr. Fate seemed out of place with the second half (super-Nazis and the Axis of Evil). I enjoyed BW's characterizations and the way he writes magic into his stories but the point seemed lost on me. The second half with the Fourth Reich is where BW shines. His nuts-and-bolts knowledge of war emerges like the veteran he is, always with an insightful been-there-done-that perspective. The aging and deaths of some of our favorite superheroes with the loss of their powers was compelling and the whole Dirty Dozen vibe was morbidly amusing. The ending was kind of predictable, but with an original twist of thought at the end. Willingham's writing is like a juicy steak for the mind - enjoyable, accessible, and satisfying (to everyone but mental vegetarians).
December 4, 2015
I am an old fuddy-duddy.
I am.
I like something about the good guys being good.
About standing up and standing for something.
The JSA give me that.
They give me that feeling.
This issue makes the point for me.
The Old Guard and the kids who stick with them make the choices that say they will not be stopped.
And they do it as a group, a family of heroes.
Flash [Jay Garrick], Wildcat and Green Lantern [Alan Scott] take a stand again some tough odds.
Mr. Terrific [Michael Holt] and the new crew support them well.
I am.
I like something about the good guys being good.
About standing up and standing for something.
The JSA give me that.
They give me that feeling.
This issue makes the point for me.
The Old Guard and the kids who stick with them make the choices that say they will not be stopped.
And they do it as a group, a family of heroes.
Flash [Jay Garrick], Wildcat and Green Lantern [Alan Scott] take a stand again some tough odds.
Mr. Terrific [Michael Holt] and the new crew support them well.
August 19, 2012
I was much happier with Willingham’s solo effort on the Mordru story. Curiously, the first half reads like Giffen-era JLI, but it’s well done. Overall, a good story if a notable difference from the several years of Johns [7/10]. The actual Axis of Evil story feels more like Johns’ JSA -- perhaps even a bit too much like some of Johns’ go-back-in-time-to-change-everything stories. Still, it’s a solid multipart story [7/10].
March 18, 2012
Definitely not the first time this story has been told, and definitely not the best telling of the story, but better than expected given the quality of the villains offered. DC really liked this story concept enough during a certain time period. Well, at least enough to basically approve it twice... But only once with Nazis. Sigh. One could also read Flashpoint to largely the same effect.
October 16, 2018
Whoa. I didn’t think a story involving a Nazi dystopia could be so boring. Justice Society takes on such a challenge as they end up doing what they can to save their present before it becomes a terrible future.
I can only imagine some silly liberal artists thought this up but without a really strong writing to make it stick.
Definitely a miss. F
I can only imagine some silly liberal artists thought this up but without a really strong writing to make it stick.
Definitely a miss. F
March 19, 2016
Il calo di qualità continua nonnostante Willingham abbia separato la JSA in due tronconi, riducendo il numero di personaggi (che erano davvero troppi) da gestire. Questa particolare distopia poi non è che sia ne originale ne ben descritta.
February 7, 2016
I love the golden age superheroes from DC and the new JSA brings these original heroes back into the modern age along with their legacy namesakes. Well above average art and plot keep these 70 year old comic characters interesting and entertaining. Very recommended
February 19, 2011
Not the best in the series. Big reset button. This is a story that has been told before. Hope the next book is better.
April 18, 2011
A particularly underwhelming installment, even given the scope of the thing. The first two issues are fairly useless.
May 15, 2011
I thought the first story was well told, a part of it made me laugh out loud. The second story was interesting, moving and kept surprising me. A very good read.
May 23, 2012
It was a decent book, but it felt really forced and the story didn't leave me on the edge of my seat.
November 15, 2011
Fantastic. Seeing depowered heroes fighting Nazis in a distopian future was perfect.
October 24, 2012
Mediocre. A JSA story should be much better than this....
October 25, 2012
3.5... The first story was a pretty lame 2-parter. The rest of the book was much better though.
August 2, 2013
I read this when it was Days of Future Past ... boring.
March 4, 2014
A working time travel story... who'd have thunk it? This feels more like the Bill Willingham I know & love from the early parts of FABLES.
April 29, 2016
Pretty amazing... hard to describe... review to follow!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews