Congratulations to PGK87 for correctly answering the Cosmic Treadmill question I posed in last month’s review. It was in Booster Gold #3 that the treadmill made an additional appearance. Good going! Now onto the long awaited JSA#12…..Is it me or did it take FOREVER for this issue to come out? Like the previous month, this one is filled chalk full of interesting parts sprinkled with the same concerns of last issue. For the sake of leaving the best for last, let’s look at the problems I had with this book.

My main problem continues to be with the pacing….this book is just trying to throw too much at you in too short a timeframe. The JSA is currently trying to juggle the Kingdom Come’s Superman, a murder mystery, character development, and the continuous inclusion of new members. Taken individually I don’t have an issue with all this, the exception being the potential size of the roster, but that’s something that can be slimmed down with either half breaking off into their own team or with the big baddie who’s doing all that killing in the last few issues taking out 4 or 5 of these ‘newbloods’. Put all together, though, and it’s just too much.

I don’t want to get too specific about the good in this issue because I really don’t want to play spoiler but the main baddie (labeled the Heartbreak Slayer) behind those killings the last few issues is mostly revealed and it really leaves you wanting the next issue. Oh, that and the cover of next issue which features the SuperMEN of the DCU. Besides Mr. Heartbreak Slayer, the good in this book is what it’s always been, the writing and the art. Both come together to make a very compelling combination, and both goes a long way to humanize the cast, giving them a more personal feel than your ‘run of the mill’ team tights book.

All in all, this book is still in my top five and with the action getting set to take off, I recommend jumping on now!

Writer: Geoff Johns & Alex Ross
Pencils: Dale Eaglesham & Ruy Jose
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

CRAVEONLINE RATING: 6 out of 10