When I first began buying and collecting comic books as a young child, one of my favorite events was the regular team-ups between the Justice League of America and their Earth-Two counterparts, the Justice Society of America. In this tour, we will look at all 23 crossovers between 1964 and 1985, during the original volume of the Justice League of America comic book.
DC Comics was founded in 1935 (as National Comics Publication), and their first comic book was published in 1937. In 1938 they ignited a booming superhero genre with the publication of Action Comics #1, which featured the first appearance of Superman. Soon, the market would be flooded with a plethora of caped and costumed individuals fighting crime and evil-doers.
In 1940, DC would create the very first superhero team, the Justice Society of America. The team's original lineup included Atom (Al Pratt), Green Lantern (Alan Scott), Dr. Fate (Kent Nelson), Flash (Jay Garrick), Hawkman (Carter Hall), Sandman (Wesley Dodd), Hourman (Rex Tyler), and the Spectre (Jim Corrigan). Superman, Batman, and Robin were said to be honorary members. The team's adventures were published continually for eleven years, ending in 1951.
All-Star Comics #3 (December 1940), cover art by Everett E. Hibbard
In the mid-1950s, the comic book industry underwent many challenges (we'll look at those in a future tour). That said, the industry lost a large portion of readers during this period and many comic book companies folded. DC was one of the few publishers to make it through the storm. Superman, Batman (and Robin), and Wonder Woman (along with backup characters Aquaman and Green Arrow) all weathered the storm. Their adventures never ceased publication into the oncoming second wave of comic book popularity.
In 1956, young new possible readers of comic books were not interested in anti-Nazi sentiments. But they were VERY keen to read more science fiction-related tales that resembled their world... where discussions of traveling to the moon were now happening in their schools and homes. The execs at DC keenly decided to pivot their comic book heroes to be more "science" oriented. They created a new Flash (Barry Allen) given powers by a chemical bath and lightning. They created a new Hawkman (Kator Hol), who was a police officer from a faraway planet. They created a new Atom (Ray Palmer), this time not just a dwarf-sized human, but a man who could shrink down to sub-atomic size using white dwarf-star matter! They created a new Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) who was part of an intergalactic team of peacekeepers! They also created an entirely new character named J'onn J'onzz would come to Earth from Mars... as the Martian Manhunter he had an amazing array of powers.
Readership began to steadily increase, so just as they had done 20 years earlier, DC banded their top-selling characters together and had them form a supergroup. The Justice League of America would debut in 1960. The new Green Lantern, Flash, and Martian Manhunter would be teamed with the DC stalwarts Aquaman, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
The Brave and the Bold #28 (March 1960), cover art by Mike Sekowski, Murphy Anderson, and Ira Schnapp
Because most readers of comic books were young folk, it was assumed that no one reading these new DC adventures would even know there had been different versions of Flash, Green Lantern, and others from a few decades earlier. But that was about to change!
In 1961, DC writer Gardner Fox and DC editor Julius Schwartz decided they would trot out the original Flash (Jay Garrick) and have him meet the updated version of Flash (Barry Allen). This would occur in the now classic The Flash (vol. 1) #123, dated September 1961.
In 1961, DC writer Gardner Fox and DC editor Julius Schwartz decided they would trot out the original Flash (Jay Garrick) and have him meet the updated version of Flash (Barry Allen). This would occur in the now classic The Flash (vol. 1) #123, dated September 1961.
%20123-000.jpg)
The Flash #123 (Sept. 1961), cover art by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson
This issue of The Flash featured a tale called, "Flash of Two Worlds" which would change the publication of DC Comics forever. That isn't hyperbole, that's a statement of fact! The world of DC Comics would forever be altered by this tale.
In this issue of The Flash, readers would learn that "old" Flash and "new" Flash existed on two different Earths that paralleled each other in many ways, but not in all ways. The two Earths vibrate at different speeds but occupy the same space. The "parallel" Earths (multiverse) concept was now firmly cemented into DC publications. This was a game-changer!
Having successfully had the two Flash's meet, the folks at DC Comics decided to ramp things up. In Justice League of America (vol. 1) #21 (1963), the League would team with more heroes from this "other Earth". It was established that the heroes from DC's "current day" resided on Earth-One, whereas the heroes from the 1940s/50s resided on Earth-Two (Don't get me started on how the naming of Earths should have been reversed!). In addition to the naming of the parallel Earths, comic book fandom would begin referring to the original DC publications/stories from WWII as the "Golden Age", while the more current iterations of characters/stories would be referred to as the "Silver Age".
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #21, cover art by Mike Sekowsky and Murphy Anderson
This crossover between the JLA and JSA was so well received that it became an annual event. For the rest of this tour, we'll take a look at each and every crossover that occurred during the first volume of The Justice League of America.
Justice League of America #21 introduces readers to the members of the Justice League of America and the Justice Society of America. But the two teams don't actually meet each other until the last two pages of the story. Their team-up would continue in Justice League of America #22. In this two-issue tale, it is the supervillains from the two Earths who meet first. From Earth-One there is Chronos, Dr. Alchemy, and Felix Faust. From Earth-Two there is the Fiddler, the Icicle, and the Wizard. The two super teams work to defeat these villains and vow at the story's conclusion to "keep in touch."
Transportation between the two Earths is accomplished by magic.
Transportation between the two Earths is accomplished by magic.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #21 and 22, both with cover art by Mike Sekowsky and Murphy Anderson
The second meeting between the two super teams occurred in Justice League of America #29 and #30 dated 1964. This adventure introduces a new Earth, Earth-Three. As it turns out, Earth-Three is a world were evil triumphs over good. The primary super beings are villains, rather than heroes. These beings operate the the Crime Syndicate of America. The members of the team are evil doppelgangers of five Justice League members. There is Ultraman (Superman), Superwoman (Wonder Woman), Power Rign (Green Lantern), Johnny Quick (Flash), and Owlman (Batman).
We learn in this story that Dr. Fate's magic and Earth-One Green Lantern's ring are both able to provide transport between the multiple Earths.
When the CSA is defeated, the League and the Society banish them to a bubble prison between dimensions. The Crime Syndicate would not be featured in another storyline for almost 20 years.
We learn in this story that Dr. Fate's magic and Earth-One Green Lantern's ring are both able to provide transport between the multiple Earths.
When the CSA is defeated, the League and the Society banish them to a bubble prison between dimensions. The Crime Syndicate would not be featured in another storyline for almost 20 years.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #29 and #30, both with cover art by Mike Sekowsky and Murphy Anderson
The third crossover between the JLA and the JSA would be told in Justice League of America #37 and #38 (1965). Johnny Thunder used his Thunderbolt to transport him to Earth-One so that he could investigate what his Earth-One version was like. (Given that many of the heroes between the two Earths have completely different aliases, it seems a bit of a leap that Johnny is so certain there is an Earth-One version of himself!)
It turns out that the Earth-One Johnny Quick is a petty criminal. Soon after meeting, the Earth-One Johnny is able to knock out his Earth-Two counterpart and then begins to take control of Thunderbolt. Chaos ensues as Johnny has Thunderbolt go back in time and prevent the members of the Justice League from ever becoming heroes in the first place. This in turn ends up creating a new Earth, Earth-A (for Alternate). Eventually, the Justice Society comes to the rescue. In the end, all the alterations to the timeline are corrected and the only being who maintains any memory of all that occurred is Thunderbolt.
It turns out that the Earth-One Johnny Quick is a petty criminal. Soon after meeting, the Earth-One Johnny is able to knock out his Earth-Two counterpart and then begins to take control of Thunderbolt. Chaos ensues as Johnny has Thunderbolt go back in time and prevent the members of the Justice League from ever becoming heroes in the first place. This in turn ends up creating a new Earth, Earth-A (for Alternate). Eventually, the Justice Society comes to the rescue. In the end, all the alterations to the timeline are corrected and the only being who maintains any memory of all that occurred is Thunderbolt.
Justice League of America #37 and #38, both with cover art by Mike Sekowsky and Murphy Anderson
1966 would bring the next JLA/JSA team-up, in Justice League of America #46 and #47. One notable feature of these issues is the over-prominence of Batman on the covers. This was very common for Justice League covers during this time because the Batman (Adam West) TV series debuted in January 1966 and was an immense success. DC made sure to capitalize on that.
In this tale, human beings from Earth-One and Earth-Two begin unexplainably trading places with each other. Before long, the JLA and the JSA are fighting against Blockbuster and Solomon Grundy. Meanwhile, the Spectre makes his first JSA appearance since the Golden Age. Single-handedly the Spectre takes on the Anti-Matter Master... the entity responsible for all the muddling that has been occurring between the two Earths. By coming to the Matter Universe, the Anti-Matter Master is causing Earth-One and Earth-Two to crash into each other. Eventually, it is the combination of Atom's science and Spectre's magic that forces the Anti-Matter Man back to his dimension and restores order to both Earths.
Justice League of America #46 and #47, both with cover art by Mike Sekowsky and Joe Giella
The next crossover event between the high-profile super groups took place in Justice League of America #55 and #56 in 1967. The story itself is a pretty hokey one with some rather banal villains. Some mysterious black spheres from the dark matter universe take over some human hosts and turn them evil. They are defeated by laughter, created through jokes that Johnny Thunder tells. Yeah, this one doesn't rank up there as a better crossover event.
With that said, this crossover does include a pretty memorable event. For the first time in 19 years, the Justice Society of America inducts a new member. A grownup Earth-Two Robin is extended membership, something he states has been "a life's ambition". It is also noted that Earth-Two Batman is semi-retired.
With that said, this crossover does include a pretty memorable event. For the first time in 19 years, the Justice Society of America inducts a new member. A grownup Earth-Two Robin is extended membership, something he states has been "a life's ambition". It is also noted that Earth-Two Batman is semi-retired.
Justice League of America #55 and #56, both with cover art by Mike Sekowsky and Murphy Anderson
The 6th crossover between the Justice League and the Justice Society was printed on the pages of Justice League of America #64 and #65 in 1968. This tale is unique because the two teams don't actually interact with each other. The villain is T.O. Morrow (introduced in the pages of The Flash (vol. 1) four years prior). Morrow created an android called the Red Tornado who believed he was a member of the Justice Society.
A little backstory here. In the 1940s DC had a character named Ma Hunkel who appeared in their humor titles. She eventually began to dress up in costume and pretend to fight crime as a neighborhood character called the Red Tornado. She wore a tin pot on her head and pretended to be a man! At the very first meeting of the Justice Society of America, she was extended an invitation. But she accidentally ripped her britches and had to leave! This version of Red Tornado was entirely comic relief.
So jump back to 1968, and this new Red Tornado shows up at the headquarters of the Justice Society. We learn that he can use his vibrational powers to commute between Earth-One and Earth-Two. He is the only character in this storyline to interact with both teams. Eventually, he helps the League thwart T.O. Morrow on Earth-One and the Society thwart Morrow on Earth-Two. In recognition of his assistance, the Justice Society of America extends membership to him at the end of the tale.
A little backstory here. In the 1940s DC had a character named Ma Hunkel who appeared in their humor titles. She eventually began to dress up in costume and pretend to fight crime as a neighborhood character called the Red Tornado. She wore a tin pot on her head and pretended to be a man! At the very first meeting of the Justice Society of America, she was extended an invitation. But she accidentally ripped her britches and had to leave! This version of Red Tornado was entirely comic relief.
So jump back to 1968, and this new Red Tornado shows up at the headquarters of the Justice Society. We learn that he can use his vibrational powers to commute between Earth-One and Earth-Two. He is the only character in this storyline to interact with both teams. Eventually, he helps the League thwart T.O. Morrow on Earth-One and the Society thwart Morrow on Earth-Two. In recognition of his assistance, the Justice Society of America extends membership to him at the end of the tale.
Justice League of America #64 and #65, both with cover art by Dick Dillin
A living star named Aquarius is banished by the Council of Living Stars. He is exiled to wander in space. This occurs in the 1969 issues of Justice League of America #73 and #74.
Finding Earth-Two, Aquarius creates havoc and then uses his power to erase Earth-Two from existence. Several JSA members were able to survive thanks to Dr. Fate. Red Tornado travels to Earth-One to get help. With their forces combined, the League and the Society are ultimately able to defeat Aquarius and get Earth-Two returned. But the battle would have a casualty. Larry Lance, the husband of Black Canary, is killed during the confrontations with Aquarius. A very distraught Black Canary claims there is nothing for her to live for on Earth-One, so she hitches a ride with the League members and heads to Earth-One to start a new life.
At the time of this tale, Wonder Woman had recently resigned from the Justice League, so DC sought to bring a new female member to the team. Thus the reason for this move by Black Canary. This team-up also brought about an event that fans had been clambering for... the first meeting of the Superman of Earth-One and the Superman of Earth-Two!
At the time of this tale, Wonder Woman had recently resigned from the Justice League, so DC sought to bring a new female member to the team. Thus the reason for this move by Black Canary. This team-up also brought about an event that fans had been clambering for... the first meeting of the Superman of Earth-One and the Superman of Earth-Two!
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #73 with cover art by Joe Kubert
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #74 with cover art by Neal Adams
The 8th time our heroes from two Earths would team up would be in Justice League of America #82 and #83, published in 1970.
An alien being called Creator2 sets out to merge Earth-One and Earth-Two into a singular planet. Creator2 sets his plan in motion using Red Tornado as a conduit. The members of both teams work to find a way to stop Creator2 while the Spectre acts as a buffer between the two planets. The teams eventually blow up the machines that Creator2 has been using, and the two Earths are saved. The heroes believe that the Spectre was killed in the event. (He wasn't!)
In an ironic twist, in another 15 years, the two Earths would indeed end up merged in the landmark Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series. More to be discussed in a future tour.
An alien being called Creator2 sets out to merge Earth-One and Earth-Two into a singular planet. Creator2 sets his plan in motion using Red Tornado as a conduit. The members of both teams work to find a way to stop Creator2 while the Spectre acts as a buffer between the two planets. The teams eventually blow up the machines that Creator2 has been using, and the two Earths are saved. The heroes believe that the Spectre was killed in the event. (He wasn't!)
In an ironic twist, in another 15 years, the two Earths would indeed end up merged in the landmark Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series. More to be discussed in a future tour.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #82, cover art by Neal Adams
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #83, cover art by Murphy Anderson, Dick Dillin, and Gasper Saladino
Members of the Justice League and the Justice Society would meet next during a crossover event contained in Justice League of America #91 and #92 published in 1971. In this adventure, an alien boy named A-Rym and his pet, Teppy, somehow get separated as they are dimension-hopping. A-Rym lands on Earth-One, while Teppy ends up stranded on Earth-Two. Because the two have a symbiotic relationship, they will die if they aren't reunited. Getting the two of them together is further hampered by the addition of Solomon Grundy into the mix.
This crossover would feature the first teaming of the Robins of Earth-One and Earth-Two.
This crossover would feature the first teaming of the Robins of Earth-One and Earth-Two.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #91 and #92
In 1972 the Justice League decided to throw a celebration for their "100th meeting" (which not surprisingly coincided with the 100th issue of the Justice League of America title!). Many heroes who had helped the JLA in the past are invited. But just as the giant cake is about to be cut... all the participants are transported to Earth-Two. Dr. Fate has summoned them all to assist with a massive effort to defeat the Nebula Man and help rescue the members of the Seven Soldiers of Victory who have been banished to various realms of existence.
The Seven Soldiers of Victory had been an actual hero team published by DC Comics in the mid-1940s in Leading Comics. The team consisted of Crimson Avenger, Shining Knight, Star-Spangled Kid, Stripesy, Vigilante, and the Earth-Two versions of Green Arrow and Speedy.
This adventure was so epic in scale that it spanned over three issues!
The Seven Soldiers of Victory had been an actual hero team published by DC Comics in the mid-1940s in Leading Comics. The team consisted of Crimson Avenger, Shining Knight, Star-Spangled Kid, Stripesy, Vigilante, and the Earth-Two versions of Green Arrow and Speedy.
This adventure was so epic in scale that it spanned over three issues!
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #100, #101, and #103, all three with cover art by Nick Cardy
In 1973, the annual crossover of the two teams would introduce another Earth. It would also introduce the "transmatter cube", a device created to allow members of the Justice League and the Justice Society to commute between their respective headquarters on Earth-One and Earth-Two without the necessity of heroes with magic or speed/vibrational powers.
Several heroes from both groups are accidentally transmitted to a new Earth. On this new Earth, dubbed Earth-X, the Nazis had won World War II. There is a small band of heroes known as the Freedom Fighters who continue to try and bring down the Nazi regime and restore democracy. The Justice League and Justice Society join the Freedom Fighters to make that happen.
In reality, the Freedom Fighters were all characters previously published by Quality Comics in the glory days of the Golden Age. Quality Comics closed its doors in 1956. The trademarks to most Quality Comics characters and titles were sold to DC Comics at that time. This JLA/JSA adventure, published in Justice League of America #107 and #108 would be DC's first time reviving the Human Bomb, Uncle Sam, Phantom Lady, Black Condor, Doll Man, and the Ray
Several heroes from both groups are accidentally transmitted to a new Earth. On this new Earth, dubbed Earth-X, the Nazis had won World War II. There is a small band of heroes known as the Freedom Fighters who continue to try and bring down the Nazi regime and restore democracy. The Justice League and Justice Society join the Freedom Fighters to make that happen.
In reality, the Freedom Fighters were all characters previously published by Quality Comics in the glory days of the Golden Age. Quality Comics closed its doors in 1956. The trademarks to most Quality Comics characters and titles were sold to DC Comics at that time. This JLA/JSA adventure, published in Justice League of America #107 and #108 would be DC's first time reviving the Human Bomb, Uncle Sam, Phantom Lady, Black Condor, Doll Man, and the Ray
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #107 and #108, both issues with cover art by Nick Cardy
Justice League of America #113 (1974) contains the only single-issue crossover tale between the Justice League and Justice Society.
This is a haunting tale, brilliantly written by Len Wein. Readers discover what happened to the JSA's Sandman's sidekick, Sandy. The story also explains why Sandman reverted from the purple/gold costume he had been wearing when the original Justice Society adventures ceased publication... back to the gasmask/trench coat costume he had worn when he originally debuted.
This is a haunting tale, brilliantly written by Len Wein. Readers discover what happened to the JSA's Sandman's sidekick, Sandy. The story also explains why Sandman reverted from the purple/gold costume he had been wearing when the original Justice Society adventures ceased publication... back to the gasmask/trench coat costume he had worn when he originally debuted.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #113, cover art by Nick Cardy.
In Justice League of America #123 and #124 (1975), DC Comics would introduce Earth-Prime. Earth-Prime was supposedly the "real" Earth. You know... the Earth where superheroes are only characters in make-believe stories written for comic books. Earth-Prime was filled with "normal" people like Elliott S. Maggin and Cary Bates, writers for a company called DC Comics!
Look, I'm not even going to delve into how nutty this story is! In a sort of vanity project, Maggin and Bates were able to insert themselves (along with their editor, Julius Schwartz) into a Justice League tale. This story is loaded with plot contrivances so it can reach its predictable conclusion... where no one remembers anything that happened.
While this crossover event wasn't a stand-out when it was published, it did introduce a concept that would be tweaked and exploited down the road... the concept of an Earth-Prime.
Look, I'm not even going to delve into how nutty this story is! In a sort of vanity project, Maggin and Bates were able to insert themselves (along with their editor, Julius Schwartz) into a Justice League tale. This story is loaded with plot contrivances so it can reach its predictable conclusion... where no one remembers anything that happened.
While this crossover event wasn't a stand-out when it was published, it did introduce a concept that would be tweaked and exploited down the road... the concept of an Earth-Prime.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #123, cover art by Dick DillinJustice League of America (vol. 1) #124, cover art by Ernie Chan
In 1972, DC Comics licensed most of the superhero characters previously published by Fawcett Comics. Fawcett ceased publishing their comics in 1953 when the comic industry suffered a large decline in sales. In late 1972, DC began publishing new tales of the original Captain Marvel in a title they named Shazam! (since the copyright for the name "Captain Marvel" now belonged to Marvel Comics). The adventures of Captain Marvel, along with sister Mary Marvel and friend Captain Marvel Jr., were quite popular. In fact, Captain Marvel would be given a children's live-action Saturday morning TV series created by Filmation Studios which would run for three seasons (1974 - 1977).
In 1976, editor Julius Schwartz and writers E. Nelson Bridwell and Martin Pasko decided it was time to try out some more of DC's newly acquired characters. In the JLA/JSA crossover event that year, another Earth was introduced. This Earth was the home of the Fawcett characters and would be referred to as Earth-S. Seeing print for the first time in over two decades, in the pages of Justice League of America #135 - 137, were Bulletman and Bulletgirl, Ibis the Invincible, Mr. Scarlet and Pinky, and Spy Smasher. They were collectively referred to as the Squadron of Justice.
Three super teams would combine their might to battle King Kull in his attempt to take over Earth-S. The final issue of the three-issue arc featured the long-anticipated first meeting between the Last Son of Krypton and the World's Mightiest Mortal. After Kull exposes Superman to Red Kryptonite... the obligatory battle between Superman and Captain Marvel takes place. Thankfully, with a little Shazam-laced magic, the effects of the Red K are quickly overcome!
In 1976, editor Julius Schwartz and writers E. Nelson Bridwell and Martin Pasko decided it was time to try out some more of DC's newly acquired characters. In the JLA/JSA crossover event that year, another Earth was introduced. This Earth was the home of the Fawcett characters and would be referred to as Earth-S. Seeing print for the first time in over two decades, in the pages of Justice League of America #135 - 137, were Bulletman and Bulletgirl, Ibis the Invincible, Mr. Scarlet and Pinky, and Spy Smasher. They were collectively referred to as the Squadron of Justice.
Three super teams would combine their might to battle King Kull in his attempt to take over Earth-S. The final issue of the three-issue arc featured the long-anticipated first meeting between the Last Son of Krypton and the World's Mightiest Mortal. After Kull exposes Superman to Red Kryptonite... the obligatory battle between Superman and Captain Marvel takes place. Thankfully, with a little Shazam-laced magic, the effects of the Red K are quickly overcome!
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #135, #136, and #137, all three with cover art by Ernie Chan
Having the Justice League and Justice Society team with a third group must have been good for sales. The two teams had previously partnered with the Seven Soldiers of Victory, the Freedom Fighters, and then the Squadron of Justice. Next up would be a crossover tale with the popular superhero team from 1000 years in the DC future, the Legion of Super-Heroes. This adventure would take place in Justice League of America #147 and #148 (1977).
The Legion of Super-Heroes was created in 1958. They are a group of young heroes, banded together to battle evil in the future. As DC teams go, this group has a sprawling membership. Often, the roster would be up to 30 members. Each member of the team has a unique power and most members are all from other planets. Originally they were semi-regular costars in Superboy stories (he was a member of the team and would travel to the future to interact with the team). Eventually, their popularity would grow and they would eventually replace Superboy in his own eponymous title!
The three teams join forces in this story to battle one of the Legion's major foes, Mordru (the Merciless).
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #147, cover art by Dick Dillin
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #148, cover art by Rich Buckler and Jack Abel
The next crossover tale of the Justice League of America and the Justice Society of America was published in 1978. Sticking with the trend of throwing in a third group of heroes, Justice League of America #159 and #160 features a gathering of some of DC's many heroes whose adventures are set in various past eras.
The five heroes plucked from various points in time are called "The Five Warriors From Forever". A lame name for a lame group of mostly discarded characters... gathered for the sole purpose of adding more characters to the annual JLA/JSA team-ups. The "third team" was now bordering on being a trope, and an unnecessary one.
Plucked from the latter 1800s American Wild West is bounty hunter Jonah Hex. From 960s AD Scandinavia, there is the Viking Prince. Transported from Germany in the 1930s is the Enemy Ace. From 16th century England, the Black Pirate is also brought in. Rounding out this ragtag ensemble is Miss Liberty, a costumed heroine from the American Revolutionary War. All the heroes eventually work together to overcome the Lord of Time.
This JLA/JSA team-up includes the first meeting between Earth-One Batman and the Huntress, who is the daughter of the Earth-Two Batman and Catwoman.
The five heroes plucked from various points in time are called "The Five Warriors From Forever". A lame name for a lame group of mostly discarded characters... gathered for the sole purpose of adding more characters to the annual JLA/JSA team-ups. The "third team" was now bordering on being a trope, and an unnecessary one.
Plucked from the latter 1800s American Wild West is bounty hunter Jonah Hex. From 960s AD Scandinavia, there is the Viking Prince. Transported from Germany in the 1930s is the Enemy Ace. From 16th century England, the Black Pirate is also brought in. Rounding out this ragtag ensemble is Miss Liberty, a costumed heroine from the American Revolutionary War. All the heroes eventually work together to overcome the Lord of Time.
This JLA/JSA team-up includes the first meeting between Earth-One Batman and the Huntress, who is the daughter of the Earth-Two Batman and Catwoman.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #159 and #160, both with cover art by Rich Buckler
The seventeenth annual teaming of the Justice League and the Justice Society was published in Justice League of America #171 and #172 in 1979. Readers are given a welcome reprieve from the over-crowded three-team formula.
Members of the JLA and JSA meet at the Earth-One Justice League's satellite headquarters. Mr. Terrific tells those heroes who are gathered, why he has come out of retirement and is back in costume. He suspects that one of the heroes at the gathering is a traitor. Before he can say who he suspects, there is an explosion on the satellite. The heroes rush to make repairs, but once they have done so, they discover that Mr. Terrific has been murdered.
The satellite is sealed off and the heroes work to figure out who among them has been taken over by the villainous Spirit King.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #171, cover art by Dick Dillin
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #172, cover art by Dick Giordano
1980 would see the Justice League and the Justice Society team with the New Gods. The New Gods are characters created by Jack Kirby who were first published in 1970. These characters exist in a different plane of existence than the rest of the DC multiverse. In this dimension, there are Old Gods and New Gods who live on the worlds of New Genesis and Apokolips. New Genesis is a beautiful and lush planet with lots of sunshine, forests, and water. Apokolips on the other hand, is a dark dystopian cesspool of a world, ruled over by the extremely powerful being known as Darkseid.
In Justice League of America #183, #184, and #185, the New Gods seek out the help of the JLA and JSA after Darkseid kidnaps and enslaves all the residents of New Genesis.
Sadly, issue #183 would be the final issue with interior art by Dick Dillin. He had been the title's penciler for 12 years. He passed away while working on issue #184.
In Justice League of America #183, #184, and #185, the New Gods seek out the help of the JLA and JSA after Darkseid kidnaps and enslaves all the residents of New Genesis.
Sadly, issue #183 would be the final issue with interior art by Dick Dillin. He had been the title's penciler for 12 years. He passed away while working on issue #184.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #183, cover art by Jim Starlin
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #184, cover art by George Perez
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #185, cover art by Jim Starlin, Bob Smith, and Gaspar Saladino
The primary foe in the next Justice League/Justice Society crossover event is the Ultra-Humanite. The Ultra-Humanite has the distinction of being the very first "supervillain" in the DC Universe. He was originally an archnemesis of Superman (of Earth-Two), first appearing in Action Comics #13 (1939). The Ultra-Humanite is a mad scientist who continually transfers his brain into different bodies. In Justice League of America #195 through #197 (1981), his brain is now inside a mutated ape.
Ultra-Humanite assembles a new version of the Secret Society of Super-Villains to assist him on his quest to eradicate superheroes from existence. But things don't go quite as planned when the villains of two different Earths ultimately turn on each other.
Ultra-Humanite assembles a new version of the Secret Society of Super-Villains to assist him on his quest to eradicate superheroes from existence. But things don't go quite as planned when the villains of two different Earths ultimately turn on each other.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #195, #196, and #197, all three with cover art by George Perez
In 1981, DC introduced a new title to their lineup. This title was All-Star Squadron written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Jerry Ordway. All-Star Squadron took place on Earth-Two during the time of World War II. At one point or another, pretty much every DC Golden Age character would be featured in this book (including early members of the Justice Society). Additionally, the Golden Age characters that DC had acquired from other companies would also be retroactively worked in.
Under the request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the All-Star Squadron would help protect the U.S. from enemy forces, both external and internal. This title was a successful one which would be published for many years. In 1982, when it was time for the annual meeting between the Justice League and the Justice Society, their get-together would have them not only spanning different Earths, but also different time periods. This would be an epic five-issue crossover playing out in Justice League of America #207 through #209 and All-Star Squadron #14 and #15 (all published in 1982).
This commemorative 20th JLA/JSA tale plays out in 1942, 1962, and in 1982. The primary antagonist is Per Degaton, a time-traveling villain who first appeared in All-Star Comics #35 (June 1947). But, Per Degaton isn't the only threat to our three teams of heroes. The Crime Syndicate of America (the villains from Earth-Three who the JLA/JSA defeated in their second crossover meeting) are also thrown into this epic tale.
Unlike some other "three-team" stories, this one was given the space it needed to breathe and to be told well. Our heroes have to deal with supervillains, World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and another visit to Earth-Prime!
.jpg)
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #207, #208, and #209, all three covers with art by George Perez
All-Star Squadron #14 and #15, both covers with art by Joe Kubert
It's long been a given that "time" in comic books doesn't move at the same pace as the real world. But there are also some facts about the DC heroes that can't be altered. One of those facts is that most of the members of the Justice Society of America served on the team while America was fighting in World War II. When the Society members initially "re-appeared" in their first JLA/JSA crossover, this wasn't a huge deal. The heroes on Earth-Two could have been in their early 20s during the war days, and then maybe in their late 30s or even early 40s when they were reintroduced way back in Justice League of America #21 in 1963.
With that said, these crossover tales are occurring in the "current" era of Earth-One, which at this point in our tour is the early 1980s. That means that many of the original JSA members are at least in their 60s. Over the years they have been represented with graying/receding hair and recognized as being much older than their JLA/Earth-One counterparts. And herein, a plot point becomes an issue.
Black Canary debuted shortly after the end of World War II. She was a member of the Justice Society of America and was established as originally having been from Earth-Two. She moved from Earth-Two to Earth-One following the death of her husband (back in "real-time" 1969). So why was it that Black Canary was now as young as her teammates in the Justice League, rather than as old as her original contemporaries in the Justice Society? This was a conundrum that the next JLA/JSA team-up hoped to address.
With that said, these crossover tales are occurring in the "current" era of Earth-One, which at this point in our tour is the early 1980s. That means that many of the original JSA members are at least in their 60s. Over the years they have been represented with graying/receding hair and recognized as being much older than their JLA/Earth-One counterparts. And herein, a plot point becomes an issue.
Black Canary debuted shortly after the end of World War II. She was a member of the Justice Society of America and was established as originally having been from Earth-Two. She moved from Earth-Two to Earth-One following the death of her husband (back in "real-time" 1969). So why was it that Black Canary was now as young as her teammates in the Justice League, rather than as old as her original contemporaries in the Justice Society? This was a conundrum that the next JLA/JSA team-up hoped to address.
In Justice League of America #219 and #220 (1983), we see the return of Earth-One Johnny Thunder (last seen in the 1967 JLA/JSA crossover). Once again he is able to take control of the mystical Thunder Bolt when the original Earth-Two Johnny Thunder is incapacitated. As this tale proceeds, the readers learn that the original Black Canary had a daughter with her Earth-Two husband, Larry Lance. That daughter, also named Dinah, was sent to live in Thunderbolt's home dimension in order to save her from the sonic powers that the Wizard cast on her as a form of revenge against the original Black Canary. The Thunderbolt also wiped all memories of baby Dinah from everyone's minds.
It turns out that the Black Canary who joined the Justice League was not the original Black Canary from the Golden Age, but her grown daughter who had been imbued with the memories of her mother! This soap-opera-worthy ridiculous tale aside, the idea of an original Golden Age Black Canary birthing a daughter who would carry on the crime-fighting persona of "Black Canary" would stick. (The part where Dinah II grew up in another dimension would be jettisoned.) It would stick for decades to follow, and it would be cemented with numerous DC continuity reboots that would follow this tale.
It turns out that the Black Canary who joined the Justice League was not the original Black Canary from the Golden Age, but her grown daughter who had been imbued with the memories of her mother! This soap-opera-worthy ridiculous tale aside, the idea of an original Golden Age Black Canary birthing a daughter who would carry on the crime-fighting persona of "Black Canary" would stick. (The part where Dinah II grew up in another dimension would be jettisoned.) It would stick for decades to follow, and it would be cemented with numerous DC continuity reboots that would follow this tale.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #219 and #220, both issues with cover art by George Perez
In Justice League of America #231 and #232 (Oct. 1984), Supergirl joins several members of the League when they are transported to Earth-Two to help the Justice Society defeat the Commander, an alien villain who has taken over the body of a man named Joshua Champion. Champion's young children also assist the League and Society in their efforts to return the Commander to his home dimension.
Supergirl's presence was one of a multitude of guest appearances that she would make in various DC titles during 1984. The powers that be at DC knew that the character was going to be killed off in the maxi-series, Crisis on Infinite Earths, which was scheduled to begin publication in early 1985.
Supergirl's presence was one of a multitude of guest appearances that she would make in various DC titles during 1984. The powers that be at DC knew that the character was going to be killed off in the maxi-series, Crisis on Infinite Earths, which was scheduled to begin publication in early 1985.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #231 and #232, both featuring cover art by Chuck Patton
The final annual team-up between the Justice League of America and the Justice Society of America was published in 1985 amidst the events that were happening in the Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series that was also published that same year.
A year prior to this tale, DC began publication of a title called Infinity Inc. This ongoing title was set on Earth-Two and featured the grown up offspring of many of the original Justice Society members.
Another big change that occurred in 1984 was the membership of the Justice League of America. Following the Earth-Mars War, the League (under the leadership of Aquaman) changed its membership requirements. Membership on the team would no longer be voluntary, instead, members would need to devote themselves to the team on a full-time basis. Most long-standing members resigned. New, younger heroes were brought in (Steel, Vibe, Gypsy, and Vixen). This change was intended to provide writers with characters they could have more control over, and DC hoped that sales would rival those of better-selling group titles like The New Teen Titans and The Legion of Super-Heroes, and even Infinity Inc.
Infinity Inc. #19 and Justice League of America #244 would feature the final annual crossover between the heroes of Earth-One and Earth-Two. This tale is much more a team-up of Infinity Inc. and the JLA, but members of the Justice Society were sewn to pay respect to the long tradition of the crossover events.
A year prior to this tale, DC began publication of a title called Infinity Inc. This ongoing title was set on Earth-Two and featured the grown up offspring of many of the original Justice Society members.
Another big change that occurred in 1984 was the membership of the Justice League of America. Following the Earth-Mars War, the League (under the leadership of Aquaman) changed its membership requirements. Membership on the team would no longer be voluntary, instead, members would need to devote themselves to the team on a full-time basis. Most long-standing members resigned. New, younger heroes were brought in (Steel, Vibe, Gypsy, and Vixen). This change was intended to provide writers with characters they could have more control over, and DC hoped that sales would rival those of better-selling group titles like The New Teen Titans and The Legion of Super-Heroes, and even Infinity Inc.
Infinity Inc. #19 and Justice League of America #244 would feature the final annual crossover between the heroes of Earth-One and Earth-Two. This tale is much more a team-up of Infinity Inc. and the JLA, but members of the Justice Society were sewn to pay respect to the long tradition of the crossover events.
Infinity Inc. (vol. 1) #19, cover art by Todd McFarlane, Tony DeZuniga, and Anthony Tollin
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #244, cover art by Joe Staton
Sadly these crossover events would come to an end. The change in lineup for the Justice League did not prove to be the ratings boom that DC had hoped for. This iteration of the League (one most fans refer to as "Justice League Detroit") sputtered to a slow death. Two of the new members would be killed, and most others would resign one by one until the League was no more. This long-running volume of Justice League of America ended with issue #261, dated April 1987.
Additionally, after the events in the iconic Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series, the multiverse had been erased. Most of the various universes were destroyed, and one single universe remained. This singular universe contains "New Earth" which is an amalgam of mostly Earth-One, with bits of Earth-Two, Earth-Four, Earth-S, and Earth-X weaved in. The Justice Society and the Justice League now exist on the same planet, just decades apart from each other. A Transmatter Cube is no longer required for them to visit each other!
The singular New Earth would last for quite some time before it too would be undone. New versions of the Justice League would be formed, and the history of the Justice Society would be tweaked and modified to keep the characters relevant to new readers. The annual crossover events between the Justice League and the Justice Society would be relegated to the happy memories of my youth!
The Justice League of America, Justice Society of America, and all related characters, names, and elements and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of DC Comics, Inc.
Additionally, after the events in the iconic Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series, the multiverse had been erased. Most of the various universes were destroyed, and one single universe remained. This singular universe contains "New Earth" which is an amalgam of mostly Earth-One, with bits of Earth-Two, Earth-Four, Earth-S, and Earth-X weaved in. The Justice Society and the Justice League now exist on the same planet, just decades apart from each other. A Transmatter Cube is no longer required for them to visit each other!
The singular New Earth would last for quite some time before it too would be undone. New versions of the Justice League would be formed, and the history of the Justice Society would be tweaked and modified to keep the characters relevant to new readers. The annual crossover events between the Justice League and the Justice Society would be relegated to the happy memories of my youth!
The Justice League of America, Justice Society of America, and all related characters, names, and elements and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of DC Comics, Inc.
%20123-000.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment