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2007 PREVIEW: JLA/JSA
Geoff Johns and Brad Meltzer spill the beans on the 10 people, places and things to watch for in DC's biggest crossover of 2007
By Ben Morse and Rickey A. Purdin
The Justice League of America and Justice Society of America have had two dozen official team-ups since their first meeting back in 1963, but writers Geoff Johns and Brad Meltzer aim to make the latest encounter between DCs two biggest teams in 2007 something special.
In a world where everything needs to be a crossover for greed purposes, this story came out of love for these characters and not how we could sell more books, insists Meltzer.
For the first time, each team has its own title, making this the first real JLA/JSA crossover in many ways. The story begins in April with Justice League of America #8 by Meltzer and artist Ed Benes and continues in two more issues of that series plus two issues of Justice Society of America by Johns and Dale Eaglesham.
We cornered the two writers and got some key Intel on 10 elements crucial to the crossover.
BATMAN
Even when working with the Justice League, the Dark Knight prefers to keep to the shadows, directing strategy by himself from behind the scenes, but the magnitude of the events that bring the JLA and JSA together will force Batman to work closely with two men on the other team.
The most interesting thing about Batman is that theres nobody like him, so its even more interesting when he does find somebody like him, like Mr. Terrific, says Meltzer, referring to the longtime JSA chairman. With all the powers these teams have, only Batman and Mr. Terrific can
figure their way out of the situation theyre in.
Johns has his eye on pairing Batman with another Society member: Sandman.
[Batman and Sandman] have drastically different backgrounds, but seeing them break into Arkham together is interesting.
POWER GIRL
The most assertive member of the JSA and a former Leaguer, Power Girl wont necessarily be overcome with joy when her two teams join up.
Power Girl is the only person that Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman all immediately voted onto the League in the first couple issues [of Justice League of America], reminds Meltzer. No question in my mind, Power Girl should be in the Justice League, but its her choice not to be.
RED TORNADO & CYCLONE
The JLAs newly rejuvenated android shares a name with Maxine Hunkels grandmother, but does the unlikely bond between these mismatched heroes end there?
Brad did a lot with Red Tornado, and Im excited to get him and Cyclone together and explore the really strange connection they have that will be evident later in the story, remarks Johns. Some of the secrets of new [JSA] members like Cyclone will come out through their encounters with Justice League members.
GREEN LANTERN
After a rocky few pre-Rebirth years for Hal Jordan, teaming up with some old friends among the JSA will be a treat for the Emerald Gladiator.
We get to see Hal Jordan with Jay Garrick, and theres nothing like a Green Lantern-Flash team-up, gushes Meltzer. [Hal] respects that older generation of heroes. These are his teachers. When he gets to see Jay Garrick run, it touches a very emotional chord for him.
LOCATIONS
The action in this epic wont be confined to Metropolis or Gotham as the two teams travel across the planet and beyond in the course of a crucial mission.
Well be visiting different locales, some obscure and some major like the Fortress of Solitude, but theyre all tied into the story, promises Johns. The story explores the DC Universe from the dungeons of Arkham Asylum to the skies of Thanagar.
According to Meltzer, those last two hot spots have particular significance:
Arkham and Thanagar have a connection, we dont just think theyre both cool to draw.
THE JSA ROOKIES
For newly christened Justice Society members like Damage and Commander Steel, fighting alongside the JLA their first time out is a trial by fire they cant avoid.
We have a lot of new characters in the JSA after the books first arc, a lot of rookies basically being thrown into their first exam, elaborates Johns. Theyre forced to team up with the Justice League and see what they can learn from the experience, which is what the Justice Society is all about: what can these kids learn?
BLACK CANARY
Having served tours of duty with both teams and gained a new edge and attitude over the last couple years in Birds of Prey, the once soft-spoken Dinah Lance now makes her voice heard as loudly as her Canary Cry.
Its very handy to have somebody who can play general who knows all the soldiers, notes Meltzer. She has the advantage over natural leaders like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Hawkman, Alan Scott, etc. here.
HAWKMAN & HAWKGIRL
The Winged Wonders provide another connection between teams and Hawkgirls recent jump from JSA to JLA does not go unnoticed by her former teammates.
Its like going off to college then coming home with new friends, explains Meltzer. Power Girl has a very strong opinion of Kendra based on whats gone on in the past year.
For the recently returned Hawkman, a reunion with his former lover will prove more awkward than he might have hoped.
Hawkgirl is emotionally going somewhere else and well see what that means to Hawkman, says Johns. The last time they were together was on Thanagar and now theyre going back. What does that mean? And what do you learn about the time Hawkman spent there before he returned to the Justice Society?
STARMAN
The lynchpin for a great deal of tumult in the world of the Justice Society, the teams mysterious new member serves as a major trigger for their meeting with the JLA.
Hes a character to watch, warns Johns. You have to read his dialogue closely, because it seems like hes a little mad, but everything he says actually makes sense. Everything he does actually makes sense. Hes the key.
TRIDENT
Have you written off this low-level villain as purely flunky material after reading the first arc of Justice League of America? Think again.
People are focused on him being a henchman, but hes there for a reason, teases Meltzer. Go back and read his first story [from New Teen Titans #33]. People are going to be surprised by him. Is he somebody weve seen before under the mask? Thats a good question to ask.
Geoff Johns and Brad Meltzer spill the beans on the 10 people, places and things to watch for in DC's biggest crossover of 2007
By Ben Morse and Rickey A. Purdin
Posted January 3, 2007 8:10 AM
The Justice League of America and Justice Society of America have had two dozen official team-ups since their first meeting back in 1963, but writers Geoff Johns and Brad Meltzer aim to make the latest encounter between DCs two biggest teams in 2007 something special.
In a world where everything needs to be a crossover for greed purposes, this story came out of love for these characters and not how we could sell more books, insists Meltzer.
For the first time, each team has its own title, making this the first real JLA/JSA crossover in many ways. The story begins in April with Justice League of America #8 by Meltzer and artist Ed Benes and continues in two more issues of that series plus two issues of Justice Society of America by Johns and Dale Eaglesham.
We cornered the two writers and got some key Intel on 10 elements crucial to the crossover.
BATMAN
Even when working with the Justice League, the Dark Knight prefers to keep to the shadows, directing strategy by himself from behind the scenes, but the magnitude of the events that bring the JLA and JSA together will force Batman to work closely with two men on the other team.
The most interesting thing about Batman is that theres nobody like him, so its even more interesting when he does find somebody like him, like Mr. Terrific, says Meltzer, referring to the longtime JSA chairman. With all the powers these teams have, only Batman and Mr. Terrific can
figure their way out of the situation theyre in.
Johns has his eye on pairing Batman with another Society member: Sandman.
[Batman and Sandman] have drastically different backgrounds, but seeing them break into Arkham together is interesting.
POWER GIRL
The most assertive member of the JSA and a former Leaguer, Power Girl wont necessarily be overcome with joy when her two teams join up.
Power Girl is the only person that Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman all immediately voted onto the League in the first couple issues [of Justice League of America], reminds Meltzer. No question in my mind, Power Girl should be in the Justice League, but its her choice not to be.
RED TORNADO & CYCLONE
The JLAs newly rejuvenated android shares a name with Maxine Hunkels grandmother, but does the unlikely bond between these mismatched heroes end there?
Brad did a lot with Red Tornado, and Im excited to get him and Cyclone together and explore the really strange connection they have that will be evident later in the story, remarks Johns. Some of the secrets of new [JSA] members like Cyclone will come out through their encounters with Justice League members.
GREEN LANTERN
After a rocky few pre-Rebirth years for Hal Jordan, teaming up with some old friends among the JSA will be a treat for the Emerald Gladiator.
We get to see Hal Jordan with Jay Garrick, and theres nothing like a Green Lantern-Flash team-up, gushes Meltzer. [Hal] respects that older generation of heroes. These are his teachers. When he gets to see Jay Garrick run, it touches a very emotional chord for him.
LOCATIONSThe action in this epic wont be confined to Metropolis or Gotham as the two teams travel across the planet and beyond in the course of a crucial mission.
Well be visiting different locales, some obscure and some major like the Fortress of Solitude, but theyre all tied into the story, promises Johns. The story explores the DC Universe from the dungeons of Arkham Asylum to the skies of Thanagar.
According to Meltzer, those last two hot spots have particular significance:
Arkham and Thanagar have a connection, we dont just think theyre both cool to draw.
THE JSA ROOKIES
For newly christened Justice Society members like Damage and Commander Steel, fighting alongside the JLA their first time out is a trial by fire they cant avoid.
We have a lot of new characters in the JSA after the books first arc, a lot of rookies basically being thrown into their first exam, elaborates Johns. Theyre forced to team up with the Justice League and see what they can learn from the experience, which is what the Justice Society is all about: what can these kids learn?
BLACK CANARY
Having served tours of duty with both teams and gained a new edge and attitude over the last couple years in Birds of Prey, the once soft-spoken Dinah Lance now makes her voice heard as loudly as her Canary Cry.
Its very handy to have somebody who can play general who knows all the soldiers, notes Meltzer. She has the advantage over natural leaders like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Hawkman, Alan Scott, etc. here.
HAWKMAN & HAWKGIRL
The Winged Wonders provide another connection between teams and Hawkgirls recent jump from JSA to JLA does not go unnoticed by her former teammates.
Its like going off to college then coming home with new friends, explains Meltzer. Power Girl has a very strong opinion of Kendra based on whats gone on in the past year.
For the recently returned Hawkman, a reunion with his former lover will prove more awkward than he might have hoped.Hawkgirl is emotionally going somewhere else and well see what that means to Hawkman, says Johns. The last time they were together was on Thanagar and now theyre going back. What does that mean? And what do you learn about the time Hawkman spent there before he returned to the Justice Society?
STARMAN
The lynchpin for a great deal of tumult in the world of the Justice Society, the teams mysterious new member serves as a major trigger for their meeting with the JLA.
Hes a character to watch, warns Johns. You have to read his dialogue closely, because it seems like hes a little mad, but everything he says actually makes sense. Everything he does actually makes sense. Hes the key.
TRIDENT
Have you written off this low-level villain as purely flunky material after reading the first arc of Justice League of America? Think again.
People are focused on him being a henchman, but hes there for a reason, teases Meltzer. Go back and read his first story [from New Teen Titans #33]. People are going to be surprised by him. Is he somebody weve seen before under the mask? Thats a good question to ask.
