The Justice Society created by Gardner Fox

 

ALL-STAR COMICS #5

Featuring the legendary

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA

“Return to Glory!”

 

Written by Jeff Melton

 

Roll Call: Guest-starring:

 

Hawkman Shining Knight

Flash Star Spangled Kid

Sandman Stripesy

Wonder Woman Vigilante

Hourman Green Arrow

Dr. Mid-Nite Speedy

Power Girl Wing

Wildcat

 

The Justice Society headquarters is awash with activity as Hawkman stands over the proceedings at their weekly meeting. Hawkman stands over the table, with gavel in hand, as the members present for the meeting converse freely amongst themselves.

 

With a sense of regret, Hawkman directs the gavel against the table, breaking up the conversation of these friends of so many years, as all eyes turn to their chairman.

 

"I need to call this meeting to order," Hawkman states with authority. "This weekly meeting, we have a request from some old friends."

 

As the valiant knights of justice seated around the table-the Flash, Sandman, Wonder Woman, Hourman, Dr. Mid-Nite, Power Girl, and Wildcat-turn to the doorway, they are greeted by the sight of familiar heroes emerging from the adjoining room: the Shining Knight, Star Spangled Kid, Stripesy, Vigilante, Green Arrow, Speedy, and Wing-88% of the legendary...

 

"Seven Soldiers of Victory!" Hawkman announces. The reactions of the JSA are a mix. Flash, Sandman, and Wildcat are genuinely pleased to see their old friends. Wonder Woman looks on with intense interest, as does Hourman. Dr. Mid-Nite's reaction is hidden beneath his goggles.

 

Power Girl rolls her eyes, wondering what they need to do to help out these people who she has never really known (with the exception of Star Spangled Kid, who she remembers having a strong interest in her). "Hmm," she muses to herself. "Maybe this won't be a total waste after all."

 

"As each of you know," Hawkman continues, "these meetings are really optional. Normally, they're just an excuse for us to get together and discuss the past and our glory days..." With this, the room erupts with laughter, but it is quickly restrained and soon ends.

 

"Batman, Robin, and the Huntress probably won't show up," he continues. "They deserve a little peace after so much turmoil. I'm sure Batman has a lot of affairs to get in order since his return from apparent death.* My wife is throwing a Tupperware party, and Black Canary is helping her out with that. Others have called expressing their regrets at not being able to attend. Only Dr. Fate hasn't contacted me, and he's probably fighting in another dimension. So, I call this meeting of the JSA to order."

 

[*As shown in #2.]

 

"My friends," Hawkman says, as he nods to Wing, who comes up to stand beside him at the podium. "We've been asked to help find a missing comrade. As I'm sure you've noticed, there is a missing member of the Seven Soldiers...Crimson Avenger." A few gasps of surprise rise up among the JSA members, even as Hawkman steps back, allowing Wing to take the podium.

 

"We need your help," Wing states, stepping forward to the podium. "Lee is missing."

 

Sir Justin, the Shining Knight, steps up to the podium as well, wearing a grim expression. "Insooth, my friends," he relates "he speaks only the truth. We have searched all over the Earth, but have found nothing. 'Twas Sylvester who did suggest that we seek thy aid."

 

"Lee is my best friend," Sandman offers, looking up at the heroes in front of them. "We always had a sort of a rapport. We started crime-fighting at the same time. When I was having my...medical problems a few years back, we lost contact. I wish I'd known. I'll do whatever I can."

 

"We all will, Wes," Hawkman agrees, moved by Sandman's words. "You know we will." Hawkman looks over the assembled heroes, who are nodding in agreement. "Does everyone else feel the same way-that we should help them find Lee?" Hawkman nods in understanding at the positive reaction to his question.

 

"The quickest way," Hawkman says, re-assuming the mantle of leadership, "is to divide into groups of three. I'll go with Wing and Sir Justin. The rest of you can divide as you choose."

 

Star Spangled Kid and Stripesy meet up with Flash. Wonder Woman and Hourman get up with Vigilante. Green Arrow and Speedy divide with Sandman. Power Girl, Wildcat, and Dr. Mid-Nite group together.

 

"Well, chickie," Wildcat jests, looking at Power Girl, as Dr. Mid-Nite stands behind her, smiling. "It looks like we're together on this one."

 

"Don't remind me," she coldly replies, her hands on her shapely hips.

 

"This wasn't my idea," Dr Mid-Nite thinks to himself, shaking his head. "Why did Wes insist on going with Arrow?"

 

"So, we get to work together again, Jay," Star Spangled Kid offers. With him are Jay and Stripesy.

"Yes," Jay responds, nodding, as he looks on with a gentle smile. "I was wondering what you'd been doing lately. I guess you were always a Seven Soldier at heart?"

 

"Nah," Stripesy replies, shaking his head. "We were just called in recently ourselves. I've been busy with my auto shop."

 

"I'm looking forward to this," Hourman says, smiling at Wonder Woman. Behind Wonder Woman, Vigilante stands, looking on.

 

"It'll be my pleasure," Wonder Woman returns with a smile.

 

"This looks like a cozy group," Vigilante offers. "Mind if I join in?"

 

Green Arrow stands with Speedy and Sandman. "Roy and I haven't had a chance to work with you in quite some time, Wes," Green Arrow says.

 

"Sounds like a good excuse to me, Oliver," Sandman replies.

 

____________________________________________________________________

 

CHAPTER ONE:

 

HAWKMAN, SHINING KNIGHT, AND WING

_________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Hawkman, Shining Knight, and Wing soar across the Community City harbor. Shining Knight and Wing sit atop Shining Knight's horse, and Hawkman flies alongside them.

 

The three heroes set down on the shores, by a familiar dock on the coast of Community City Harbor.*

 

[*Last seen in DC Comics Presents #38 (October, 1981): "Whatever Happened to Crimson Avenger?"]

 

"Okay, we'll start here," Hawkman offers, looking out over the docks, as ships dock and move out across the waters. "This is where Lee lived all just about all of his life. Any clues we'll find will be found here."

 

"We did search here," Sir Justin replies. "But were able to find nothing."

 

"Maybe you overlooked a few things, Sir Justin," Hawkman says, as he continues to look out over the waters. He then turns his attention away from the dock, looking out towards the city.

 

Hawkman and his friends walk into a pour, but proud, area of the city, as Hawkman looks around him, taking in the sights, as if looking for something in particular.

 

"As I recall, in his editorials, Lee really spoke up for the poor," Hawkman explains. "He also spoke fluent Spanish. I wouldn't be surprised if these people knew a little something about his current whereabouts-or could at least point us in the right direction."

 

"Amazing," Sir Justin silently considers, as he follows Hawkman's lead.

 

"Lee was really distraught the last time I spoke with him," Wing thinks to himself, looking around at the tenement buildings, and the people outside, and looking at them from the upper windows. "He said he was sick, but he didn't explain how sick. I hope it wasn't serious."

 

As Hawkman and Wing start to talk to people regarding their lost ally, Sir Justin slips off into an ally, where he hears familiar sounds. Hawkman shows a woman who looks to be in her late 30s a picture of the Crimson Avenger.

 

"Do you know this man?" Hawkman asks, proffering the picture to her, as she nods.

 

"Yes, senior," she replies. "A great man. He saved my boy once."

 

Shining Knight, meanwhile, walks behind a dark ally and finds five cheerful kids playing. One is a boy that Crimson Avenger saved on his last adventure.**

 

[**In the aforementioned DC Comics Presents #38.]

 

"It seems that those most aware of the world around them are those who least understand it," he thinks, while watching the children at play. "I shall converse with these youths."

 

One of the children rushes over to Shining Knight, even as he starts walking over to them.

 

"Greetings, young ones," Shining Knight offers. "If I may interrupt your play for the briefest of moments..."

 

"Hey, a super-hero!" the young boy offers. "You're like the one who stopped me from falling from a window!"

 

"How was this hero attired?" Shining Knight asks, leaning down to the young boy's level, intrigued by his comments.

 

"He was dressed in red," the young boy replies. "He called himself the Red 'Venger or something."

 

Shining Knight's eyes light up with interest at the boy's words. "Tell me more about this man," he asks.

 

Moments later, Shining Knight returns to Hawkman and Wing, who have just finished talking to more adults.

 

"Where have you been, Justin?" Hawkman asks. "We've been getting some information."

 

"I have been doing some research of my own," Justin replies.

 

After they have compared notes, they travel up a set of stairs leading to an old apartment complex that has lost its luster with the passage of time. The bricks have cracks along them, and there are small holes in the walls. The window panes have cracking paint, and the stairs creak in frustration, as they walk on them.

 

"'Twould be most appropriate to speak with the youth's mother," Shining Knight comments.

 

"My thoughts exactly," Hawkman replies.

 

After they knock on the door, a woman appears holding a small child of perhaps two years in age in her right arm.

 

"Yes?" she asks. Then, her face changes with a hint of recognition. "Oh, it is Hawkman! But what are you doing here...in Community City? And who are the others?"

 

"They're friends of mine and the Crimson Avenger's," Hawkman returns. "I think you know him? Will you let us in for a moment?"

 

"Yes," she says, moving back and motioning for them to go in. "Yes, of course."

 

The woman opens the door wider as the three heroes enter her apartment. "How did you know him?"

 

"We are his comrades," he returns. "Your child suggested that we speak with you."

 

"Why do you look for him?" she asks, concerned. "Is he hurt?"

 

"We do not know, miss," Wing replies. "But he is missing. We would like your help in finding him."

 

"I will do what I can," the woman offers. Her face is grim. "He saved my boy. He is a real....hero."

 

After they have talked with the woman, the three start to leave.

 

"Let me know if you find him," the woman says, holding her hand on the doorway, as she watches them walk out. "And...good luck."

 

"Thank you, ma'am," Hawkman replies, as they turn to leave.

 

"We have learned something," Wing offers.

 

"Now we go to the library," Hawkman returns. "There are a few things I want to check up on."

 

_________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER TWO:

 

POWER GIRL, WILDCAT, AND DR. MID-NITE

_________________________________________________________________________

 

Power Girl, Wildcat, and Dr. Mid-Nite stand outside the offices of the Daily Globe-Leader, the newspaper where Lee Travis served as publisher.

 

As the three stand in an elevator, which will take them to the editor's office, Wildcat does his best to irritate Power Girl, which he succeeds out with minimal effort.

 

"I shoulda quit you baby, a long time ago...," Wildcat sings nonchalantly, while pressing the button for the fourteenth floor of the building.

 

"Don't you know any non-sexist songs?" Power Girl asks, glaring at Wildcat, with her hands on her hips.

 

"I don't do request, chickie!" Wildcat returns, then goes back to singing.

 

"I am not a 'chick'!" Power Girl exclaims, her face flush as she gets increasingly irritated.

 

"For the cousin of Superman," Wildcat replies, leaning against the wall, as he continues to look down at the numbers, which are increasing as the elevator moves upward, "you sure are mighty testy."

 

Power Girl steps forward, pointing her index finger into Wildcat's chest, as she fumes. "I could snap you in half!" she demands. "And sometimes I'm tempted to!"

 

"And you ask me why I never got married, Charles," Wildcat replies, ignoring Power Girl's threats, and looking over her arm at Dr. Mid-Nite, who looks on, shaking his head. "Typical dame."

 

"I'm not getting in the middle of this!" Dr. Mid-Nite is quick to point out.

 

Power Girl backs up, but continues to glare at Wildcat. "Maybe no one would have you!" she says.

 

"And maybe they don't know what they're missing," he replies flippantly. Then, he lets out a sly smile, as he looks at Power Girl. "You know, you can be pretty sexy when you're fired up."

 

"What?" she exclaims, surprised once again by Wildcat's comments. "Why, I...!"

 

"Um, excuse me," Dr. Mid-Nite interrupts, as he gestures towards the elevator door, which he is holding open. "But, the elevator door is open."

 

The three heroes disembark from the elevator, to the astonished stairs of the on-looking newspaper staff.

 

"Don't think I'm through with you yet," Power Girl whispers.

 

"I'll keep that in mind," Wildcat replies sarcastically.

 

As they walk down the hall, they encounter a receptionist to the editor. She starts to get up and stop them from going forward, but a quick glare from Power Girl sits her back in her chair. Wildcat opens the door and walks into the editor's office, knocking on the door as he does so.

 

"Maybe this clown will know something," Wildcat remarks.

 

"He's not answering the door, Wildcat," Power Girl comments.

 

"Who said I'm going to give him the chance?" Wildcat says, as they walk into the editor's office. He looks on with shock, holding the phone to his ear.

 

"What's going on here?" he demands, slamming the phone to its base, as he starts to get to his feet. "Who do you think you...?"

 

"Ease up, man," Wildcat replies, motioning for the editor to sit back down. "We just want some info."

 

"I don't believe I'm involved in this," Dr. Mid-Nite thinks to himself, rubbing his forehead, as he rolls his eyes.

 

"What is it, Wildcat?" the editor demands, still standing at his desk. "I'm a busy man, and I don't need any interruptions...even from the legendary JSA!"

 

"Yeah, well," Wildcat replies, unimpressed with the editor's remarks. "We've come for information about Lee Travis. Do you know where he is?"

 

The editor sits down at his desk, running his index finger across his brow. He then looks up at Wildcat, calming down.

 

"I really wish I did," the editor replies. "He had some form of cancer and wasn't given a lot of time to live." Wildcat, Power Girl and Dr. Mid-Nite all react with shock to that information. "But, Lee was always a fighter. He wouldn't give up."

 

The editor then sits at his desk, holding his head in his hands, as the others look on, stunned. "He was in the hospital, and then he left. And that was that. I haven't heard from him since."

 

"Nothing?" Power Girl asks.

 

"Nothing," the editor replies, simply. "Lee was something else. He had a way to make the paper work. After he left, the paper's circulation started slipping off. We need him back. Besides that, he's my friend."

 

"I understand," Dr. Mid-Nite replies calmly. "When did you last see him?"

 

"It's been a couple of years now," the editor replies.

 

"I see," Dr. Mid-Nite responds. "Can you tell me where he might have gone? Did he have an affection for anything in particular?"

 

"A good story," the editor replies, forcing a slight smile to his face. "And the harbor. That's about it."

 

"I see," Dr. Mid-Nite replies, smiling to himself as they start to leave. "That might just be enough. Thank you."

 

"Good luck," the editor says, as he gets to his feet once again. "I hope you find him. We could sure use him around here."

 

"We'll do what we can," Dr. Mid-Nite replies, nodding, as he walks through the door that Wildcat opened for him. "Good day."

 

_______________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER THREE:

 

STAR SPANGLED KID, STRIPESY, AND THE FLASH!

_______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Star Spangled Kid, Stripesy, and the Flash walk down the halls of Community City Hospital, to the amazement of the hospital staff. Two nurses-a blonde who looks to be in her early 30's and a black woman in her mid-20's-stand near a hospital tray as the three heroes approach them. Flash approaches the two nurses while the others linger behind.

 

"Excuse me, ladies," Flash offers, "but I heard that you two were the nurses assigned to monitor Lee Travis."

 

"Who?" the blonde asks.

 

"Lee Travis," Flash tries again. "This would have been a couple of years ago, but I'm sure you remember him. He was a wealthy man...a newspaper publisher."

 

"Oh yes," the younger nurse replies, nodding her head. "He had some form of cancer. I remember him now."

 

"Yeah," the blonde tosses in. "They haven't come up with a name for it yet."

 

"Yes, well," Flash replies, nodding. "From what I understand, he just...disappeared."

 

"Sure did," the younger nurse replies, smiling slightly. "Right out the window when I was bringing him a sleeping pill."

 

"Out the window?" Flash replies. "Can you take us to that room?"

 

"Sure, " the blonde replies. Then, she turns to the younger nurse: "Go ahead and take this to 621. I'll take care of this."

 

"Sure thing," the younger nurse replies, grabbing the tray and walking down the hall, as Star Spangled Kid watches her leave.

 

The nurse leads them to an empty room, with a single bed and a single window. "Here it is," she offers. "Just like the others. Nothing special about it."

 

"Not quite like the others," Star Spangled Kid replies, looking out the window. "It has a window overlooking the harbor."

 

"That's right," the nurse responds, nodding her head. "He was looking out the window all day when he disappeared."

 

"The same day that freighter exploded," the Flash comments, remember something he picked up in the volumes of newspapers he read on microfiche moments before they came over to the hospital.

 

The Flash shakes the nurse's hand, as they walk out of the room. "Thanks for your help, miss."

 

"Sure," the nurse replies, looking dumbfounded by the entire episode. "Any time."

 

The three walk down the hallway leading to the elevators with grim resignation. "I'm afraid I can add two and two as well as you can, Sly," the Flash comments.

 

"Yeah," Star Spangled Kid responds with a nod, "I'm afraid I know what you're..."

 

"Hey, wait a minute!" Stripesy points out. "Aren't you forgetting something? He didn't necessarily die, you know."

 

"Well, he was sick," the Flash replies with a grim expression. "But, with the explosion...and the water..."

 

"Yeah, unless..." Star Spangled Kid responds, looking at the Flash as if a light went off in his face. "Do you think that...?"

 

"It's possible," Stripesy says, smiling.

 

"Come on," Flash responds with sudden enthusiasm. "We need to report to the JSA!"

 

CHAPTER FOUR:

 

 

Sandy, Green Arrow, and Speedy stand in the Community City jail as they seek information regarding their missing comrade. The commissioner is conversing with them, while offenders are being processed by the jailers.

 

Sandman talks with the commissioner as the two archers stand by, patiently waiting for the answers they seek.

 

"Can you tell us anything about the whereabouts of the owner of the Globe-Leader...Lee Travis?" Sandman asks.

 

"Not a thing..." the commissioner replies, looking at an inmate, who has his arms folded, refusing to answer the jailer's questions. "...other than the fact that he's been reported missing for the past couple of years."

 

Green Arrow rolls his eyes. "Surely you know more than that, man!" Green Arrow replies, frustrated. "Have you no clues?"

 

"The last I heard he was being treated at the Community City Hospital,” the Commissioner replies, watching as the suspects are being processed. “Some incurable disease—I think they were calling it cancer. He was in pretty bad shape then. Word was that he just took off one day from the hospital.”

 

"This doesn't sound good," Sandman comments, frustration evident in his voice. "It's not like Lee to give up on life like that. Going off to die isn't his style."

 

"Yeah, well," Speedy replies. "Let's check out the hospital anyway."

 

Green Arrow glares at the commissioner as they walk out the door. "'Gave up the search'!" he scoffs. "What a...!"

 

"Let's go, GA," Sandman says, grabbing Green Arrow's arm as they walk out the door.

 

As the three start their walk to the hospital down the street to Community City Hospital, they see Flash, Star Spangled Kid, and Stripesy walking through the hospital parking lot.

 

"Look, it's..." Speedy starts. "Flash! Star Spangled Kid! Stripesy!"

 

"Looks like you had the same idea we had," Sandman offers, walking over to the Flash. "Did you learn anything?"

 

"Quite a bit, actually," Flash replies. "We contacted Hawkman and asked him to call a get-together so we can go over the information we have."

 

Star Spangled Kid and Stripesy get into their car, inviting Green Arrow, Speedy, and Sandman to do the same. Flash stands outside the car.

 

"I'll meet you at headquarters," Flash says, smiling.

 

"Sure, Flash," Star Spangled Kid replies. "Are you sure you don't want to race?"

 

"I never said I didn't," the Flash says. Suddenly, a streak of crimson and yellow is all that is left where the Flash once stood, as well as a sudden gust of wind, as the five heroes in Star Spangled Kid's car look on, stunned.

 

"Show off," Star Spangled Kid scoffs.

 

"I thought you said this was the 'ultimate speed machine'?" Stripesy comments sarcastically.

 

"Enough out of you!" Star Spangled Kid replies, shaking his head.

 

 

CHAPTER FIVE:

 

 

Hourman, Wonder Woman, and Vigilante stand on the pier overlooking the Community City Harbor, as they talk to an old sailor about the location of their fellow crime-fighter.

 

Hourman speaks to the man, while Wonder Woman stands closely behind him, and Vigilante stands to his right, looking on.

 

"So, you say you were saved from death by a costumed man?" Hourman asks.

 

"Yeah," the sailor acknowledges, nodding. He runs his thumb and index finger across his whiskered face. "But it was dark and I couldn't make him out too well."

 

"Were any bodies found?" Wonder Woman asks.

 

"No," the sailor replies, eyeing Wonder Woman with interest. "There haven't been any found. I don't know what would be left after an explosion like that, though."

 

"Is it possible that he swam ashore?" Hourman asks. "Maybe the explosion occurred after he left the ship?"

 

"It's enough to imagine that he got off the ship before he exploded," the sailor responds. "But, he sailed that boat into open waters. There's no way he could have swam back to shore. It would've been too much."

 

"Yes," Vigilante replies, rubbing his hand along his chin. "But what if he was carried back?"

 

Hourman looks puzzled by the statement. "Carried back?" Hourman asks. "But, he would have re-surfaced by now. He would have to be..."

 

"Carried somewhere else," Wonder Woman tosses in. Instinctively, they walk away from the sailor, to discuss what they have gathered thus far.

 

Hourman looks into Wonder Woman's eyes, seeking an answer. "Somewhere else?" he asks. "But...wait a minute! You don't think...?"

 

"He's the only one who could have pulled it off," Wonder Woman replies. "We haven't seen him in a while. It is possible."

 

"Why wouldn't he have come back by now then?" Hourman asks.

 

"Perhaps he was undergoing treatments?" Wonder Woman suggests. "After all, he had a chronic illness."

 

"Or he..." Vigilante starts, but then cuts himself off, not wanting to even think that.

 

Wonder Woman puts an arm around Hourman's neck, leaning forward. "Are you in the mood for a swim, Rex dear?" she asks, smiling.

 

"You know I couldn't turn down an offer like that, Diana," Hourman responds.

 

They walk over to the end of the pier and start to jump in, but are interrupted by Vigilante. "We're going to check on that," Hourman says, looking back towards Vigilante.

 

"Wait!" Vigilante calls out. "There's something coming through on the signal. They're re-convening at JSA headquarters."

 

Hourman waves off Vigilante, as the two stand at the edge of the pier. “Go back to JSA Headquarters and tell them that we’ll be there as soon as we check this out.” He then turns to Diana, who is nodding her head. “Ready, Diana?”

 

“Definitely, Rex,” Wonder Woman replies. Wonder Woman and Hourman then make dives into the pier in perfect unison with one another, as Vigilante stands in mute shock. He shakes his head, after the water stops rippling, returning to a more calm state.

 

 

 

Within an hour after the call was sounded, the JSA meeting room is full. Vigilante returns at last, as the other heroes stand, awaiting his return.

 

“You lost two people along the way, didn’t you Greg?” Hawkman asks, a slight smile on his face.

 

“They’ll be here soon,” Vigilante replies. “I won’t even tell you where they are—or the wild idea they’re exploring. Still, Wonder Woman and Hourman are both ‘bigger’ than me, and I’m not one to turn them down.” Wildcat looks on suspiciously, and Power Girl looks fascinated by the statement.

 

“What do you mean?” she asks. “Where have they gone?”

 

“They have an idea of where Lee may be,” Vigilante replies. “They’re going to find out if they’re right. It makes sense, in a weird way, I suppose.”

 

“Apparently,” the Flash responds with a smile, “we all came up with the same idea. We were just discussing it here before you arrived.”

 

“I just hope they—and we—are right,” Sandman adds. “I miss the old newshound.”

 

“We all do, my friend,” Wing agrees, nodding. “We all do.”

 

“How touching,” a voice comes from behind them. They all turn in unison to satisfy their curiosity of the familiar voice. As they do so, shock sets in as they look towards the doorway. There, they see Wonder Woman and Hourman (who are dripping wet), along with Aquaman and Crimson Avenger.

 

Wing rushes over to his friend of many years, grabbing and unsuspecting Crimson Avenger and lifting him into the air.

 

“Lee!” Wing calls out, smiling broadly. “Lee! You’re alive!”

 

After Lee sits down, he starts to fill in the missing details of his lift since the others had last seen him.

 

“Well, if you must know,” Crimson Avenger starts to explain, as the others look on with interest, “I didn’t stay on the ship after it blew up. I felt so alive when I was playing hero again that I didn’t want to give up this new-found life…and jumped over the side of the ship into the water.”

 

“I then started swimming as fast as I could to get away before the ship blew,” Crimson Avenger continues. “I did okay, but I knew I wasn’t going to get enough distance, so I submerged into the water, hoping that it would take the brunt of the blast.”

 

Aquaman steps forward, as Crimson Avenger nods to him. “I suppose I should take over from here,” Aquaman offers.

 

“Maybe you should, Aquaman,” Crimson Avenger replies, nodding. “I don’t remember anything else anyway.”

 

“I imagine not,” Aquaman agrees. “You were ‘asleep’ for quite some time after that.” He then turns to the others, who look on, waiting to hear the rest of the story. “I was travelling to visit friends I hadn’t seen in ages when I heard the explosion and saw an unconscious Lee, just beneath the water. The water and distance had saved his life, but he was knocked out. I rushed over to him.”

 

“I took him to Atlantis,” Aquaman explains. “Our scientists were able to isolate the deadly illness that was ravaging his body. “He was in a coma for months before his body was able to heal itself—in conjunction with Atlantean science.” He looks over to Wonder Woman and Hourman, who are standing directly behind him. “And, just a few moments ago, Hourman and Wonder Woman came to Atlantis in search of Lee. He had just completed his physical therapy to get back in shape to return to the surface.”

 

“And here I am,” Crimson Avenger adds, glancing at Aquaman. “Thanks to Aquaman.”

 

Crimson Avenger stands, as the Seven Soldiers encircle him. “There is one thing I would like to ask you to do—you and all of my fellow Soldiers…”

 

Crimson Avenger smiles broadly, as the others look on, eager to find out what he is going to ask of them. “Saving those people reminded me of how good it feels to be a super-hero. I thought for a while that what I did didn’t matter…that there were many who were much better than I…stronger, more powerful. But, when I went into the harbor, I felt all of those memories coming back. I’d been suffering for a long time with that illness, and I thought it was my destiny to just die quietly. But, when I realized I could still do good in the world, I was reminded of just how much I wanted to live. I want to continue…and you with me!”

 

The Seven Soldiers stands side-by-side, as the JSA look on at them, realizing that they have done their part to bring about the return of the Seven Soldiers of Victory!

 

“If you’re asking if we’re willing to re-form and fight crime again…” Stripesy starts.

 

“…Just try to stop us!” Star Spangled Kid finishes.

 

The End.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We got back to normal this issue, with a tale not only of the JSA, but of the Seven Soldiers of Victory as well. DC had some great Golden Age characters, and this series will showcase some of those-in addition to the JSA, of course-as time (and stories) permit. Your comments, suggestions, and criticisms are, as always, welcome at jx2melton@hotmail.com. Speaking of that, last issue turned out to be quite a controversy. Here are some samplings of letters from that issue...

 

Just read the newest issue and I have to say -- I didn't like it. I've enjoyed the series up ‘til now and I would like to say that I think this issue was (for the most part, see below) well written. But the 'satire' of the issue was quite insulting, not only to "Marv" (who did a fine bit of pre-crisis writing and some not too bad post-crisis, as well) and "Frank" (who I think did a nice job on Year One, if not on Dark Knight), but to those fans who (like me) greatly enjoyed the Giffen JLI. I loved the pre-crisis League but it was in sad repair by the time Crisis came around.

 

Giffen restored characterization to the League, he made them like a family (dysfunctional, yes), he lightened up the comics world in the face of the 'dark age of comics', he created a League that could never have existed before ( Dr. Fate, new Dr. Light, Captain Marvel, Blue Beetle, etc.) and he restored the Justice League to being DC's # 1 book.

 

I don't mind satire and I don't mind seeing a story that makes it clear that the writer believes the pre-crisis universe is superior. But the manner in which it was handled was so obviously disdainful of the post-crisis league and its creators that *I* felt criticized for enjoying it!

 

I'll continue to read and, I'm sure, enjoy this series. But this issue...I don't think I'll be re-reading anytime soon.

 

Barry Reese

 

Well, as to Marv and Frank, whether their writing is good or not is a matter of opinion, and ours may differ on that point. For myself, I don't like Wolfman, period. I find his writing trite, predictable, and annoying. As for Miller, I think he did a good job on his first DD run, but Dark Knight and especially Year One I didn't like. Again, though, this is a matter of opinion. Mine and yours differ, so no big deal there.

 

As to the immediately pre-Crisis JLA, I agree it was bad. And the reason for this is because Gary Conway was putting out some of the worst stories of his life. The group, though, was a good group and could have turned around with a competent writer. That was something I heard a lot at the time, that the book was bad during the Vibe/Gypsy period. That is certainly true, but that's no reason to scrap the team and the League's history, which is precisely what DC did.

 

I think Giffen and DeMatteis ruined the characterizations of the characters, particularly Dr. Fate and Captain Marvel. His use of "comedy" was only to ridicule those characters, and the characterization was way off on everyone in the book. That was what I was reacting to with All-Star #4.

 

Well, it was certainly not my intention to criticize you or anyone else for liking what you like, and I'm sorry you took it that way. However, keep in mind that DC was at that time ridiculing the old stories and the old readers at every available opportunity back then. I was showing how silly their then current stories were, IMO.

 

Sorry this issue didn't work for you, Barry, but I'm glad you enjoy the series as a whole. I appreciate your comments.

 

I myself was a big fan of Giffen's JLA. It wasn't for everybody's taste, but after the debacle of Aquaman's JLA (Gypsy and Vibe have to be two of the WORST characters ever created for comics) something was needed to make The Justice League a viable name in the DC Universe and Giffen did it.

 

Does the latest issue of All-Star Comics go a bit too far in it's satire? I dunno. I read it and I enjoyed it for what it did. Jeff Melton's a good writer and I've read his work for awhile now and the only thing that made me uncomfortable about this issue was his putting himself in the minds of known comic creators and attributing certain attitudes to them.

 

Derrick Ferguson

 

I didn't like the Giffen JLI/A personally, but I certainly agree that the Gypsy/Vibe mess was bad. I just wish that DC had gone back to the old group, like people were telling them to do all during that "new JLA" nonsense.

 

Thanks. As for attitudes, it was a satire and there are exaggerations, of course, but my opinions of those writers came from interviews and other things that I'd seen with them. Thanks again for your comments, and I'm glad you're enjoying the series.

 

In an ideal world, if the X-Men sold 400,000, the JLA would sell 1,000,000 and the JSA would sell 5,000,000…and it would have 3 or 4 titles and be hawked everywhere at conventions.

 

Your story flowed beautifully. The only surprise being Hawkman besting Fairy Tales Fenton after he defeated Wonder Woman. These are wonderful characters. It was good to see Dr. Mid-Nite and his blackout bombs.

 

Laurence Levine

 

Thanks, Laurence. It’s an honor to write the JSA. They’re great characters, and I certainly would love to live in the world you described. J

 

I hope everyone enjoyed this issue. Next issue, I start focusing on the JSA once again, as we see the return of some familiar old villains. I hope you enjoy it.

 

Jeff Melton