Justice Society of America writer Jeff Lemire recently discussed his take on the iconic titular team for DC’s All-In initiative, explaining the team’s significance in the DC Universe. The upcoming JSA era kicks off in November.

In an interview with AIPT, Lemire reflected on his time at DC Comics during the New 52 era, when the JSA was not at the top of the priority list. “The DC Universe was very different from what it is right now,” he said. “When I was growing up, DC was all about legacy and history, with the JSA being a big part of that. It’s really fun to be back and to be the one writing it.” While the Justice League is typically front and center, Lemire believes the Justice Society of America brings something unique, given that it’s a multi-generational team with ties to the past. The JSA operates more like a family, with its heroes living and working together in contrast to the JLA, which is set up more like a tactical team.

“What made me fall in love with DC was the scope and history of the universe,’ the JSA writer said. “The JSA, being from the 1940s, literally has some of the first superheroes ever created in comics. Seeing them carry on through the decades made that legacy stand out in a way Marvel never fully replicated. When DC was at its best, the JSA and JLA were both running concurrently — and that’s something I’m thrilled to be part of again,” he continued.

Lemire’s upcoming JSA series will tap into the legacy of the DC characters but will still offer a fresh take on the titular team. “For me, it was about taking everything I love from past runs — whether it’s Infinity Inc., All-Star Squadron, or Geoff Johns’ era — and making it important again while keeping it accessible and modern,” he explained.

For Lemire, the JSA’s uniqueness lies in its multi-generational membership that lends the team a deep sense of history unrivaled by any other superhero team. According to the writer, Alan Scott’s Green Lantern and Jay Garrick’s Flash embody that history. Lemire praised his collaboration with series artist Diego Olortegui, which allowed him to balance action and key character moments reminiscent of the best Golden Age stories.

“Diego’s work really surprised me in a great way. It’s freed me up to tell the story I want to tell, balancing big action with character drama,” Lemire said. “James Robinson’s Golden Age is brilliant and underrated,” he added. The writer believes his series should feel like a classic JSA comic with a fresh, modern twist.

DC All-In’s JSA #1 will arrive in comic book shops on November 6, 2024.

Source: AIPT