JSA #24 — Jeff Lemire and Teddy Kristiansen Close the Book on the Justice Society
Jeff Lemire and Teddy Kristiansen bring the Justice Society of America to its conclusion. With Wildcat, Dr. Midnite, and Hourman trapped behind enemy lines, this final issue is a poignant send-off for the original superhero team.
There is a specific kind of magic in watching a team find its final shape. The Justice Society of America has been DC’s Golden Age anchor for decades, a lineage that started in All Star Comics back in the thirties. When Jeff Lemire and Teddy Kristiansen took the reins, they didn’t just continue the legacy; they distilled it down to something intimate and raw. Now, in issue #24, they are preparing to turn the final page, and if you’ve been riding along for the journey, this is the emotional payoff you’ve been waiting for.
The setup here is stark and high-stakes. Wildcat, Dr. Midnite, and Hourman find themselves stranded behind enemy lines, isolated from the rest of the team. The mission is clear but terrifying: they have to save a former teammate. It’s the classic heroes vs. impossible odds scenario, but filtered through Kristiansen’s tactile, textured art and Lemire’s character-focused writing. You get the sense that this isn’t just about physical danger, but about the weight of history and the cost of loyalty.
This book earns its keep through atmosphere. Kristiansen’s art has a tactile, almost painted quality that makes the Golden Age setting feel lived-in and real, not just nostalgic. Lemire’s dialogue crackles with the camaraderie of old friends who have seen too much but refuse to let go. Reading this feels like settling in with a vintage novel that somehow feels urgently modern. The chemistry between these veterans is palpable, and their bond is the engine that drives the narrative forward.
I’d also recommend keeping an eye on the broader DC lineup while you’re here. If you enjoy the way Lemire handles ensemble casts and emotional weight, his work on other DC titles often shares that same DNA. It’s worth checking out what else he’s touching right now to see how his voice resonates across different corners of the universe.
Here’s my insider tip: this is the last tale of the Justice Society of America as we know it. Copies will move quickly as readers look to collect the complete run. Grab the main cover by Diego Olortegui if you want that striking final image, but know that this book is likely to vanish from the rack as stores realize what a collector’s item this series has become. It’s a book to read, not just own.