The JSA exists mainly to bring up weird old bits of DC continuity, and make them sensible, fun, threatening, or interesting. In a time when most trade paperbacks hold six issues, it only makes sense that this JSA book holds 9. This book references comics from the golden age of the 40s to the Zero Hour days of the 90s, and with aplomb.

The best story in the book is probably a single-issue story about Wildcat fighting an Injustice Society that breaks into the JSA headquarters. It’s great to see the non-powered JSA member punch out people who can fly and move the earth. The story at the end that ties all the issues together finds the JSA fighting Extant, the villain from Zero Hour. It’s a bit confusing (Stephen Sadowski has to draw a lot of swirling lines to represent the time stream), but a nice way to refute the crossover that sought to kill the JSA.

Other good moments:
I like how Sadowski draws Atom Smasher when he yells-his mask can barely contain his mouth.

-Mr. Terrific really is a terrific character. Same with Doctor Mid-Nite.

-This version of Kobra is way better than the version in Greg Rucka’s Checkmate

Problems:

-I really don’t get Hourman at all

-Black Canary’s costume is at the time is bad. I mean, a lot of it isn’t even black.

-Who the heck is Mr. Bones?

-Why did Starman leave?

-I was impressed with Sadowski’s art, except that he can’t draw Metron (of the New Gods) at all.