JLA/JSA: Virtue And Vice
Writers: David S. Goyer & Geoff Johns
Penciller: Carlos Pacheco
Inker: Jesus Merino
Letterer: Ken Lopez
Colorist: Guy Major
Cover Date: December 2002
Rating:
Now that Thanksgiving is almost here, this week I’ll take a look at what might be one of the most epic Thanksgiving stories ever- JLA/JSA: Virtue And Vice!
The Justice League and The Justice Society meet up for Thanksgiving when they go to save President Lex Luthor from Doctor Bedlam but afterward, they suddenly turn on each other with Batman, Shazam, Plastic Man, Power Girl, Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, and Doctor Fate being corrupted by The Seven Sins on Man but it’s soon discovered that Johnny Sorrow is the mastermind behind of the JLA and JSA’s troubles, what’s worse? he added Despero into the mix (Which means definite trouble); Doctor Fate succeeds in purging the sin of anger out of Batman and it’s only when Shazam gets free of sin, both teams unite to take down both Sorrow and Despero.
Out of all the various JLA/JSA team-ups, this was by far one of the best as we see two of DC’s most extraordinary teams put them through the wringer thanks to the villains used for this story as it brings such high energy and a large bolstering feel that can’t be ignored because I feel like Geoff Johns deserves most of the credit as it looks like this he conceived most of the ideas and concepts for this story. David S. Goyer, in my opinion, probably added bits and pieces to the plot but this story has Johns’s influence all over it. Carlos Pacheco (May he rest in peace) really shines on the art as his craftsmanship really brings with it a gorgeous feel to it. Whether it’s the spectacular action or the casual moments, he does a remarkable job of bringing these heroes to life in a way that makes them look very bold. For any DC purist or lifelong comic book fan, this is a story I highly recommend due to the wonderful history that these two teams share and the fact that whoever reads this from beginning to end will truly be a DC fan.
Well, that’s it for me. I’ll be back next week to kick off some reviews of some great Christmas stories so be on the lookout for that.
Thanks for sticking around and I will see you all next time. Happy Thanksgiving.