Lightning Saga Reading Guide

Overview:

The Lightning Saga is a 2007 crossover event that takes place across two major DC Comics series, Justice League of America (#8-10) and Justice Society of America (#5-6). Written by Geoff Johns and Brad Meltzer, with art by Ed Benes, Dale Eaglesham, and others, this storyline brings the Justice League and Justice Society together in a mystery involving the return of several members of the 31st century’s Legion of Super-Heroes.

The plot centers around the efforts of the Justice League and Justice Society to understand why certain Legionnaires have returned to the present day, with motivations that are not immediately clear. As the heroes investigate, they unravel a larger and more dangerous plan involving time travel and threats from the future.

Fans and critics responded positively to the arc, praising the character interactions and the use of classic DC continuity, especially for its nods to Legion history and its integration of two superhero teams. However, some found the pacing uneven, particularly for readers unfamiliar with the Legion of Super-Heroes.

Best Way To Read:

• Justice League of America Volume 2: The Lightning Saga
  • Collects: Justice League of America (vol. 2) #8–12; and Justice Society of America (vol. 3) #5–6

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

References:

• Wikipedia
• Comic Book Reading Orders

Feature Image from Justice Society of America #5 cover art by Rod Reis, Phil Jimenez, and Alex Ross