The Justice Society Returns! Reading Guide

Overview:

The Justice Society Returns! arc was released in 1999 and serves as a celebration of DC Comics’ Justice Society of America, reintroducing them after a period of absence. This event is structured as a series of one-shots that focus on individual JSA members like Flash (Jay Garrick), Green Lantern (Alan Scott), and Hawkman, while collectively tying into a larger storyline.

Written by prominent DC creators of the time, such as David S. Goyer, James Robinson, Chuck Dixon, Geoff Johns, and Ron Marz, the arc revisits the Golden Age heroes, positioning them against the antagonist Stalker, a minor villain with dangerous ambitions. The plot draws from themes from the World War II era while also grounding it in the late ’90s DC universe.

Fans generally appreciated JSA Returns for reestablishing these classic characters and building a bridge between the past and modern storytelling. Critical reception was mixed but leaned positive, with praise for the characterization of the heroes and the nostalgic tone, though some felt the pacing or villain development fell a little flat. The arc set the stage for the later JSA ongoing series, revitalizing interest in the Justice Society for a new generation.

Best Way To Read:

• The Justice Society Returns
  • Collects: JSA Returns: All-Star Comics #1-2, JSA Returns: Adventure Comics #1, JSA Returns: All-American Comics #1, JSA Returns: National Comics #1, JSA Returns: Sensation Comics #1, JSA Returns: Smash Comics #1, JSA Returns: Star-Spangled Comics #1, JSA Returns: Thrilling Comics #1

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 All Star Comics #1 cover art by Dave Johnson and Lee Loughridge