The DC Universe completely changed when DC Comics began its New 52 initiative. Many heroes were given new origin stories and began their heroic journeys anew. However, fans were quick to point out that one particular group of individuals was left unaccounted for: namely, the Golden Age icons of the Justice Society of America. Now, with DC Rebirth having changed the universe once again, the JSA will finally return.
Justice League Spoilers
For those who are unaware, Justice League #30 saw Green Lantern (John Stewart) and Flash (Barry Allen) come face to face with the original heroes from the Justice Society. Among them were the Golden Age versions of Green Lantern (Alan Scott), Flash (Jay Garrick), Wildcat, Starman, Doctor Fate, Hawkman, Hourman, and Atom. As the Justice/Doom War plays out, the heroes are going to need all hands on deck.
In an interview with Den of Geek, writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV the road that led to this moment.
Snyder and Tynion also hint at a new origin for the team itself. This also sets up for telling a different side of the Golden Age heroes. Everybody looked to them as the wise, experienced heroes that always knew right from wrong. However, Snyder wants to show their early days in the 1940s that were fraught with uncertainty and confusion during World War II. For the full interview, click here.
Justice Society of America History
The Justice Society of America was written out of continuity following Crisis on Infinite Earths, which folded five different versions of Earth into one. Fan interest caused DC Comics to bring the characters back in 1991. After years of sporadic appearances and rotating writers, the Justice Society made a comeback in 1999 with its monthly series JSA. From then on, the Golden Age heroes fought evil and helped train the next generation of legacy heroes.
The New 52 again saw the JSA written out of the timeline, much to the chagrin of fans. DC Comics launched Earth-2, a revamp of the Golden Age heroes on a different Earth in the present day. There, Alan Scott receives his powers from The Green, the sentient force that represents all botanical life on the planet. Likewise, the Roman god Mercury entrusts Jay Garrick with his speed in order to fend off a coming threat. Many other heroes band together and form a team to defend their planet. After that series ended, the fate of the Justice Society was uncertain. However, clues in DC Rebirth and Doomsday Clock began hinting at their imminent return.
