It’s JSApril – Celebrating 85 years of the world’s first and greatest superhero team!
Our coverage continues of JSA in the 90s with Chris Franklin and The Irredeemable Shag discussing JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #6 (Jan 1993) by Len Strazewski, Mike Parobeck, Mike Machlan, and Carlos Garzon! The JSA investigate the mystery of the missing Bahdnesians! Plus, Dr. Mid-Nite does some sleuthing and Wildcat finds himself in a brutal prize fight! Finally, we wrap up with YOUR listener feedback!
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The coloring of the locals’ skin color is… unfortunate. When I first looked at the gallery pages, I assumed the Society was vacationing on Korugar, so it was funny to hear Chris make that joke a few minutes later.
Doctor Mid-Nite’s costume alone makes him a Top 5 JSA-er for me, but unfortunately I haven’t read enough great Doctor Mid-Nite stories. And if memory serves, my coverage of his Secret Origin was sullied by a lame guest host.
1. I love that Black Canary is her own mother bit or as I called it “the pink guy beat up everybody (did’nt like thaT ) NObody beats Hal Jordan on Earth Rob
2. i totaly buy Star man and Black Canary having sex…But a roof? Come on Earth 2 Has motels!
3 Speaking of Warrior woman once again I think all star Squdron was just invaders done by 10 years Smarter Roy Thomas. A comic in Marvel’s WW 2 IS “Well you can TRY BUT dont change anything for Cap,Bucky Red SKull Hitler or WHIZZER! Dc? HECK you wanna kill off RED BEE? Roy buddy only you know there WAS a red bee go ahead
The Gilligan’s Island impressions killed me. Too funny, guys.
Chris’ observation that this might be the only cover to feature a solo Dr. Mid-Nite was shocking. He has such a great name, gimmick, and costume that I’m surprised that he hasn’t caught on more over the decades. He’s had three iterations, one on TV even!, but he’s never hit the big time.
Great episode!
Ok for the figures I’d like to see
1. Vechical set : Greg sander’s vigilante and his
Motorcycle.
2.Father’s Day three pack Jay Garrick flash , the
Boom and the thinker .
3. I don’t if this counts but I’d like a pack of
Animal side kicks like the Dr midnights owl , Kyptro
Bathound and batcow , etc.
Fun episode! Like Chris, I can remember bits and pieces of “reading” comics before I fully comprehended reading around age 3-4. The two Earths thing made sense even if I didn’t understand the full implications.
As for figures, the obvious choice for three pack would be Miss America, Betsy Ross, & Molly Pitcher. I also would love a villains three pack with Sportsmaster, Huntress, and The Mist!
I can say with 100% assurity that classic Supergirl’s favorite meal is veal marsala.
Great episode! Yes, the coloring is off. I also thought of Sinestro when I looked at it. But fun story.
I’m now remembering that the issue just after this one, issue #7, was the first issue of this series that I had of this series. Regarding the odd skin coloring of the locals, I just assumed they were magical beings of some kind, especially given the connection to Badhnesia and the Thunderbolt.
As far as action figures, my picks would be an All-Star Squadron trio of Johnny Quick, Liberty Belle, and Robotman.
Or possibly an Infinity Inc. three pack of Star-Spangled Kid, Obsidian, and the Beth Chapel Dr. Mid-Nite. Oh and all the members of Helix in two separate three-packs.
In fact, I would say that Beth Chapel (particularly the version on the Stargirl TV series) is right up there with Dr. McNider as my favorite Dr. Mid-Nite.
Well done, guys. Just a few weeks ago, I delved back into the FW archives and listened to the very episode in which Shag and Chris Franklin debated the Crisis. It’s comforting to know that some things never change.
Keep up the good work!
I agree that cover is wonderful! Pitch perfect for the doc. I started wondering why they didn’t do more solo covers in this series before I remembered that’s what they did in the preceding mini. 4 issues with solo covers, and the story spotlighted that hero. So I can see them avoiding those solo covers here so readers wouldn’t assume spotlight issues. But glad we got this one.
My skin has looked that color with bad sunburns. So that’s very off-putting. It’s not a healthy color.
Passed the halfway mark! I’m not ready for the home stretch!
You know, Al Pratt looks like Mike Ditka playing Gilligan. Add that to Adam West playing Dr Midnite and this episode would have made a great tv movie.
Weirdy enough. I never have seen a Johnny Thunder or Thunderbolt action figure.
Oddly enough, the Thunderbolt was the first JSA character (outside of Superman, Batman, Robin and Wonder Woman) to receive a figure. Not quite an action figure, but an “army man” style figure in the 1966 Justice League of America line from Ideal! They thought he was a villain because of his role in Crisis on Earth-3 JLA/JSA crossover!!
And him and Johnny made it into a JLU figure set I really wish I had bought upon release!
As ever with Chris and Shag, a great episode. I don’t remember much about this issue, so it was good to be reminded about it. From what you said about such things as the Dr Mid-Nite and Kiku plots not being properly wrapped, it really does seem Len Strazewski has a few bumps with the plotting.
And I wonder if that explains the really weird poster spread in this issue (stick it in the Gallery!). To my eyes, it looks like the culmination of a scene that was thrown out of an issue at some stage – there has to be a narrative reason for Alan and Jay arriving at HQ in their civvies, and looking joyously at tribute statues of JSA members. Alan’s coat and tie apart, it could fit around the diner scene in #1.
(As for whether that’s a robot from the old stories, squint and it could be one from All Star Comics #26… OK, squint and get a pen and change the details.)
The art continues to be fab – boy, Dr McNider is quite the silver fox!
Whoops! I’ve added the pin-up to the Gallery page now. Thanks for pointing that out!
Me! I’d buy that All-Star’s three-pack as well! I mean mostly for Pee Gee, but I do have a soft spot for the Earth-2 Batfamily. Personally, if we were getting a Pee Gee I’d like the scallop neck costume she wore throughout the 70 and 80s, maybe a double pack with her partner Huntress!
Oh, and McFarlan did draw Power Girl, as he was the artist on Infinity Inc for a reasonable amount of time, though it looks like she was only in four of his issues!
‘… maybe a double pack.’
Or a double DD pack?
Okay, I walked into that, fair play! 😀
So the issue itself…
I wonder if the skin tone of the Badhnisians is meant to invoke Johnny’s Thunderbolt? Of course, the problem is that as the cast is all white men (and Jessie) so we don’t have anyone to compare it with, making it come across more as a weird colouring choice.
And Alan’s sexuality is interesting in that it’s probably one of the few retons/reboots from the New 52 that’s seeped into the Rebirth universe more or less unchanged. There’s a conversation about closeted gays and a potential pink marriage, but that’s probably a conversation for his own spotlight episode! Personally, if I were going to make one of the JSA gay (from the boys at least), I’d probably have picked the perpetual bachelor Ted myself. And considering the fanon theories of earlier issues, I guess I’m not alone on that one.
To end on a lighter note, Gilligan’s Island is kind of weird one for me, unlike Bewitched or I Dream of Jeannie, we never got the show over here (though those slightly older than me can correct me if wrong). But it’s so commonly mentioned in other geek media that I have a vague knowledge of the show, though I wouldn’t have spotted the reference without it being pointed out.
As always, a great episode and I look forward to the next!
I’m pretty sure you’re right, I’ve only heard of the show from US pop culture and people chatting about it – I did look it up on YouTube a while back, and it seemed fun. If it was broadcast over here, it was probably long before our time, and never repeated.
I do know Alan Hale Jr from Casey Jones, a summer TV staple of UK childhoods. Mind, that’s even older than Gilligans Island.
Hello,
You bringing up Limbo made me think on how Alan Scott was in Limbo when the Waynes were killed in Gotham. Post COIE Gotham was his city. So I wonder if Batman has any hard feelings about Alan not being there to save his parents.
Also speaking of Alan Scott, I don’t care either way and it was nice to see he did really love his wife. Also the idea of him being bisexual is alright with me. The only issue that was brought up to me about it was brought up to me by a homosexual friend of mine who was told homosexuality runs in the family so he shouldn’t father children. I also remember how in Jr. High if it was ever found out a relative was homosexual (which was seen as bad and an insult) a taunt would be said were things like, “you know it runs in the family” trying to hint that if you have a homosexual relative it also makes you homosexual and that is a bad thing. Sorry if that was a run on sentence I am super tired. Anyways the reason I bring up that line of thought, one thing I have heard is that making Alan either homosexual or bisexual sort of plays into that stereotype because his son Todd (Obsidian) is a homosexual. Like I said I don’t care either way, I have a lot of friends and family who are homosexual and really close to all of them so please do not see this post as me being anti-LGBTQ+ Alan Scott. The story was fantastic over all. His interaction with Spectre was well done.
Looking forward to your discussion about Alan Scott. Whether anyone believes it’s organic or not for the character, I can tell you from experience that it does happen in real life.
Just want to reiterate that I in no way consider the recent portrayals of Alan invalid or wrong, or unworthy of the character. Just in my personal head canon, based on what I’ve read over the decades, I didn’t think it was a natural direction to go with the character. Your mileage may vary, and for many it does. Just my opinion, and based on my own experiences. I hope it didn’t come across as too harsh, because that wasn’t my intention. I’m glad the character has become even more popular and relevant, and the revelations have opened him up to become a favorite for even more people.
I did not in any way, shape or form take what you said in a harsh or negative way, Chris. Besides, my favorite soft drink is Dr. Pepper, just like you and Dick Grayson… we gotta stick together!
That’s right Jeff! Once a Pepper, always a Pepper!
Another excellent episode as always.
1st- JSA action figure I would love to have would be Matthew Tyler Hourman. He’s a android Hourman and that’s just cool.
2nd- Only real time I recall Ted, THE BOXER, be the focus of a comic was in the magnificent New Frontier #2 where many of the retired JSA and company attend his last big prize fight against Muhammed Ali.
As Mary said, an Irredeemable Shag and Earth-2 Chris podcast is bound to be great, and this was no exception. Regarding Alan Scott, people and their sexual / romantic interests are complicated. I have one daughter who works for a man who says he gay, except as regards his wife. I also have a friend from grad school who describes himself as “gay, unless she’s really pretty.” After meeting those guys, I’m not fussed about Alan and Molly and the consistency of their portrayals.
“Mart,” not “Mary.” I really, really hate auto-correct.
Another great episode as always! I’m really enjoying reading along with the podcast on DCUI. I have a few issues of this series from my childhood but never managed to track down the full run—so some of this is a reread, and some of it is brand new to me. This issue in particular was one I’d never read before.
I completely agree that the introduction and point of view of “Julio the Steward” feels out of place, especially if this ends up being his only appearance. It seems like he’s being set up as some kind of informant. I mean, Len Strazewski gave him a name faster than Kiku got one!
If I were picking the next wave of McFarlane Super Powers figures and had to stick with a JSA theme, here’s who I’d choose (in order):
Hawkman & Hawkgirl (Two-Pack)
With so few female figures in the line, and Hawkgirl appearing in the new Superman movie, this feels like perfect timing. If I remember correctly, Hawkgirl is actually DC’s first female superhero (predating Wonder Woman) so she deserves the spotlight. We got a Hawkman in the original line, but a modern sculpt of him alongside Hawkgirl would be a great update.
Mister Terrific (Michael Holt)
He is former JSA chairman (like Hawkman and Alan Scott who both have Super Powers figures), and he’s also appearing in the new Superman movie. Synergy!
Black Canary (Dinah Lance)
I’d love a Silver Age-style Dinah Lance that fits alongside Green Arrow and the original JLA lineup, but also works next to Ted Knight, Alan Scott, Rex Tyler, and Jay Garrick.
Wildcat
Alan, Jay, and Ted Grant were the core trio from the ‘99 JSA series and have been consistent staples ever since. Time to give Wildcat his due!
Can’t wait for the next issue and episode!
Now that you and Chris mention it, I completely forgot that Doctor Mid-Nite’s gloves are mainly gray. Thanks to Who’s Who and some covers, my brain has always had them as brown gloves. They look more adventure-y if that makes any sense. But going back to several images and my DC Direct figure…gray gloves! I think it’s easy for me to forget as my Doctor Mid-Nite is Pieter Cross who is an excellent example of an updated costume that honors the original while doing it’s own thing.
Impressive podcast most impressive. Ah Shag cos playing Doc Mid Night. Do it Shag. I went as Super-Girl, Black Alice , Harley Quinn, and when masking Night Hawk of the Squadron Supreme. Come on Shagg you can do it. I once dressed as Green Arrow and later Black Cannery and Wonder Woman. You can pull off a Dr. Mid nite.
Anyway this is a cool comic minus the weird skin color on some folks. Geez it was the 90s this wasn’t even expectable in the 80s. So no it was not execrable at the time. Not the 90s the 90s.
Moving on. The Wild Cat fight was great. Not as cool as he took on the injustice gang. Lead by Johnny Sorrow, but still cool. Seeing the team work well here was great. Kind of wish the Black Adam movie with the JSA worked out better. Ah well maybe John Statum could have played Ted. It’s a fun little tale . That’s about all I got.
Ah yeah the sheild construct is cool. Ok… so I agree Scott and Harlequin 1 make a cute couple. And no I don’t think Chris is being a
Fandom Menace type person . He just really likes this relationship between those two characters and I can understand that. Having said that.
It could be that Scott hid his homosexuality. That long maybe he didn’t know or want to. Heck I knew I was trans since I was 3. But, didn’t transition till I was. Almost 50. At add 51 and become happy mad woman I am today so yes, it is possible for what happened with Alan Scott to have happened
Though I can’t understand the feelings of fans of that Green Lantern feeling it doesn’t fit. whom Alan Scott is though in reality, this is exactly what could happen. Heck, I’m now out at work and still. I have to explain every once in a while to folks I work with to not call me, sir. It’s ma’am or just my name. Not that is wrong in wanting the characters in a book to fit. The lady believed them to be. It’s just that he can be who he is now and that not be a betrayal of how he was written that trust me I like their relationship as well. it’s just Harley Quinn one and Al Scott. relationship of the past
And me as a fan of just have to accept that unless there is a recon later, we are talking books after all, and not real life specifically. No, I am glad that sister gave him have representation through him and his son obsidian moving right along.
Again some how they made Johnny useful I may die of shock. Yeah the casting can be a pain while I’ve never had any of my bones in a cast. I did once I have a hairline fracture in my collarbone. I was riding at home after it had rained and my bike flipped, and I landed shoulder first on a storm drain with the bike quickly hitting the back of my shoulder. I went to work the next day but when I got home, I found I could not lift my arm above my head swim to a doctor and found out I had that fracture so I had to have my arm in the sling.
Since moving, it would make things worse. I was not allowed to work in my capacity as a janitor at Walmart at time thank God I don’t work there anymore and I even asked if I could work as a Greater they told me I had to just stay home because there’s no way I could do my job with one arm, even though I had done the job, not knowing it was broken the day before.
So I can understand the noise of being in a cast, and not being able to scratching it or at least something close to it yep, the way they handle the atom works perfectly. And I enjoy his banter with his teammates. anyway, can’t wait to hear the next podcast.
For the figures I want a red tornado
But Ma Hunkel, Sandman original outfit, and the red torpedo with submarine