Broken Frontier

Meet the new Citizen Steel, but is he really ready to join the Justice Society of America?

With the Justice League of America/Justice Society of America crossover now finished, writer Geoff Johns can get back to what makes this super team title really tick – the idea of family and the determination of old heroes to train and mentor the next generation. This is exactly what is at the heart of this single-issue story.

When last we saw Nathan "Nate" Heywood he was undergoing a mysterious series of changes courtesy of the metal blood from the Nazi villain Reichsmark. Now those changes are complete and Nate has nearly impenetrable organic steel skin, super strength, and a new leg to replace the one that was amputated. Unfortunately, these powers are more of a curse than a blessing as he cannot control his strength and he can no longer feel anything. The Justice Society is determined to help him but is he really ready to be a hero? Does he even want to be one? Power Girl is willing to give him the chance to find out. Meanwhile, Starman has stayed behind, retaining his role with the Justice Society. Superman visits to ask a few questions but the schizophrenic Starman only provides confusion… or are those clues for the future?

After the lackluster performance with the JLA/JSA crossover series, Johns is back in fine form here. The character of Nate Heywood is fascinating as he struggles to come to grips with who he was, what he is, and what he could be. Even more delightful is the fact that Johns cleverly makes Heywood’s powers physically awkward. Citizen Steel may be indestructible but he is not fast or agile – it makes for an interesting situation. Although most of the focus this issue is on Heywood, even the background characters get their chances to shine. Starman with his sloppy joe obsession has won the hearts of a number of fans and even only quick glimpses of Wildcat and son are funny and add zest to the story. Readers also get to see a very clever and take-charge side to Power Girl that has been missing the last couple of issues.

The pencil work by Dale Eaglesham is also back in fine form. Eaglesham has a way with all of these heroes that make them seem both heroic and human. His talent with facial expressions and body language is among the best in the business right now. This is nowhere more clear than with the main character as everything that Nate Heywood goes through this issue is reflected in his face at every turn. A tip of the hat must also be given this issue to colorist Jeromy Cox who works with Eaglesham’s pencils and Ruy José and Rodney Ramos’s inks to give Heywood’s skin and costume a subtle shine that adds just the right touch.

Over the years Geoff Johns has made Justice Society of America a comic like no other out there on the stands and this issue is one more in that proud line. Even if you’ve never read a JSA story in your life this issue is fairly accessible to a new reader and is a perfect character encapsulation. Ready or not, here comes Citizen Steel!