Letters to All-Stars #2

[Lissilambe]

Let us know what you think!

Take care
Don

[Idlewilder]

Well, if last issue was the appetizer, this one was the entree!

All-in-all, I think I would have combined the two into one Issue Zero (as there still wasn't much from the Justice Society here), but taken together these issues work better than they stand alone. But I know how Don feels about Zero Issues .

I was put off a bit last time by the inclusion of the Shadow, but I liked the way he was worked into the Golden Age here (nice touch having Dr. Mid-Nite as a protege), and there was no doubt he came off the best in this issue.

Degaton was as dastardly as ever, and his plan to wipe out the JSA was classic Degaton... Personally, I can't get enough of that guy, so bring him back again!

The glimpses we did get of the JSA were pretty neat, though--- especially the restoration scene at the end. I'm glad the Shadow declined permanent membership, as his character (when done well--- and it was done very well in this issue) chews up scenery! Wonder Woman as a non-official member feels true to the Golden Age All-Star title, and in fact, while some of the period bits that Don does so well were not as evident in this issue, I definately felt like this could have been an issue of the original All-Star run (especially the end).

One question: who is Joan Allen? Was that a girlfriend of the Flash before Joan Williams (later Garrick)? Or has the actress Joan Allen made her first DC fan fiction cameo?

If last issue hooked me, this one reeled me in--- and it sounds like next issue's gonna skin me and cook me for dinner. [End of embarrassingly bizarre metaphors].

I can't comment on this issue with out saying a word about Jim Dufresne's magnificent cover! It was great seeing the Shadow illustrated, and Jim captured the Golden Age image of Wonder Woman perfectly! And over it all, the menace of Degaton, writing his name over the All-Stars in history! Beautiful!

See ya next month!

[eric the pilot]

I enjoyed your take on this one, it's a strong introduction not only to the team, but the concept you're bringing to it. It shows not only a knowledge of the time period (which you've demonstrated here as well as elsewhere on these boards) but of the characters and what really makes them work. It's really a treat when a writer blends all that together as flawlessly as you have.

The Shadow is a really great character that you play around with here, hopefully you'll find more uses for him in future issues as I think he adds a lot to the story. He's used very well here, the Doctor Mid-nite connection equally ingenius.

The disappearance of each of the Justice Society was well handled, it gives the reader insights into their origins and appearances, it's a neat method for introducing them all in little vingettes before we actually get to see them in action - basically a JSA 101. Very well done. I think I liked the fact that you mixed that up as well, not every situation showed the member being felled, sometimes you showed the moment before, the aftermath - it was a great mix.

I liked the way you moved back and forth as well - advancing the main storyline and skipping to show the fates of the respective JSA members.

The nding was great as well - the action flowed fast, with plenty going on that takes a few reads to get it all in. it's not that it's hard to read, there's just so much to absorb, it's a pleasure to reread it and pick up on all the little things.

The cover was great once again, the figurework in particular on the three characters was stellar. Also, hope you don't mind, I noticed while reading this that there were a few unclosed color tags, which sort of ruined the effect of The Shadow's speech. I took the liberty of correcting them for you.

Great job Don, way you keep knocking them out of the park, you're the DC3 equivalent of Big Papi.

[Injustice Jim]

My favorite part was the very last paragraph, where The Shadow makes his exit and spooks out Capt. Marvel...I am telling you, I am loving this team up more and more...
Move over Bats and supes, there's a new World's Finest!!!
(BTW, thanks for the kind words on my cover people...I just aim to please!)

[mockingbird]

Very super-cool had a blast reading through this, I think everyone can tell how much you love the characters that you're working with. I said it before and i'm sticking by it, the Shadow's cool really wonderful work, but what else do we expect. Can't wait to see more

[arcalian]

So all is restored, and rather quicker than I thought; but I wonder if the interference and correction might give a slightly different rythym to history than had otherwise been.

[>>Riz!]

Don, I take back everything I said about the last issue.
(Okay not everything)
This issue was great. Loved how you made Dr Mid-Nite the Shadow's protege.
I knew the Shadow movie with Alec(?) Baldwin (if I remember correctly) and totally saw him everytime you wrote about him. Hippolyta came a little short in this issue, but all in all it's a great read that makes me come back for the next issue. Good work!!!

[Lissilambe]

Yeah, you could be well right about Polly. She could have gotten more to do. But don't you worry, she's coming back for some more real soon, and there you'll see she gets MUCH more to do. Also, the reason why she won't join the JSA at this point is a major spur for the three-part back-up story starting in #3, starring Hawkgirl, Liberty Belle and Starman.

I'm glad you enjoyed the story. And yeah, Baldwin's Shadow was a good, good movie, even if his laugh never got out quite right to my ear. Seeing him in your mind through these scenes...very appropriate.

Thanks for the kind words.

Take care
Don

[>>Riz!]

I totally forgot to mention how much I enjoy Jim's covers for this title. He's made to draw the JSA!!!

[Lissilambe]

I totally agree with that sentiment. Just fantastic stuff. Can't wait to see what he turns out for All-Stars #3!

Take care
Don