Letters to All-Stars #3

[Lissilambe]

Let us know what you think!

Take care
Don

[Idlewilder]

This was a fun, old-timey installment! Don has channelled the spirit of the original All-Star stories--- almost too well, in places!--- and given us, for this first time in this short run, a neat little JSA story (or, at least, the start of one; two really). I didn't mean for that to sound like a backhanded compliment, just that I felt the first two issues feel more like a prologue, and the title really gets going in this, the third issue...

D'oh! Of course! I get it now! The third issue! Well done, Don, you clever bastard!

(And if that wasn't intentional, don't tell me and ruin the feeling of discovery)!

My favorite was the Hourman vignette (thought I was gonna say Hawkman, huh?)--- this was where the issue really came alive for me, pure adrenalin-pumping pulpish action!

And I didn't know Johnny Thunder's real name was also the nom de plume of S/F writer and mathematician E.T. Bell! Ha! You learn something new everyday...!

If I may join in the JSA's debate: I think they're up against Brain Wave, too. In the Golden Age, the Wizard specialized in illusion and deception, and judging by the squabbling of the team, there is some deeper manipulation occurring here! More likely, the Brain Wave is a red herring, too. Don, no doubt, has something far more clever up his sleeve.

It's a little early to comment on the Hawkgirl/Liberty Belle back-up feature, except to say great characterization--- and I like where it's heading: Slaughter Swamp!

Really disappointed that there's no eye-popping Jim Dufresne cover to ogle yet--- but I will keep check back.

Still and all, best issue yet!

[mockingbird]

A great mystery getting itself going here I think my favorite part is how convinced each side is that they're right about the villain, with so little to go on. It made me start giggling, because that's so very true-to-life. People just ignoring the evidence that goes against them, grabbing onto one idea and runnign with it.

The backup story is really a lot of fun, and I love that you take the time to really get into the time period and explore real issues that would have been problems. Just the fact that you point out that the girls aren't allowed to be a real part of the team yet is what makes your period pieces so great

[eric the pilot]

I just love the atmosphere of this one, getting into the stories of the JSA proper I like the way each character sparkles and is full to the brim with distinct personalities. Even if a person comes into this series not knowing any of the characters, they would find them all

I liked the individual scenes showing the various JSA members. It takes a real gift to make them all essentially lose their fights, yet they don't look weak at all in the process. That's just a testament to your skill.

I agree with Sam about how great the conversation about who the villain is was, there's so much character fit into that sequence as they argued and debated based on their experience. It does a great job showing the dynamics of the team, but also a lot about their individual personalities. That's something I look forward to seeing developed.

And it ends on such a mysterious note, if anyone was going to be able to see through whatever is going on, it would be those two, just makes me more excited to see what comes next.

The back-up feature is also great, strong enough that it could easily stand on its own if you ever decided to.

The little details really shine here, you capture the atmosphere and the attitudes of the era perfectly. I love how they seem so completely hell bent on defying conventions in some ways, yet they wind up very much a product of their times in others. It's a nice touch that really shows off the research and understanding you have for the period.

I can't wait for the next one, this is one of the strongest titles on the board, I'm really enjoying it.

[arcalian]

Myself, I think they're up against the Shade.


Looking forward to watching the ladies kick butt!

[Lissilambe]

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone. I love writing the JSA and All-Stars is just a dream to work on, and I'm glad that everyone is receiving it so well.

David, good work. You're the first person, here and on the UDCU board, and the original UDCU board (thus three different premieres) that caught why the JSA don't show up in Ultimate All-Stars until the third issue. Yes it was planned that way. The structure of the first two issues was to provide a quick look and hint at each JSAer's origin without really touching on them. Nicely done. But I expect someone like you, a fellow lover of golden age comics, to catch it. I also wanted to emphasize, with the first two issues and with the back-up that begins in this issue, that this is "Ultimate All-Stars" NOT Ultimate JSA. More golden age greats (and also-rans) will be cropping up front and back as the series progresses.

My favorite vignette to write was the Hourman entry too, honestly. I had such great imagery running through my head as I was writing it. Though my favorite dialogue was the Atom entry, with his very "Classy Freddy Blassie" blue-collar speaking style. The Ultimate Johnny Thunder is related back to the western hero as you'll slowly discover. Otherwise, the golden age Johnny as presented in the actual National Comics (or was he All-American? I forget off-hand) was actually John Thunder.

I loved writing the ladies in that first entry. There was such a great time having the sophisticated Libby and the shy country girl Sheira (with their very reversed aliases as you'll see in upcoming issues) contrast and become fast friends anyway. I hope you all enjoy the rest of this back-up (running through issues 4 and 5).

As for who the bad guy is...well, let's just say that Fate and Sandman do indeed have it locked down, and that the JSA isn't totally wrong...even if they're completely off-base! LOL I hope the resolution is satisfying.

Thanks for all the kind words and I hope to see you all back for the next issue, due up soon!

Take care
Don