Amazing Heroes Issue #03- Cover

Amazing Heroes Issue #03- Cover

Periodical
Comic Strips

This issue of Amazing Heroes, No. 3, was published in August 1981 and sold for $1.50. The comic’s name has darker yellow-green coloring with a black border. The bottom title of the feature comic reads “The Justice Society of America” in blue on a yellow banner with a red star on each end. There is text in the top left that reads “Star Hawks!” and “Star Wars!”. The background of the comic is white and has the Justice Society illustrated on the front. Starting with the foreground, the Character “Hawkman” appears to be leading a meeting. Hawkman is indicated by his hawk mask that has a beak covering his nose with wings on the side of his face, all in yellow to indicate gold. His torso is naked with the exception of a gold band strapped across his chest and two gold armlets. He is holding a gavel and looking out towards the rest of the Justice Society. They are all sitting around a table smirking and looking towards Hawkman. All of DC’s major characters from the Justice Society are at the table including Green Lantern to the far left, the Flash, Wildcat, Dr. Midnight, Superman, Johnny Thunder, Power Girl, Robin, Adam Smasher, Star-Spangled Kid, Doctor Fate floating in a criss-cross sitting position, Wonder Woman, Spectre, Sandman, Mr. Terrific, Starman, and Hourman. The color palette is yellow, red, green, yellow, and black. All characters are Caucasian besides the two fully masked heroes.

The original Justice Society of America (JSA) held its very first meeting in 1940. The founders were the Flash, Spectre, Hawkman, Sandman, Green Lantern, and Hour-Man, making it no surprise that Hawkman is leading the meeting presented on the cover of this comic book. When the original JSA was created, the team stood for America and democracy, each member vowing that they are “foes of crime and enemies of evil.” The Society was pop culture’s propaganda as America was on the brink of WWII. In the comics, the society fought three main types of deemed evils: subversion, sabotage, and organized crime. This paralleled narrative America wanted to present as its values as the war was fast approaching. JSA returned to the comic scene in 1981 to reflect those same values. People of America look for leaders; they need heroes to look up to, particularly in times of economic and societal threat and/or change. Because superheroes have a more authoritarian stance in the narrative of pop culture by using their superiority for good, they are the beacons of hope for society. Thus, when all superheroes gather together once more after their main purpose for collectiveness and nationalism before and during WWII, it is appropriate that they reappear during changing times in the United States. 1981 is the year Ronald Reagan was elected president. To show United States comradery for the sake of the citizens, the Justice Society of America reappears with the original founder leading, showing the strength in foundations of the league, a stance for the importance of remembering the roots of the founders for both of the Society and on the part of Americans. The cover is full of the original team with the add-ons throughout the years. Superman is an official honorary member along with Batman, who does not appear on the cover. Wonder Woman is also the official club secretary, so she is shown as well. These heroes all have their individual superpowers, costumes, and code names that go along with them, but together they are all a team for hope for America and the evils within and around the United States.

Executive Editor: J. Michael Catron
Art Director: Peppy White
Editorial Assistant: Laura K. Beal
Cover: Joe Staton
Contributing Writer: Richard Morrissey
Contributing Artists: Bill Anderson, Rich Buckler, Willie Blyberg, Sam DeLaRosa, Fred Hembeck, Gary Kwapsz, Mike O'Neal, Carl Taylor

MSU Special Collection Comic Art, PN6725.A47

Zam, Inc.
Characters: DC Comics Inc., Marvel Comic Group, Candence Industries

August, 1981

Tiffany McIntyre

Rights Restrictions Apply

http://chambl91.msu.domains/CriticalFanscape/items/show/10
http://chambl91.msu.domains/CriticalFanscape/items/show/7

Comic, 6-5/8 & 10-1/4 in., black & white

English

Periodical

year range: 1981-1992