#jessequick

Review: JSA #10

Writer:  Jeff Lemire Art: Rafael De Latorre Colors: Luis Guerrero Letters: Steve Wands Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd   Summary Kid Eternity meets the deceased members of the JSA to find her purpose and understand the legacy into which she has been thrust.  Plus, things go haywire for the living members of the team!

Positives This series since issue #1 has had multiple storylines running concurrently and without question the strongest aspect of the story in JSA #10 is the Kid Eternity storyline.  Writer, Jeff Lemire places this new Kid Eternity into the history of all the previous versions of the character.  Instead of some sort of reinvention, this is just another in a long line of Kid Eternity's.  We also learn that she isn't the last, there will be more to come.  It may be hard to believe that she's he most important at this point as she herself is told in the issue, but at least it gives the reader something to get excited about.  Lemire gives the reader something to latch onto with this character as she learns about her past along with the reader.  It's a proven technique and it works again here.  It's genuinely enjoyable to see the previous Kid Eternity's show up even if it's very brief.

The notion of the deceased JSAers being able to be part of this story and have some agency despite the drawback of no long being alive is a neat idea adds something exciting that is missing from this series.

Regular artist Diego Olortegui is replaced by  Rafael De Latorre and he does a solid job.  Luis Guerreo  helps maintain a continuity of appearance with his colors.  Visually the books remains consistent while also providing something a little different.  JSA #10 sports a really nice cover by Leonardo Romero which merges the JSA and Kid Eternity in an interesting visual manner.

Negatives   Like many issues in this series, JSA #10 has too much going on.  The multiple storylines isn't really doing this series any favors.  Two or three would be ideal, but there are five or six right now and they aren't coming together in an interesting manner just yet.  Part of the problems is that it's easy to see how they fit together, but it just isn't that engaging.  So many times in this series Lemire seems to be doing things that "should" work, like internal team conflict for instance, but he's not doing the work to make it meaningful.  

The sequence between Hawkman and Hawkgirl is particularly weird.  Lemire seems to not understand exactly where Hawkman is in his life right now.  His over the top anger which Kendra calls him on just seems like it comes out of nowhere.  Their relationship continues to be confounding.  While Kendra no longer has any of Shiera/ Shayera's soul, they are connected and they feel it, but there's just too much else going on to explain what's going on.  It's awkward and without any context.  It's written like the reader is supposed to understand why they are acting this way, but Lemire attempted to make sense of it.  It's very similar to the Jesse Quick/ Hourman situation.  They are presented as a couple that is having issues, but we don't know anything why they are like that.  The same thing happens with Ruby Sokov when she has some misgivings about what the Injustice Society is doing.  Again, it's presented as if the readers understands why she betrayed the JSA and how it went down, but we don't and it's not presented in a way that comes off as an interesting mystery, it is also just confusing and disappointingly underdeveloped. Verdict JSA #10 is like most of the issues in the series, mostly disappointing with one or two elements that are genuinely good.  It continues to be hard to read this series as Lemire is clearly overwhelmed with the pacing and balancing of so many plotlines.  It may turn out better as a single long read, but as individual issues it's difficult to want to keep reading.

“Injury to the patella tendon usually requires what treatment, and connects which ligaments?”

Harrison is sitting crossed legged on your couch, your book in his hand. His eyes twinkle as he waits for you to answer the question. There must be a law out there somewhere against a person being this attractive. Screw studying for your midterms. You can’t focus like this.

“Harry, I think it’s better if I study alone.” His face drops.

“Is something wrong? Is it the way I phrase the questions? I can adjust it so that you understand more.”

“It’s not that.”

You don’t want to disclose the real reason, but you also don’t want him to think the help he gives is unappreciated.

“I just...I can’t focus.” you confess softly.

Harry appears lost for a few seconds, but once he sees the color that litters your cheeks, it all makes sense. He straightens, closing the book and turning his body to face you with a chuckle.

“My my, having dirty thoughts are we. How naughty. I’m even going out of my way to help.”

He loves how much his presence affects you. It goes both ways. You’d been stressing about the exams, maybe not outwardly, but he could see clearly on your face that it was bothering you. It’s why he’d offered his services. He thought a partner would help lighten the load. Your shoulders sag and he places the book on a table nearby, pulling you into his side.

“I’ve been at this all week and nothing sticks. What am I going to do? The exam is in a week.” Harry runs a hand through your hair, calming you down. Your eyes close and this time the breath you let out is one of contentment.

“Maybe that’s the problem. You’ve been trying to shove as much information into your head. You need to give yourself a break. Take a day for yourself. The more you push the higher toll it’ll take on your body. “

“Or you can just lend me your brain.” you perk up. Harry just smiles.

“I would if I could.”

“Worth a shot right.”

He’s still running a hand through your hair, and it’s so soothing that you’re afraid you’ll fall asleep right there.

“Harry, your hands are literally heaven.”

“Why thank you. Maybe I should switch professions and become a masseuse.”

“I’d pay just to come and look at you.”

That elects laughter from him.

“I’m serious, on a scale of one to ten you’re like a twenty.”

You mutter. Harry is the one fighting back a blush this time. He really does enjoy your little praises. You’re unabashed when you flatter him.

Honest.

Another thing he loves. Thinking back, he hasn’t really given you many compliments. Certainly nowhere near to how much you’ve given him. He’s been out of the game for a while, but he’s pretty sure women still like to be complimented.

“It’s come to my attention that you spend quite an amount of time praising me.”

Your eyes are still closed, and you smile, cheeks rosy.

“Well, there’s quite a lot to compliment.” you giggle. Harry brushes your hair to the side. His fingers graze your neck, and he trails a path going down.

“Quite a lot indeed.”

When you catch on to what’s happening, your breath hitches. He stops at the top of your shirt, and your eyes flicker open, instantly met with his azure hues. The desire is prominent.

“I always found it quite adorable when you insisted on remaining formal. Even when I assured you that it was fine.”

His lips brush yours, and all you want is a proper kiss. Not these sweet taunts.

“S-Sir..”

Harry grins.

“There it is. "

He closes the distance, hand groping your plump mound. Your body arches into him and he deepens the kiss, encouraged by your reactions. This was possibly the best thing to do on a Friday night. He keeps you pressed to his body, neither of you truly want to part. You find yourself pawing at his clothing. You want to feel more of him. You need to. When his hand slides under your shirt, you figure he's finally getting the message.

“Dad!”

You jump at the voice, head turning your shocked at the girl that walks into the living room. You’re still tangled up in Harry’s arms. The brunette stares in surprise. You’re mortified. Even more so when a mischievous grin rises on her face.

“I am so going to use this against you in the future. “

Harry sighs, standing as he helps you to your feet. You try to adjust your clothing. But she’s already caught the both of you in a compromising position, so it’s not like you can change that. This wasn't how you wanted your first impression to go at all.

“Jesse, this is (Y/N). (Y/N), this is my daughter Jesse.” You move forward, cheeks bright red.

“O-Of course, he’d told me so much about you, it’s such a pleasure to meet you Jesse.”

“You too. I heard all about you. Dad never stops talking about you.” Your blush darkens and Harry tries to usher her away.

“Don’t you have somewhere to be, we’re busy.”

“I saw that.”

“Jesse.”

His stern way of talking just makes her giggle more.

“I just came to check on you. You seemed stressed from work a few days ago.”

It’s only then you realize the bag she has. Big belly burger. You smile. She places it on the table.

“I’ll leave you two love birds alone. I’m heading back to the university. “

“Drive safe.”

You know he’s just trying to get rid of her so she doesn’t disclose anymore embarrassing information. She stops at the door, and the smile she sends you warms your heart.

“Seriously, thank you. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him like this. You make him happy.” Her words meant more than you could express.

“Invite me to the wedding!!” With a wave she was out the door. Harry sighed, turning to you as he adjusted his glasses.

“I apologize. She really is just like Tess.” He shook his head with a smile, probably from a memory. That feeling in your stomach returns. It's a product that follows when he wears that look whenever he talks about his late wife.

“Harry, why did you choose me?”

There’s a brief moment of pause. You know the question has thrown him off.

“I just..I know it’s crazy but sometimes I feel so self conscious. Whenever you talk about Tess, I can see how much you loved her. I just think someone that amazing, surely you would deserve someone just like that to love again.” You look away, because now you feel like crying.

“I think I’ve found that person.”

You turn at those words.

“The first time I realized how I felt, I knew you felt the exact same way. But you were scared. I know that a lot of people look at my status, my wealth, and that’s what they see. That’s what attracts them. But it scared you…because I knew that those things didn’t matter. You were afraid because I could see that you just didn’t want a relationship that was built on a company name. You wanted the real thing. I know for a fact, had I been a regular guy, you would have said yes in a heartbeat.” you swallow, and Harry takes your hand.

“You care about me because you see me, not the tech genius, or the billionaire. Or even the grump they gossip about.” you laugh at that, and Harry’s smile follows.

“That’s why I chose you.” He gives your hand a brief kiss, and your smile is possibly the brightest.

“Why did you choose me (Y/N)?” you giggle.

“You got a nice face.”

Harry is the one laughing this time, and you pull him into a hug.

“I don’t think anything I can say will top what you just did. All I know is..I love you Harry.” He holds on tighter.

“I love you too. “