Original Flash & Green Lantern Get Modern Redesigns in Canceled JSA Art

Bryan Hitch just confirmed some news that will be tragic to any DC fans hoping for a new series featuring the Justice Society of America, but softened the blow by sharing intended art of the original Green Lantern and Flash. While at one point he was in line to co-create a comic featuring the classic team of heroes with writer Geoff Johns, a recent tweet from the artist confirms that the series is dead. Hitch didn’t deliver his news empty handed, however, presenting art that shows how a modern JSA could have looked.

The Justice Society of America first appeared in All Star Comics #3 and were created by Gardner Fox, Everett E. Hibbard and Sheldon Mayer. The Society is notable for being one of the first teams of superheroes in the Golden Age of comic books, and some of its members were the beginnings of legacies that have lasted generations. The influential team was due for a revival after an announcement in 2021’s Stargirl Spring Break Special #1, but fans have received few updates on the book until recently.

In a recent tweet, Bryan Hitch sent out an update on the JSA series with bad news for readers looking forward to a return of the legends. Hitch wrote “Although we weren’t able to do the book in the end, here’s a look at the costumes for the modern era Alan Scott and Jay Garrick from the JSA as Geoff and I would have done it.” The artist included inked line art of the Golden Age Green Lantern and Flash along with his message. Fans were saddened by the news, while at the same time praising the sleek redesigns that keep the heroes’ traditional looks but add a few modern touches. While fans responded with disappointment, Hitch made sure to clarify where he could on what exactly happened.

Bryan Hitch cleared things up to several commenters on his post as curiosity began building up. Hitch mentioned in his response to Phil Jimenez that he had been “trying to get a JSA off the ground in one form or another since I got to DC about six years or more back.” To one fan speculating on DC’s reluctance to publish new Justice Society comics, Hitch wrote “DC was keen. I chose to step away for a few reasons. It wasn’t their fault, it was my choice to move elsewhere.” Hitch clarifies to another fan that it was a mutual decision made by him and Geoff Johns, saying the series “never got off the ground, unfortunately. Our choice in the end so we’re doing Redcoat instead.” While some may be happy to hear of the creative team moving on to another series, the disappointment was palpable for fans of the super-team.

The Justice Society of America may have a notable place in the history of the DC Universe, but the original Green Lantern and Flash are going to need to wait a bit longer before they’ll have a time to shine in their own ongoing book.

Source: Bryan Hitch (1, 2, 3, 4)

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