In previous entries referencing the Justice Society of America, I've discussed how the group, which originated in the few years before World War II, fell out of favor in the years immediately after the war, but had started to make return appearances a decade or so later, especially alongside the Justice League of America. These "Crisis" appearances became an annual tradition for many years. However, it wasn't until 1975 that the industry's first super-hero team made a comeback in a comic book devoted specifically to them. In fact, All-Star Comics, the book which originally featured the JSA, itself was brought out of cancellation, with the first "next generation" issue of All-Star Comics being given issue number 58, as that would have been the next issue All-Star Comics in 1951 if DC hadn't decided to rename the whole book as "All-Star Western" (removing the JSA in favor of Western stories) with #58 at the time. This was, of course, just the beginning. In the years to come, other new characters, often the children of existing JSA characters, would be added to the ranks, many of which continue to feature in DC publications to this day. It would still be a few decades before the JSA became DC's super-team most known for having a "legacy," but the seeds were planted here. The "Super Squad" may not have been the most creative name, but it ensured that, even as DC's own editorial staff continued to struggle with how to feature the oldest heroes in their stable, the JSA would nonetheless have relevance for many years to come. Long live the JSA!
Comic book fans will already understand that cover dates typically run a couple of months ahead of when books are actually on sale. All-Star Comics #58 hit the stands on October 9, 1975, according to Mike's Amazing World of Comics, hence my decision to celebrate the 50th anniversary at this time.
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