This is the second of DC's archives sampler books, and I'm a big fan of the format. The various DC Archives hardcovers are quite expensive, and this cheap reprint comic offers everyone else a glimpse into DC's publishing past and the creative origins of familiar characters. I've read some of this material before, and still it surprised me. It's fascinating to see not only how these characters have changed and evolved, but how the craft of comics storytelling has done so as well. The only thing that struck me as odd about this comic book was the choice for the third story to be included, as it doesn't fit well with the other two.
The Justice League of America meets in order to vote on the admission of a new member -- Green Arrow -- but the happy occasion is interrupted by a strange message from an intergalactic opponent, drawing the heroes into yet another quest across the planet. Superboy is approached by three strange youths in Smallville who know his secret identity. He soon discovers they're super-heroes from the future, and they want to offer him membership in their super-hero club. And the men of Easy Company are stunned by the determination, skill and sheer strength of their sergeant.
I'm often struck by how Mike Sekowsky's simple style hides the fact that the artist had a great eye for anatomy, perspective and motion. The crude quality of the Legionnaires' costume designs from their first appearance is actually quite charming, in a hokey sort of way. And visually, when it comes to Sgt. Rock, I think most comics enthusiasts picture him in a Joe Kubert style (such as what we see on the cover here). Ross Andru's beefier portrayal of the character is a surprise as well, but he and Esposito still maintain a rougher, grittier quality in the art that's in keeping with the harshness of the historical setting (even if the story isn't all that harsh).
I'd never read Sgt. Rock's first appearance, and it offers a glimpse at a different side of the character, even if it is one that one could argue was eventually abandoned. Bob Haney focuses on the character's steely resolve and strength, not the more reflective tone that would enable writers later on to comment on the horrors of war. This vision of Rock is far more open and less enigmatic. I love learning how icons of the industry have changed over the years. Mind you, the Rock story seems an unusual choice to run alongside Silver Age JLA and Legion stories. It's not in keeping with the theme of joining teams either.
The two super-hero stories serve as more than just interesting looks back at the craft of sequential storytelling from yesteryear. Much younger readers will delight in the light, super-hero action and the colorful array of characters. I know I did when I read such Silver Age stories in DC's various digests in the 1970s and '80s.
