Review: Justice League of America #180 Retro

Justice League: A Retro Dive into the Satin Satan Saga

Comic books have long served as mirrors reflecting societal shifts. DC Comics stands among the giants in this narrative art form. Characters like Batman and Superman have withstood the test of time, each evolving distinctly through the decades. The ongoing Justice League Unlimited series by Mark Waid and Dan Mora is another testament to its rich legacy. But let’s transport ourselves back to the Bronze Age of comics. It’s July 1980, when Justice League of America #180 hits the stands, penned by Gerry Conway with artistic flair from Dick Dillon and Frank McLaughlin.

The Entrance of Firestorm

This issue marks Firestorm’s debut mission with the League. Dubbed "Siren Song of the Satin Satan," it captures the essence of the 80s era. The League’s lineup boasted names like Batman, Black Canary, Green Arrow, and Firestorm. The Satellite Era was in full swing. Their task? Save Firestorm from the nefarious Satin Satan, a character embodying the era’s fascination with all things satanic.

Zatanna shines in this issue, sporting a less familiar costume. With a light blue jumpsuit and red cape, she takes center stage. Her magic feels more occult, summoning goat-headed demons. The Justice League responds to Firestorm’s emergency signal, battling a fire demon in an eerie penthouse. By channeling her wit and power, Zatanna traps the fiery beast with her signature backwards spellcasting.

A Satanic Conundrum

The League’s investigation reveals connections to a supermodel named Sabrina Sultress. Known as the Satin Satan, this link stuns the team. They find themselves in a societal panic, as any mention of Satan sent shivers down spines in 1980. The plot thickens as the League encounters a security guard smuggling teens into the abandoned apartment. They seek their missing friends, including Cal Remington’s brother, who vanished with Sabrina.

Despite searching, the Justice League remains puzzled. The fire demon holds its secrets, but utters "resorum,” hinting at their next challenge. Zatanna speculates Firestorm might be in Hell—a daunting journey even for heroes of their caliber.

Exploring Hell on Earth

In the DC Universe, Hell is a tangible realm. Here, it’s personified as a roller disco, "Hell on Wheels," a den of iniquity that would challenge Dante himself. Green Arrow takes a solo approach, entering amid the chaos. Yet, he’s met with resistance from enchanted soldiers. The Justice League steps in, with Zatanna and Superman leading the charge.

Zatanna’s magic once again proves pivotal. She creates a glorious moonbeam to liberate Firestorm, held captive by the Satin Satan. A fierce confrontation ensues, revealing the Satin Satan’s true identity as Sataroth, daughter of the demon Satanni. In a chilling twist, the demon abandons Sabrina, leaving her supposedly innocent in the affair.

A Bittersweet Victory

The Justice League savors Firestorm’s emancipation. However, the accolades seem misplaced, with Zatanna’s contributions overshadowed. Firestorm’s abilities transformed demonic soldiers back into ordinary men. The Satin Satan’s machinations come to light, showcasing Firestorm’s pivotal role.

The closing scenes suggest Sataroth’s exile might not be permanent, leaving readers intrigued by Sabrina’s true nature. Despite Green Arrow lamenting the League’s cosmic focus, the issue remains embedded in its time. Cultural phenomena like the Satanic Panic and roller discos might seem quaint today, but they shaped timeless narratives. Justice League of America #180 serves as both a nostalgic journey and a reminder of comics’ evolving craft.