Justice League of America #148
Published and © by DC, November 1977
Title: “Crisis in Triplicate!”
Synopsis: The Demons Three declare war on each other, each bringing a team of superheroes under its thrall.
Writer: Martin Pasko
Writer (assist): Paul Levitz
Penciler: Dick Dillin
Inker: Frank McLaughlin
Review: As with the previous issue (see review), the second half of this JLA/JSA crossover is heavy on superfluous action and low on stakes. There’s plenty going here on but the story’s raison d’être seems to be hero-vs.-hero punching. Of course, that’s not unusual in comic-book history but, by this point in the Bronze Age, the best books were more grounded and featured stronger characterization. The art here is as expected; while Dick Dillin’s journeyman work is rarely exceptional, it is the picture of consistency. All told, this is a solid-but-unexceptional issue the falls short of its team-up potential.
Grade: C+
Second opinion: “This really is a letdown.” – Les Chester, The Panelologist #8, September-October 1977 … Included on Alan Brightmore’s “Individual Comics That You Should Not Be Without” list, from “A Consumer’s Guide to D.C. Comics, Part 2,” Comics Unlimited #51, October-November 1979. … “Average.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: Much potential …
Not-so-cool factor: … subpar result.
Character quotable: “The battle is pretty interesting – as mindless carnage goes …” – The narrative voice, seemingly well aware of this issue’s shortcomings
Editor’s note: This review was written July 31, 2026.
