Digital series spotlights World War II heroes

The superhero team of the Justice Society — recently more prominent in the CW show “Stargirl — gets a renewed focus in DC Comics' new digital-first series, “Injustice: Year Zero.”

The Justice Society originally was introduced in the 1940s in the pages of All-Star Comics. It was the first team of superheroes and inspired the Justice League in the 1960s. The “Injustice” line of comics is based on the best-selling video game “Injustice: Gods Among Us,” which features a parallel DC Universe in which the Joker causes the death of Lois Lane, leading to Superman becoming a tyrant. Batman and his underground heroes stand in defiance of the Man of Steel's despotic rule. The 2013 game was followed by a 2017 sequel. In the comics, writer Tom Taylor explored the world in several “Injustice” tie-in comic books.

The latest comics tie-in is set prior to the events of “Injustice,” when Superman and Batman were still fast friends and teammates in the Justice League. The comic also explores the Justice Society, the super-team that inspired the Justice League, featuring characters including Wildcat, Hawkman and Amazing Man, among others. In “Year Zero,” events uncovered by the team during World War II have repercussions, as the Joker finds a way to control the superheroes of the Justice League and the Justice Society.

A mysterious amulet found during World War II helped change the tides of the war. But when the amulet resurfaces, the JLA and JSA both find their teams being torn apart.

“`Year Zero' isn't as morally grey as what comes after,” Tom Taylor said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “This is Superman and Batman at the peak of their friendship. Lois and Clark as a team. The Justice League united, and the Justice Society as a shining example for all. Of course, by its very nature, there's going to be tragedy and shocks and deaths, but there will be hope, there will be triumph, there will be love with the loss and heart alongside the hurt.”

“Injustice: Year Zero” chapters one through four are available now through digital platforms. The 14-chapter serial will publish twice monthly.

COMICS] The Justice Society hero Amazing Man is seen punching Adolf Hitler on the cover to “Injustice: Year Zero” Chapter Three. The events of World War II cast a shadow on the present day in “Injustice: Year Zero.”