DC’s new Justice Society of America series has redefined the company’s first superhero team for the 21st century. It has done this through a combination of updating the team’s history for the Dawn of DC timeline, and by introducing new heroes and villains. Justice Society of America #8 continues this trend, bringing a new Red Lantern into play.
Written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Mikel Janin, the new JSA comic opens with two Russian soldiers preying upon a seemingly helpless woman. The tables are quickly turned, however, as the woman summons forth red flames to burn the soldiers. This is Ruby Sokov, who was identified in earlier issues as the daughter of the Russian Red Lantern, Vladimir Sokov.
The Russian Red Lantern, explained
Vladimir Sokov first appeared in 2023’s The New Golden Age #1. He was introduced as a Russian counterpart to the Alan Scott Green Lantern. While his origins have yet to be fully revealed, Sokov was a patriot, chosen to be the first Soviet superhero during WWII.
Using the name Red Lantern, Sokov wields a power called the Crimson Flame. This is apparently a more violent counterpart to the Green Flame of Life wielded by Scott. The two became sworn enemies, with Sokov attempting to kill Scott on multiple occasions. Despite this, the two reluctantly joined forces to fight the Nazis that threatened both their nations.
In 1951, Sokov had a daugher, Ruby, who was a living conduit for the Crimson Flame. In this she can be compared to Alan Scott’s daughter, Jade, who channels the Green Flame of Life without a power ring or battery. Ruby was taken into custody by the Russian government, pushing her father to rebel. Reportedly he was killed by the Red Army, though his body, ring, and battery were never found.
A flash-forward in The New Golden Age #1 suggested Ruby Sokov would be recruited for a future Justice Society of America. However, that Red Lantern seemed more agreeable than the violent young woman pictured in the preview. However, with the JSA currently trying to redeem other supervillains, there may be a place for Ruby on the team.
Justice Society of America #8 arrives in comic shops everywhere on December 26, 2023.
