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WARNING: Contains Spoilers for JSA #7 (2025)!
Last month, DC shocked fans by killing off the Justice Society of America’s iconic Wildcat. As with most character deaths in DC, especially those involving characters with an 80-plus year history, fans were doubtful that the death of such a staple character would last. However, it looks like DC is deviating from its usual pattern and fully committing to this death. There is, however, an epic twist that may help lessen the blow for Ted Grant fans.
…after 83 years, DC is finally ready to say goodbye to Ted Grant.
Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui, Joey Vazquez, and Luis Guerrero’s JSA #6 shocked fans last month with the death of Ted “Wildcat” Grant, bringing their “Ragnarok” storyline to a devastating climax. In true Wildcat fashion, Ted went down swinging, using his legendary fighting skills and unmatched grit to defend Doctor Fate during an all-out attack by the Injustice Society.
Grant’s final stand, however, came to a tragic end when a surprise strike from Lady Eve broke through his defenses, ending with her sword impaling him through the chest and killing him almost instantly. Now, JSA #7 by Jeff Lemire, Rafael de Latorre, and Luis Guerrero continues to explore the impact of Ted Grant’s loss while also offering a glimmer of hope.
It’s True: DC Is Fully Committing to Wildcat’s Death
Comic Panel Comes From Jeff Lemire’s JSA #6 (2025) – Art by Diego Olortegui
While JSA #6 resonates with the tragic death of Wildcat, JSA #7 manages to elevate the angst even further. Its preview drops readers into the midst of Grant’s funeral, where the hero community has gathered to mourn their loss and celebrate the life Ted Grant lived as a fighter, hero, soldier, leader, mentor, father, and friend. This scene is especially heartbreaking, as it is Flash Jay Garrick who delivers Grant’s eulogy. As a result, fans are not only feeling the pain of losing this iconic hero themselves, but also witnessing the grief of one of Wildcat’s oldest and closest friends. The heartbreak deepens as the narrative explores the sorrow of other characters as well, including Yolanda “Wildcat” Montez.
At first glance, this issue may seem to simply confirm what fans already know, that Ted Grant is dead. However, this issue is particularly important because it solidifies Wildcat’s death, making it clear that DC is fully committing to the loss of this iconic hero. This is significant, given DC’s reputation for walking back character deaths, either by revealing the character never truly died or by orchestrating a miraculous return from the grave. In this case, with the entire hero community acknowledging Ted’s passing, the emotional weight of the funeral, and the reveal that Wildcat is indeed in the afterlife, it becomes clear that after 83 years, DC is finally ready to say goodbye to Ted Grant.
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Wildcat May Be Dead, But His Story Is Far From Over
Comic Page Comes From Jeff Lemire’s JSA #6 (2025) – Art by Diego Olortegui
At this point in the JSA narrative, there is no denying that Wildcat is truly dead. However, as JSA #7 reveals, just because Ted Grant has died does not necessarily mean his story in the DC Universe is over. Toward the end of the issue, Wildcat reappears in the narrative, but this surprising moment does not result from a miraculous resurrection. Instead, the story shifts to the afterlife, where Ted Grant makes contact with Kid Eternity II, ushering the young meta-hero onto his side of the veil. It is here that Ted and other fallen DC heroes deliver a chilling message to Kid: “The Justice Society is in terrible danger.”
Wildcat then follows up by saying that Kid Eternity II is the only one who can save them. This moment raises the stakes to a monumental level and teases that Wildcat may still have an important role to play despite being dead. This development is particularly exciting because it allows Ted’s story to continue without undoing his death’s emotional weight and buildup. For now, his new role appears to be that of a guide and mentor to Kid Eternity II, offering a fresh and compelling dynamic for the character.
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Will DC Truly Let Wildcat Stay Dead?
Main Cover by Jorge Fornés for JSA #7 (2025)
Right now, DC seems to be fully committing to Wildcat’s death, even though he remains a major part of the narrative. However, it is hard not to wonder whether Wildcat will truly stay dead once this particular creative team finishes their JSA story. It is exciting that Lemire has found a way to keep Wildcat involved despite his death, but the afterlife element also creates a sense that there is a countdown ticking on his continued presence. Eventually, the story will move beyond the afterlife, and that shift raises the ultimate question. Will DC commit to keeping Wildcat dead once this Justice Society of America narrative ends, or will Ted Grant make a miraculous return?
JSA #7 is available now from DC Comics!
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