Warning: SPOILERS for JSA #6 aheadThe superhero Wildcat may not be as powerful or as iconic as his Justice Society teammates Green Lantern, The Flash, or Doctor Fate, but that's entirely the point. For most of the past century, Ted "Wildcat" Grant has proven that heart, heroism, and a mean hook beats superpowers any day. Now that Wildcast has been killed in battle, the historic tragedy will be felt by DC heroes everywhere.

After the previous issue promised that the heart of the Justice Society would fall, JSA #6 delivered in more devastating fashion than any fan would have guessed. Using his fighting skills and legendary spirit to defend Doctor Fate from an attack by the entire Injustice Society, Wildcat held his own. But when a surprise attack catches him offguard, the villainous Lady Eve impales Ted Grant on her sword, killing Wildcat almost instantly.

The issue from from Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui, Joey Vazquez, and Luis Guerrero brings the "Ragnarok" story to its heartbreaking climax, as deception, betrayal, and now unthinkable loss have struck the very heart of one of DC's oldest teams.

The Death of "Wildcat" Ted Grant is A Shock To The DCU

The Golden Age Hero Was One of DC's Oldest Living Legends

As the debut issue of this latest JSA series made clear, some of the Justice Society's famous heroes rely on superhuman powers, and others on science fiction abilities. But people like Ted Grant have earned their place on the team simply because they "just knew how to throw one hell of a left hook." Though some might find that hard to believe, Grant's hand-to-hand fighting skills make him a legendary coach and mentor to some of DC's greatest leaders. If Wildcat trained the Justice League how to fight, he must be doing something right.

Fittingly, Wildcat's final battle is a representation of all his best attributes. With demonic forces gathering to destroy the Justice Society, and the young Doctor Fate the only one keeping the enemies at bay, Grant had no real place in the fight. He instead spent the arc encouraging Khalid Nassour to embrace his role as the new Fate, trust in his own abilities, and make his elder teammates proud. Khalid did just that, with Wildcat sacrificing himself to protect the boy's physical form from the Injustice Society, with his bare hands.

Wildcat Proves Why The JSA is DC's Greatest Team

Will The Death of Wildcat Really Kill The Justice Society? Not A Chance

When looking for seasoned veterans of costumed heroics in the DC Universe, few stand on Ted Grant's level. Having made his debut in Sensation Comics #1 back in 1942, Wildcat is just as much an established DC superhero as Wonder Woman. Heroes and readers alike have watched as the stalwart member of the Justice Society has aged (as much as comic book characters are allowed to), and it's because of his mortality that the impact of Ted Grant's death will be felt throughout the DC Universe.

This incarnation of the Justice Society was formed with a specific purpose alongside a new age of the Justice League. The goal, as stated from the outset, was to resurrect the original Golden Age heroes whom all others looked to as role models. That team now stands defeated, broken, and mourning the loss of its most mortal soldier. The comic may tease "The Death of The Justice Society" is at hand, but the loss of Wildcat is also capable of forging the new JSA into the family the world needs them to be.

JSA #6 is available now from DC Comics.