Backfill, in the mighty Marvel manner!

I've mentioned this before, and it's probably a pre-Crisis reader's problem; but every time there's a storyline where the timeline is altered, I think something like "...and in the new timeline, earth was destroyed in 1973, when Captain Man wasn't there to stop Hateface in Tales to Admonish #413." This probably dates back to the Challenge of the Super-Friends episode "Secret Origins of the Super-Friends," where the Legion of Doom travels back in time to throw various wrenches in the origins of Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Superman: in the altered present, a "Superman Day" parade becomes a "Hawkman Day," and I swear there's no timeline where he's ever looked happier.

But, hadn't Superman saved earth from asteroids and meteors and such, like dozens of times? Hawkman wouldn't have been set up for that, and earth would've been pulverized at some point. Take out the wrong load-bearing piece, and the whole thing'll collapse before you even get to a new present time. Let's see if that happens here!

From 1995, X-Men Chronicles #1, "Origins" Written by Howard Mackie, pencils by Terry Dodson, inks by Klaus Janson.

This is maybe what X-Men #1 would have been, in the Age of Apocalypse. Instead of being Jean Grey's introduction to Xavier's school, this was Mystique dropping Rogue off at Magneto's training base at scenic Wundagore Mountain. Magneto worked his mutant students hard, with a "Killing Zone" simulator instead of a Danger Room; but also waded in there with them: he was a bit more 'lead from the front' than Xavier. Feeling the students were perhaps a bit sheltered, he introduces them to some new dangers, with new member Weapon X, Logan.

Meanwhile, instead of Magneto attacking an air force base, in this timeline the Heralds of Apocalyspe attack it: Gideon, Candra, War, Death, and Sabretooth. Magneto leads the X-Men into battle, leaving his daughter Wanda in charge; neither realizing that Nemesis was approaching. As they leap from their damaged aircraft, Magneto wonders if they're ready: his X-Men seem gung-ho, but unaware of the stakes.

Back at Wundagore, Rogue and Wanda defend the younger mutants from Nemesis: Rogue had absorbed, perhaps permanently, the powers of Polaris, so she was able to fly. And at the air force base, Sabretooth is horrified that Apocalypse actually intended to use nuclear weapons, and Apocalypse orders the others to attack him. (With little prompting: Sabretooth was not particularly likable.) He's contained in a telekinetic bubble by Candra when the X-Men arrive, and manages to talk his way back onto the team: maybe he still dies, maybe he proves himself to Apocalypse. Sabretooth gives some strategy to the others, then throws down with Weapon X. While the other Heralds are defeated, Sabretooth is disabled with a severed spine. Somewhat surprisingly, Apocalypse orders his Heralds, save Sabretooth, back to him; I thought he would leave them to sink-or-swim. Apocalypse's Ship was going to open fire, but Magneto stops it, yet can't keep Apocalypse from leaving.

And at Wundagore, while she managed to save the others (and I'm pretty sure Nemesis was messed up but would live) Wanda was mortally wounded. She tells Rogue, that her father would need a friend, and Rogue promises to be there for him. Wanda probably didn't intend that to mean "please hook up with my dad," but sure. Also, we only see Quicksilver briefly after Wanda dies, but already he seems to have a less-weird relationship with her than in our world. 

I had thought this was a late addition-slash-cash grab, after Age of Apocalypse turned out to be a huge success, but these two issues of X-Men Chronicles replaced the usual quarterly X-Men Unlimited, so maybe they were always part of the game plan. There was another title, X-Universe, that followed some of the usual Marvels through the AoA, where I think they were by-and-large chewed up and spit out; and I also wonder if that was always planned or a later add.

Read more!

We mentioned this back in 2021, and we're just getting around to it now; that counts as timely for me! From 2004, DC Comics Presents Hawkman #1, featuring "Visitors Day" Written by Cary Bates, pencils by John Byrne, inks by Lary Stucker; and "Love is in the Air" Written by Kurt Busiek, pencils by Walt Simonson, inks by Bob Wiacek. Cover by José Luis García-López and Kevin Nowlan; in homage to Murphy Anderson's cover to Hawkman #6.

This was one of eight tribute issues to DC editor Julius Schwartz, and the last one to blog here! In "Visitors Day," extra-dimensional aliens visit Julius on his subway ride to work, to tell him about alternate realities, and that his cover story--Hawkman vs. a flying gorilla--could poke a hole in the multiverse, if it isn't resolved. Hey, that's the creative team's problem! Schwarz hashes out a plot with (I presume) Gardner Fox to resolve the problem.

But, I liked the second story better: "Love is in the Air." Hawkgirl is interested in the quaint earth "rituals" surrounding Valentine's Day, but Katar's mind is occupied with both museum work and Hawkman stuff, since both the Shadow-Thief and Matter Master were at large. (There's a brief appearance from Mavis Trent, a supporting character I just love: she's basically stalking Carter Hall, with Shiera right there!) Shiera feels slighted that Carter's all business and stomps off, and Carter has a talk with Commissioner Emmett, who asks how they got together, prompting a tale involving a savage winged gorilla! No spoilers, but it reminds Carter how important Shiera is, and he takes the time to Valentine it up right. (Shadow-Thief and Matter Master killed dozens and stole the Declaration of Independence--I'm joking, they were caught later.)

There's a Julie Schwartz tag for all of them, but you can check out the other tribute issues with the Atom, Green Lantern, Flash, Batman, Superman, Adam Strange, and the Justice League of America. Read more!

Aw, from the silhouette on the cover, I thought Yellowjacket was rejoining the team.

Wait, that's not right...spoiler alert after the break! From 1975, Justice League of America #117, "I Have No Wings and I Must Fly!" Written by Elliot S! Maggin, pencils by Dick Dillin, inks by Frank McLaughlin.

The returning hero would in fact be Hawkman, and this issue would be referenced in his continuity, geez, for years afterwards; but it also feels like an early example of the "no time to explain, so I'm going to do something that seems super wrong, and catch you up later" kind of story that's like team books' bread-and-butter. Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Batman, Superman, and the Atom take off towards Mars, where GL has spotted Hawkman's Thanagarian ship: there's also a "photon-mirage" of Hawkman, that fails to lure them to Mars, but they go anyway. The team makes a surprisingly poor showing, though; with Supes and GL downed, Green Arrow missing two shots, but Batman now seemingly able to tear steel? The Atom misses what should be a standard jump from an arrow, and Batman is defeated by a dark-haired man claiming to be Hawkman...although he was noticeably shorter. He deposits the unconscious Leaguers on Mars, noting this would let him turn the disease to his advantage.

When the Leaguers wake up, the most noticeable change was that they were all about same height and weight, about five feet tall! (The Atom's shrunken stature brought the average down: Ray was six feet tall normally, and I'd guess the other guys there were at least that tall.) Superman and GL were noticeably diminished, but Batman could fly? Hawkman had been infected by microbes from the alien Equalizer--not that one! Or that one. Or that one! He was a odd-looking sort, and had microbes "that affect people when they exert themselves--making them physically equal to everyone around them!" Hawkman was no longer big and strapping, and couldn't even wear his wings; but had stolen some of the Leaguers' powers, so he could stop the Equalizer from infecting earth. But the microbes seemed to affect the Leaguers mentally as well: Batman had lost much of his deductive abilities, while Green Arrow was far more of a team player than he ever was. He rallies the heroes into concentrating their willpower, to use GL's ring and follow the Equalizer--meaning Hawkman, they hadn't learned of that alien yet!

Despite his borrowed powers, Hawkman is no match for the Equalizer, who counters his every move with equal force, before destroying his ship. The heroes arrive, to join their old friend, and aren't really getting anywhere, until they try hate: waves of hate, aimed at the Equalizer, which is countered by if not love, then restitution; as the heroes are restored to their usual selves. But, Thanagar was still infected, including Hawkgirl, and he was left with nowhere to go except back to the JLA, which elects to reinstate him. 

The Equalizer's goal, if any, isn't explained here; this might have been his only appearance? But, we saw his equalizing plague mentioned in Showcase #103, and I'm pretty sure it was still a plot point in 1982's World's Finest #278, and possibly into 1985's the Shadow War of Hawkman.

Read more!

We've seen one Hawkman last issue before; today we'll double-down with two more! From 1993, Hawkworld #32, "Final Chapter" Written by John "Tim" Ostrander, pencils by Timothy Truman, inks by Timothy Bradstreet; and from 1996, Hawkman #33, "Prey" Written by Priest, pencils by Mike Collins, inks by Barb Kaalberg.

Following Tim Truman's three-issue prestige reboot, Hawkworld ran for 32 issues, even though the continuity pre- and post-Crisis was already starting to get iffy: the "Hawkman" that appeared in a lot of JLA stories was a separate guy from this new Katar Hol. Same for Hawkgirl and Hawkwoman. Ah, that clears that right up...This was the conclusion to the six-part "Flight's End," as Katar and Shayera faced off against bad guys Viper and Thrasher, who were controlling the freaks and metahumans trying to live outside of society in 'Netherworld.' Viper's pitch to Katar is candy-coated fascism: he wants to be a tyrant, to save America, and will voluntarily restore democracy after all those pesky social problems are fixed. And Katar could be a big part of that new order, because boy howdy, you sure could achieve some order by suspending civil liberties here and there...To his credit, Katar isn't that tempted; he knows if democracy dies it doesn't come back.

In the fight that follows, Viper tries to use his mental attack on Shayera, but was unprepared for her alien mind, and seemingly kills her. As Katar flies to avenge her, oddly masked medical types take her body; but Katar is interrupted by the meta Null, who seems to think Viper's control wasn't random enough, and launches a tow truck into a building, which explodes. Viper escapes by transferring his mind to a "Hairball," a ratty-looking meta; while Katar is caught in the explosion and falls to the ground, seemingly broken...

I feel like Ostrander hit some of these same political themes in his Spectre run, but I haven't read all of that. Or all of Hawkman's next, self-titled series! Which ended with the conclusion of the three-parter, "Hunter, Hunted, Prey!" It was set around the tailend of the Justice League series before Grant Morrison took over; as Katar, accused of murder, had asked to be locked up in the League's headquarters. Wearing a student uniform from Justice League Task Force, Katar breaks out, fights his way through Obsidian and Nuklon, and under the spell of Wonder Woman's lasso, tells who the real killer is. The "Avatars of the Hawk God" had staged the murders, now possessed the Martian Manhunter, and had Shayera and Arion on the ropes before Katar gets there, back in his wings. (Why the rest of JLA doesn't accompany him, well...)

Katar manages to have one final moment with Shayera, before what might be his final battle: he felt he was "a counterfeit and a liar" for his crimes way back in the Hawkworld mini-series. He starts a pretty big fire, to try and shock J'onn out of the Avatars' control; then Arion uses a spell to send Katar and the Avatars "to the Hawk God's realm." Is this the end of Katar Hol? Maybe? Carter Hall might have come back, but Katar might be gone...for a bit. Hawkman was considered "radioactive" after this one; DC wouldn't return to him (in-continuity) until 2001's JSA #22. Which I think had done a pretty good job of fixing things, but some or all of that fix probably got unfixed later. So it goes.

Read more!

No Hawkgirl? Boo.

Or is it Hawkwoman right now? Either way, she's on the cover but not inside today's book: from 2017, Death of Hawkman #5, "Out of Time, part 5: Embedded" Written by Marc Andreyko, pencils by Aaron Lopresti and Rodney Buchemi, inks by John Livesay.

Rann and Thanagar are at it again, but this time despite their years of antagonism it's not all their fault, as Despero has been pulling the strings behind the scenes. Only Adam Strange and Hawkman can stop him, although I'm not sure why Despero doesn't hypnotise them as well: he's got Alanna filled with rage and pushing towards war, the believed-dead Sardath doing his nth metal science project, and Cyborg back on earth listening to Adam's distress call and thinking he's talking about his vacation.

I don't love New 52 Adam, who's a little too jokey; and Hawkman gets back to his cop roots by using excessive force even for Thanagar. (His boss hits all the cop show cliches except for asking for his badge and his gun! "You're a loose cannon, Hol!") This is kind of reminiscent of Wolverine's death--was that about the same time?--where Hawkman's healing factor is failing him, and he's pretty burnt out on life to boot, but he's still more than willing to throw himself on the proverbial grenade. I was more worried about the apparent death of Thanagar's greatest Green Lantern, Isamot Kol: Hawkman's cop partner Rayn Kral gets the ring, and I'm not even sure we saw him before this series. (Spoiler alert: Isamot's OK, just banged up! He makes an appearance in the last issue, along with a Kilowog cameo, which just makes you wish he had been in the series more.)

I have two copies of this one, but am missing #4. There's also a variant cover to #6 by Sienkiewicz, that'd be the one to get. Read more!

This was a bad issue for follow-up. Adam's lucky he was rescued, that could've lingered like a Claremont subplot...

And we'll take a moment to check out the rest of 1980's World's Finest #262, starting with "Siren of the Sargasso" Written by Bob Rozakis, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Dan Adkins. A senator goes overboard on a fishing trip, and Congresswoman (Barbara!) Gordon asks Batman to ask Aquaman to look for him. Said senator had taken a dive after a blonde vision, which was Atlena of Atlantis--the pre-sunk version! This also doesn't go into the "blondes are evil" that a lot of DC's aqua-stories get hung up on; but she had tried to save her people by opening a hole to another Phantom Zone-like dimension, which not only didn't work but still sucked people in now and then. With Mera, Aqualad, and a pod of whales, Aquaman manages to tow out a few refugees before the dimensional rift seals up again, and they have to wait for it to re-open to save the rest. They may still be waiting!

Perhaps not waiting as long, "The Ghost of Adam Strange" visits Hawkman: archaeologist Adam is inexplicably bored visiting ruins on Rann with his wife Alanna, and an idle wish to be back on earth is granted by a legendary "id-beast," which could kill him. Trapped in a ghostly form, a medium is able to put Adam's consciousness in Hawkman; then Shayera and Red Tornado help bring Adam back with the JLA transporter. Next month appeared to be Adam recounting recent events on Rann, which sounds like a try-out to replace Hawkman! (Story by J. M. DeMatteis, pencils by Ken Landgraf, inks by Armando Gil.)

Finally, another nice-looking Don Newton story: Captain Marvel, in "The Captain Marvel of 7,000 B.C." (Story by E.Nelson Bridwell, inks by Dave Hunt.) Billy Batson is visited by the Champion from before recorded history, who gained powers from the magic word "Vlarem" and a different roster of gods. Together they thump the various Sins, and set the Rock of Eternity in place: the Champion is the young wizard Shazam, who was the Champion for like 30 centuries before everyone forget those gods. Not bad! Read more!

We've seen Ultraa on the blog a couple times, but this is definitely a comedown from the 200th issue. (By the way, does anyone else do this, go through the boxes at the comic shop and get frustrated when they have #199 then #201, even if they're the one that bought #200 already?) From 1982, Justice League of America #201, "A Hero For All Seasons" Written by Gerry Conway, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Bob Smith.

I don't think I've ever read anything about anyone ever having a good time in Atlantic City: I've never been, but is it just depressing? This fellow is, anyway: two-time loser Joe Perry, who found an alien "wishing machine" some years back; ended up fighting the JLA on Hawkman's first case with the team, and got sent up the river for robbing a bank. Out on parole, Joe was still kicking himself for his missed opportunity, when he notices the prodigious strength of a janitor...you'd think he would notice Ultraa was also like nine feet tall, since I think he was in his previous appearances?

Green Arrow had returned to the JLA, and was kicking himself for doing so: it's pretty obvious Black Canary was like 90% of why, the other 10% being the usual rants about rich people, helping the man on the street, etc. When the team gets sent the video of Ultraa and Joe rather brazenly robbing a bank, Flash runs to get Hawkman: not only because he had worked the case with Joe, but because Hawkgirl was currently MIA, which maybe puts this around World's Finest #275 or so? He's not doing well on his own, but still suits up. Black Canary recounts Ultraa's semi-tragic story to the Atom: Ultraa had an origin not unlike Superman's, and had been the first super-powered person on Earth-Prime. But, it was believed his presence would lead to more super-powered villains and heroes, an inevitable escalation that Ultraa immigrates to Earth-1 to avoid bringing upon his adopted home.

GA knocks out Joe by shooting a concussion arrow into his apartment--that's a little excessive, Ollie. But Ultraa punches Superman out of the building, and three Leaguers with him: while Supes saves them, Ultraa starts tearing up a casino with the usual giant props. Superman throws him like a Yahtzee roll with giant dice; but Ultraa then knocks out Hawkman, Superman, and the Flash in no time; before collapsing in despair. That wasn't what he wanted, at all: Ultraa had just wanted a friend, and had been betrayed. In the end, Joe was facing another stiff sentence, while on probation, Ultraa moves to Australia: he had been raised by the Aboriginal Australians of Earth-Prime, and finds a second home there. Which he probably should've in the first place, instead of doing dishes in Atlantic City. 

This one has a little more characterization than usual, but it needs it, since the League doesn't accomplish much?

Read more!

She says "I love you" and he immediately disappears. Usually that would indicate a fear of commitment...

This may technically be a last issue: from 2006, Hawkman #49, "Coalition in Crisis, part three" Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, pencils by Chris Batista, inks by Cam Smith.

The premise for the entire series to this point was that Hawkman and Hawkgirl had reincarnated many, many times; but always found each other and continued their love. Until this version: Kendra hadn't remembered her past lives until just recently, leaving Carter to pine over her for about four years. They just finally got together, right in the middle of the latest Rann/Thanagar War, with yet another Crisis maybe about to wipe out existence on top of that. (It almost reads as if they're late to a big battle after a long night!) Well, they still have each other, and guest-stars Adam Strange, GL's Kyle and Kilowog, that older-looking Captain Comet, Vril Dox, and the Prince Gavyn Starman! Heck, the Omega Men are in there, too. Even though Carter makes a big hero speech, he and Kendra can barely keep from making eyes at each other there. But the final page shows multiple versions of the Hawks, and teases "1 Year Later." What does it mean?

The next issue would be Hawkgirl #50, and a brand new direction with a brand new creative crew, Walt Simonson and Howard Chaykin! I don't know if it really clicked for me, although we did see the last issue some time back. Carter would be MIA for a bit, and I couldn't even tell you how that Rann/Thanagar war ended. There's probably been two more since, though, so okay. Read more!

Grubs calls Hawkman "rooster," but may just wish he had a cool mask, to cover his crazy eyes.

Ugh, I knew I remembered reading the previous issue, I should've remembered that one was two out of four. From 2004, Hawkman #30, "Fate's Warning, part 3 of 4" Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, pencils by Ryan Sook, inks by Mick Gray.

Hawkman had been arrested for the so-called "Angel killings," taken to a police station that seemed to have a movie marquee with gargoyles, and given the business by hardass cop Grubs. Hawkman calmly refuses to unmask, citing the first amendment, claiming that he symbolizes Horus and that it was an "emblematic mask to be worn in public." That...that kind of sounds like a load, not like something he actually believes, but it holds for now. I wonder how it would go over if he was heard talking to himself in a cell; where he was actually conversing with his old friend Ray Palmer, who thought he needed to get out and find the killer. Meanwhile, Hawkgirl was shaking down various thugs for leads.

Singer (and possible love interest for Carter) Domina Paris is attacked by the killer, a monstrous sort that wore a red 'X' across his chest that resembled J'onn J'onzz's harness, except in blood. Hawkgirl joins the fight, with Domina getting a pretty solid shot in with a microphone stand; but the cops interfere again and the killer escapes with Domina over his shoulder. Hawkgirl is captured by Grubs, but busts out of the wagon, and goes to "the one rational cop left in this city," Isabella; who agrees and gets Hawkman his wings and out of jail. 

Elsewhere, the killer goes on a long speech involving plague rats and the city's namesake, St. Roch; to an unconscious and distressed Domina. Maybe in four years we'll get to the conclusion... 

I liked seeing Ray here, but I wonder if he'll get to do anything except serve as Hawkman's conscience here. I also wonder if the relationship between the Hawks and the cops would continue to deteriorate; I thought they were usually pretty close.

Read more!

There's time-travel, prehistoric alien wizards, and flying tigers; yet Batman's most excited about letting his pores breathe.

I exaggerate, but seriously, not really. From 1982, World's Finest #282, "The Joy-Bringers!" Written by Cary Burkett, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Frank McLaughlin.

Superman and Batman come down on some petty thugs like the proverbial ton of bricks, since they're still recovering weapons stolen from the Fortress of Solitude by the Weapons Master. Supes saves Bats from getting shot in the back once, but they're both caught flat-footed when a downed thug reaches the time-displacer and zaps Batman. Furious, Superman rapidly checks the settings on the weapon, then takes off to prehistoric times to save his friend; while the thug smugly notes Superman won't hurt him, as that was against his code. 

In said prehistoric times, Superman is surprised to be lassoed by flying tiger-riders, who are quickly joined by Batman on his own tiger mount. Batman explains he's been there a month, and these guys were cool; although Superman knows there shouldn't be anyone there in that time period. Again, Batman seemingly shrugs it off: they were the alien Eldiran, the "Joy-Bringers." Supes is understandably skeptical, but they do seem okay: they were prepping earth to develop higher life-forms later. Batman seems taken with them, and extremely cheerful not to have to wear his mask or any of that. Still, when Superman is sent to deal with a volcano that resisted the Eldirans' magic, Batman notices one of them seemingly up to something, and masks up, he's back on the job. In a fairly typical World's Finest split, Superman fights a giant lizard in the volcano, while Batman has to stop the lizard's master: the head of the Eldirans had been getting on in years, and wanted to tank their mission on earth so he could spend his last few centuries back home.

Afterwards, the remaining Eldirans send their former leader home, and Supes and Bats have to head out as well. Returning right when they left, the smug thug catches another lump from Superman; while Batman wonders if he will ever feel the peace he had with the Eldirans. It's weird to think of Batman just checking out of his life like that, but those flying tigers did have batlike wings, so...

We may look at the other features later: this was the last "Dollar Comic" issue of the series, it would take a more standard format going forward. Green Arrow had two more back-up stories to go before being transferred to Detective Comics, but this issue was the end of the Hawkman and Shazam! stories. Which seems like a bit of a surprise, at least for Hawkman: he had been searching for the missing Hawkwoman, who conveniently arrives to save him in the last three panels! ("Doctor Katar and Mister Plert" Written by Bob Rozakis, pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Rodin Rodriguez.)

Read more!

This maybe could've been more 90's, if Guy Gardner had a plaid shirt tied around his waist.

Also, I buy a ton of random comics mid-crossover, but I figured part six would be the conclusion! Wrongo. From 1995, Hawkman #23, "The Way of the Warrior, part six: Essential Warfare" Written by William Messner-Loebs, pencils by Steve Lieber, inks by Curt Shoultz. Cover by Ron Lim...who, no offense to anyone, I was hoping did the interiors!

After two pages of subplot stuff with metahuman prison the Brig, to ensure Hawkman has problems when he gets home; we get to the meat of this one: on the planet Vuldar, the Tormack Empire has taken over and turned the place into a mine. Wonder Woman, Hawkman, and Probert (Probert?) are fighting the Tormack Shrike fliers, trying to rescue Guy Gardner from the Empress Karine. Who has plans for Guy: this was during his Warrior phase, when he was the last Vuldarian; but the Empress reveals a secret. The Tormackians and Vuldarians were distantly related, and the Tormackians needed to restock the gene pool a bit, and Guy was elected! It's not a Captain Kirk-kind of situation for him, though: Karine looks like Kilowog crossed with a Predator, in drag; and her idea of "foreplay" was massive electric shock!

After capturing a Shrike, Diana, Hawkman, and Probert are able to get through the first lines of defenses; and manage to save Guy from getting molested. Karine escapes, but has sounded a planetwide alert...

This would conclude in Guy Gardner: Warrior #34, which features a Phil Jimenez cover with Lobo on it but not Diana! Maybe he didn't care for Diana's 90's not-WW outfit. I forget where this is in Hawk-continuity--post-Zero Hour? And I know of Guy's Warrior stint, but can't recall how it ended, or how much of that was retconned.

. Read more!

"The Justice League, but evil." Seems like there's some mileage to get out of that.

Ugh, this is the second time I've done this lately, and with Justice League issues: start typing up a big ol' post and then realize I'd blogged that one before! We looked at Justice League America #72 back in 2011; so after the break is a redundant post for it. Instead, on the next issue! From 1993, Justice League America #73, "Destiny's Hand, part II" Story and art by Dan Jurgens, finished art by Rick Burchett.

After last issue's fascist JLA, this month starts with the team's current roster, who are going to seem far less familiar. The Ray is being tested by the team, and they find him quite impressive; except they forget to tell him that, and he thinks he must be a big suck loser. Black Condor is wondering if he even belongs there, but doesn't feel like he can leave until he solves the mystery of mysterious team mystery man Bloodwynd. Wonder Woman was the current team leader, since this was not long after the death of Superman; although I suspect Guy Gardner still thought he was in charge, or should be. Rounding out the team was Agent Liberty and Maxima, with Oberon still in his support role; Booster Gold and Fire were currently powerless, and Blue Beetle still in a coma after Doomsday.

Their training is interrupted by a military communication, asking why the team brought back the JLA Satellite. In the current post-Crisis continuity, none of the heroes present would've been on the team when the satellite was in use...although Bloodwynd seems to know a lot about it. (At the time, Wonder Woman would've been on the European team for maybe twenty minutes at the start of Justice League Europe; post-Crisis Black Canary took her place.) Ray, Bloodwynd and Guy head for the satellite to investigate, with Ray pulling an Impulse on the way: taking off at top speed, then having to come back when he realizes he doesn't know where he's going. Firestorm defends the satellite, casting the heroes back to earth, but Bloodwynd notices a news sign announcing the nuclear explosion in China. Heading back to their headquarters to regroup, they instead find a New York City, protected by "the Lightning Squad," which I thought was the fascist JLA's support force, but could cover all of them.

Wonder Woman takes the rest of her team, to investigate readings like the satellite, coming from Nevada. Scouting ahead, Black Condor saves the escaping, and armless, Sinestro; only for Hawkman to finish him off with his own ring. Back in NYC, Guy and Ray are downed by an invisible foe, the Martian Manhunter. Bloodwynd is left to face the Manhunter, Firestorm, and Hal Jordan alone; while in Arkham Asylum, Dr. Destiny escapes. And elsewhere, an exhausted and emaciated looking Atom collapses...

This isn't as strong as the first part of the story, partially because we don't spend as much time with the bad guys. This version of the JLA had not been together long: this may be their first adventure! Agent Liberty and Black Condor would not stick around long, and I know the Ray would have a longer stint on J'onn J'onzz's Justice League Task Force. (When the Condor faces the bad Hawkman with a power ring, it feels like that should be where he takes some lumps, then comes back later to win and prove he belongs on the team. I don't think that happens...) Jurgens was almost done here as well, his run would end with #77, which I don't think I've read.

Well, this seems like a good week for a lighthearted tale of...power corrupting, dreams turning into nightmares, and a hefty helping of excessive force! From 1993, Justice League America #72, "Destiny's Hand, part 1" Story and art by Dan Jurgens, finished art by Rick Burchett.

Years before they were revisited in Identity Crisis, the Wizard's Secret Society of Super-Villains returns...working for the government? Against a fascist Justice League? They are taken care of in short order, with the Martian Manhunter even disintegrating Star Sapphire. Hal Jordan--much younger than he currently appeared in his own title--shrugs her death off. The Wizard is captured, but before Commissioner Gordon and the GCPD can take him into custody, he's taken by the League's Lightning Squad support task force, to their "incarceration complex" in Nevada. While Gordon calls them "bleeding fascists!" as soon as they're out of earshot; Hal says once the villains go through "the intensive psi-scrubbing process" they won't be a threat anymore.

Sinestro had managed to escape, but with a broken arm from the Manhunter, he wasn't at full strength. He manages to elude Green Arrow and Black Canary, but he would've been better off: he catches a mace in the face, courtesy of "world security chief" Hawkman! Who takes to fascism like a duck to water. After confiscating the yellow power ring for himself, Hawkman drops Sinestro off in Nevada, and tells his men Sin should have a little "accident." Like, maybe his arms should just fall off, or something. Meanwhile, Gordon lights the Bat-Signal, for the first time in over two years, to confront Batman about the JLA: Bats was no longer with the team, but may have felt they were still necessary. And in China, fear of the JLA may lead to nuclear war, as a missile strike is about to launch. A black-suited Flash and the Atom stop the launch, with the Atom closing the silos and letting the missiles blow: as they race away, Flash wonders if that was too far, but Atom admits they kind of pissed him off, and will serve as an example to anyone else thinking about going after the JLA.

In the JLA satellite, Green Arrow may not be as liberal as usual, but he's still a voice of dissent on the team. The President has harsh words for the team, before breaking down over his lack of control. Well, his VP can help him out--Hal Jordan? Ooh, the US is in trouble. And the issue closes with a visit to Arkham Asylum, and a skeletal patient: I don't know if I would've recognized him at the time, but it's Dr. Destiny.

Jurgens might not be the first name you'd think of for a 'dark' story, but his art looks better than his usual high standard here. This was the first of a four-parter, and such a good start I don't think the rest of it lives up to it. I also don't think I read all of it for years; and after reading all four this morning I can't recall if I ever read them all at once before, either! Even though like several books this week, I feel like I have multiple copies here and there. Maybe we'll check out the next chapter some other time.
Read more!