Justice League of America Wedding Special #1 (November, 2007)

Batman had the foresight to recognize that Ollie Queen would not want strippers at his bachelor party, and that paparazzi would inevitably swarm the Happy Harbor, Rhode Island hotel Hal Jordan had planned the event at. The Dark Knight advanced Jordan some cash to pay off the exotic dancers, and asked John Stewart to decorate the Hall of Justice in anticipation of the party's relocation.

The Martian Manhunter, still in his One Year Later "conehead" look, attended Oliver Queen's bachelor party at the Hall of Justice. He was seen relating a story to Beast Boy that excited the changeling so much he covered his mouth with both hands-- or something.

Aquaman, by whom I mean the young Joseph Arthur Curry that began appearing as the Sword of Atlantis in this period, walked a few feet past the pair. Later, Joesph was pestered by Guy Gardner. Tempest was also in attendance.

Firestorm was following a lead on a case when he ended up mauled by a new super-villain collective and left for dead. Some noteworthy parties affiliated with this army included Amazo, Despero, Black Manta, Felix Faust, and members of the Aryan Brigade, though none got play in the tale.

Batman received word that Firestorm had been admitted to St. Vincent's Hospital, and flew to the crime scene with Roy "Red Arrow" Harper in tow. The pair (well, mostly Batman) worked out the scenario Firestorm was faced with through clues. Eventually, the pair fell into an ambush of their own, taken by the Joker, Fatality, and Shadow Thief.

Vixen, Zatanna, Black Canary, Fire and more heroines got down at the bachelorette party held at a Happy Harbor male strip club called the Meat Locker. One of the dancers asked Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl to step outside, where he explained his sister, a nurse, had told him her hospital was treating the gravely injured Firestorm. The pair of heroines was soon after attacked, with the injured Hawkgirl making it to the bachelor party to warn other heroes. Dozens of super-villains were featured in background shots, promotional materials and so forth. Hopefully, dealing with them off panel explains why Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, Zatanna and too many others dropped out of the rest of the story.

"Unlimited, Chapter 1: Injustice League" was by Dwayne McDuffie, Mike McKone and Andy Lanning.

You can read this story from different perspectives at the following blogs:

The continuation of Justice League Detroit members' involvement here

Wonder Woman's involvement in Justice League of America Wedding Special #1 at Diana Prince

Wonder Woman's continued adventure in JL of A #13-15 at Diana Prince

Firestorm, Green Lantern John Stewart & Green Arrow related in the JL of A Wedding Special #1 at DC Bloodlines

The Justice League in JL of A #13-15 at DC Bloodlines

Martian Manhunter's cameo from the Wedding Special at The Idol-Head of Diabolu

The Atom related cameos from the Wedding Special at Power of the Atom

JLA/JSA Secret Files & Origins #1 (Lead Story, January, 2003)

Fawcett City: The Wizard Shazam called young Billy Batson to his abode to discuss something sinister afoot with his champion, Captain Marvel. Shazam reminisced about his having captured the The Seven Deadly Enemies of Man with the aid of the gods.

The Batcave: The Batman and
Mr. Terrific (Michael Holt) had a cape-to-cape talk, mostly about their awe before one another's team. Terrific admired a photograph from an early JLA/JSA gathering (Aquaman and Martian Manhunter standing together on one side, though J'Onn was nearer to Dr. Fate.)

Keystone City, Kansas: Plastic Man, Hourman (Rick Tyler) and the local Flash (Wally West) attended a hockey game.

JSA Headquarters, New York City: The Atom (Ray Palmer), Doctor Mid-Nite (Pieter Cross) and Green Lantern Kyle Rayner gave Sentinel a meta-check-up.

Metropolis: The Star-Spangled Kid, Power Girl and Wonder Woman discussed Superman's sex appeal.

Doctor Fate's Tower in Salem, Massachusetts: Hector Hall lent Zatanna a copy of her father Zatara's biography. "One of the only copies in existence. Thanks for letting me 'check it out.' Koob Pmuj Ni Tah!" The pair discussed Zatara and a chill they both suddenly felt.

Captain Marvel left the wizard Shazam's company. The stone statues of Seven Deadly Enemies of Man in his abode turned toward Shazam. "It's too late, wizard. Your champion will be ours. As will the world."

"The Day Before" was by David S. Goyer, Geoff Johns, Stephen Sadowski, and Andrew Pepoy.

Blackest Night #3 (November, 2009)

New York City: Jason Rusch and Gehenna argued about the prospect of marriage.

Gotham City: The Black Lantern Justice League engaged the Flash and Green Lantern Hal Jordan. Black Lantern Ronnie Raymond had called dibs on Flash, but Black Lantern Ralph Dibny said "The Scarlet Speedster and the Stretchable Sleuth have been pals since the world-famous Elongated Man cracked his first case, Matchstick! If anyone's tugging on Barry's heartstrings it's gonna be me." Dibny's fingers became blades, but neither his nor Black Lantern J'Onn J'Onzz's stretching arms could catch the Flash. Allen even had time to experiment, learning roots held the Black Lantern power rings on its corpsman's fingers. A battered Atom emerged from hiding to join the fight against the BL Hawks.

Washington D.C.: Firestorm answered a call from Justice League of America headquarters. There he learned the arrival of the Black Lantern Corps was a global concern. The Nuclear Man was attacked by Mera, until she realized he wasn't one of the undead.

Gotham City: Black Lantern Ralph Dibny ensnared Green Lantern in his trunk. "We were never really tight, were we, Hal? Don't think I didn't catch you scoping out Sue when she was wearing a skirt." Ralph also caught the Atom, and nearly ripped out his heart, before both were saved by Indigo-1 of the Indigo Tribe, a lantern corps who wield the light power of compassion. Through their energy the two Indigo Tribe members on scene dispatched Black Lanterns Ralph and Sue Dibny. The Indigo Tribe duo then teleported the present heroes to JLofA headquarters.

Washington, D.C.: Indigo-1 explained to the collected heroes about the eight known corps wielding different emotionally-attuned colors in the spectrum of power, and the wars they were waging with one another. In the distance were memorial statues for Aquaman, Steel II, and Vibe. The group determined that these were not truly their fallen friends, and that their controller sought to illicit strong emotional responses in victims before devouring them. Flash and Green Lantern found time for a heart-to-heart, before the Black Lantern Justice League crashed the scene with an appetite for both. Black Lantern Ronnie Raymond forced the Firestorm matrix to split, then absorbed Jason Rusch into himself while he murdered Gehenna. Black Lantern power rings sought out more flesh, and found it in a morgue safeguarding the remains of deceased super-villains within League HQ (including Dr. Light, Maxwell Lord, and more.)

"Blackest Night" was by Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert with Joe Prado.

Blackest Night #0 (June, 2009)

There was darkness. Then there was light. And the war between them began.

Green Lantern Hal Jordan visited the unmarked grave of Bruce Wayne. He recalled an early day from his years in the Justice League of America, when Martian Manhunter and the rest played peacemaker between Batman and himself. Aquaman just observed, "Another reason I prefer being underwater. Less shouting."

The Batman was now dead, but Barry Allen, the Flash Jordan knew best, had recently returned from beyond the veil. Joining Green Lantern in a Gotham City graveyard, Flash spoke of the breakdown in a city without its Dark Knight, and was again confronted by changes that occurred during his lengthy absence. Jordan reflected on his own demise, while under the control of the evil Parallax entity. "I died a sinner. You died a saint. Everything changed when you disappeared, Barry. The world got more dangerous. Our jobs more deadly. The Justice League wasn't untouchable anymore."

Aquaman: killed after months in a mutated state toward the end of Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis.

Jordan flashed back to simpler days, when he was much more cocky and optimistic, fighting Amazo alongside J'Onn J'Onzz, Aquaman, Batman, Green Arrow, Flash, the Atom, Wonder Woman, and Superman.

Batman: reduced to a skeleton by Darkseid's Omega Beams during Final Night.

"J'Onn J'Onzz... Martian Manhunter... he was murdered by Darkseid's followers. He's buried on Mars-- the heart and soul of the Justice League is gone."

Despite their differences, Green Lantern saw Batman as a friend. Flash hoped all their old buddies would return from the grave, just as Jordan and himself had done. The pair departed.

THE BLACKEST NIGHT
FALLS FROM THE SKIES
THE DARKNESS GROWS AS ALL LIGHT DIES
WE CRAVE YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR DEMISE
BY MY BLACK HAND-- THE DEAD SHALL RISE!

The villainous Black Hand exhumed the remains of Bruce Wayne, and took the Dark Knights skull in hand. The corrupt Guardian of the Universe Scar was pleased...

Note:

The mysterious Black Lantern rose around the corpse of the Anti-Monitor on the planet Ryvt, a world once decimated by the Guardian's Manhunters. It's ultimate purpose and its creator are unknown.

"Death Becomes Us" was by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis with Oclair Albert & Rob Hunter.

DC Challenge #5 (2/1986)

Martian Manhunter: Back in New York City (or is it Metropolis? I'm confused,) the invaders prepared to publicly execute our alien heroes. Supergirl and Superman were helpless so long as a weird machine projected red sun radiation about them, so Jemm silently blasted it with his tikka jewel. "Good going, J'emm! Kara, what say we return the favor?" The Girl of Steel released the Son of Saturn, Manhunter from Mars and Starfire. Superman announced, "together, we'll show that these no-goods don't speak for all aliens!" The Maid of Might added, "When we're through with 'em, they'll be lucky to mumble!"

DC Challenge #4 (2/1986)

Batman: Hung with Hawkwoman from a branch on the side of a Peruvian jungle cliff, until Adam Strange lept to grab the same. The limb snapped, but as Adam had planned, the trio just fell into the Zeta-Beam to Rann that brought Strange there in the first place. On Rann, the heroes joined Viking Prince, Sardath, Alanna and Superman in battling mythological monsters.

Aquaman: In the Sahara Desert, the Sea King was surrounded by pointy-eared aliens. "We will indeed end the 'menace,' Aquaman-- and you will be one of the most important tools we shall use! ...Just as we took knowledge of the JLA from your mind to 'borrow' their shapes-- we used your signaler to call your comrades! There are several among them who can be important pawns in our game-- for they are traitors to our cause! ...Some of your comrades are no more 'people' than I am, Aquaman! Your purpose is concluded, human. You are now irrelevant, and may prepare to cease existence."

Martian Manhunter: "Whoever you are, you can't kill a Justice Leaguer that easily!" The Alien Atlas flew into the aliens line of fire, shielding Aquaman with his own body.

Zatanna: Teleported with Martian Manhunter. "You didn't think we'd ignore our leader's summons, did you, cutie? Besides, I haven't been to Egypt for years, and the sight-seeing's great!" Zee tried to apply her sorcery to the aliens, but it wouldn't work. "The power of magic is no longer so great, woman-- and soon will be gone entirely!"

Martian Manhunter: Screamed "AYEEEIIIII!" when confined in an energy cage projected from an alien's ray gun. Spirited away through a portal in the sky with the other extraterrestrials. "We will let you live to ponder that knowledge-- for we have the traitor now-- and although your powers may be sufficient to allow you to survive, you are, as we said, irrelevant. Hardly worth bothering to kill."

Aquaman & Zatanna: "Huh???" Left to die in the desert, again.

Martian Manhunter: The aliens conquered New York, and took captive J'Onn J'Onzz, Supergirl, Superman, Starfire and Jemm: Son of Saturn, who were tied to poles for a public execution. "The independence of this planet has ended! You are now to be a part of the Greater Galaxies-- and these aliens who have lived among you shall be the first to feel our justice! For having dared fraternize with you-- for pretending to live among you in peace-- these traitors shall die!"

"Atomic Nights" was by Paul Levitz, Gil Kane and Klaus Janson.

Wonder Woman #175 (12/2001)

The evil sorceress Circe continued to torment the beastiamorph versions of her Injustice Gang, as well as Plastic Man and the Sleuth From Outer Space...

Martian Manhunter: While his body was agonizingly contorted aboard Air Force One, Circe explained "...Your powers make you so susceptible to mine... Like J'Onn J'Onzz here. The Martian Manhunter is arguably the most powerful member of the J.L.A.... and completely vulnerable to my magics. Did you know that one of the components for my beastiamorph spell came from the remains of an alien race I discovered in the Middle East millennia ago? Could they have been Martians like you?"

Nightfall: Member of the Overmaster's Cadre who fought Dr. Light alongside Nox. Ultimately failed, as she reckoned, "Oh, spit."

Mongal: Brawled with Power Girl. "Ha! And someone told me they thought you were like the Kryptonian. Such ego-- and such delusion. No threat at all to the new queen of Almer--AAGKK!"

4-D: Teammate of Vixen in the Ultramarines Corps seen in a battle involving Mary Marvel, Strangle-Hold and Huitzilopochtli.

Vixen: Led a team at the South Street Seaport that included Onyx, Inferno and Nightshade-- the latter two having fallen prey to Killer Frost. Vixen herself defeated the Hyena before turning her attentions toward Firestorm's icy foe...

"Out of my way, you nappy-headed furball! This is Vixen on open channel. Gypsy: acknowledge! I repeat, Gypsy: acknowledge! Dammit, where are you?!"
"Look around you, Vixen. She could be anywhere, caught in the ice... freezing to death."

Gypsy: Rather than face a frigid death like the one Manhunter left her to during the Judgment Day crossover, Gypsy invisibly made her way to the roof of a building. Near a hovering presidential aircraft, which was being piloted by the maniacal Joker, Gypsy reported in to her communications center. "Oracle, it's me again. Something crazy's happening on Air Force One. It's not stable above Times Square. I'm not sure how the heck I can do this... but I haven't been spotted yet. And J'Onn's in there, somewhere. I have to." Gypsy leapt for the craft. "Here goes nothing. Mama, Papa-- give me strength!"

Martian Manhunter: A dyspeptic Beast Boy asked of his fellow prisoner "J'Onn, you okay down there? J'Onn?!"

Batman: Restored to normal, he aided team leader Black Canary in Chinatown.

Zatanna: Under Dr. Light's command at Grand Central Station. Attacked by Magenta. "Do you think saying some magic spell backwards will save you from my power?" Zee turned projectiles of the magnetic mistress against her. "Metallic objects, bind that villain tight." She then whined to Shazam's champion "When are people going to learn that that's just a concentration exercise? You okay, Captain Marvel?"

Vixen: Wished Marvel the best, then at Zee's urging explained what was wrong. "I can't find her. I don't know what's happened to Gypsy!"

Gypsy: Aboard Air Force One, the Spider-Lex Luthor held Circe's young daughter Lyta's life as a bargaining chip for being restored to normal. Martian Manhunter appeared, demanding "Do as he says, Circe--!" Luthor and company were so restored, only for the "Manhunter" to stand revealed as an illusion surrounding Gypsy.

Martian Manhunter: "Thank you, Gypsy. I believe I'm more than recovered now."

Gypsy: "No problem, J'Onn."

Martian Manhunter: Proceeded to punch the new Cheetah, who though he had previously beaten Superman, still swore in Spanish "Oh, dear God..." Cheetah smashed through and well out of the VTOL plane. Circe herself disappeared with Lyta, while Air Force One was emergency dropped into the East River by Wonder Woman.
"Diana--" thought Manhunter.
"J'Onn? Thank Hera--! Is everyone on board all right? Is Circe--?"
"Circe's vanished, Diana. The aircraft seems to have some sort of flotation devices-- and most of the Injustice Gang remains in their transformed states... We'll be fine."

President Lex Luthor demanded his immediate return to D.C. and that the League make apprehending Circe a priority.
"Mister President-- shut up.

Wonder Woman explained telepathically, "You can bind the others with the remaining moly, J'Onn-- that should free them from Circe's thrall. The Amazing Amazon had previously fended off a Superman partially merged with Doomsday until she could free him from his state, leaving the Man of Steel blubbering like a baby.

Wonder Woman #174 (11/2001)

Following the Our Worlds At War crossover, Wonder Woman's mother Hippolyta was dead, and her former Paradise Island of Themyscira was in ruins. The Earth had taken on great damage and large numbers of casualties, as well as begrudgingly accepting extraterrestrial refugees. At this vulnerable moment, the evil sorceress Circe chose to resume hostilities toward Wonder Woman and super-heroes in general. Circe mystically sealed off New York City, then transformed all male super-heroes in town to various types of wildlife. Circe had amassed a small army of villainesses (including the Cadre's Nightfall) to hunt these valiant animals to death, then invited Wonder Woman to try and stop them.

While she waited, Circe set other wheels turning. She sent her new male Cheetah to lay a trap in Metropolis, which snared Superman. She also took Air Force One, where she began torturing the bestial former members of the Injustice Gang she had once taken part in. President Lex Luthor became a giant were-spider and the Joker part goat.

Oracle electronically gathered an all-female super-squadron on Liberty Island to plan the retaking of NYC. Vixen, Gypsy and Zatanna had major roles to play...

Zatanna: Wonder Woman explained to the gathering of heroines, "Zatanna is using her magics to create a garden of moly. Circe's magics have absolutely no effect on the herb... We'll each use sprigs of it to protect ourselves from transformation as we pass through the energy barrier. Once inside, we'll use the rest of it on Circe's beastiamorphs to cancel the spell cast on them. But first we'll need to liberate the city and defend them against the villains hunting them."

Vixen: Among the first to reply to Oracle's call was Vixen. "The other Ultramarines are missing, but I'll be there." Vixen's female teammate 4-D would also appear in the upcoming battle, but in a later issue. Wonder Woman immediately continued her instructions from above, "Doctor Light-- Power Girl-- Troia-- Black Canary-- and Wonder Girl and Vixen will be field leaders. Teams will break down based on familiarity and power. Please listen to your team leaders. They have the experience we need to help save our friends." Vixen surmounted the barrier surrounding New York, then stood by Gypsy as Wonder Woman gained and lost telepathic contact with J'Onn J'Onzz.

Gypsy: Among the Liberty Island party, shown standing between Star-Spangled Kid and Inferno. Entered NYC, only to hear troubling word about a dear friend...

Martian Manhunter: Telepathically called "Diana!" just as Wonder Woman led her army through the energy barrier. "Thank the moons of Mars you've come--! I've been disguised since Circe cast her spell; I switched genders and hid my powers to try to sneak close to her... but she's been able to use her magics to track those with powers-- and transform them. She's affected my telepathic powers... I haven't revealed myself until now-- AGGH!" Eldritch energy surrounded his pained form as Wonder Woman called out, "J'Onn? J'Onn?!"

Gypsy: Clearly upset as she demanded "What is it? What's happening to him?" The telepathic link had been cut off.

Vixen: "Diana-- we've got to help him!"

Gypsy & Vixen: Swept up in a sonic attack from the Silver Swan before rejoining the counter-offensive.

Batman: Turned into a were-rattlesnake.

Aquaman: Try Porpoiseman.

The Creators: Phil Jimenez managed to write and meticulously draw this issue as part of a monthly schedule, but the quality is uneven, and a guest penciller would soon follow. In a book positively drowning in details, both related to recent continuity and in illustrating several hundred super people, it's funny that Circe has so little motivation for her grand scheme. Then again, the whole storyline fairly reeks of fan service over logic, but getting a reunion of every living Detroit Leaguer but Elongated Man suited me very fine.

Justice League #1 (May 1987)

Maxwell Lord IV scanned television reports from outside the Justice League's mountain base: "... Many people question the effectiveness of a new J.L.A. in these times of, at best, grudging tolerance of super-- ...Two of the newer members arrive-- I'm sorry, one new member and a veteran of this oldest of super-teams-- ...A Martian. What effect his presence will have on public opinion is yet to be--"

An arrogant Green Lantern Guy Gardner brooded alone at the new Justice League meeting table, intent on demanding leadership of the fledgling team. He was soon joined by Black Canary, Mr. Miracle, Oberon, Captain Marvel, and, together, Blue Beetle with the Manhunter from Mars. Oberon felt the media circus surrounding the group's reformation couldn't hurt.

Martian Manhunter: "In light of recent events-- I would tend to doubt it."
Blue Beetle: "I think the Martian Manhunter's just being paranoid, group!"
Martian Manhunter: "Then I suggest you think again! ...They are wolves-- waiting to consume us. To them, we're novelties... Sideshow freaks-- viewed with amusement one moment, reviled the next."
Blue Beetle: "Look, J'Onzz-- we don't really know each other... but aren't you being a tad grim?"
Martian Manhunter: "You are correct, Beetle. You don't know me. Nor do you know what I have lived through... what the old League endured... what we lost.

J'Onn cued a monitor bank of images:

Steel.

Gypsy.

Vixen.

Vibe.

He gazed at them solemnly for a moment, then crestfallen, pressed a button to purge the vision of his former teammates. Dinah consoled, "J'Onn, I--" but before she could finish, the most obnoxious Green Lantern returned to demanding leadership of the outfit.

A screaming match with Black Canary developed, followed by rough handling of Oberon, prompting Manhunter to step between the pair.

"Stop

This

Now!"

Unlike with Superman, Guy Gardner felt no hesitation about tugging on the Martian Manhunter's cape, lifting him off the ground by the neck. "I strongly suggest you let me down."
"Just butt out, Jolly Green-- or I'll boot you back to the valley! Ho-ho-ho."

Gardner briefly relented, until Oberon renewed hostilities, prompting Mr. Miracle to complain, "J'Onn, this is utterly infantile..."
"You are correct, Mr. Miracle. This is infantile. And it's time our ring-wielding baby got the spanking he deserves!."

Batman and Dr. Fate walked in on a full scale brawl, as Captain Marvel took a power ring blast to the belly that launched him into a guarded Alien Atlas. The Dark Knight strode through the collection of heroes to pacify Guy Gardner with his overwhelming presence, and a meeting commenced.

Meanwhile, the heroic Doctor Light (Kimiyo Hoshi) was at the United Nations, where her new Justice League signal-device was paging her relentlessly. She was so distracted, she almost missed the terrorists who would hold her and the General Assembly hostage.

The Batman was alerted, so he sent Captain Marvel and Dr. Fate ahead while he joined the rest of the team in flying to the scene inside Beetle's Bug craft. On arrival, Manhunter noted, "Batman-- I don't see Dr. Fate..." ...who vanished to take care of another matter.

The Martian Marvel joined his team in stealthily entering the U.N., where he embedded the heads of several assailants quite forcefully into a corridor ceiling. The Sleuth From Outer Space then invisibly contacted Dr. Light, whispering in her ear, "Show no alarm. Make no sudden moves. I'm J'Onn J'Onzz of the Justice League--"
"Y-you're invisible?!"
"Obviously. Now, please-- listen carefully." At his signal, Dr. Light blinded everyone in her vicinity, as Green Lantern swiftly handled all but two of he remaining terrorists. Dr. Light had elbowed half the remainder.
"I admire you... efficiency."
"Years of practice."
"They paid off."

Batman stared down the final boss, who thereafter committed apparent suicide. Martian Manhunter was annoyed to face the press after.

Meanwhile, the tycoon Maxwell Lord IV watched all these events from afar, having bankrolled the terrorists as part of a plot to help put the new Justice League on the international map...

Justice League Spectacular #1 (1992)

Vibe: Still dead, five glorious years and counting.

Steel: Also dead, but soon to be replaced by a black man with a big hammer.

Dale Gunn: Last appeared about the time Steel was revealed to not be dead, so he could be killed again.

Gypsy: In limbo, aside from cameos in Justice League Quarterly as part of the Conglomerate.

Vixen: Suicide Squad was getting canceled hereabouts, though Mari had left the team by this point, in favor of the occasional "Animal Man" guest spot.

Elongated Man & Sue Dibney: Wrapped up their four issue mini-series, which led them to join a European diplomatic trip to Florida's Funny Stuff Park. Taken hostage by the Royal Flush Gang, who'd been hired by Maxwell Lord to cause an incident that would inspire the formation of a new Justice League. Things got out of hand when a second benefactor offered the the Gang advanced new weapons. Still, a new League did form, with Ralph's assistance and membership, and throttled the Royals. "I may not be as powerful as Big Blue over there-- or as fast as the kid [Flash]-- but give me a diversion and I can hold my own!" In fact, he even rescued Superman...

Batman: Approached by Max Lord to run a new League, but refused. Instead tried to recruit Superman for the role. "With the Martian Manhunter gone they need your muscle! They need your leadership, Superman. Care to sign up?" No, as he found the JLI to be a ridiculous bunch whose "nonpowered heroes" could never keep up with him. Superman was promptly captured when he brainlessly stormed Funny Stuff Park, was released by Elongated Man, and agreed to join one of two new Justice Leagues. Batman was wisely nowhere near Florida for any of this.

Aquaman: Helped Dr. Light II construct a suboceanic farm. Recruited by Green Lantern Hal Jordan as part of a third wave of heroes to enter Funny Stuff Park. Had Power Girl's back in the fight. Asked to join one of the new Leagues by Hal, his first time serving since the Detroit years. "...after what happened the last time I was a member-- I swore I'd never get involved with a team again! ...I don't know. Booster and Beetle acted so rashly today that they could have gotten civilians killed!" Finally sucked it up and fell in line.

Martian Manhunter: Name-checked by Batman above, as well as Green Lantern Hal Jordan, who said of the Detroit League. "Look, I realize things went badly back then-- but that should hardly be a condemnation for all time! ...with J'Onn and Captain Atom gone [the League is] going to need big-time muscle to do it!"

Bloodwynd: First unnamed cameo appearance, looking like a punch drunk boxer while watching a television in his apartment announce the new League. While the anchorman and the United Nations considered that the team may have previously been premature disbanded, Bloodwynd concurred. "Yes. I wonder too. If they're getting back together-- the Justice League will have me to deal with!"

Weapons Master: Seen only in shadow. Outfitted the Royal Flush Gang to test his toys and the super-heroes. On a mission for a Dominator to steal Guy Gardner's Power Ring. Only kept his blond bimbo Kiki around for the sex, which he indulged in during a slow point in the festivities. Worked out of his personal yacht.

Justice League America: Superman, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Fire, Ice, Booster Gold, and Blue Beetle.

Justice League Europe: Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Aquaman, Elongated Man, Power Girl, Dr. Light II, Crimson Fox and the Flash.

The Creators: Dan Jurgens looked nice inked by Rick Burchett, but consistently wrote Superman as an overbearing jerk, Ice as a sentimental idiot and Fire as a valley girl. Gerard Jones continued to write the European League as painfully boring. Ron Randall looked great embellished by Randy Elliot, especially when drawing women in form-fitting duds.

J’Onn J’Onzz’s Nicknames of the Issue: “J'Onn" -Green Lantern Hal Jordan
"Martian Manhunter" -The Batman

Legends #3-6 (1-4/87)

Suicide Squad: Initial line-up of Captain Boomerang, Enchantress, Blockbuster, Bronze Tiger, Col. Rick Flag, and Deadshot defeated Brimstone at Mt. Rushmore with a special weapon designed specifically for the task. Blockbuster killed in the process. Later aided in riot control during a G. Gordon Godfrey rally.

Vixen: No further relevant appearances in the mini-series, but will join the Suicide Squad early into their ongoing spin-off.

Elongated Man & Gypsy: Appeared in a couple of flashback panels recounting previous events.

Steel & Vibe: Same, but pretty much dead at this point.

Batman: Beat up the Joker for the billionth time. Among the heroes magically materialized at a G. Gordon Godfrey rally in Metropolis by Dr. Fate. Also included were Captain Marvel, Blue Beetle, the Flash, Black Canary, Changeling, Green Lantern Guy Gardner and Superman. Disabled a Warhound. Whupped a gang of thugs. Proud of Robin II's rallying of youth to convince their parents Godfrey was wrong. Co-founded a new incarnation of the Justice League.

Martian Manhunter: "I see Godfrey hasn't changed his tune at all, Doctor Fate!" Not summoned by the heroic mystic, but "Nevertheless, I go where I am needed!" Batman agreed, "Well, you're certainly needed here, Manhunter-- welcome!" Wonder Woman would also crash the party later. Superman asked if the rest of the League was coming. "I'm afraid not... At this moment in time... the Justice League of America no longer exists!" Disappeared during the action...

President Ronald Reagan: "They've come-- as I expected!" Masked gunmen blasted their way into the White House. "This office will not bow to terrorism! You have exactly five seconds to surrender yourselves!" Shot repeatedly in the chest, to little effect. "Now you have two seconds! Time's up! Game's over! What idiots!" Punched out the terrorists and revealed to be the Martian Manhunter as the real Ronny entered the Oval Office. "Green-skinned or otherwise, this man just risked his life for mine-- and I intend to thank him!"

Martian Manhunter: "There are no thanks necessary, Mister President. With my Martian physiognomy, I was never in any real danger! It was a simple matter of transforming myself to resemble you-- and then awaiting the inevitable!" Shook Reagan's hand.

President Ronald Reagan: "Nevertheless, I am in your debt. I won't soon forget what you did for me today."

Martian Manhunter: "I'd have done the same for anyone. Now if you'll excuse me, sir-- there are others who have more pressing need of my services!"

President Ronald Reagan: "Callahan, call the Press Corps. I'm rescinding my executive order banning super-heroes-- effective immediately! ...Wisest thing I've done these past few days!"

Martian Manhunter: Returned to the fray, standing amongst the heroes to confront Godfrey and control his mob. After Godfrey was rendered temporarily catatonic from donning Dr. Fate's helm, his spell was broken, and J'Onn J'Onzz accepted Fate's call to form a new League. "Indeed I will. Nowhere else is truly home." So too did Batman, Guy Gardner, Black Canary, Captain Marvel, and Blue Beetle. Flash, Changeling and Superman refused, while Wonder Woman returned to hiding wordlessly. "That lady is the very essence of the term hero."

The Creators: Is it just me, or did anyone else think J'Onn wasn't so much modest as a mildly resentful Carter/Mondale supporter who really would have saved the life of anyone like he did Reagan?

J’Onn J’Onzz’s Nicknames of the Issue: "J'Onn" -Superman
"Manhunter" -Batman
"The Martian Manhunter" -Dr. Fate

JLA: Black Baptism #4 (8/01)

Dr. Occult mystically extracted the homunculus/bullet from Superman's body an took it into his own.

Martian Manhunter: "This is what we've been able to deduce so far. The Diablos' accumulated soul-energy will be used in conjunction with the stolen Fountain of Lessing to open a permanent Hell-Gate. This so-called 'Black Baptism' is doubtless planned for today, so we haven't much time. The tangential involvement of the street mage known only as Faust, coupled with the recent disappearance of his father-- sometime JLA adversary Felix Faust-- suggests that the elder man may have been the Diablos shadow-partner all along. As you may recall, our recent encounter with Felix Faust concluded with the banishment of the mad Egyptian sorcerer he raised from the dead named Hermes Trismegistus. Trismegistus had possessed the wizard, and was obsessed with extinguishing all life on Earth. He nearly succeeded. At the time, we all assumed that the undead spirit had finally been laid to rest. Now, however, I fear that the lich has reasserted dominion over Felix Faust, and plans to use the unsuspecting Diablos' dark ceremony for his own nihilistic ends."

Faust: An intended pawn of Anita Soulfeeda in her betrayal of the Hellfather and the Diablos in her pursuit of personal power. The vulnerable June Moon and the threat of Scratch were her leverage.

Martian Manhunter: Joined the JLA against the Diablos at their meeting with Felix Faust/Hermes Trismegistus, targeting the Hellfather Don Asmodeus. Told Superman, "I'll keep him busy, my friend-- Just remember that [Scratch] is just as magical as the bullet that felled you."

Faust: Fought Hermes Trismegistus against his using the Fountain of Lessing to help in birthing a genocidal "vile form" through the unwilling Anita Soulfeeda. Determined that Anita was actually the soul of Enchantress he'd condemned to Hell, and reintegrated it into June Moon, creating another offshoot supernatural persona called Soulsinger. This entity would eventually heal the Sentinels of Magic, while Dr. Occult would take her under his wing.

Blue Devil: Freed by Faust, he helped Superman against Scratch.

Martian Manhunter: Once again acknowledging Wonder Woman as team leader this mission, reported the lesser demons had been subdued, "but their lord is quite resilient." Flash had already fallen beneath Don Asmodeus' hoof.

Batman: Commanded Tempest to cut off the black mana flow to the Fountain of Lessing.

Faust: Absorbed soul-force from Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern and Superman to use against Hermes Trismegistus.

Blue Devil: Destroyed the Fountain of Lessing, and in a chain reaction, seemingly all the Diablos and Hermes Trismegistus.

Zatanna: Agreed to become the JLA liaison for magic users after being healed.

Bloodwynd: Back on his feet and smiling, this time incorrectly drawn with a face mask.

Faust: Hid himself and his father in a bid to nurture their relationship. "Ironically, I think I may have finally found the immortality I have dedicated my life to. The secret lies in having you to carry on the family name. So that there will be another generation of Faust. I'm proud of you, Sebastian." The junior Faust had retrieved a horn lost by Blue Devil in battle, and said, "don't call me Sebastian. Only Mom calls me that."

The Creators: For a little remembered mini-series, a good deal of consequence to minor characters took place here. This was basically the bridge to what became the Shadowpact. Not having followed that series, I wonder how many of the loose ends intentionally left untied here were ever resolved?

JLA: Black Baptism #2 (6/01)

Martian Manhunter: "An ocean stretches across the surface of the moon! Aquaman, what's happening in there?" Gravity-- physics-- all gone haywire at the will of magic evoked by the mad Zatanna.

Zatanna: A stream of flies flew from her mouth as her words reshaped lunar reality. Faust tapped the souls of Green Lantern and the Flash, then created an illusion where Zee had to either regain composure or drown in Houdini's famous water torture trick.

"Manhunter to JLA. The moon is reverting to normal as quickly as it changed." Zee fell back into unconsciousness.

Faust: Visited June Moon at Detroit's Elysium Fields Sanitarium, who had been in a near catatonic state since he slit her throat to use the soul of the Enchantress to reignite the fires of Hell during the Day of Judgment.

Zatanna: Committed to a sound-dampened room at Arkham Asylum by Manhunter and Batman.

Martian Manhunter: Refused to take leave of this mission, despite the likelihood of demons bringing fire to bear. Felt that if magicians better communicated with one another, the attacks of the Diablos would not be as effective. Struggled to maintain psychic barriers against the insane babble of Arkham inmates. "The poor souls here... To think they experience first-hand the anguish I must actively fight to keep out. The very stones seem to weep with the desolation of the mad."

Batman: "John Zatara-- Zatanna's father-- was one of my greatest teachers. He taught me most of what I know of magic... both sleight of hand and the arcane mysteries."

Bloodwynd: Drawn with a Luke Cage-style tiara. In stable condition.

Blue Devil: Stabbed in the back with one of his own bones, kept by Faust when he resurrected the "demon" to keep him pliable. Faust wanted to dissuade the exceedingly loyal B.D. from following him deeper into damnation. Kidnapped by the Diablos.

Martian Manhunter: "Moons of Mars! The fiend masked its presence!" Transformed into an armored insectoid form to battle Scratch. Also present: "The succubus! She must be here for Zatanna! Incredible-- this creature is no mere demon, but of an older order altogether. How did the Diablos manage to tame it? ...Take what form you will, ancient one-- you will not pass!" Prevented Anita Soulfeeda from entering Arkham with his laser vision while fending off Scratch. Came to realize Anita Soulfeeda was Scratch's weakness for its concern, and tried to exploit it, but was shot in the hand by Anita's flame-emitting pistol.

The Creators: This was Jesús Saiz's first major work for DC Comics, after starting out in the European market. His work is almost unrecognizable here, as it is much more exaggerated than his later efforts for the company, "Manhunter," and "Checkmate." The look works best on the monsters and magical elements, aided by dramatic lighting and sex appeal. The super-heroes fare worse, coming off as silly intrusions in their own book.

J’Onn J’Onzz’s Nicknames of the Issue: "J'Onn" -Batman
"The Manhunter" -Wonder Woman
"Lousy green freak" -Anita Soulfeeda

JLA: Black Baptism #1 (5/01)

Zatanna: After the Day of Judgment, which altered the status quo in Hell and saw the formation of the Sentinels of Magic, Zee's profile rose sharply. Along with other Sentinels, she was attacked by mafia-styled demons calling themselves "the Diablos," who intended to sacrifice the magical heroes to resurrect more of the infernal fallen. Among them was "Anita Soulfeeda," a succubus who partially fed off Zatanna before being interrupted by Superman and Plastic Man.

Superman: Shot by poseur rhyming demon D'Monix with a magical gun that embedded a homunculus inside his body.

Martian Manhunter: Tended to Superman at the JLA Watchtower infirmary. "You are not a very good patient, you know. The dart seems to be lodged firmly in the wound. And it splinters at the slightest attempt to remove it." Others patients included Zee, Deadman, Madame Xanadu, Ragman and Bloodwynd. "Zatana's not responding. I am going to attempt a mind probe... She's hiding herself in a perverted version of her library."

Zatanna: Spouted gibberish on the psychic plane, from which she expelled Manhunter, after he assumed the appearance of her father.

Martian Manhunter: "No use. When that succubus drained half of Zatanna's soul, she was left on the brink of madness. I fear for those for whom the spell was completed..."

Batman: Initially refused Wonder Woman's suggestion that Faust, semi-heroic son of Felix Faust and an expert on soul magic, should be brought in to help. Relented, but ordered the injured Superman to inactive status pending recovery.

Wonder Woman: Visited the Scrap Bar, an underground club for freaks and misfits in Detroit, and a regular hangout of Faust. She found him in the company of Rose Psychic, receiving a piece of the Fountain of Lessing. Joined by Plastic Man and Blue Devil, the group questioned Samhain Diablo about his association with the Diablos. The group then joined Aquaman in a battle against the gang near Greenland.

Aquaman: Fought Scratch, a large shape shifting demon. Unable to defeat it, nor stop the Diablos from making off with the Fountain of Lessing, nor save the underwater city of B'miria. Faust allowed Tempest access to the knowledge of lost B'mirian sorcerers, which took Aquaman's ward out of the fight for a while. Meanwhile, the moon sprouted wings and a cyclopean eye.

The Creators: Writer Ruben Diaz was an assistant editor to Brian Augustyn and Paul Kupperberg in the 1990s before moving on to full duties, most famously overseeing the 1997 relaunch of "JLA." Diaz jumped ship to Marvel before fully reaping the benefits of that effort, then reappeared at DC as a freelancer before quitting comics for teaching. This mini-series represents his only major work as a writer. This first issue was respectable at establishing a threat to scale with the deified JLA, thanks largely to the vagueness of magic and our heroes vulnerability to it.

JLA Annual #2 (1998)

For most of the 1990s, DC Comics linked their annuals into "crossover events" of increasingly predictable poor quality and general lack of impact on continuity. By 1998, only eight were released, one for each founding member of the popular new "JLA." The existence of a Martian Manhunter annual as a result of "Ghosts" was about the only noteworthy occurrence over the nearly 400 pages produced. The individual annuals were self-contained stories based more around a theme, making "Ghosts" a hybrid of the years where a concept trumped an interconnected event. The cause and culmination of this supernatural phenomenon were alluded to in the group annual.

Felix Faust, recognizing his lifetime of magical transgressions had doomed him to inevitable torment in Hell, sought the secret of immortality from the likes of Vandal Savage. The key was a centuries-lost Emerald Tablet, so Faust opted to resurrect its last known possessor, ancient Egyptian alchemist Hermes Trismegistus. However, the fellow had gone to considerable pains to end his own life, and took such great exception to Felix's disturbance, he decided to insure his peace by killing everyone on Earth.

J'Onn J'Onzz was the first to be warned of this impending genocide, when Felix spoke to the Martian Manhunter through characters in an old detective movie he had been watching. At the Watchtower, J'Onzz explained to his teammates, "According to Faust, I was contacted first because I was most sensitive to his telepathic distress call... but after hearing him out, I thought it was best for the rest of you to hear his story... He's genuinely terrified. Mind probes confirm it." Faust explained that the Emerald Tablet was a talisman through which Hermes could "actually remove the Life Frequency from our universe." Superman mistook this for the Anti-Life Equation, while Faust continued, "Surely you've noticed the weakening of borders between worlds... Your meta-human energies are like beacons to the other side. You'd be the first to see them... ghosts." Everyone had, including J'Onn J'Onzz, with his departed wife and daughter. Felix Faust charged the League with finding the Emerald Tablet, which had been divided into three parts and hidden around the world by Freemasons, so that he could destroy it.

Martian Manhunter assumed a clear leadership role. "I am convinced this threat is genuine. I will stay here and look after our guest. I suggest the rest of you split up into three teams. Flash... Aquaman... you start in France...

Aquaman: Explored the Pierre-St. Martin Cavern with Wally. Found their piece of the tablet underwater. Surprised by unexpected visitor upon emerging from the depths. "Vibe--? But-- I thought you were dead--!"

Vibe: Startled the Flash when he appeared from out of the darkness of the cavern, accompanied by music. "You not the right one, man... What's happenin'? Where's Aquaman, Holmes?"

Ice: Appeared at the China-Nepal border after Green Lantern Kyle Rayner and Superman recovered their piece of the tablet. "What am I doing here? Is Overmaster defeated?"

Batman: Used a Waynetech prototype sub to reach the bottom of the Marianas Trench with Wonder Woman. Nearly drowned when the vehicle proved unable to withstand the pressures of the deep.

Steel: Took cybernetic control of Batman's craft, sealing it and commanding a crane to capture the final third of the tablet. "It's all right, Batman... I'm here... It's under control."

Martian Manhunter: "For the benefit of our younger members, the face you see on the video screen behind us belongs to a man named Henry Heywood. He was the cyborg Justice Leaguer named Steel. He was killed by Starro the Conqueror* a few years ago. We can't find the source of the signal to these screens..."

Aquaman: Noted that the music everyone could still hear was provided by Vibe.

Vibe: Though unidentified, I'm confident it was the "Beat Street" soundtrack, as projected from a Sanyo MX series jambox. Wikki-wikki-wogga.

Martian Manhunter: "We all know Tora-- Ice. Her death at the hands of the Overmaster touched us all... It seems impossible to communicate with them, even telepathically. I'm not entirely convinced they're really there. I think these manifestations of dead Justice Leaguers are more like psychic or telepathic playback... possibly from our own memories..."

Felix Faust: Had several JLAers form an elemental circle around the reconstituted Emerald Tablet. "Wonder Woman, you are made from the earth itself. Aquaman from water. Green Lantern controls the green fire... J'Onzz. Turn intangible, and you become the air. Join hands around the tablet..." Faust was revealed to be possessed by Hermes Trismegistus, allowing Felix to speak honestly while bound by the Lasso of Truth, which serving Hermes dire intentions. Flash and Superman were immediately removed from consideration by Hermes' superior sorcery.

Batman: Assumed command amidst the chaos. Directed Green Lantern to project his energies into the tablet.

Martian Manhunter: "Batman. This is J'Onn. Your plan requires a distraction." Tried to engage Hermes/Faust, but learned "J'Onzz. Intangibility is another form of energy interaction. You cannot touch this body unless I choose it to be so. Why fight me? I bring you perfect death..."

Aquaman: Telepathically lent his willpower to Green Lantern's own.

Martian Manhunter: Ditto.

Vibe & Steel: Joined Ice, Amazing Man, Crimson Fox, the first Black Canary, the original Mr. Terrific, Johnny Quick, Deadman, Robin II and Blue Devil in distracting Hermes Trismegistus long enough for Green Lantern's might to finally destroy the Emerald Tablet. Wonder Woman noted Ice's closing speech consisted of the exact same words she spoke before being killed by the Overmaster.

Martian Manhunter: Felt his theory about telepathic memory playback being behind the ghosts was, "One of many possible conjectures... but I do not discount the possibility of their existence. My religion and experience teaches me to expect an afterlife. It's something I know to be true. I don't dwell much upon it..."

Felix Faust: Institutionalized, maddened as he was by the perpetual screaming on Hermes Trismegistus, still trapped inside his body...

*: Steel was severely damaged by an android employed by Professor Ivo, leaving him a vegetable on life support for years. What was left of him was killed by Despero the Destroyer. Either name could be confused with Starro the Conqueror, whom Steel never encountered in a recorded adventure. I kind of hope he really was "killed" a third time by the giant alien starfish though, just because.

The Creators: Ty Templeton's story was cute, but lightweight considering the subject matter. Mark Pajarillo was one of several awful artists routinely utilized by JLA editors of the time, possibly because he was either very quick on a demanding book, or especially cheap.

Most Embarrassing Vibe Quote of the Issue: "You not the only one who knows how to move energy around, man. It's showtime!"

JLA: Incarnations #5 (Third Story, Nov. 2001)

The lead story in the December, 1988 issue of editor/publisher Tully Reed's Meta Magazine was intended to cover the murders of Steel and Vibe. "J'onn J'onzz, the alien acting as head of the allegedly disbanded League, denied that either of the former members were acting on its behalf and maintained that the League had disbanded. The murders, the Martian maintained, were carried out by robots created by Professor Ivo... G. Gordon Godfrey, the voice of the anti-metahuman movement sweeping the country, released the following statement through a press secretary: 'I am saddened by the deaths of these two young men, mislead into a life that they were clearly ill suited for by the false promise of glory and fame. Inadequately trained, they fell before ruthless foes. This is part of the reason for my crusade- to save our children! How many have been hurt already simply by tying towels around their necks and jumping off roofs while pretending to be Superman or some such?"

Tully Reed looked over the article, and asked himself, "What have I done? What am I doing?"

Reed's former editor was Roz Leung, whose scathing article on the Detroit League had triggered angst and strife in the group. It wasn't the kind of magazine Reed, a hero-loving Phil Sheldon type, wanted to publish. "Sure it is, sweetie! We cover the metahuman scene but we do it with attitude. I mean, who can take these steroid queens in their underwear pounding the poo out of each other seriously?" Reed loved Roz, but argued against her cynicism. As the couple embraced, Reed made clear "...it's my magazine, Roz. And we're going to do things my way." Roz smirked, "Over my dead body, sweetie."

During the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Elongated Man, Vixen, Vibe and Gypsy were shown battling Shadow Demons and rescuing citizens in the chaos. Tully Reed was trying to calm the hysterical Roz Leung down on a ravaged New York street, but she was hysterical. "We're all going to die! ...This is one of my recurrent dreams! The red skies and black shadows and in the end everything goes black!" Tears in her eyes, Roz tore loose of Tully's grip and ran aimlessly, only to be killed almost immediately after by a Shadow Demon. Just as quickly, an unseen Green Lantern blew the demons away, and Vixen arrived to see if the couple was alright. Reed cradled Roz's body and cursed at Vixen for not arriving five seconds sooner. He felt his faith in heroes had been betrayed.

"I'm sorry for your loss but we couldn't be everywhere at once! Despite what you think, we are only human! We've saved as many as we could! ...We didn't betray you. We just couldn't be what you wanted us to be. Excuse me. I'm needed elsewhere."

Later, Reed met with G. Gordon Godfrey, who wished to use Meta Magazine as another soapbox for his crusade against super-heroes. After all, since his girlfriend's death, Reed had turned the magazine from a cheerleader to skeptic of metahumans...

Still staring at the printer's proof alone in his office, Tully Reed called to have the entire run pulped. "Yeah, I know what it'll cost. You're right. We probably will lose advertisers. Do it anyway." Reed realized he'd allowed grief to cloud his judgment. "And that creep Godfrey played me like a violin. Vixen was right. They're only human. I was the one who wanted them to be legends. They're not perfect but they are heroes and I'm never going to forget that again."

"Doubt" by John Ostrander, Eric Battle and Keith Champagne.

Legends #2 (12/86)

Zatanna: Left the team. Missed out on Darkseid minion G. Gordon Godfrey whipping the nation into anti-superhero frenzy. Absent when President Ronald Reagan issued emergency executive order banning super-heroic activity. Nowhere to be seen when League faced a titan on a city street.

Batman: No longer on the team. Blinded during riot before he could save Robin, who was later hospitalized from the severe beating he received from an angry mob.

Sue Dibney: As if.

Vixen: Stood near Vibe, and previously heard the warning of a towering being composed of molten plasma terrorizing the United States, "the fallen angel-- come to purge this frail Earth of false gods and graven idols!"

Steel: Stood near Firestorm, who alerted the Detroit League to the threat of Brimstone.

Gypsy: Stood near Cosmic Boy, the temporally-displaced Legion of Super-Heroes member who tried to help against Brimstone.

Vibe: The only member of the Justice League to launch an offensive against foe. Used vibratory powers to knock Brimstone off its feet.

Elongated Man: "J'Onn-- wait! You're not thinking straight! That monster is composed of living fire-- and fire is a Martian's greatest weakness!"

Martian Manhunter: "If you're looking for a fight, behemoth-- the Martian Manhunter is more than willing to oblige!" Flew at Brimstone, but changed course at the last minute. "I allowed my emotions to overwhelm me for a moment-- and that could have proven disastrous!" Saw Brimstone level a somewhat indirect attack. "He's bringing the entire building down on top of us-- more rubble than even I can handle! Take cover, Justice League!"

Firestorm: "Too late--! Nowhere to hide--! We're all gonna be buried-- alive!!"

The Creators: The Detroit League get the chance to be drawn by John Byrne in his prime, with Karl Kesel on inks, and perspective leaves most of them the size of ants. At least Manhunter and Paco looked good. Plotter John Ostrander gave Vibe a rare spotlight moment, but Len Wein's dialogue was all exposition.

J’Onn J’Onzz’s Nicknames of the Issue: "J'Onn!" -Elongated Man

Most Embarrassing Vibe Quote of the Issue: "You are one ugly sucker, amigo-- and too hot to get close to!"

Legends #1 (11/86)

Darkseid looked down upon the Earth, and saw that it was good. This displeased him, as it should simply be under his thumb. His minion DeSaad showed him images of Earth's most inspiring super-heroes: Martian Manhunter, the Flash, Captain Marvel, Batman, Green Lantern, and Superman. To crush the hearts of mankind, Darkseid sought to destroy their legends.

Brimstone: A flaming giant under the control of Doctor Bedlam that began to terrorize New York.

Firestorm: The Nuclear Man and former member of the Justice League of America called from Pittsburgh to face Brimstone. Took a beating, and realized that he was out of league, so he went to fetch one.

Task Force X: Reformed under Amanda Waller, nicknamed the Wall based on her size and stubbornness. Enlisted Colonel Rick Flag to gather a team of super-villains for her Suicide Squad.

Cosmic Boy: A founding member of the 30th Century's Legion of Super-Heroes, on vacation in his past. The second champion to face Brimstone alone, and though he held up longer than Firestorm, was still the worse for wear.

"Need a helping hand, fella?
"Who--?!?"

"Name's Vibe, Amigo!"
"They call me the Elongated Man!"
"I'm Vixen!"
"J'Onn J'Onzz-- the Martian Manhunter!"
"I answer to Gypsy!"
"My code-name is Steel!"
"And everyone's favorite Nuclear Man makes it an uneven baker's dozen! But, for simplicity's sake, Pinkie-- just call us... Justice League of America"

"Well, you're not exactly the Legion-- but boy, am I glad you're here!!"

The Creators: What's so simple about "Justice League of America?" That's kind of a mouthful, in fact. And how do you say it with a logo in your word balloon, like Firestorm did? Does this mean he's an honorary member of one of the most disreputable super-teams ever? Worse, did he claim it without consent?

Anyhow, here's "Crisis 2," since the other planned sequel never materialized("Crisis of Souls," I think it was to be called. I couldn't find reference to it on the 'net.) Where "Crisis" was relentlessly grim, Len Wein's scripts for "Legends" gave it an old school feel that everything would turn out okay in the end. This was in direct opposition to John Ostrander's plot, which was arguably darker than "Crisis," seeing as how personal and permanent the punishments were here. The art by John Byrne and Karl Kesel contributed to the lightening of the book, as even the villains seem too clean and neat to mean anyone real harm. In other words, Legends has aged very poorly, but is still hard to hate, especially when offering a two page spread of the kids from Detroit.

Detroit League in JLA/Avengers (2003)

Featured on the cover of #3: Vibe (hanging off Machine Man's telescoping leg;) Vixen (skipping along the ground near She-Hulk, with Hellcat bounding off her shoulder;) Zatanna (on a GL-constructed platform alongside Mantis and Scarlet Witch;) Steel (in a GL bubble with Mockingbird, Maxima, Big Sir and General Glory;) Gypsy (held in a spell by two Dr. Fates along with other mystics and Yazz;) Elongated Man, Sue Dibney and Despero (in JLTF gear, among many others in a corner ghetto;) Aquaman (bearded version, with Namor;) and Martian Manhunter (up to three times, if you count both Bloodwynd appearances.) Sue and Ralph were part of a late 60's & Satellite-era grouping during a series of temporal anomalies. Martian Manhunter and Aquaman were both founders, with Aquaman reappearing in the Satellite era and Manhunter in the International period. As the timeline became more mangled, Zee, Gypsy and Vixen made speechless cameos.

• Shown among the downed heroes during the final battle with Krona in issue #4 were Vibe and Steel.



• Dale Gunn appeared on page 175 of the trade, or 5 of #4, being carried to safety by Starfire.



• The original Despero was part of a villain team (with the Construct and Amazo) that overwhelmed Thor. He was himself defeated by the L-Ron/Despero that stood with the Justice League Task Force.

Conquest '07: Huntress vs. Black Canary & Co.

I discovered Patti Page's 1952 hit "Conquest" in a collection last year, and wanted to share it, but I couldn't find an actual video. The line about "the huntress" also ate at the comic geek in me, so I finally caved and decided to make my first fan video(s.) I've liked the Huntress since the first time I read her as a back-up in an issue of Wonder Woman, and in focusing on her I ended up with a ton of great spotlight material of her kicking tail. It didn't work with the Page music, so I set this to the White Stripes cover off their new album, Icky Thump. Also featured are most of the female JLAers and some fellows: Black Canary, Green Arrow, Hawkgirl, the Question, Vixen, Wonder Woman and Superman, plus the villains Roulette and Dr. Moon. Hope ya'll enjoy it. This is a non-profit fan production that is in no way intended to infringe on the various copyright holders for video, characters, and music. Please don't hurt me Warner Brothers/DC Comics!