JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #1:

A thunderstorm rages with unnatural fury in Gotham City. Large bolts of lightning streak across the evening sky, illuminating the city with their eerie light, and casting powerful images across the landscape. The sky opens up, pouring rain down on the city that is the home of its greatest guardians.

Panel One: On a rooftop overlooking the city below, a solitary man stands against the raging storm, looking down at the city below. His cape blows in the wind, though it has long since been drenched by the torrential rainfall. However, he shows no indication of being aware of his condition.

Panel 2: Robin* stands on the edge of the rooftop, looking down at the city he has safeguarded for the greater part of his life. His costume is drenched, and his expression is somber. Although he doesn’t speak, it is readily apparent that his sorrow is as great as any man’s. His thoughts are of the past...a past that he has come to realize can never be re-captured.

Panel 3: In his mind’s eye, Robin sees images of a past decade. He seems himself and his mentor, with Batwoman alongside them, tearing into such foes as the Joker, Penguin, the Riddler, and Clayface. A slight smile finds its way to his face, as he remembers these scenes from a lost age.

Panel 1: Robin’s thoughts are interrupted by a voice that cuts through the silence, momentarily startling him.

Voice: I thought we’d find you here.

Robin: Huh?

Panel 2: Trained by one of the greatest fighters on his Earth, Robin quickly turns to face whatever unknown danger that the night may offer. As he turns, however, he is greeted by the sight of Starman and Hourman—two of his oldest, and closest, friends.

Starman: I thought you might have returned here, to the trade tower.

Robin: It’s been eight years, but it seems like only yesterday! Bruce died at the hands of some madman*...someone so insignificant that he’d forgotten him!. It was so senseless.

Panel 3: Hourman walks up to Robin, placing his hand on Robin’s shoulder. There is a look of concern, mixed with compassion, in Hourman’s eyes.

Hourman: Bruce was one of my best friends, Dick, so I share your grief. But...

Robin: Don’t hand me that, Rex!

Panel 4: Robin turns away from Hourman, who looks on silently, as Robin unleashes rage that has been building up ever since he lost his partner.

Robin: We should’ve taken that clown in five seconds flat! Bruce shouldn’t even have had to put his costume on. We...

Starman: I’ve read the report of that night. They all did what they could. He was able to catch them by surprise. That happens sometimes...

Panel 5: Robin turns around to face Starman, his face still seething with anger and pent-up rage.

Robin: Caught by surprise?! We’re not supposed to be caught by surprise! We’ve been fighting crime for decades! I fought like an eight year-old boy! I’ve never been so sloppy in my life!

Panel 6: Hourman grabs Robin by the wrist, turning Robin to face him, as Starman looks on, sympathetically.

Hourman: Dick, this is ridiculous. Let’s at least get in out of the rain. Betty’s** worried sick about you. She called me to go and look for you. Let’s talk there at least. It is wet out here.

Panel 1: It takes only seconds for Starman to teleport Robin, Hourman, and himself to Wayne Manor, via the energy of his cosmic rod. They appear, with energy surrounding them, in front of the elegant mansion.

Starman: I took the liberty of drying us all off during transport. I hope nobody minds.

Panel 2: Dick Grayson walks up to the front door. Starman and Hourman stand back for a moment, watching with some trepidation. It’s been a while since they’ve set foot in Wayne Manor.

Robin: Okay, we’re here. But, I still don’t see what...hey! Are you coming in or not?

Panel 3: When Dick opens the door, his mask pulled back from his face, he is greeted by his wife, who embraces him so strongly that it nearly knocks him off his feet.

Betty: You’re back...and safe!

Panel 4: After Dick manages to regain his composure, he speaks softly to Betty, while trying to conceal his embarrassment (which nevertheless shows through on his red face), while Ted and Rex look on with amusement. Rex has also removed his mask after entering the house.

Dick: Betty...! Not in front of the guys.

Panel 5: Dick and Betty, holding hands, walk across the floor, motioning for Ted and Rex to follow. A cat walks across the floor in the background, casting a shadow that seems to climb the wall.

Dick: Come on in and have a seat. It has been a while since we’ve talked.

Panel 6: As they near the living room area, Betty turns back, whispering to Rex, who nods silently.

Betty: Thanks for finding him, guys.

Panel 1: Dick and Betty sit down together in a love seat, while Ted and Rex find recliners parallel to each other, facing Dick and Betty.

Rex: I was surprised to see you here in Wayne Manor. I didn’t know that you’d moved. I mean after...

Dick: It’s okay, Rex. I know what you mean. I didn’t think I’d ever move back here myself, but I decided that this old place had too many memories for me to just forget it. We moved back about two months ago.

Panel 2: Dick pulls Betty close to him...

Dick: Besides, it gives us more room for the kids. Where are they anyway, Betty?

Betty: Thomas and Kathy are playing their detective computer game, waiting for the chance to take your place.

Panel 3: Ted leans forward in his chair, while Rex looks on, relieved to see Dick in better spirits.

Ted: Well, they have a long wait...eh, Dick?

Dick: Yeah, I guess so.

Panel 4: Alfred walks into the room, bowing to the guests.

Alfred: Seven for dinner, Master Richard?

Dick: Good question, Alfred.

Panel 5: Dick looks over to Rex and Ted, who are starting to get up from their seats.

Dick: Well, guys...? Care to join us for dinner? You’re certainly welcome, and Alfred’s roast is out of this world!

Rex: No, I’d better not. Rick’s going to drop by tonight, and I’d better be there. Fighting Solomon Grundy is one thing, but Rick’s mother Wendi is another matter entirely!

Ted: I have to bow out too, old friend. I need to go home myself...for similar reasons.

Panel 1: Dick walks them to the door, his arm around Betty’s thin waist, as they prepare to depart.

Dick: You don’t know what you’re missing, I’m telling you.

Ted: Don’t remind me, Dick.

Rex: See you later, Dick.

Panel 2: As they open the door, the wind and rain drives them back.

Dick: Whew! This is some storm!

Panel 3: Starman takes to the air, and envelops Hourman in an energy bubble, which he creates with his cosmic rod.

Starman: Glad to see you finally noticed.

Hourman: Thanks for the ride, Ted.

Starman: No problem.

Panel 4: Dick shuts the door, as Ted and Hourman take to the air, flying through the blinding rain, occasionally hit with hail. Ted decides to put an energy shield around him. He’s never found the prospect of being hit by hail too pleasant, particularly when he’s flying at great speeds.

Panel 5: As Starman and Hourman disappear into the distance, a lightning bolt strikes an old oak tree in the front of Wayne Manor, splitting it down the middle, as the halves fall on each side.

Panel 1: In a tower outside of Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Fate is watching the events of Gotham City with great interest, using a mystical bauble that resembles a crystal ball, but larger and seething with mystical energy. Inza is standing behind Dr. Fate, looking on with interest.

Dr. Fate: This is most strange. It would seem that Gotham City is in the midst of a severe thunderstorm unlike any I have seen in years.

Inza: But, Kent, what’s so unusual about that?

Panel 2: Dr. Fate turns to Kent Nelson’s wife. He hesitates for a moment, as if starting to comment on something she said. However, he thinks better of it.

Dr. Fate: You do not understand, Inza Nelson. The storm originated in Gotham City. There were not cloud formations or low pressure systems prior to its arrival, and it extends only as far as the City limits, on all sides of Gotham.

Inza: But that’s...!

Panel 3: Ignoring Inza’s comments, Dr. Fate starts to levitate into the air, rising above her.

Dr. Fate: I must call a Justice Society meeting. I sense a mystical presence at work. I will return later, Inza Nelson.

Panel 4: Inza quickly becomes enraged with Fate. She has long resented the way he is constantly jeopardizing her husband’s life, and the curt responses that he always gives to her questions.

Inza: Wait a minute! I want to see Kent! Don’t leave yet!

Dr. Fate: I have no time to tarry. This is a significant matter.

Panel 5: As the figure of Dr. Fate materializes outside of the tower, disappearing from view, Inza’s voice utters one final comment, though she knows that it will go unheard.

Inza: Be careful, Kent.

Panel 1: Meanwhile, in a secret laboratory on the outskirts of Gotham City, a figure cloaked in darkness runs his hands across the control panel of a large scientific device behind him. The control panel is connected to the device, which greatly resembles an archway, but with power modules all along its upper arch that are crackling with energy, by a series of cords that run along the floor. A second man stands slightly behind the first, but to his right. He is a large bearded man, and is wearing animal skins.

Figure (at the control panel): Tonight is surely the night of our greatest triumph.

Panel 2: The large man with the beard moves closer to the figure seated at the control panel, who is occasionally illuminated by the streaks of lightning coming through the windows on all sides of him.

Large Man: So you’ve said, but I still don’t have those powers you said I’d have.

Figure: Silence, Fenton! Can you not see that I am busy at the moment! I do not have the time or patience for your prater!

Panel 3: The large man grows more annoyed by the figure’s response. He moves threateningly closer to the figure at the control panel.

Large Man (Fenton): That’s not good enough! Sandman beat me once, and he’s one of their weakest members! There’s no way I’m takin’ on all of them without the powers you promised!

Figure: Yes, yes, you nagging buffoon! I will grant you the powers I have promised you—regardless of how undeserving you are. Why else would I enlist the assistance of someone of your legendary incompetence?!

Panel 4: Finally turning to face the large man behind him, the figure seated at the control panel gestures towards the archway. His face is still obscured by the darkness and shadows, however.

Figure: Get under the arch, cretin, and I will give you the power now. Time grows short. We have only an hour to act.

Panel 5: The large figure walks over to the arch and stands under it, his hands reaching across to grab the bars leading up to the top of the arch.

Panel 1: The process only takes a few minutes, as the entire archway is lit up with surges of energy, and the lights in the room flicker and flash. A look of pain crosses the large man’s bearded face, as he holds onto the bars as he was instructed to do, feeling the power surge through him.

Panel 2: The figure at the control panels turns the process off, as the large figure stumbles before regaining his ground.

Panel 3: The large man steps into the light, revealing a long red beard. Although he was large before the process started, he has grown six inches in height and added nearly 100 pounds of solid muscle to his frame. In his right hand, he holds a large hammer cast of iron. On his head, he wears a golden helmet with wings on opposable sides. He wears no shirt, but wears animal skin pants. He smiles with pleasure. The common thug once known as "Fairy Tales" Fenton has been transformed into a living dynamo or pure power.

Fenton: Yes, that’s more like it! I can feel the power! I’ll smash those puny weaklings under my boot! I’m THOR!

Panel 4: The figure who had been operating the machine rises from his seat, revealing himself in the light to be the legendary foe of Dr Fate...Wotan!

Wotan: That is correct, Wotan. You will get your chance to display your power against our foes in less than an hour. {While we are seeing to more important matters.}

Panel 1: As Fenton and Wotan are discussing Fenton’s new powers, a voice rings out from behind them.

Voice: That’s right, Fenton, but let us not forget who designed the machine that gave you your new powers.

Fenton: What...?

Panel 2: As Wotan and Fenton turn, they face a red-haired super-genius who is the arch-foe of the strongest man on Earth 2. They see Alexi Luthor walk through the hallway leading into the laboratory.

Luthor: I must admit that you fascination with those mythos does give you an imagination that almost rivals my own.

Wotan: Ah, Aliexi. Have you been conducting those experiments I requested?

Luthor: Of course, Wotan.

Panel 3: Being a transformed thug, Fenton has little patience and takes no great interest in the scientific discourse between Wotan and Luthor.

Fenton: Ah, you two can rattle on all ya want. I’m gonna go test these new powers I have.

Luthor: Very well. Go out and destroy a tree if you wish. But, do not stray far away from this laboratory. We will need you soon.

Fenton: Yeah, sure.

Panel 4: Fenton takes his leave, opening the back door, as Luthor and Wotan continue to discuss their plans, now free of any interference.

Wotan: I thought he might be a kindred spirit, due to our mutual connection to the Teutonic legends. However, upon speaking with the dolt, I found him completely lacking. It is truly amazing that his physiology was required for the working of the machinery...

Panel 5: A dark smile crosses Luthor’s face, as he raises his fist. Wotan smiles as well, his eyes glowing with evil.

Luthor: It doesn’t matter. We’ll soon achieve our greatest triumph...as we completely destroy the accursed JSA! Especially my arch-foe, the man of tomorrow!

Panel 1: Meanwhile, the call to arms goes out across America for the legendary knights of justice known as the Justice Society of America. Dr. Fate pushes a button in JSA headquarters, as Hawkgirl and Hawkman stand on either side of him.

Panel 2: In his private study, the room is filled with complete darkness, as Dr. Charles McNider is taking notes. He is wearing his special glasses that enable him to see in the dark. The shelves around him are filled with various books, the titles of which are obscured by the darkness in the room.

Charles: Let’s see. How should I...?

Panel 3: A buzzing sound familiar to all JSA members disrupts his concentration.

Charles: The JSA signal? Just when I’m in one of my inspired moods! Oh well. The "fate of the world hangs in the balance," as they say.

Panel 4: While Charles McNider searches through his closet for his wardrobe, Wes Dodds relaxes in his living room lounge chair, listening to Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

Wes: I need to get out more and enjoy these concerts. Unfortunately, there are few composers who can...what?

Panel 5: The buzzing sounds comes from a spot beside Wes’ chair, drowning out the sounds played on his phonograph.

Wes: What’s this?! The JSA signal?!

Panel 1: Wes bends over. Right beside his chair is the Sandman costume he has been so anxious to wear again.*

Wes: Finally! It’s past time for Sandman to return to the fold!

Panel 2: In the editor’s office of the Daily Star, a signal goes off, but there is no one to hear it. It is set for the sensitive ears of the man of steel, and he is not here. Business continues at the Daily Star, the reporters rushing through the office, and the typewriters ablaze with the latest copy.

Panel 3: In an apartment in Knickerbocker City, Ted Grant lays down on the sofa, listening to a BB King blues album originally released in the 50’s, relaxing after a day’s workout at the gym.

Ted: That new kid has promise. With a little training, maybe...

Panel 4: The familiar buzzing interrupts Ted’s contemplative mood, as he immediately sits up on the sofa.

Ted: The JSA signal! Good! I could use some action!

Panel 5: Within moments, Ted stands at his window, in his Wildcat costume, ready for action.

Wildcat: Some people thought I was down. There was even a rumor that I was crippled—obviously started by some crackpot!** I think it’s time to show them that Wildcat’s still around!

Panel 1: Alan and Molly Scott sit arm-in-arm in a lovechair, enjoying each other’s company.

Alan (jokingly): I’m glad you talked me into marrying you.

Molly: It wasn’t too hard. Now, nothing will...

Panel 2: As if on cue, the notorious buzzing sound permeates the room. Alan is caught off guard by the sudden sound, and appears somewhat shocked by the alarm. Molly, however, merely rolls her eyes in dismay.

Panel 3: Alan looks over at Molly, ashamed of what he is about to say. Molly looks on in anticipation, a slight smile on her face, as she listens to her husband groping in vain for the proper thing to say.

Alan: Um, Molly...they need me...

Molly: Hmm. I understand. I’ll let you go as long as I can come along!

Panel 4: Alan looks astonished by the statement.

Alan: What? Oh, come on, Molly! I can’t put you in danger like that...

Molly: I suppose you couldn’t...if I gave you a choice.

Panel 5: Alan begrudging accepts Molly’s comment, as the two get to their feet.

Alan: All right, Molly. I don’t have time to argue with you.

Molly: Good! It’ll feel good to put on that old costume again!

Dr. Fate and Hawkman stand at the head of the meeting room table in their brownstone headquarters, as Hawkgirl, Dr. Mid-Nite, Green Lantern, Harlequin, Starman, Sandman, Wildcat, Robin, Hourman, and Wonder Woman sit around the table, collected again in one room. The walls are adorned with pictures from past adventures, and portraits of the individual members circle the room.

Panel 1: Dr. Fate and Hawkman quickly explain the reason that the mass gathering of legends has been brought together. The other ten heroes watch, as Dr. Fate and Hawkman complete the story...

Dr. Fate: And so, my friends, the storm is unnatural...

Hawkman: Dr. Fate says it’s an after-effect of someone tampering with a dimensional rift.

Panel 2: Dr. Fate turns and faces Hawkman, as the others look on.

Dr. Fate: There are sorcerous forces at work here. Someone is attempting to cause a rift between dimension, perhaps to enter another dimension, or perhaps to help someone enter our dimension through a portal...

Wildcat (off panel): What kind of portal?

Panel 3: Wildcat stands up, shoving his seat aside, as he faces Dr. Fate. Dr. Fate merely lets out a sigh, remembering that he has to be patient with those unskilled in the mystic arts.

Wildcat: We’ve been to Earth 1, which is another dimension. What’s so big about this?

Fate: I assure you, Ted Grant...it is nothing like that.

Panel 4: Dr. Fate clenches his fists. Under his helmet, his eyes enlarge and his eyebrows converge, as he says the words he hoped he’d not have to say.

Dr. Fate: This is another kind of dimension...one that we would not like to see. I have not been able to determine which of the darker realms it is, but we must put a stop to it.

Panel 5: Starman stands up, addressing Dr. Fate.

Starman: "Darker dimension"? I’m a scientist, Fate, and I don’t really understand the mystical elements here, but it must be serious for you to take note of it. Where do we start?

Robin: {Strange that all of this would occur on the anniversary of Bruce’s death.}

Panel 1: Dr. Fate points to a mystical energy screen of his own design behind them at the picture of a large mansion.

Dr. Fate: It is highly unusual, but the focal point of the turmoil in this dimensional plan is Wayne Manor.

Panel 2: The room falls silent. Every member is overcome by shock at the statement that Dr. Fate has just made. Robin most of all.

Panel 3: The silence lasts only a few seconds. Immediately, after the thought of what was said has sunken in, Robin reacts. He jumps up and moves towards the screen, highly agitated.

Robin: WHAT?! But, Wayne Manor? But, Betty, Thomas, Sel...NO!

Panel 4: Hourman and Starman leap up, each holding one of Robin’s arms, barely restraining him.

Hourman: Calm down, Dick. Keep your senses.

Robin: Huh? Easy for you to say! I’ve got to go to them!

Starman: Easy, Dick. We’ll be leaving soon.

Panel 5: Hawkman stands once again, addressing the entire throng of heroes.

Hawkman: I wasn’t aware that you’d moved back to Wayne Manor, Dick. But, this is important. Let’s go JSA!

Fate: I concur. We can wait no longer.

Panel 1: Meanwhile, in a hilly region just within sight of Wayne Manor, Luthor, Wotan, and Fenton stand outside, braving the onslaught of the storm to further their own evil goals. Luthor operates a small hand-held machine, turning the knobs to adjust the frequency. Wotan gazes into the sky with anticipation. Fenton merely stands firmly on the ground, observing the storm as if it was his own creation.

Panel 2: Wotan and Luthor speak amongst themselves, as Fenton stands outside, relishing in his newly acquired power.

Luthor: The signal grows stronger. It seems that the moment approaches.

Wotan: Yes, how prophetic. We will soon have an army at our disposal, to assist us in the conquest of this planet.

Panel 3: In the sky above the villains, a shimmering portal of energy appears. The energy that emanates from the spot glows brighter, creating a rift in the very sky.

Panel 4: Luthor looks up to the strange portal, pleased with the results of their handiwork.

Luthor: There it is! We must act fast! It is appearing earlier than I had anticipated!

Wotan: Yes...all the better! All of that power...enough to enslave this planet, and others as well!

Panel 5: Luthor’s fingers rush across the surface of his hand-held monitor, but his mind is still filled with questions.

Luthor: I still don’t understand why the portal is appearing here. It’s as if we’re being manipu....

Hawkman (off-panel): I wouldn’t worry about that, Luthor...!

The JSA appear before a stunned Luthor, Wotan, and Fenton. Hawkman is in the forefront, a mace in his hand. Beside him are Dr. Fate and Hawkgirl. Starman is directly behind them. Green Lantern is shown placing Harlequin on the ground. In the background, emerging from the invisible plane are Wonder Woman, Hourman, Robin, and Dr. Mid-Nite. Wildcat and Sandman stand in front of the Earth-bound heroes.

Hawkman: I think you have more pressing concerns on your mind at the moment!

Panel 1: Luthor, who has done battle with Superman enough times that he is barely dazed by the entrance of the JSA, quickly takes the lead, shouting instructions to the thug Fenton.

Luthor: Okay, Fenton! You wanted an opportunity to get revenge on the Justice Society...now is your chance!

Fenton: A good idea! I think I’ll just do that!

Panel 2: Fenton rushes to the assembled heroes, as Sandman and Wildcat move into fighting stances, preparing for the attack.

Fenton: The first one I’m gonna tear apart is that clown with the gas mask! I owe you one, Sandman!

Sandman: That looks like "Fairy Tales" Fenton!

Wildcat: Let’s take him, Sandman! If this is the best they can offer...! {What a name!}

Panel 3: Sandman and Wildcat lunge at Fenton, grabbing his arms and trying to bring him down.

Wildcat: ...they’re in deep trouble!

Sandman: Tell them, Wildcat! I took this clown once. This shouldn’t be any...

Panel 4: Fenton swings his arms outward, sending the two heroes off in opposite directions.

Panel 5: They each land 10 feet away on the ground, unharmed (thanks to their agility), but obviously surprised.

Panel 1: However, the heroes are not caught off guard for long. They have not survived as crime fighters for so many years by being stunned by momentary surprises. Green Lantern, Dr. Fate, Starman, and Wonder Woman all advance towards the bearded giant. Starman, Dr. Fate, and Green Lantern all blast him with their powers.

Panel 2: Wonder Woman, whose speed isn’t far beneath that of Hermes, runs up to Fenton, hitting him with a mighty blow before he is even able to see her.

Panel 3: Luthor and Wotan observe the battle in disgust.

Luthor: That dolt cannot even take those members! We should consider ourselves fortunate that Superman is not here!

Wotan: Yes, it would seem that we have a cretin for an ally. He is so drunk in his new- found power that he is unable to determine how to utilize it. I will have to assist him. I have waited nearly a decade to get the opportunity to destroy Fate!

Luthor: Good. I will handle things from this end. Just distract them long enough for the dimensional monitor to complete its work.

Panel 4: As the battle rages on behind him, Luthor notices a form taking shape beyond the dimensional portal. It is a shadow. It appears to have wings that are quite large, coming down to below its knees. It has horns sticking straight up on its head. Luthor smiles with pleasure as he continues to operate the controls.

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Now, I should go on record as saying that I am a really big JSA fan. But, when I talk of the JSA, I mean the pre-Crisis JSA. This is the group I grew up with, and the group that I’ll be using in these pages. Hopefully, there are other old fans who can appreciate the fact that I’m using the original characters (Kent Nelson is Dr. Fate, Charles McNider is Dr. Mid-Nite, etc.), and that they’ll enjoy my take on the characters. Regardless, let me know what you think of what I’m doing. My e-mail address is jx2melton@aol.com .