Plot
Prelude
In Star City, Green Arrow and Red Arrow are training on the rooftops as he tells Emiko about the time when he and Speedy ended up in the Golden Age of Superheroes and became part of the Seven Soldiers of Victory which consisted of Vigilante, Star-Spangled Kid, Stripesy, Shining Knight, and Crimson Avenger. They did lose a member whose grave stated "Unknown Soldier of Victory". Green Arrow and Red Arrow are then approached by the Jill Carlyle version of Crimson Avenger who states to Green Arrow that Lee Travis needs his help. In Blue Valley, a voice-over narration from Courtney Whitmore has her recapping on when she found out her stepfather Pat Dugan was originally Star-Spangled Kid's sidekick and the day she became Stargirl. Arriving in Myrtle Beach, Stargirl and Pat Dugan hide the S.T.R.I.P.E. armor and arrive at their hotel. Pat checks in with Barbara Whitmore where he states that he can't remember the last time he met with one of his old friends. At a restaurant called The Last Roundup, Pat tells Courtney about Shining Knight, Green Arrow, Crimson Avenger and his sidekick Wing, and Vigilante. Just then, Jill Carlyle shows up and picks up Courtney and Pat where she takes them to where Green Arrow, Red Arrow, Vigilante, and Shining Knight (alongside his steed Winged Victory) are. While Pat gets re-acquainted with Green Arrow, Vigilante, and Shining Knight, Courtney meets Red Arrow. Jill Carlyle recaps to Courtney about how Wing sacrificed himself to help get Green Arrow and Speedy back to the present where his body was never found. She then takes Green Arrow, Vigilante, and Shining Knight away while stating that Courtney and Red Arrow are too young for this mission. Emiko then takes this time to inform Courtney about the day when Star-Spangled Kid was murdered as she revealed that she looked at the nearby files when nobody was looking. They are going after Clock King. Later that night, Stargirl and Red Arrow move through the skies on her Cosmic Staff where they find the Seven Soldiers of Victory fighting Clock King on the shipwreck that Crimson Avenger died on as they find him alive. While S.T.R.I.P.E. asks Stargirl to get to Crimson Avenger, Red Arrow goes to Green Arrow who stated that he saw his future following that attack from Clock King. As Vigilante knocks out Clock King, Stargirl works to deactivate the time machine as Jill works to persuade Crimson Avenger to come with her. As Jill is told too late by Lee not to touch her, Stargirl has a vision of Wing running with two people with one of them stating that they can't leave Judy Garrick behind. A voice states to Stargirl that the Childminder is coming and that the lost sons and daughters need to be free. Crimson Avenger tells Stargirl to save Wing and to destroy Per Degaton's time machine before it swallows everything. Stargirl evacuates Jill Carlyle before the time machine imploded. While Clock King's body was never found, Lee's body was. Courtney's voice-over narration states that the Justice Society of America and the Justice League were present at Lee's funeral. The next day, Courtney has breakfast with Pat and the Seven Soldiers of Victory as she tells them about the final thing that Lee told her. Later that night, Courtney is told by Red Arrow that she might have a lead on where Wing is. In 1940, Clock King arrives and is confronted by Per Degaton who warned him that the timestream is his domain. Per Degaton decides to use Clock King in his plan to hurt some people.[5]
After Batman's gambit that involved the stabilization of the "Flashpoint" reality, Rip Hunter is told by Bonnie Baxter that the capsules containing the Thaddeus Brown version of Mister Miracle, the original Aquaman who predates Arthur Curry, the Legionnaire of the Golden Age, Betsy Ross, Molly Pitcher, Ladybug, Quiz Kid, Salem the Witch Girl, Cherry Bomb, Harlequin's Son, Steel's great-uncle John Henry Jr., Jay Garrick's daughter Judy Garrick, and the original Red Lantern have failed and that these 13 superheroes have been returned to the 1940s which is rebuilding around them. Rip hopes that they will be re-integrated back into the 1940s without incident.[6]
Main plot
The New Golden Age
Ten years from now on November 22, Helena Wayne is playing with her friends at Gotham Elementary School as her voice-over narration mentions about her seeing a mysterious person that she calls "The Stranger" (the name she gave for Per Degaton). On November 22, 1940, Johnny Thunder is preparing to take a photo of the Justice Society of America members Atom, Sandman, Spectre, Flash, Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Green Lantern, and Hourman. As Green Lantern states that the team is here, Sandman states that there will be more members as he has dreamed of it. When Atom asks Doctor Fate how many kids Mary and him are going to have, he is told that there are many possibilities as Nabu's magic is not used for entertainment. Though he does claim to Atom that he will have at least one. Flash states that he and Joan Garrick are thinking of starting a family. When Atom asks about Flash, Doctor Fate states that there are some "children lost". The Helmet of Fate starts heating up as Atom and Hawkman work to get it off while Doctor Fate states that he saw "tomorrow". On November 22, 3022, the ruins of the JSA's headquarters are found by the descendants of Green Lantern, Doctor Fate, and Atom as they are ambushed by the Stranger who kills Doctor Fate. Back in 1940, Kent Nelson has the Helmet of Fate off his head while having a nosebleed as the rest of the JSA state that he won't have to deal with this burden alone. On November 22, 1976, Doctor Mid-Nite examines Doctor Fate where he mentions about a female named Salem as Doctor Mid-Nite advises him to get some rest. Star-Spangled Kid and Power Girl come in to see if Doctor Fate is alright. When Power Girl states that they defeated Vulcan and she has proven herself to the JSA, Doctor Fate mentions how Wonder Woman would say something different from Power Girl's ability claim while mentioning that the Helmet of Fate has its gifts and curses. In the present, Kent's grand-nephew Khalid Nassour meets with Detective Chimp who tells him what he knows about the Helmet of Fate and that Deadman might help them exorcise Nabu from the Helmet of Fate. The club's bouncer Wylde won't let Detective Chimp in the club due to its "No shoes, no shirt, no service" rule. When Khalid puts on the Helmet of Fate and turns into Doctor Fate, he has a vision revolving around 3022 where Green Lantern and Atom fight the Stranger. Back in the 1940s, Alan Scott and Doiby Dickles read from a newspaper about Red Lantern burning a navy ship that left a dozen people dead. On October 31, 1951, Green Lantern, Flash, Doctor Mid-Nite, Wonder Woman, Atom, and Black Canary are before a Congressional committee. Back in the possible future, Helena's voice-over narration states that she is planning to hurt the Stranger like he had hurt her. When she heard a sound downstairs, she took a knife and went downstairs. When she found a shadowed figure, she stabs him and finds out that it is actually Batman. Helena now knows that her father Bruce Wayne is Batman as she asks if her mother knows. 13 years ago, Catwoman was in the middle of stealing the Cursed Shen Ring of Hauhet when she is confronted by Doctor Fate. She uses her whip to remove the Helmet of Fate from Doctor Fate and gets away as Doctor Fate warns her that the Stranger is going to kill her daughter. Back at Wayne Manor, Selina Kyle finds out about Helena discovering that Bruce is Batman and argues with him about her going down the possible path that his other sidekicks have gone down. In 1848 in Bel Air, Michigan, Corky Baxter is confronted by his fellow Time Masters as he is telling John Wilkes Booth not to kill someone at the Fort Theater. After Corky is reprimanded, the Time Masters reveal that some of the "thirteen" were lost before they can be reintegrated back into the 1940s and the ones in question are the children. Mime and Marionette are shown painting a room for their child. In the "Watchmen" universe, Cleopatra is working on getting in a building with Bubastis II to find the Watchman. 18 years from now, Helena is visited by someone. Back in the present, Khalid has informed Deadman and Detective Chimp of what he saw as Deadman suggests that they go find someone who is associated with Egyptian gods. 18 years from now, Selina is visited by two people. 13 years ago, Batman was found dead which devastated Selina as she is comforted by the JSA. Helena vows to avenge her father and becomes Huntress. The final panels show the bios of the original Aquaman, Betsy Ross and Molly Pitcher (who were the sidekicks to Miss America), Cherry Bomb (who was the sidekick of Human Bomb), Harlequin's Son (who is the son of the Molly Mayne version of Harlequin), John Henry Jr. (whose bio mentions the death of John Henry and how he brought the last of his murderers to justice), Judy Garrick in her superhero identity of "Boom", Ladybug (who was Red Bee's sidekick), Legionnaire (whose information was redacted and whose appearance is blacked out except for his ring), the Thaddeus Brown version of Mister Miracle, Quiz Kid (who was the sidekick of Mister Terrific), Salem the Witch Girl (who was the sidekick of Doctor Fate), and Red Lantern.[7]
Justice Society of America
After points of Batman's history and her history are viewed, Huntress narrates about how she found out that the man who killed Batman was empowered by Frederic Vaux. She is shown interrogating a man named Falcone on where Doctor Fate is as she is assisted by Solomon Grundy. After speaking to The Ruby Sokov version of Red Lantern (who is the daughter of the Vladimir Sokov version) on how Salem wasn't found at the Tower of Fate. Huntress narrated that she put together an interim team at the suggestion of Khalid Nassour that consists of Power Girl, Solomon Grundy, Gentleman Ghost, Harlequin's Son, Icicle II, Mist, and Red Lantern II where none of them have found a lead in Khalid's disappearance. Helena talks to her mother about her visions. Two days later, the JSA find Doctor Fate's mummified body. Just then, the Stranger appears where he shoots Power Girl with a Kryptonite bullet where he claimed that he used the same gun to kill John F. Kennedy. He then proceeds to use his time-based abilities to revive and kill Gentleman Ghost, causes Solomon Grundy to rot, opens up the scars that Harlequin's Son sustained from his fight with Wildcat, freezes and shatters Icicle, overloads Red Lantern II, and ages Mist to death. With Huntress left alive, she tries to attack as the Stranger ages her. Catwoman then arrives and buys Huntress time to save the JSA from before an earlier year. Huntress' body ends up sent in time where it is found by Johnny Thunder and Thunderbolt.[8]
Huntress awakens in a medical lab in November 1940 and makes her way down the hall and into a room where she meets the Justice Society members Flash, Hawkman, Atom, Doctor Fate, Green Lantern, Sandman, Spectre, Johnny Thunder, and Thunderbolt. Huntress introduces herself and states that she is from the future where her JSA team was murdered. When Thunderbolt states that he never met anyone from the future, Johnny Thunder reminds him that they met the Legionnaire who was from the future. Doctor Fate then peers into Huntress' fate and gets a magical feedback. It then cuts to Slaughter Swamp in 1941 where Doctor Fate and Salem the Witch Girl as he informs her about waking up here after encountering a JSA member from the future as someone is blocking his visions. When Doctor Fate doesn't remember Salem the Witch Girl, she had to remind him that she is his protege and how the Justice Society Dark tried to free her from the Limbo Town Curse. Salem the Witch Girl's sentient broom Sweep starts alerting them of danger as Mister Miracle is found getting attacked by Solomon Grundy who quotes "LEAVE! GRUNDY! ALONE!" When Doctor Fate asks where Zatara and Diamond Jack are, Mister Miracle states that they are having another spat. As Mister Miracle goes on the attack, Doctor Fate finds himself back in the JSA HQ in 1940 where his magical feedback knocks everyone down. Doctor Fate quotes to Nabu to show him the threat that Huntress speaks of. 10 years from now, Selina Kyle is called to Helena's school where her principal stated that Helena was cutting school where she claims that she saw the Stranger again. 15 years from now, Catwoman identifies the Stranger as Per Degaton who states that the snow globe turned Helena into a blind spot and ruining his ritual where the JSA must die. Per Degaton manages to kill Catwoman. Huntress has this vision as the snow glove acts up. In 1941, Mister Miracle has chained up Solomon Grundy while stating that they should apprehend Bride of Grundy. Salem the Witch Girl quotes to Doctor Fate "Now about my curse..." 13 years ago, Catwoman tells Holly Robinson that it is money. 8 years ago, Extant takes down Doctor Fate. One year ago, Khalid Nassour receives the Helmet of Fate. Huntress then wakes up where she finds herself in the company of Doctor Fate, Detective Chimp, and Deadman. Detective Chimp states that they can do a round of introductions over a drink with the first round on Deadman.[9]
On July 1, 1944, on the Western Front, the Unknown Soldier gives Easy Company the information about Per Degaton that a lot of soldiers died for. He reveals to them Per Degaton has been doing Nazi experiments that involved the disappearance of the local villagers. Easy Company raids the Nazi laboratory where the experiment threw Per Degaton to 1947 where he worked to continue Adolf Hitler's dream before being stopped by the Justice Society of America. Back in the present, Khalid finishes telling Huntress what he knows about Per Degaton as Huntress mentioned that Per Degaton killed her mom. When Deadman asks if the Huntress that they know is her mom, Huntress states that she was a family friend and that Catwoman is her mom. When Huntress shows them the snow globe that took her through time, Deadman states that Madame Xanadu could help them as she owes Deadman a favor. Huntress also identifies this Doctor Fate as Khalid and states that Per Degaton did not kill him. Detective Chimp states that they will get the snow globe to Madame Xanadu while Huntress is to be taken to the Justice Society. Meanwhile, the Justice Society is shown fighting a bunch of Bizarro clones while also working to round up the members of the Secret Society of Super Villains. As Green Lantern fights the arriving Bizarros with help from Doctor Mid-Nite II, Wildcat II, and Jakeem Thunder and Johnny Thunderbolt, Stargirl identifies the source of this invasion to be Angle Man while Flash gets the bystanders to safety. Huntress shows up and defeats Angle Man causing all the Bizarros to go back to where they came from. Khalid then takes this time to introduce Huntress to the Justice Society of America. On May 7, 1945, Per Degaton visits the moment when Sgt. Rock was killed and narrated that he should have killed him before his historic death when he senses that Huntress no longer has Catwoman's talisman. At the JSA's brownstone, Huntress's information has been confirmed by Green Lantern's ring as Stargirl suggests they call Mister Terrific, Doctor Mid-Nite II suggests that they call Hourman II, and Wildcat II states that they should also call Ted Grant. Jakeem states that Ted should be training the younger members of the JSA while Johnny Thunderbolt states that he misses Ted. As Flash states he will call Ted, Green Lantern states that they will need to call Batman while explaining to Power Girl that Huntress is Batman's daughter. As Huntress states that Batman would be harmed and Khalid states that they also need to find Per Degaton first, Per Degaton arrives as he quotes "It's so good to see you all in your prime again. Right before you fall".[10]
At Madame Xanadu's shop in Greenwich Village, Madame Xanadu gets a reading from the snow globe that Deadman and Detective Chimp gave her. A lot of facts are given out that are interpreted by Madame Xanadu like "Beware! Eclipso is within!", "Only the Green Lantern can save the Red Lantern", "The Sandman's nightmare will wear a mask", "Jay Garrick will find joy again", and "Do not trust the Witch Girl". Madame Xanadu then advises Deadman and Detective Chimp to get the snow globe back to Huntress as Per Degaton will kill her without it. As Huntress' narration recaps her life, the Justice Society of America goes on the attack. He stops Green Lantern's attack, slows down Flash, and briefly separates Jakeem Thunder and Johnny Thunderbolt's souls. When he is about to use a Kryptonite ring to counter Power Girl, Huntress uses one of her arrows to shoot off the Kryptonite ring-wielding finger enabling Power Girl to punch him. Huntress advises Khalid to use his power on Per Degaton now after reminding him what he did to her team. He uses a spell to teleport Per Degaton away. Madame Xanadu, Deadman, and Detective Chimp arrive where Madame Xanadu states that Per Degaton made a deal with the last Lord of Chaos and that he must be imprisoned soon or else the Justice Society of America will be erased forever. In 1947, Per Degaton is confronted by an older version of himself who states that Huntress is the blind spot and that Khalid is inexperienced in this era. He needs to take care of Helena Wayne first. Later that day, Huntress is visited by Power Girl who thanks her for saving her life. As Doctor Mid-Nite II is trying to do an analysis on Per Degaton's changing DNA, Wildcat II claims that they are distracted by the same freaks over and over again as she claims to Doctor Mid-Nite II that she is starting to hear Eclipso's voice while asking for a Lazarus Pill. Detective Chimp informs the Justice Society of America that Per Degaton is doing a sacrificial ritual across the Justice Society of America's entire timeline while declaring this generation as the last line of defense before he goes to the beginning and completes the spell. When asked by Green Lantern what makes this latest attempt to erase the Justice Society of America different, Madame Xanadu claims that he plans to replace the Justice Society of America with "a society of his own". Flash notes that he has felt a ripple in the Speed Force and that they need to perform a ritual of their own. As Stargirl, Jakeem Thunder, and Johnny Thunderbolt head to Germany, Doctor Mid-Nite II and Wildcat II have collected Per Degaton's blood sample as Wildcat II takes the Lazarus Pill. Detective Chimp states that once they get the snow globe imbued with the spell of their own, the rest will be up to Huntress. Power Girl appears stating that Huntress is en route to Gotham City. In Gotham City, Batman subdues Mister Toad during his theft of a virus when he is confronted by Huntress who introduces herself and that she has come back in time to save his life.[11]
As Huntress warns Batman on what might happen to them, Madame Xanadu, Detective Chimp, Deadman, and the Justice Society of America arrive as Madame Xanadu states that the snow globe that is in her position is keeping her alive. She also reminds Batman that the snow globe in question is the one he stole from the Time Masters. Just then, Per Degaton arrives with various versions of him across time. Meanwhile, Stargirl, Jakeem Thunder, and Johnny Thunderbolt arrive at Per Degaton's old lab where they are confronted by a child version of Per Degaton. As the JSA, Batman, and Huntress fight the different Per Degaton versions, Per Degaton states that he will replace the Justice Society of America as Madame Xanadu gets a vision where he claims that the world belongs to him as the world goes dark. There is a past where different Per Degaton versions are around their version of the JSA table, Per Degaton versions massacring the Justice League, and Per Degaton versions massacring the Legion of Super-Heroes. Per Degaton then grabs Madame Xanadu's head as she tosses the snow globe to Doctor Fate. Through its power, Doctor Fate summoned the JSA from the past, the present, Huntress' future, and beyond who help to fight the different Per Degaton versions. The different Doctor Fates then imprison Per Degaton in the snow globe where he finds himself trapped in the Flashpoint timeline. The other Per Degaton versions and the different JSA versions disappear back to their own time. Though Huntress remains in the present. Huntress' narration has Batman claiming that there are other paradoxes like her that shouldn't be remaining like herself, Per Degaton, Eobard Thawne, and the Flashpoint version of Thomas Wayne where Huntress' future no longer exists. One week later, Mister Terrific informs the JSA that things have changed. When Flash and Jakeem ask what has changed, Mister Terrific states that he is afraid to go to the Time Masters. Just then, Stargirl enters with Boom and the Hourman android as Boom tells her father that the Hourman android can help shed some light on their questions about time.[12]
Stargirl narrates about what had transpired from the fight with Per Degaton and the trip to Orphan Island. Now she is working to reintroduce the Lost Children to the world by finding any existing relatives of theirs. She starts by bringing Flash's long-lost daughter Boom and the Hourman android to the JSA meeting as a disclaimer stated that she vanished on April 12, 1962. This ends up restoring Jay's memories of heras her history is recapped. They proceed to leave to meet up with Joan Garrick. Meanwhile, in New York, Bruce Wayne has moved Helena into her own place until the Hourman android can help him find an alternative as Helena mentions that Catwoman has her hands full right now. Back the JSA's headquarters, Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, and the Hourman android review the pictures of the Lost Children as the Hourman android mentioned that most of their mentors and/or family members are long dead. Mister Terrific decides to go with Courtney's idea of the Young Justice Society the moment everyone returns. Doctor Fate talks with Salem the Witch Girl (who was mentioned in the disclaimer to have disappeared on March 13, 1943) where he mentions that Kent Nelson was his great-uncle and how there were other Doctor Fates before him. Salem the Witch Girl brings up the Limbo Town curse that she has as she is reluctant to allow Doctor Fate to help break the curse. Somewhere in a field, Cherry Bomb (who was mentioned to have disappeared on July 5, 1942) is working to expel a lot of kinetic energy from her as Doctor Mid-Nite II watches from a safe distance while working on deciphering the notes that Human Bomb left behind. Doctor Mid-Nite II is visited by Wildcat as he learns about the current situation as he asks where Yolanda is as she missed her train. In Superior City, Oregon, Stargirl brings Ladybug (who was mentioned to have disappeared on February 12, 1994) to the Big Bee Ranch which her parents have sold to Red Bee's granddaughter Rachel Raleigh who is currently in her 70s and wants to meet Ladybug. As Ladybug mourns her dead parents, she is then visited by Michael the Bee where Stargirl's narration states that she doesn't know how Michael is still alive. In Metropolis, John Henry Jr. meets his grandfather's relatives Steel and Natasha Irons. Dan the Dyna-Mite assists Damage in taking down Reichsmark as Dan made a comment about Damage originally wanting to call himself TNT. Mister Terrific gets Quiz Kid his own place as he pitches some ideas for his T-Spheres. Huntress speaks with Power Girl about the JSA's ranks filling up as Huntress mentions how the JSA in her erased timeline had contained redeemed characters like Gentleman Ghost, Harlequin's Son, and Red Lantern's daughter Ruby. If that is going to happen in this time, Huntress suggests that they start with Solomon Grundy.[13]
On the streets of Los Angeles, the police find a tied-up criminal begging to be taken away and claiming that a guy in a clown makeup did this to him. What the police don't know is that the culprit in question is Harlequin's Son who has been targeting gay men who have been mistreating their partners. Green Lantern, Huntress, Stargirl, Batman, Doctor Fate, and Salem the Witch Girl are fighting Solomon Grundy. As Doctor Fate tries to reason with Solomon Grundy by telling him that they are not here to harm him, he is grabbed by Solomon Grundy. Salem the Witch Girl uses a spell from Limbo Town in an attempt to revive him as Cyrus Gold which only reduces him to a skeleton. When Huntress scolds Salem the Witch Girl for what happened, she tells Huntress that most of her spells don't work well when her curse activated and that today is Saturday. At Belle Reve Penitentiary, Mister Terrific, Power Girl, and Jakeem Thunder try their luck with Icicle II as Jakeem mentioned about the time he helped the JSA defeat Ultra-Humanite. Mister Terrific offers to give Icicle II a second chance which he takes if they can get him away from the heat lamps. Power Girl warns him that she has a built-in "heat lamp" if he crosses the line. In Ivy Town, Jean Loring is visited by Doctor Mid-Nite II about what she knows about Eclipso as Jean claims that Atom is nearby. Doctor Mid-Nite II states that Atom is not here. When asked about what to do if a friend is possessed by Eclipso, Jean states that the person is actually infected and that Eclipso will make plans to "settle the score". Wildcat II is shown on a rooftop during the rain as Jean's voice is heard claiming that she is hunting Amanda Waller. At the Tower of Fate, Salem the Witch Girl learns that things haven't changed inside since Kent Nelson lived here. After mentioning that Kent has never mentioned the staircases, Doctor Fate takes Salem the Witch Girl to the Gates of Limbo Town. Salem the Witch Girl is hesitant over the fact that Doctor Fate is just returning her to Limbo Town while ranting that the Helmet of Fate should've lifted the curse on her. After Salem the Witch Girl flees, Doctor Fate gets a vision from the Helmet of Fate where Solomon Grundy quotes "Save Grundy". Just then, he is visited by the Legion of Substitute Heroes members Rainbow Girl, Animal Lad, and Stone Boy who need him to come to the 31st Century.[14]
Last night in Moscow, a woman is being chased by two Russian thugs only for them to be taken down by the woman who turns out to be Red Lantern's daughter Ruby Sokov. She takes one of the thugs captive as she demands that they take her to the Red Labs where her father might be. At the JSA's brownstone, Huntress informs the Justice Society of America about Ruby Sokov and that she inherited her powers from Red Lantern. Alan Scott claims that Red Lantern died as he claimed to have seen him implode back in 1948. Huntress doubts that claim stating that there have been sightings of him. When Jakeem Thunder asks who Red Lantern is as Johnny Thunderbolt claims that it is a very sensitive subject, Green Lantern states that Red Lantern was one of their biggest adversaries as he advises Huntress to leave Red Lantern off her list for possible JSA recruits. Back in Russia, Ruby breaks into the Red Lab to look for her father as she is confronted by Green Lantern who claims that her father is not being held here. Back at the JSA brownstone, Huntress is told by Flash that Mister Terrific is working on Power Restraints to be used on Icicle on his release and that Jack Knight has retired. Huntress states that in her now-erased future, Kyle Knight will become the next Mist as Stargirl states that Kyle is currently 5 years old right now. After mentioning how her makeshift team were all killed by Per Degaton when she referenced Gentleman Ghost, Jakeem asks if ghosts can be killed as Salem the Witch Girl claims that "Souls are easy to destroy. Especially the bad ones". As Huntress claims that she can try Solomon Grundy again on Monday, Stargirl brings up the current actions done by Harlequin's Son. Back in Russia, Green Lantern brings Ruby to a bar as he uses his ring to cast an illusion that keeps the patrons from seeing Ruby's red skin. As they get drinks, Alan tries to persuade Ruby to turn herself in for the people she killed while looking for her father as Ruby considered them murderers themselves. He still claims that he saw Red Lantern die and states that there is a woman in the JSA that wants to talk to her and hopes that she can move away from the path of vengeance. Their departure is then witnessed by Legionnaire.[15]
As Icicle speaks into the camera asking when he's going to help save the world as he had accepted, Alan Scott has brought Ruby to Huntress who knows about Ruby's history. As Power Girl goes looking for Harlequin's Son and Flash is running with Boom, Mister Terrific states that he had to call in the JSA reserves to help. Damage and Dan the Dyna-Mite are partnered up. Phantom Lady has take Cherry Bomb and Ladybug under her wing as he hopes that the Freedom Fighters will help sort out what happens next. Steel's family has taken in John Henry Jr. Quiz Kid comes in to thank Mister Terrific while showing off a version of his T-Sphere called the Q-Sphere which he worked to perfect. He also claims that the Mister Terrific he knew would be proud of this Mister Terrific's accomplishments. After recapping how Terry Sloane helped Wanda Wilson, Quiz Kid tells Mister Terrific about the people that Terry helped have been forgotten and his Q-Sphere is searching for the relatives of those people and that they need to get the Fair Play Club back online. Meanwhile, Harlequin's Son lets a man named Mr. Beem fall for beating up his wife again. Mr. Beem is saved by Power Girl, Hawkman, Salem the Witch Girl, and Stargirl as Harlequin's Son states that he wasn't actually going to let him hit the pavement. Power Girl offers Harlequin's Son the opportunity to turn himself over and be placed in the custody of the JSA. Harlequin's Son then makes a reference to how his mother who made a lot of mistakes including getting together with his father. They end up chasing after him as he mentions how Doctor Light took credit for his mother's work as he uses an illusion. Salem the Witch Girl reveals that the illusions used by Harlequin's Son are not magic by nature. As Salem gets close to Harlequin's Son, he reveals that the fabric of his costume was enchanted by Wizard when his mother took account in dealing with magic while also noting that he can withstand different things like a bulletproof vest. Just then, Harlequin's Son is zapped by Legionnaire enough so that the JSA would transport him back safely. As he introduces himself, Legionnaire states that he wants to join the JSA. Moments later, Power Girl and Mister Terrific inform Huntress, Alan, and Ruby about the Golden Age Legionnaire. As Huntress is unfamiliar with the Legionnaire, Mister Terrific mentioned that the Legionnaire is an obscure superhero assisted others in the early days and how he had helped Al Pratt, Ma Hunkel, and the All-Star Squadron until he vanished after a few solo adventures. When Alan suggests they call Ma in to help shed some light, Mister Terrific turns down that suggestion stating that Legionnaire wants to do it himself. As Legionnaire tells the JSA that they are the first superhero team of all time and the Legion of Super-Heroes try to live up to them. As the Legion of Super-Heroes won't give him a chance, Legionnaire traveled to the era of second chances caused by Huntress who he considers an anomaly. When Stargirl asks who he is, Legionnaire asks them not to react until they hear him out. He unmasks himself to be a younger Mordru who wants to avoid the path of evil as he needs Huntress' help to change his destiny before he destroys this time period and the 31st Century.[16]
Subplots
Stargirl: The Lost Children
On April 13, 1942, two criminals named the Fox and the Crow have committed a robbery as they are being pursued by TNT and Dan the Dyna-Mite who defeat them. Six months ago, Dan the Dyna-Mite in his alter ego of Daniel Dunbar reminisces about TNT getting killed in action. In Blue Valley, Courtney Whitmore does a voice-over narration about Pat's history and how they as Stargirl and S.T.R.I.P.E. defeated Dragon King and Shiv. Barbara Whitmore grounds Courtney due to her slipping grades and will only grant her a pass if it is a major JSA assignment. Pat claims that Wing is still buried in his grave after a visit to it and that the displaced Crimson Avenger claimed that his Wing was alive as Pat claims that she still has friends in Jakeem Thunder and Cyclone. Later that night, Courtney is visited by Red Arrow who has a lead on where Wing is. She tells Red Arrow about Crimson Avenger's claims of the Childminder and the lost children. Changing into Stargirl, Courtney states to Red Arrow that she has to be back before the sun rises. At the house of Dan Dunbar, Stargirl and Red Arrow do some investigating as they recap about TNT's work with the Young All-Stars and the exploits of Sylvester Pemberton's sister Merry Pemberton. Red Arrow mentioned that Miss America's sidekicks Betsy Ross and Molly Pitcher disappeared after World War II and the disappearances of John Henry Jr. and Cherry Bomb as well as Hourman's sidekick Tick-Tock disappearing during an investigation into a Miraclo hijacking. Both of them then hear some message meant for Dan on the radio until an explosion happens telling them to find them. After crashing into an island where he saves his rings, Daniel finds himself younger as a voice states to Dan that he shouldn't have come here.[17]
In the Arrow Cave, Stargirl is shown around the Arrow Cave by Red Arrow as she is then shown the map of Starfish Island where Red Arrow was raised by her captor at a young age. She also mentions to Stargirl that Daniel Dunbar was looking for the missing sidekicks as Stargirl states that they should set sail and find the missing sidekicks. While out at sea, Stargirl and Red Arrow trace Daniel's last known research to an island in the Diablo Triangle. Looking at the images of the missing sidekicks, Stargirl recognizes the Newsboy Legion and notes that she knew their clones which is a long story. Then she notes that Betsy Ross and Molly Pitcher disappeared after World War II and Cherry Bomb disappeared while Human Bomb was trying to cure her. Stargirl's narration has her stating that Red Arrow fell asleep researching Ladybug who disappeared like the others and would've been in her 90s by now. Stargirl then has a vision from Air Wave stating that they are too close and that he is trapped with the children as the boat is attacked. After Red Arrow swims Stargirl to the surface, they see an island nearby. They find that the sand is similar to Miraclo. Before they can call Pat, Stargirl and Red Arrow are attacked by egg-shaped robots called Child Collectors. One of the Child Collectors traps Red Arrow inside it completing the nesting programming and flies off. Stargirl finds herself saved by Air Wave, Cherry Bomb, Wing, and Robotman's creation Robbie the Robot Dog. Wing states that they are on Orphan Island and that they can escape as Robbie the Robot Dog states that the only way off this island is death.[18]
Red Arrow wakes in her cell as a prisoner of the Childminder. Meanwhile, Stargirl is running with Air Wave, Cherry Bomb, Robbie the Robot Dog, and Wing. Stargirl starts to search from the skies as Air Wave blocks an attack towards her. Cherry Bomb does an explosion to slow their fall as Wing and Cherry Bomb catch Stargirl and Air Wave. The Child Collectors then attack causing them to make their way to Hangman's Treehouse. On the other side of the island, Red Arrow wakes up to the voice of her imprisoned neighbor. A person informs Red Arrow that she is just another person forgotten by their parents and friends with plans to protect them from neglectful adults. Red Arrow asks the person visiting her their identity. The person identifies herself as the Childminder. As Robbie the Robot Dog stands guard outside of the waterfall since he cannot deal with water, Stargirl is led into a cave by Air Wave, Cherry Bomb, and Wing. Stargirl takes this time to recap how Pat Dugan knew Robert Crane. Wing introduces Stargirl to the Lost Children consisting of Little Miss Redhead and her companions the Blue Boys, the Newsboy Legion (who were sidekicks to Guardian), Tick-Tock of Hourman's Minute Men of America (who came up with this code name to standout and is the first one to appear on the island), John Henry Jr. (who found himself on the island while searching for John Henry's second sledgehammer), Betsy Ross, Molly Pitcher, Ladybug, Salem the Witch Girl, and Quiz Kid. After the introductions are done, Corky Baxter arrives stating that he might have a way for them to get off the island while noting that he is Rip Hunter's protege. He states that they an unravel this "purgatory" the moment they find Jay Garrick's daughter Boom and give some business to the person responsible. Back at the Childminder's castle, Red Arrow tries to fight Childminder only to be defeated and subjected to brief amnesia. The neighboring inmate speaks again stating that the inmate is too fast for Childminder's amnesia dust. When Red Arrow asks who the person is, the neighboring inmate is revealed to be Boom who is chained up to a special treadmill. She states that she will need Red Arrow's help to get back to her parents as "they gotta be worried sick by now".[19]
Corky Baxter narrates to the Lost Children how the Time Masters have noticed how Flash had once changed the timeline which became a mess. While in the timestream, the Time Masters were attacked and didn't make it back to their own time as they ended up in the Divine Continuum. Corky states to Stargirl and the Lost Children that they will have to do as he says if they are going to get off the island as Quiz Kid claims that this island must be cut off from the rest of the world and time. When Wing asks why Childminder brought them to Orphan Island, Corky states that Childminder is going to sell them and holds Batman responsible for recreating the Flashpoint reality. This caused the Time Scavengers to take action with Childminder being one of them. When Stargirl asks if this is why she never heard of any of these kids, Corky states that they disappeared from history and the Time Masters rescued them from Limbo in order to keep them from being erased. The Time Masters wanted to hold on to them until the timeline was fully restored. Due to the attack on the timestream, Childminder pulled the children to Orphan Island. When asked by Salem the Witch Girl on how long they were here, Corky states that time stands still on Orphan Island. Betsy Ross and Molly Pitcher asked about Miss America and their families as Quiz Kid states that their families won't forget them when they are returned to their own times as Corky confirms that claim. John Henry Jr. states that it would be like they never left, Ladybug states that she does not want her parents to worry, and Cherry Bomb wants to blow up Childminder before they can return to their own time. Stargirl then asks who Childminder is going to sell the children to. Corky states that he cannot answer that question yet as they need to storm the castle and free her prisoners before the buyer arrives. At Childminder's castle, Childminder passes the cells of Blue Beetle's sidekick Sparky and Pinky the Whiz Kid who vow to get out and make her pay for what she did to them. Secret is held in a special cell claiming that Childminder is lying about helping them. Childminder states that she is giving them new purpose. She then activates a Time Warp machine that forces Boom to run fast on her treadmill as she tells Red Arrow that she starts seeing the like that Childminder took from her every time the Time Warp machine is activated. As Childminder tells the buyer that she has the buyer, Red Arrow advises Boom to overload the machine. Corky gets word from his friend Crockett that the buyer is on their way. Air Wave starts having a bad reaction to all the signals causing everyone to make their way towards Childminder's castle. Outside Childminder's castle, Molly Pitcher uses her pitcher to make weapons for those who don't have weapons. Stargirl and Corky lead the charge fighting against the Child Collectors as Robbie the Robot Dog notes that there are a lot of them. When asked by Stargirl if he can connect to them, Robbie states that these Child Collectors are made from futuristic technology of Stargirl's time as he is just a clockwork mutt. Cherry Bomb and John Henry Jr. are comfortable against the odds while Salem the Witch Girl uses her magic to save some of the Newsboy Legion. As Boom states that she is seeing her dad again, she also sees someone that is supposed to be a friend. Corky gets word that the buyer is on the island. Childminder greets the buyer who turns out to be the Hourman android who is here for the children.[20]
As the Lost Children fight the Child Collectors, Corky Baxter informs Stargirl that they are here. Salem the Witch Girl states that whoever they are, they will have to answer to her and Doctor Fate. Air Wave states that he is picking up more readings as a Child Collector "nests" Betsy Ross, Molly Pitcher, the Newsboy Legion, John Henry Jr., Tick-Tock, and the Boys in Blue. Corky states that casualties are part of the war. Stargirl, Cherry Bomb, Little Miss Redhead, Quiz Kid, Robbie the Robot Dog, and Salem the Witch Girl were not nested. Cherry Bomb holds Salem the Witch Girl accountable for looking after herself and called her a hag. Salem the Witch Girl tells Cherry Bomb not to call her a hag. Stargirl breaks up the fight while blaming herself for letting their friends get captured. Ladybug was revealed to have avoided being nested by shrinking as she tells Stargirl some comforting comments and that she will be among those that will accept her leadership. In Childminder's castle, the Hourman android tells Childminder that his owner will not be pleased with Childminder's setbacks. While disagreeing with Childminder's suggestion to reprogram the children, the Hourman android asks about Judy Garrick. Meanwhile, Red Arrow asks Boom if she is OK as Boom mentions the speed trick that other Flashes learned as Red Arrow encourages her to try it. It works as the Hourman android and Childminder hear a sonic boom. After freeing Red Arrow, Boom runs her to where her arrows are. Boom proceeds to break down the dungeon doors as she frees Sparky, Secret, Pinky the Whiz Kid, and Dan the Dyna-Mite. Childminder and the Hourman android arrive with the Child Collectors to apprehend them. As those with Red Arrow fight their way past the Child Collectors, Stargirl arrives with those with her. As Red Arrow is reunited with Stargirl, the Hourman android subdues everyone but Stargirl as he claims to her that Red Arrow is among the Lost Children which Stargirl is not. In addition, he claims that he can save them from "complete obliteration" as Stargirl recognizes him.[21]
Stargirl narrates about what she has learned about the Hourman android's history like how he was built in the 853rd century using Rex Tyler's DNA, how he once traveled back in time to help the Justice Society of America, and how he sacrificed himself to save Rex Tyler and Rick Tyler. In the present, Stargirl asks the Hourman android on what happened to him as he claims that he was "forgotten" like Boom, Cherry Bomb, John Henry Jr., Salem the Witch Girl, Betsy Ross, Molly Pitcher, and Quiz Kid. Childminder moves in as part of an attempt to sedate Stargirl only for her to shoot Childminder in the face with her Cosmic Staff. The Hourman android then ages Stargirl to an old lady until it is undone when Corky Baxter shows up and attacks the Hourman android. This diversion gave Boom the time to free everyone as they fight Childminder and the Child Collectors. As Stargirl confronts the Hourman android, he notes that his master is coming as he is revealed to be an older version of Corky named Time Master. He claims to Stargirl and Quiz Kid that history is currently stable with the Lost Children outside of time. Boom removes the Hourman android's brain as Quiz Kid and Robbie the Robot Dog work on reprogramming the Hourman android's brain while Stargirl fights Time Master. As Childminder wants to be young again while grabbing Betsy Ross, a beam from the time portal reduces Childminder to an egg. With the Hourman android reprogrammed, he helps Stargirl and the Lost Children fight Time Master as he blasts Time Master into the time portal. Corky states that Wing is needed to stop Nebula Man. Despite Stargirl's objection, Wing persuades her to let him do his job. Once Wing is back in his time, Stargirl narrates about the Hourman android's explanation that none of the Lost Children can be returned to their own time due to paradoxical reasons. Instead, they were brought to the present where Dan the Dyna-Mite is still young and Betsy Ross and Molly Pitcher wonder what to do with Childminder's egg. Though Pat Dugan and Barbara Whitmore were not pleased that Courtney Whitmore snuck out and lied to them, she got a pass as they were too concerned on what to do with the Lost Children. Red Arrow also got a pass from Green Arrow as she and Courtney join the Seven Soldiers of Victory in leaving flowers at Wing's grave. Courtney tells Pat and Barbara that she needs to start a team made up of the Lost Children. Though there is some heartbreak for those whose families or mentors are dead, Flash was visited by Boom. In the Time Lab of the Time Masters, Corky is visited by Rip Hunter where Corky claims that the Lost Children hate him now. Rip states to Corky that he is learning to be a better Time Master as Rip made sure that the evil version of Corky was erased and that Time Masters make enemies and not friends. Rip then leaves to go join his teammates in a trip to the Old West and asks Corky if he can get him a new hat from Bat-Lash. Corky then quotes sure. A disclaimer is shown stating "For more of Stargirl and the Young Justice Society, check out Justice Society of America #6".[22]
Wesley Dodds: The Sandman
In the summer of 1940, Sandman attacks corrupt official/crime boss Robert Rossi who was behind the deaths of some people. Sandman narrates how his prophetic dreams have led him to Robert Rossi and Tarantula. Though he has not been able to decipher some of the dreams like one about figures in elaborate dress fighting an adversary dressed in black (later revealed to be the Justice Society of America fighting Per Degaton). Sandman then recalls his first nightmare involving his father fighting in World War I where he was traumatized by the bodies of soldiers blistered by chemical concoctions. While having inherited his father's fear, he beat it back whenever he became Sandman. While in his lab, Wesley is visited by his butler Leslie Humphries that Dian Belmont has wished him good luck on his day's events. Wesley then talks to Humphries about his old nightmare where he would like to invent the sleep gas on his first attempt while researching each of the formulas for death. After speaking with Dian Belmont, Wesley meets up with his father's old friend Wheeler Vanderlyle where they meet with Colonel Malcolm Breckinridge. Wesley and Colonel Breckinridge talk about a sedative gas and how it can be used on enemy soldiers in non-lethal ways. Though Colonel Breckinridge considers maiming a cheaper method. The discussion is interrupted by a soldier telling Colonel Breckinridge that he has a lunch with General Myers who the soldier can't keep waiting. With the proposal failing, Wesley is invited to Wheeler's reception. During the reception, Wesley is at the table with Dian and her father District Attorney Lawrence Belmont as he meets Rex Tyler. Outside, Wesley tells Dian about how his proposal to Colonel Breckinridge fell through. Dian tells him that there will be other colonels he can propose to. As Wesley grabs his stuff from Humphries' car, he changes into Sandman and saves a man from being mugged. The thugs flee upon a fire truck passing by due to a fire. Wesley hitches a ride on the fire truck as it arrives at Wesley's burning house.[23]
The next day, Wesley Dodds spoke with the fire chief who figured out that he is friends with the Belmont family and suspects that the fire was caused by a burglary gone wrong where the coroner's office is loading a dead body into their van. Once the fire chief has left, Wesley heads to the basement where his secret lair where he tells Leslie Humprhies that his research on the deadly gases was stolen alongside his gas mask and some gas guns. Moments later, Wesley meets with Wheeler Vanderlyle who has moved him into one of his buildings. They are both visited by Dian who works as Wheeler's secretary. As Wheeler walks away, Dian learns of the robbery at Wesley's house and that some of his private items have been stolen. As Wesley rests at Dian's advice, he has a dream about the culprit posing as him to use the deadly gases. After waking up, Wesley becomes Sandman and sneaks into the police headquarters to access the records. He photographs some criminal pictures and slips out before a police officer can catch him. Upon developing his photos, Wesley finds that his search has led him to Igor Kluge who was known for burglary and safecracking. On 5th Avenue during closing time, some criminals are shown robbing the vault as they are attacked by Sandman as he interrogates Noah Christopher who states that he doesn't know where Igor Kluge is. Noah runs off as he is struck by a car. With the other criminals tied up and left for the police, the unidentified culprit dons a copy of the Sandman attire as the culprit prepares to pose as Sandman.[24]
In the borough of Manhattan during the Summer of 1940, Sandman arrives at the morgue where he is greeted by the mortician Hugh Klein as they do an autopsy on the corpse of Igor Kluge. Sandman claims to Hugo that Igor sought to rob Dodds Mansion for something other than money. They find that Igor was dead before the fire due to lack of signs from smoke asphyxiation. Hugo advises that Igor's corpse is given to his family for a proper burial. The next day at Uptown, Wesley is visited by Dian Belmont and Wheeler Vanderlyle where Wesley had been looking into the background checks on building contractor when investigating the fire. He even mentioned that Leslie Humphries is out getting pastries. After Vanderlyle leaves, Wesley states to Dian that the dead man was previously discharged from the army and that it might be a clue to his accomplice who has the formulas to his research and the gas guns that they will make use of. Later that night, Sandman searches the ruins of Dodds Mansion for clues. He soon finds himself attacked by a mysterious figure dressed in a black version of his Sandman outfit as Sandman tries to get the figure's identity from him. The figure states that he will not be calling it anything in a few moments as it has read the journal and states that Sandman will be the forefather of a "new generation of war". The figure then states that he will not be around to see it as it continues its attack. Sandman manages to disarm the figure as they engage in hand-to-hand combat with Sandman nicknaming him Fog. When Fog removes Sandman's mask, it tries to use one of the toxins on him only for Wesley to end up setting it off. As Fog runs off, Wesley holds his breath as long as he can until he starts to collapse narrating that "None can escape the Sandman's dark dream. Not even me".[25]
In the borough of Manhattan during the Summer of 1940, Wesley is suffering from the effects of the gas has he narrates that someone knows that he operates as Sandman. The gas masks him remember the bad parts of his past where his mother could not afford toys for him when he was three as he feels her sorrow, how he was angry at his father for being gone at the war too long as he feels his anguish, how the corner store owner did not bust Wesley at age eight for pocketing a chocolate bar due to Wesley's father being rich as he feels his resentment, how he at age 13 was forced to join in mocking a boy who has to drop out when Wesley because that boy's family went bankrupt as he feels his humiliation, and how he at age 21 turned down a date and mocked her in front his peers as he feels her betrayal. Wesley narrates that these are not memories, these are empathies. He then starts experiencing different future visions like a nightmare beast, a red figure, a boy made of sand. Wesley then wakes up in Dian's presence after Leslie Humphries found him at the ruins of his house and brought him back to Wheeler Vanderlyle's building two days ago. He states to Dian that he fought the culprit who stole his research and plans to make the poison gases as Wesley and Dian figure that somebody killed Igor Kluge and framed him for trying to break into Wesley's house. Wesley then figures out what one of Igor's colleagues said where Igor was just a soldier working for someone. When Wesley goes to find Wheeler and talk to him, he finds him being strangled by Fog. Wesley then fights Fog and assumed that he gave his research to Colonel Malcolm Breckinridge. After using a knife on Wesley, Fog continues his attack and is accidentally knocked out the window to his death by Wesley. As Wesley helps Wheeler to his feet, Dian comes in and learns about the attack and that the now dead Fog was the lead on where his journal is. When asked by Dian on what he is going to do, Wesley states "There's only one choice left. I believe the word for it is treason".[26]
As the police establish a crime scene while covering up Fog's body during the Summer of 1940, Wesley Dodds gives his eyewitness account of Fog's attack on Wheeler Vanderlyle to the detectives. He tells them that his visit to Wheeler Vanderlyle was to discuss something private. He then asks Leslie Humphries to bring Wheeler home from the hospital. Wesley and Dian then tell the detectives to let them know if anything develops as Dian also advises them to contact her father as well. Later on in Brooklyn, Sandman heads to a base and starts using his sleeping gas on the soldiers there. One soldier sees him and sounds the alarm as some of the soldiers don gas masks. He fights his way past them. He manages to make his way to Colonel Malcolm Breckinridge and makes off with him. In another location, Sandman interrogates him on why he sent people to steal Wesley Dodds' research, his use of Igor Kluge, and where the journal Wesley Dodds' research is. While admitting that Kluge was a poor soldier, Colonel Breckinridge states that Wesley's journal is with someone who will make a lot of damage with it. He then goes on to states that there's a war and that war crimes are for the defeated. He then leaves Colonel Breckinridge and his recorded confession for the police to pick up. Back at Wheeler Vanderlyle's apartment, Humphries tends to Vanderlyle on Wesley's orders. While investigating the break-in, Humphries finds no broken glass. When he finds Wesley's journal, he is knocked out by Vanderlyle wielding a candlestick as he quotes "Your country thanks you for your service, Humphries. You're a casualty of war".[27]
As Wheeler Vanderlyle ties up an unconscious Leslie Humphries and hides his body, he recaps how he had to tie a German captain up like that. Sandman crashes through the window telling Vanderlyle that he will pay for his crimes. Taking a knife to Humphries, Vanderlyle orders Sandman to lose his gun and the rest. Dropping his gas gun and removing his fedora and gas mask, Wesley states to Vanderlyle that he was the only family he had left and advises him to turn back. He also states that Colonel Breckinridge did not mention Vanderlyle by name and made a back deal with him to steal Wesley's research. Vanderlyle states that wars are won by massacring the enemy side as he uses the bayonet blade to wound Wesley in the left arm. While holding Wesley's journal, Vanderlyle states that it is in the right hands and are the consequences of the enemy that is not America. As Wesley states that Vanderlyle's chemicals will win the war and what happens when someone else gets their hands on it, Vanderlyle stated that the agent who stole the journal wanted it back and that Wesley did him a favor thwarting him. As Vanderlyle would have made Wesley a richer man for it, they are now past it as he can die what he believed in. As Wesley and Vanderlyle fight, Wesley envisioned his father asking him why he killed the world. Vanderlyle managed to stab Wesley with the bayonet, but Wesley managed to swipe the journal and throws it into the burning fireplace. Then Wesley states that what is left of the research is in his memory. Vanderlyle continues his attack on Wesley who then falls to the ground. Grabbing a revolver, Vanderlyle prepares to shoot Wesley who will not want to kill Vanderlyle. As Vanderlyle prepares to fire his revolver, he is instead shot by Dian Belmont who prepares to tend to Wesley's injuries. Six months later, Wesley's house has been rebuilt as Dian visits him and Humphries. As Wesley states that it is not yet finished, he states that he has had enough of living out of hotels. Dian then introduces Wesley to her nephew Sandy Hawkins. As Sandy goes exploring, Wesley mentions to Dian about the latest dreams that he has been having. Humphries informs Wesley that he has a bunch of visitors who are waiting around back. As Wesley heads to the backyard, Sandy looks outside the window as he is surprised at what he sees. Upon opening the back door, Wesley is greeted by some admirers of his work in the form of Hawkman, Green Lantern, Flash, Doctor Fate, Spectre, Hourman, and Thunderbolt as Hawkman gives him the offer to join a group they are forming called the Justice Society of America.[28]
Jay Garrick: The Flash
In 1963, Jay Garrick recalls about the time when he and his daughter Boom had to work to rescue Joan Garrick from her kidnapper. While Boom rescued Joan, Flash worked to remove the bombs from the dam at the abandoned water treatment facility outside of Keystone City. One bomb that was in the shadows explodes before Flash can get to it and damages the dam enough for some water to start leaking. After moving fast enough to gather some rocks and seal the hole, Flash resumes the rescue of Joan where Boom has saved her. In the present, Joan gets a memory jog when she is reunited with Boom as she is taken to her room where Bart Allen had been bunking. Bart is currently away with Max Mercury as Judy finds a picture of the different Flashes as Jay treats his fellow speedsters like family. When Judy sees the news about armed men robbing Keystone Bank, she becomes Boom and heads off. Joan finds her gone causing Jay to go after her as Flash. As Boom catches the bullets from the armed men, Flash shows up to tie up the bank robbers and states to Boom that they need to have a chat. As Jay and Joan reprimand Judy for running off and that the world is more dangerous than she remembers, Judy asks what is more dangerous than Doctor Elemental who Jay doesn't remember. Judy reminds him that they were fighting Doctor Elemental when she disappeared as Jay states that he disappeared the day when she disappeared. This jogs Jay's memory. Back in 1963, Boom had saved Joan from Doctor Elemental before he can change Joan on an elemental level. With his mask damaged, Boom recognizes the person behind the mask as he disappears stating that they will see each other again someday. After saving Joan, Boom starts to disappear. When Flash catches up to Joan, he learns that she has no memory of Boom. Doctor Elemental watches from a distance as he thinks to himself that he has a second chance to succeed....no matter how long it takes.[29]
In a hidden base in Wutach Gorge during 1941, the Justice Society members Atom, Doctor Fate, Green Lantern, and Hawkman are fighting sentient robots as they encounter Ro-Bear. Doctor Fate uses his magic to "alert their friend". Just then, Ro-Bear and the robots with him disappear. Meanwhile, Flash speaks with Spectre about how long it will take his spell to find the Spear of Destiny. He just tells him to be quiet so that it can go faster. Flash leaves upon getting contacted by Doctor Fate. Flash arrives and take down the robots before fighting Ro-Bear. After Flash subdues Ro-Bear, the Justice Society finds the logo of the Injustice Society. Before disintegrating, Ro-Bear states that it will soon be the death of them. In the present, Judy Garrick's powers are being studied at S.T.A.R. Labs' Detroit branch. Dr. Charles finds no traces of tachyon displacement or cell degeneration in Judy. At home, Jay informs Joan of the results as Judy informs him that Courtney Whitmore is taking her to the mall as Joan informs her to be back by dinner. At the Keystone City Mall, Judy and Courtney are doing some shopping as she learns all about shopping malls. Back at the house, Joan asks Jay how his friends are doing as Jay states that he will ask Alan Scott at the next meeting. He becomes Flash and heads out to check up on Judy without being seen. As Jay watches Judy and Courtney at the food court, the Keystone City Mall is then attacked by Ro-Bear as Jay gets Judy and Courtney out of harm's way as Ro-Bear quotes "She's coming with me". As Flash fights Ro-Bear, Courtney and Judy become Stargirl and Boom to help fight Ro-Bear. Despite being mad at her father, Judy assists him in defeating Ro-Bear as Jay remembers him. Ro-Bear quotes "Indeed. Everything that is old...is new again". Before a green crystal makes Ro-Bear disappear, Ro-Bear states to Jay that he'll see him and his daughter soon. Boom asks her father what is going on.[30]
At the hidden base in Wutach Gorge during 1941, Flash, Atom, Doctor Fate, Green Lantern, and Hawkman explore more of the area as Doctor Fate and Green Lantern find that the people in the pods are dead. Flash states that this must be part of a super-soldier project as they are confronted by Doctor Elemental. The Justice Society go on the defense as Doctor Elemental uses his elemental attacks on them. This gives the JSA a hard time fighting Doctor Elemental before the arrival of Boom from the 1960s. Doctor Elemental covers his escape by setting the hidden base to self-destruct. Despite Boom getting a lift to Doctor Elemental's escape vehicle, he manages to get away after getting a blood sample from her. Back in the present, Boom rants to her dad about his presence even though Ro-Bear showed up to attack. It is then shown that they are talking while in super-speed as Stargirl has called Mister Terrific over. Flash recalled that Doctor Elemental and Ro-Bear existed during World War II and that he had no memory of them. Mister Terrific claims that speedsters are immune to temporal disruptions and that Doctor Elemental has hidden himself until Boom's return. After Boom mentioned to have seen Doctor Elemental unmasked, Mister Terrific states that he can work on an invention to help out with that. They enter Mister Terrific's lab where Quiz Kid and Mister Terrific's son Fairplay are playing chess. Jay is recapped on how Fairplay was stolen from his mother's womb by Granny Goodness who raised him to be part of the Furious until he was rescued by Wally West.[a] When Mister Terrific asks about the status of the Memory Imager, Fairplay states that it is ready for use. As it is used on Boom to access the memory of when she saw Doctor Elemental unmasked, it locates that memory and Flash identifies the man as Professor Hughes who he claims is the responsible for him getting his super-speed.[31]
Arriving at Detroit's S.T.A.R. Labs branch, Flash and Boom arrive where the receptionist allows them to enter the office of Garrison Slate. Upon entering, Slate states that someone has been asking for information on Professor Hughes. He starts to tell them what he knows about Professor Hughes by giving them Professor Hughes' diary. In Keystone City during 1938, Professor Hughes saw on TV the news report detailing the heroic actions of Green Lantern. This led to Professor Hughes doing some research to determine if Green Lantern was an alien or not. Every test animal he worked on ended up dead from these experiments. This led to him making plans to do an experiment on a human. At Keystone University, Professor Hughes recruits Jay Garrick from his football game to help him in his experiments. Three years later, Professor Hughes puts his plans for a human test subject to work by having Jay separate the gases from the hard water he studied in order to prepare for a new experiment. Using the observation lab that he set up next door, Professor Hughes sees him smoking a cigarette and hits a button in his laboratory to trigger an accident. This led to Jay getting covered in the hard water vapors as he collapses. Professor Hughes rushes in. After Jay has been unresponsive for three hours, Professor Hughes takes a blood sample from him and shouts for someone to help. Three days later, Jay recovers in the hospital as Professor Hughes is told by the doctor of the tests they ran on the hard water elements that soaked Jay which would make him faster. After hearing this, Professor Hughes shot the doctor. When Jay Garrick became Flash for the first time, Professor Hughes worked on replicating the experiment which failed every time. One night, Professor Hughes was approached by a mysterious man named Parsifal who represented people that want to bankroll his experiments upon them finding out about them. This led to him setting up a lab in Wutach Gorge where he was given some bodies to work on while served by robotic soldiers. Becoming Doctor Elemental, Professor Hughes invented some technology that enables him to control the elements by utilizing Earth's unique polarity, creating beasts like Ro-Bear who talk like humans, and vehicles that were a centuries ahead of their time. None can reach the level of Jay Garrick's power. Then there is a recap of his fight with the Justice Society and Boom in 1941 that led to him falling back to a secondary lab where his continued experiments continued to fail. Then there is another recap of his kidnapping of Joan Garrick in 1963 that followed him recreating the experiment which gave Judy Garrick her powers. Back in the present, Flash finishes reading the diary that states that he will need more metagenes to experiment on. Flash and Mr. Slate learned that Professor Hughes was responsible for S.T.A.R. Labs' creation as Slate states that he is in the Atlantic. The receptionist comes in telling Slate "A Professor Hughes called. He says you're fired". She then starts to use her arm gun to open fire on Flash, Boom, and Mr. Slate.[32]
As the android receptionist goes on the attack, Flash and Boom get out of the way while Garrison Slate is shot. Before succumbing to his injury, Slate warns Boom that Doctor Elemental is coming for Boom as she is his catalyst for his final experiment involving something worldwide. Flash moves fast enough to defeat the android receptionist enough to cause it to malfunction. Doctor Elemental speaks through the android receptionist as Boom accuses him of killing Slate. Doctor Elemental states that Slate betrayed his secrets while unaware that Slate took his journal. When Flash claimed to him that they were friends, Doctor Elemental compared him to a laboratory mouse and that Boom's sacrifice will save all of humanity. As Doctor Elemental sets the android receptionist to self-destruct. Flash and Boom move fast enough to evacuate all the personnel of S.T.A.R. Labs before it can explode. Flash states that he'll call the JSA to help contain some of the more sensitive experiments at S.T.A.R. Labs. When Boom asks if the should hide someplace like that satellite that Courtney mentioned, Flash states that Garricks don't run away and that they will make Doctor Elemental run. At Natal, Brazile, Jay Garrick and Judy Garrick meet up with Pieter Cross who learns about Judy. He brings the Garricks to his underground lair beneath his hut where he has also operated as Doctor Mid-Nite. As Judy explores Cross' lair, Cross tells Jay that he did a scan which found no trace of Doctor Elemental which causes Cross to win the wager against Jay. Just then, the alarms go off as it detects Ro-Bear and some robots. As Jay becomes Flash and Cross becomes Doctor Mid-Nite, Judy becomes Boom and is advised to remain the lair so that Doctor Elemental can't get to her. Outside, Ro-Bear instructs the robots to bring Boom to Doctor Elemental alive as they charged towards Cross' hut. As Flash and Doctor Mid-Nite fight Ro-Bear and the robots, Boom is in Doctor Mid-Nite's lair. To her surprise, Doctor Elemental has infiltrated Doctor Mid-Nite's lair as he states that it is time for Boom to fulfill her destiny. Before Boom can attack him, she is tranquilized by one of the two robots that accompanied Doctor Elemental. As Doctor Mid-Nite and Flash fight the robots and Ro-Bear, they find out that the attack was a diversion. Flash rushes back to Doctor Mid-Nite's lair to find her gone. After Doctor Mid-Nite destroyed the robots and knocked down Ro-Bear, Flash learns from Ro-Bear that Doctor Elemental took Boom to his lair and finds himself unable to teleport away. Doctor Mid-Nite states that he found Ro-Bear's transportation device and disabled it during the fight. Flash then bets that he can get Ro-Bear to tell them where Doctor Elemental took Boom...."or else"![33]
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern
At FBI headquarters, Green Lantern is reading a bulletin of his latest heroics as he speaks with J. Edgar Hoover. As J. Edgar Hoover is not wanting to talk to Green Lantern about the Justice Society of America, he actually wants to talk to him about Project Crimson and wants him to work with the JSA or else the picture of him with Johnny Ladd will be released. In 1935, Alan Scott is engaging in a homosexual activity with Johnny Ladd. As a member of the Army Corps of Engineers with Johnny and some soldiers, Alan narrates how their ship had positioned itself about the Crimson Flame. They talk about it burning underwater. In 1941, Doiby Dickles speaks with Alan about Hoover's blackmail as Doiby advises him to come clean to the JSA. Upon the news of some gunmen holding up the Midtown Bank, Alan becomes Green Lantern and heads out. Back in 1935, the ship comes into contact with the Crimson Flame as Alan and those on board try to fight it. Red tendrils then come up and wrap up the ship. Back in 1941, Green Lantern shows up at the bank as a police lieutenant tells him about a gunman dressed in shorts and combat boots as a woman sights a red fireball approaching. After a flashback to the sinking ship in 1935, Green Lantern advises the police lieutenant to evacuate the building. When the police lieutenant states that they can't evacuated the building fast, something fast moves by him. He manages to stop the red fireball. Back in 1935, Johnny Ladd was grabbed by the red tentacles. Back in 1945, Green Lantern flies in the gunman in question as he meets up with Flash who sees that the gunman in question looks like he burned and drowned at the same time. Back in 1935, Alan sees the red tentacles drag Johnny underwater as he is restrained by the soldiers. Alan hears a voice stating "First we bring death". This incident led to Alan supposedly going mad and ending up in Arkham Asylum.[34]
In 1941, Green Lantern tells Doiby Dickles that there is a killer going around apparently posing as him. Doiby assumes that Alan knows the suspect. Four years earlier, Alan wakes up in Arkham Asylum's Deviancy Wing where he meets a cross-dressing man named Billie Billings. At a group therapy meeting, Alan talks about Johnny Ladd as they are interrupted by the guards taking an African-American man down the hall as he begs the guards not to give him to "theme". In the cafeteria, Billie tells Alan that the man was Steven and that he must've been taken to Dr. Freeman for some special treatment. He gives him a green-colored train lantern that he obtained from Arkham Asylum's metal shop as he claims that it spoke to him. Back in 1941, Green Lantern tells Doiby that Billie was trying to warn him about the dark things "without and within". Four years ago, Alan is awoken by the voice from the green train lantern as it quotes "We bring life". He finds that Billie never returned and was absent from the group therapy. A nurse later brings Billie in on a wheelchair as she claims that he had to receive Dr. Freeman's treatments since none of the other treatments were working. Upon declaring Billie cured, the nurse states that he will be released into the custody of his family. Mr. Freeman later has Alan taken to E.C.T. as Alan states that he checked in on his own terms. Later that night, Alan and the other inmates in the Deviancy Wing snuck out of Arkham Asylum. As Alan boarded a train, he befriended a man with a sympathetic cousin and had a few flings after two years while finding work in the railroad business. One day while riding a train, a crash occurred as the Crimson Flame's voice is heard quoting "We bring death". After Alan collapses, the green train lantern revitalized Alan. Back in 1941, Alan mentioned to Doiby on how Johnny, Billie, Jimmy Henton, and a man named Robby had saved his life. Every time he develops a crush on a male, something takes them away. Alan tells Doiby that he will stop them as Green Lantern. It then cuts to Red Lantern hovering above the harbor.[35]
As Doiby Dickles is driving around someone reading a newspaper, Alan Scott meets with a man named Mikey who states that Tommy and a bunch of people on the waterfront have been killed. After both men dodged the police, Green Lantern meets up with Flash at the city morgue where they find that Tommy had been drowned and that there are burns on his ankles. Later that night, Green Lantern meets up with Jim Corrigan who had just gotten the information he needed from a man who he then made disappear. Upon the records storage of the First Precinct, Green Lantern and Spectre enter the room where they find a file on William R. "Tommy" Thomas. Spectre revealed that the guy he shook down was the boyfriend of the file clerk of this precinct. They find the file empty as Spectre claims that it was a victim of file tampering while also claiming that someone is trying to frame Green Lantern. Later that night, Doiby picks up the same passenger as before who asks to be taken to Eleventh and Washington as the passengers eyes are shown to have fire in them. After telling Green Lantern that he is not a murderer, Spectre brings up Project Crimson and that there are a few people to know about Johnny Ladd's wounds to mimic them. As Green Lantern heads out to find the culprit, Spectre advises him to bring the culprit to him. As Doiby keeps the meter running, the passenger enters the building and looks at a picture. Green Lantern arrives at the same place and sees someone that he recognizes as Johnny Ladd as he is taken down by that figure who is actually Red Lantern.[36]
As "Johnny Ladd" is starting to drown upon being dragged underwater by the Crimson Flame of Death, a flashback to Borbruisk USSR in 1923 is shown where Vladimir Sokov's family was stationed. He left home at a young age to get away from his drunken father who was a former soldier and shouted that Vladimir will never make a good soldier. In a few years, Vladimir proved his father wrong and later befriended a high-ranking member of the Political Directorate. He would soon learn about the Crimson Flame of Death and was to infiltrate the United States Army in order to retrieve the weapon by any means necessary. After furnishing some convincing papers to get aboard the ship bound for the United States, Vladimir took on the alias of Johnny Ladd and joined the U.S. Army in locating the Crimson Flame of Death. He would eventually meet Alan Scott and hit on him upon figuring out that he's gay. After Vladimir was pulled overboard by the Crimson Flame of Death, he was empowered by it as he started to see a brief green light. Red Labs found his body and Vladimir spent two years having the Crimson Flame of Death's different fragments taken out of him in order for the Russians to study it. Then he had to work on mastering its abilities as Red Labs worked to make him into their super soldier. One day, Vladimir heard about the exploits of Green Lantern who he identified as Alan Scott. When it came time, Vladimir was presented with a red lantern that houses the Crimson Flame of Death and its associated ring as he becomes Red Lantern. Back in 1941, Red Lantern was surprised that Alan Scott kept their ring. Green Lantern gets to his feet and tries to get answers from him on why he killed those men. They chase each other through the city where Red Lantern traps Green Lantern in a red bubble while lowering him into the Grocers Warehouse Corporation as Red Lantern states that the Emerald Flame and the Crimson Flame are derived from different emotions. After a brief flashback to when Vladimir had a house on the shore of Lake George, Green Lantern breaks free and lands a punch on Red Lantern. Upon Green Lantern grabbing the red lantern that flew towards his direction, Red Lantern states that Green Lantern can't recharge his ring with that battery. Green Lantern then gets powered by the Crimson Flame of Death as he quotes "I just did".[37]
At the FBI headquarters in Washington DC, J. Edgar Hoover gets a call about some development. When Clyde states that he'll call the President Hoover states that he'll "handle it". Possessed by the Crimson Flame of Death, Alan Scott asks Red Lantern why he was trying to frame him for murder as Red Lantern goes on the defensive. Meanwhile, Doiby Dickles hears about the news on the radio about Soviet submersibles being sighted off the coast of Rikers Island and there was no crew inside. He changes the channel to the news about Green Lantern as Doiby takes off. Alan still tries to get the information from Red Lantern as he states that "they" will take his power from him. Meanwhile, Doiby arrives at Alan's apartment and finds it trashed. Red Lantern admits that Red Labs has killed him again and again. Doiby heads to the roof as the green lantern fires a beam. This sends Alan into a green location as he encounters someone who resembles Jimmy. When "Jimmy" claims that they lent Alan its power, Alan figures out that he is talking to the Emerald Flame as it states that they are at the center of the Starheart. The Emerald Flame explains how the Guardians of the Universe worked to trap its energy and how the Crimson Flame of Death was born. When asked by Alan what he has to channel its powers, the Emerald Flame states that it runs on willpower which Alan had that enabled the Emerald Flame to choose him. With its powers, Alan had become Green Lantern where he used his powers to condemn the murderer Albert Dekker which makes his use of its power special. The Crimson Flame of Death is fueled by rage. Before Alan is sent out of the Emerald Flame's realm, he is informed that "they are coming". Back to normal, Alan is Green Lantern again and leaves stating to Red Lantern that they have a bigger fight on their hands that is coming. Red Lantern follows Green Lantern as they witness different crimson energy blasts. Red Lantern then sees the newspaper about a missing Soviet submarine washing up in New York City as he claims that the Crimson Flame hasn't done that before. Just then, Green Lantern and Red Lantern are attacked by a group of people claiming that Red Lantern has been relieved of his duty. They are introduced as Comrade Kostra, the Countess, Professor Molotok, Proletari-ant, and their leader Major Blaze who make up the Crimson Host and were conceived in Red Lantern's image as his replacements. The Crimson Host goes on the attack and wreck the red lantern. As Red Lantern states that he had no knowledge of this while stating that the Crimson Flame energy is unpredictable when it comes to having it recharged, Green Lantern receives backup from the JSA members Atom, Doctor Fate, Flash, Hawkman, Hourman, Sandman, and Spectre.[38]
