DC Universe: Legacies
Encyclopedia
DC Universe: Legacies are a 2010-2011 ten-issue comic book
limited series
written by Len Wein
and published by DC Comics
. It details the person an admirer of Golden Age of Comic Books
-era, Silver Age of Comic Books
-era, Bronze Age of Comic Books
-era, and Modern Age of Comic Books
-era superhero
es in the DC Universe
.
alongside his delinquent friend Jimmy Mahoney and Jimmy's sister Peggy. He and Jimmy collect protection money for the local crime boss in Suicide Slum
. Everything changes when strange crime-fighters wearing masks begin to show up. Paul began collecting newspapers on the strange mystery men and a year later, while walking through an alley of another local mob, he witness those same mobsters being taken down by the original Atom and Sandman
. Paul warns the Atom in time just as a mobster is about to try to get the drop on him. The Atom thank him out of gratitude and give Paul his business card to call him, whenever there is trouble. That encounter would leave a great impact on Paul, who decides to seek out a more honest line of work. However, Jimmy is not interest to be a part of it, in which Paul respond to his friend's answer by showing a magazine of the Justice Society of America
and other heroes will.
and the Newsboy Legion
, who save him from a group of punks trying to collect protection money. In high school, Paul begins dating Peggy and runs into Jimmy, who is now a member of a local mob, the Injustice Gang of the World
, run by Vandal Savage
, only to end up on the run after the JSA takes the Injustice Gang down. Paul then works his way through college, graduating at the top of his class. Afterward Paul and Peggy witness the television news that JSA have been discussed by the House Un-American Activities Committee
and are told to reveal their identity which the JSA refused and disappeared in a flash of light. Thus signalling the end of the Golden Age of superheroes
.
culture, and heroes such as Pow-Wow Smith, Tomahawk
, Nighthawk
, and the Trigger Twins
.
Paul and Peggy discovers from the latter's mother that Jimmy is a display armed criminal, who have been working with a group of highwaymen that get taken out by the Blackhawks
. Paul also overheard the adventurer-type superheroes with no secret identity such as the Challengers of the Unknown
, Sea Devils
, and Cave Carson
makes their debut. While Paul reads the newspapers headline, he learns that Jim Harper, the Guardian, is dying, and taking inspiration from his encounter with the Guardian, decides to become a police officer. After graduating from police academy, Paul asked Peggy to marry him, which Peggy accepted. Several months later, he is partnered with John Jones (secretly the Martian Manhunter
), and participating in a police crack down in a warehouse, where Paul is reunited with Jimmy. His old friend tries to convince him into letting him go, reasoning that he have a wife and expecting son; however, Jones arrives and arrests him, and Paul vows to see that Jimmy learns his lesson in prison. Soon, Paul approaches Peggy who learns about her brother's arrest, in which he express his remorse for Jimmy's predicament and even willingly to call off the marriage to ease Peggy's feelings. However, Peggy reassures to Paul that there is no reason to apologize and what happened with him and Jimmy was inevitable, and decide keep their marriage.
Weeks after the marriage, Paul learned the newspapers' headline that the Guardian had died, while he is assigned to a new partner, Nelson Bell, who is skeptical all about the superheroes, after Jones becomes an detective. Years later, Paul becomes excited over the new dawn of the superheroes after witnessing Superman
in action and the arrival of Batman
. Later, Peggy gives birth to their daughter at the same time Wonder Woman
makes her debut, which inspires Paul to name her Diana. The world watch as more heroes had taken their predecessors' place of the Flash and Green Lantern, including other heroes such as Aquaman
and the Martian Manhunter. While their presences are known, and as they, along with the other heroes, gather together as the Justice League of America.
and then another predecessor of the Atom, to the resurgence of both the kid sidekicks of Robin
, Kid Flash
, Aqualad
, Wonder Girl
, and Speedy
, which form the Teen Titans, and superheroes' rogues gallery of super villains, to the later debut of strange heroes such as the Metal Men
and the Doom Patrol
. Paul's becomes even more excited after seeing a news story about the JLA are teaming up with the JSA, who decide to come out of retirement. Meanwhile, he continues to visit Jimmy in prison and speak on his behalf at his parole hearings. Jimmy is by now, has thought back over the mistakes he made, and vows to reform. More heroes debuts around this time in the form of Batgirl
, Hawk and Dove
; however, Paul, Peggy, and Diana are witnessing the end of the dawn superheroes while on vacation in New York as they see the death the Doom Patrol on national media where they are apparently killed by General Zahl
in order to save small fishing village of Codsville.
acting more maniacal and actually killing people, including his own men with Joker Venom, the Spectre
is taking out his own brand of vengeance on even the most petty of crimes, while trying to reassure his daughter Diana that heroes are still heroes no matter what they look like after witnessing Green Arrow's new change of look. Meanwhile, Jimmy is finally released on parole, and takes a security job at S.T.A.R. Labs
. Paul confirms Jimmy's reformation during a battle between Superman and Chemo
, after he learns that Jimmy evacuated the labs' staff on his own, saving nearly everyone in the process. More heroes are debuted as the year is progress, including the new Doom Patrol, Firestorm
, and the New Teen Titans. Paul is later surprised by Batman's resignation from the Justice League and his formation of the Outsiders
, and even more surprised with the appearance and predecessor of heroes such as the Blue Devil
. Paul has Jimmy, his wife Helen, and their son Ted over for dinner just as the Crisis on Infinite Earths
begins. Paul is called into duty on the streets to help save civilians, and have Jimmy to take the rest of the family down into the basement of their house for safety. He then joins with Nelson and the rest of Metropolis police and bear witness to the chaos of the Crisis, as well as more heroes from all eras, some of whom people had never seen before, also helping in the rescue effort, unaware of the bigger threat to come.
). He tries to reintroduce himself, who he believes is Jim Harper, only for the Guardian to intend to him that Jim Harper is dead. He then reminds Paul that they still have lives to save, and go their separate ways. When Paul goes to help the casualty, the Guardian is secretly congratulating Paul for the man he has become. Meanwhile, in the Lincoln's basement, Jimmy decides to go check up, until the foundation caves in on him while he climbs the stairs. Back in Metropolis, Paul and Nelson continue to aid in the rescue effort, and see the Anti-Monitor
for the first time, watching as all the heroes fly in his direction for a final showdown. The skies turn back to normal, signalling the end of the Crisis. Paul reunites with the rest of the family at the hospital where Jimmy was taken to, and learns that due to his friend's injuries that he will never walk again.
After a period of rebuilding, things return to normal, with Paul watching a news report on the formation of the Detroit-era Justice League an error, since they formed before the "Crisis on Infinite Earths", criticizing it for being a "third-string little league". For the first time in his life, he begins to question if the heroes know what they are doing, despite being reassured by Peggy. Paul and Nelson watch Gordon Godfrey, which Paul's dislike to Godfrey about the outlaw of any superheroes activity, citing that if it was not for the heroes, then the Crisis would have been the end of it all. Just as Nelson is about to make a point, the two get called to gear up, as the entire police force heads out to confront Brimstone just as he attacks Metropolis. Despite being nearly incinerated, Paul and Nelson are rescued in the nick of time by the JLA. The League makes a valiant effort against Brimstone; however, his power is too strong, and Paul and Nelson are awestruck when they witness it defeat the League with ease.
After Brimstone disappears, Jimmy and Paul witness a news report about an angry mob ganging up on Robin
and nearly beating him to a pulp. Jimmy is touched by this, hoping that Robin does not end up like him, crippled and bitter. Paul convinces to reassure Jimmy that he will always be there for him, no matter what. Later, he learns of Brimstone's defeat by the Suicide Squad
, now a team made up of both heroes and coerced villains. Around this time, the President outlaws superheroes appearing in public, and the JLA disbands. Subsequently, Paul hears Godfrey leading his followers at a rally in Washington, D.C. to overthrow the government, along with backup in the form of Apokoliptan
Warhounds and Parademons; however, he is thwarted by a group of heroes made up of Doctor Fate
's invitation. They then decide to reform the Justice League, at Doctor Fate's invitation, something Paul sees as "legends reborn". Weeks after the event, Paul and Nelson are promoted to detective, but things turn grim when they see a news report on the Joker being confirmed to have shot and crippled Barbara Gordon
.
has broken Batman
and toss him over a roof. The chief warns them to be on the lookout for anything similar going on in Metropolis. At the same time, the alien monster known as Doomsday
emerges in the Midwest, where it quickly takes down the Justice League, until Superman arrives to help them. Meanwhile, Jimmy takes Peggy on a tour of S.T.A.R. Labs, where he notices her hand shaking and her pale complexions, suggesting that she and Paul see a doctor. In Gotham City
, the vigilante known as Azrael
has taken over as Batman and goes after Bane, first wearing the traditional Bat-suit with armorer gauntlets. Back in the Midwest, Superman catches up to Doomsday and thrown him a great distance, until Doomsday lands in the outskirts of Metropolis. In Gotham, Azrael engages Bane again, this time wearing his armor costume, and chases the strongman across the city until finally defeating him aboard an elevated train that crashes into an abandoned building, where he leaves Bane for the police.
At the Lincoln's house, Paul and Peggy call Diana into the living room to tell her something important. After visiting the doctor, it was revealed that Peggy has cancer. Peggy assures Diana, that since they think she caught it early, there will be a lot they can still do at this stage. Just then, Paul's phone goes off, and when he learns why he is needed he reluctantly heads over to downtown Metropolis to join the police force in confronting Doomsday while Superman's still fighting it. When Superman is stepped out of the way to move Lois Lane
and Jimmy Olsen
away from the fight, Paul and Nelson distract Doomsday by firing at him with their guns. Superman then speeds back to finish off Doomsday once and for all, until both fall, still and unmoving. The Justice League arrived too late just to realize that, and Paul tells of how everyone felt once they saw that Superman, has died "the most honourable, most decent of us all".
, everyone in the world and Paul along with his fellow officers, are present at Superman's funeral. Meanwhile, Paul and his family learn from Peggy's doctor that Peggy has been responding well to all the treatments, and there may be a chance that she may recover from her cancer. Diana and Paul vow to support Peggy throughout this whole ordeal. Currently, in Gotham City, Batman is recovering and stops Azrael's brutality under his identity. In Metropolis, four individuals appear and claiming to be a reborn Superman: Superboy
, Steel
, Cyborg Superman, and the Eradicator
. Paul and Nelson are called over to S.T.A.R. Labs to investigate the theft of an extraterrestrial exo-suit. A theft discovered by Jimmy. Nelson believes that one of the four "Supermen" may be responsible.
Meanwhile, in Coast City
, Mongul
's spaceship appears over the city. Eradicator tries to set out to destroy alien spheres from being deployed, when he is struck from behind by Cyborg Superman, who uses Eradicator's energy to trigger the spheres, causing a massive explosion that devastated Coast City and its entire population. The remaining spheres then begin construction of a new Warworld, with the ship, controlled by Mongul as its heart. Back in Metropolis, the heroes are witnessing the return of the true Superman, who along with Steel and Superboy are set out to destroy the Warworld and take down the Cyborg Superman and Mongul. Green Lantern has returns, intent on getting his revenge for Coast City's destruction. The Supermen, along with the revived Eradicator, confront Cyborg Superman, who inadvertently restores Superman to full power, whom he then defeats the Cyborg Superman.
A few days later, Paul, Peggy, and Jimmy attend Diana's high school graduation, and she tells them that she intends to go to medical school to become an oncologist, whom that she can help people like her mother. Meanwhile, Green Lantern is angered and attacks his own Green Lantern Corps
and the Guardians of the Universe
after the loss of Coast City. After this, Green Lantern absorbs the Central Power Battery entirety of its power, which allowing him to become fully possessed and taking the name of Parallax
.
on TV. Shortly after, a new bulletin comes out reporting of a spacecraft heading towards Metropolis harbor. Paul and Nelson head out with some of the police force, and get there just as the ship's pilot, a female alien named Dusk comes out. Gathering a large group of heroes together, she warns the arrival of the Sun-Eater
, urging them to evacuate the planet as it about witness the "Final Night
". The heroes vow to stop this from happening.
Paul and Peggy watch the eclipse from their home, as their daughter Diana drives up. Peggy states that if it really is the end of the world, then they will face it as a family. All three go inside, where Paul turns on the television to a news report about the Sun-Eater. The heroes are trying to find ways to destroy the Sun-Eater; however, Parallax volunteers and offering to help, explaining he is doing all he ever wanted to setting things right. When the Earth is saved by Parallax, he sacrifices his life to reignite the Sun using his power to absorb that of the entity. Afterward, Paul checks in on Jimmy, who is in rehab to get him walking again. The two of them talk about the missing exo-suit stolen from S.T.A.R. Labs, and Paul suspects him that they are still looking for it, despite the case being moved into the cold case files. During the events of Day of Judgment
, Paul and Nelson go to check out another lead on the exo-suit; however, they witness an invasion of demons from Hell, led by the Spectre who had been possessed by the renegade angel Asmodel
. Paul and Nelson calls for backup, and at the same time, the newly-reformed JLA and the Sentinels of Magic
arrive into the battle. The Sentinels of Magic open a portal to Heaven and come back with the soul of Green Lantern. He then leaps into the Spectre and drives Asmodel out, fully bonding with the Spectre. Green Lantern is vowing to change the direction of the Spectre's mission, from one of vengeance to one of redemption.
Meanwhile, Paul hears a traffic death of Elongated Man
's wife; Sue Dibny
, who is murdered. Later, Paul was second only to that of Superman's, with the only difference since, due to her humanity. She would not return just as easily. The entire superhuman community turns out, along with many ordinary people as well. Both had been touched in some ways by the Dibnys. Despite his fondness for the Elongated Man, Paul had his own troubles to deal with, once he and Peggy visit the doctor who confirms that her cancer worsening, and very aggressive. Because it is now in her bones and marrow, it is virtually untreatable, save for a few aggressive treatments. Peggy declines these, stating that that she will face it on her own terms, making what little time she has counted.
On the walk back from the hospital, Paul tries to maintain a positive attitude about the situation, with some difficulty. Peggy offers to buy one for Paul's collection; however, Paul sadly declines, saying that it is too painful for him at a time like this. Peggy convinces him that they will get through this. Paul reveals to this day that paper is the only hole in his collection. He then recounts how the superheroes community began a manhunt for Sue's killer. In the end, Paul and Nelson, while eating in a diner, learn that Jean Loring
, ex-wife of the Atom, was the murderer, in an attempt to win back the Atom. While Nelson notes that at least Jean is sentenced to an insane Arkham Asylum
, Paul adds that he feels apologizing for Elongated Man most of all. Paul then gets a phone call from Peggy, checking up on him. After hanging up, Nelson gets a call regarding the long-missing exo-suit, and the two head for Metropolis national bank.
Once there, they discover that the man who stole the exo-suit is using it to commit a robbery known as "Armory", until he is stopped by Superman, who also saves Paul and Nelson during the conflict. Superman strips the armor piece by piece off of Armory, leaving the criminal in custody by the two detectives. Later, while Paul is taking care of some paperwork at headquarters, he gets a call regarding Peggy's condition that sends him running straight to the hospital. Once there, he meets up with Diana, who informs him that Peggy took a turn for the worse. When Paul asks what she is doing for her, Diana lets him know that she is making her comfortable, which is all they can do. At her bedside, Peggy says her final goodbye to her husband and daughter, who have given her a wonderful life whom she has no regrets and then finally closes her eyes forever. Her funeral, Paul recalls were small and private, with only himself and his entire family in attendance. He did not invite many of her friends, wanting them to remember her as she had lived.
He takes the next month off from work to mourn, while at the same time, citizens are under control transformed into OMACs
. Following his mourning, Paul had returned to duty and is helping Nelson inspect a secured exo-suit in S.T.A.R. Labs, along with Dr. Klyburn and Jimmy; they had kept the added-on arsenal for future emergencies. Dr. Klyburn then tells Paul that she owes a huge debt of thanks to Diana for helping to put her own cancer in remission. Jimmy accepts Paul back and apologizing for being a suspect him of the theft of the exo-suit and which Jimmy says that he might have suspected himself as well. When the detectives are about to leave; however, Nelson is reveal to be one of the victims of the OMACs as he transforms and begins to destroy the facility. As the Nelson OMAC is attempting to kill Paul, it is shot in the back by a missile fired from Jimmy, who is using the exo-suit. Jimmy manages to finish off the OMAC, although not before Jimmy sustaining wounds and falls to the floor, while the fallen OMAC transforms back into Nelson. Paul rushes to Jimmy's side, assuring him that they will get help. A dying Jimmy reminds Paul that he always owed him for getting him paroled, and asks to tell his wife and son that he loves them. With his last breath, Jimmy says how good he felt to be able to walk again. Paul is greatly saddened and takes out his police badge as he decides to retire from the police force.
In the present, Paul reaches for his continued story article; however, he is stopped by a nurse, where he had been recounting his story the entire time. She tells him that it is time for him to go to sleep, to which he reluctantly agrees, despite him saying that there is more to tell. The nurse tells him that it is exactly the same story every night, and that she has heard it so much she knows it by heart. He claims it is true, to which she also agrees, if it is true as those told by the other residents. As the nurse tucks him in after he takes his pills, she reminds him of the visit by Diana and her family tomorrow. The nurse, on her way out, muses that at least he still has his dreams, to which Paul, drifting off to sleep, replies, "And what dreams they were, Peggy darling. What dreams they were....." Before Paul falls asleep, the scene pans to a clear plastic case bearing the original Atom's business card that Paul kept decades ago, with the note thanking Paul for saving his life.
, the Spectre
and Zatara
, while trying to figure out whether magic are fact or fiction.
Reaction, the Dummy
challenges the Seven Soldiers of Victory
: Vigilante
, TNT
and Dan the Dyna-Mite
, Shining Knight
, Stripesy and Star-Spangled Kid
, Crimson Avenger
, and Wing.
Resurgence, the Challengers of the Unknown
, Sea Devils
, and Cave Carson
team-up against the Volcano Man.
Remembrance, Jeb Stuart of the Haunted Tank, the Losers, Gravedigger
, Mademoiselle Marie
and possibly the Unknown Soldier attends a reunion in the 1970s where they celebrate the fallen soldier, Sgt. Rock, who had died in World War II.
Resistance, Adam Strange
teams up with other space adventurer Tommy Tomorrow
, Captain Comet
, and Space Ranger
.
Revision, a young Clark Kent
is approached by the Legion of Super-Heroes
to join their team. However, Legions from multiple points further in the future arrive and asking Clark for their help. A fight breaks out as to which Legion receives Clark first. Clark rebukes the multiple Legions, returning his Legion flight ring noting that it means something special to each Legionnaire and to come back when they can tell him what that special thing is.
Reunion, the Atom helps Professor Hyatt with his invention, the time pool, and a mystery gold coin dating to the Arthurian period. The Atom enters the time pool where he witness the battle of King Arthur, Shining Knight
, Silent Knight
, Merlin
, and Etrigan the Demon against Morgaine le Fey
and her demonic knights.
Revelation, a dairy woman and others who had been kidnapped by the forces of Apokolips
are rescue by the New Genesis
hero, Orion
, whom he explains his story about the New Gods
.
Resurrection, the wizard Shazam tells the story of Captain Marvel
, the Marvel Family
, and Black Adam
.
Redemption, the legacy of the Blue Beetle
in his last moments before his death in Countdown to Infinite Crisis
.
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
limited series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
written by Len Wein
Len Wein
Len Wein is an American comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel superhero team the X-Men...
and published by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
. It details the person an admirer of Golden Age of Comic Books
Golden Age of Comic Books
The Golden Age of Comic Books was a period in the history of American comic books, generally thought of as lasting from the late 1930s until the late 1940s or early 1950s...
-era, Silver Age of Comic Books
Silver Age of Comic Books
The Silver Age of Comic Books was a period of artistic advancement and commercial success in mainstream American comic books, predominantly those in the superhero genre. Following the Golden Age of Comic Books and an interregnum in the early to mid-1950s, the Silver Age is considered to cover the...
-era, Bronze Age of Comic Books
Bronze Age of Comic Books
The Bronze Age of Comic Books is an informal name for a period in the history of mainstream American comic books usually said to run from 1970 to 1985. It follows the Silver Age of Comic Books....
-era, and Modern Age of Comic Books
Modern Age of Comic Books
The Modern Age of Comic Books is an informal name for the period in the history of mainstream American comic books generally considered to last from the mid-1980s until present day...
-era superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
es in the DC Universe
DC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
.
Issue 1: In the Beginning...
In a retirement home, an aged man name Paul Lincoln is an admirer of superheroes who contains a collection of newspapers and magazines featuring superheroes, as he recounts his years of following the exploits of superheroes throughout the ages. Paul narrates of his young life in the 1940s where he lived in MetropolisMetropolis (comics)
Metropolis is a fictional city that appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. Metropolis first appeared by name in Action Comics #16 ....
alongside his delinquent friend Jimmy Mahoney and Jimmy's sister Peggy. He and Jimmy collect protection money for the local crime boss in Suicide Slum
Suicide Slum
Suicide Slum is a notorious fictional slum in publications from DC Comics. The area was first introduced in the "The Newsboy Legion" feature as a slum in New York City. It was later placed in Superman's city, Metropolis, when the Newsboy Legion was reintroduced...
. Everything changes when strange crime-fighters wearing masks begin to show up. Paul began collecting newspapers on the strange mystery men and a year later, while walking through an alley of another local mob, he witness those same mobsters being taken down by the original Atom and Sandman
Sandman (Wesley Dodds)
Sandman , is a fictional superhero appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The first of several DC characters to bear the name, he was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Bert Christman....
. Paul warns the Atom in time just as a mobster is about to try to get the drop on him. The Atom thank him out of gratitude and give Paul his business card to call him, whenever there is trouble. That encounter would leave a great impact on Paul, who decides to seek out a more honest line of work. However, Jimmy is not interest to be a part of it, in which Paul respond to his friend's answer by showing a magazine of the Justice Society of America
Justice Society of America
The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. Conceived by editor Sheldon Mayer and writer Gardner Fox, the JSA first appeared in All Star Comics #3 ....
and other heroes will.
Issue 2: The Golden Age
After his run-in with the Atom, Paul straightened his life out and became a paperboy for the Globe-Leader just as the Justice Society started to come into its own. He has another fateful encounter with another hero in the form of the GuardianGuardian (DC Comics)
Guardian is a comic book fictional character, a DC Comics superhero, created by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. He first appeared in Star Spangled Comics #7...
and the Newsboy Legion
Newsboy Legion
The Newsboy Legion are fictional characters, a kid gang in the DC Comics Universe. Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, they appeared in their own self-titled feature which ran from Star Spangled Comics #7 to Star Spangled Comics #64 .-Pre-Crisis version:A group of orphans, living on the streets...
, who save him from a group of punks trying to collect protection money. In high school, Paul begins dating Peggy and runs into Jimmy, who is now a member of a local mob, the Injustice Gang of the World
Injustice Gang
The Injustice Gang is a group of fictional supervillains in the DC Comics universe. They are antagonists of the Justice League.-First Formation:The original Injustice Gang's membership consisted of:...
, run by Vandal Savage
Vandal Savage
Vandal Savage is a fictional character, a supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Green Lantern vol. 1 #10 , and was created by Alfred Bester and Martin Nodell....
, only to end up on the run after the JSA takes the Injustice Gang down. Paul then works his way through college, graduating at the top of his class. Afterward Paul and Peggy witness the television news that JSA have been discussed by the House Un-American Activities Committee
House Un-American Activities Committee
The House Committee on Un-American Activities or House Un-American Activities Committee was an investigative committee of the United States House of Representatives. In 1969, the House changed the committee's name to "House Committee on Internal Security"...
and are told to reveal their identity which the JSA refused and disappeared in a flash of light. Thus signalling the end of the Golden Age of superheroes
Golden Age of Comic Books
The Golden Age of Comic Books was a period in the history of American comic books, generally thought of as lasting from the late 1930s until the late 1940s or early 1950s...
.
Issue 3: Powers & Abilities!
In the years following the disbanding of the JSA and the rise of the Red Scare, Paul tells that for the next decade there has not been any appearance of a costumed vigilante which spells the end of the mystery men. However, there are still people who were desperate to find new heroes to those that they have lost, and new role models to look up to such as the resurgence and captivation of the Wild WesternAmerican Old West
The American Old West, or the Wild West, comprises the history, geography, people, lore, and cultural expression of life in the Western United States, most often referring to the latter half of the 19th century, between the American Civil War and the end of the century...
culture, and heroes such as Pow-Wow Smith, Tomahawk
Tomahawk (comics)
Tomahawk is a comic book character whose adventures were published by DC Comics during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s as a backup feature in Star Spangled Comics and World's Finest Comics and in his own eponymous series...
, Nighthawk
Nighthawk (DC Comics)
Nighthawk is a fictional character, a cowboy in the DC Comics universe. His real name is Hannibal Hawkes and he first appeared in Western Comics #5. In his secret identity, he worked as a traveling repairman...
, and the Trigger Twins
Trigger Twins
The Trigger Twins are the names of two sets of fictional Western themed comic book characters published by DC Comics.-Heroes:The Trigger Twins first appear in All-Star Western #58 , the first issue of that title under its new name , and was one of the features that replaced the previous stars, the...
.
Paul and Peggy discovers from the latter's mother that Jimmy is a display armed criminal, who have been working with a group of highwaymen that get taken out by the Blackhawks
Blackhawk (comics)
Blackhawk, a long-running comic book series, was also a film serial, a radio series and a novel. The comic book was published first by Quality Comics and later by DC Comics. The series was created by Will Eisner, Chuck Cuidera, and Bob Powell, but the artist most associated with the feature is Reed...
. Paul also overheard the adventurer-type superheroes with no secret identity such as the Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown
The Challengers of the Unknown is a group of fictional characters in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, or co-created with Dave Wood , this quartet of adventurers explored science fictional and apparent paranormal occurrences and faced fantastic menaces.Scripts for the first...
, Sea Devils
Sea Devils (comics)
The Sea Devils are a team of characters in comics published by DC Comics. They are a team of conventional adventurers, in undersea adventures. They were created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Russ Heath ....
, and Cave Carson
Cave Carson
Calvin "Cave" Carson is a fictional character that appeared in stories published by DC Comics. Carson, a spelunker, first appeared in Brave and the Bold #31 ; he was created by France Herron and Bruno Premiani.-Publication history:...
makes their debut. While Paul reads the newspapers headline, he learns that Jim Harper, the Guardian, is dying, and taking inspiration from his encounter with the Guardian, decides to become a police officer. After graduating from police academy, Paul asked Peggy to marry him, which Peggy accepted. Several months later, he is partnered with John Jones (secretly the Martian Manhunter
Martian Manhunter
The Martian Manhunter is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in publications published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #225...
), and participating in a police crack down in a warehouse, where Paul is reunited with Jimmy. His old friend tries to convince him into letting him go, reasoning that he have a wife and expecting son; however, Jones arrives and arrests him, and Paul vows to see that Jimmy learns his lesson in prison. Soon, Paul approaches Peggy who learns about her brother's arrest, in which he express his remorse for Jimmy's predicament and even willingly to call off the marriage to ease Peggy's feelings. However, Peggy reassures to Paul that there is no reason to apologize and what happened with him and Jimmy was inevitable, and decide keep their marriage.
Weeks after the marriage, Paul learned the newspapers' headline that the Guardian had died, while he is assigned to a new partner, Nelson Bell, who is skeptical all about the superheroes, after Jones becomes an detective. Years later, Paul becomes excited over the new dawn of the superheroes after witnessing Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
in action and the arrival of Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
. Later, Peggy gives birth to their daughter at the same time Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
makes her debut, which inspires Paul to name her Diana. The world watch as more heroes had taken their predecessors' place of the Flash and Green Lantern, including other heroes such as Aquaman
Aquaman
Aquaman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 . Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo title...
and the Martian Manhunter. While their presences are known, and as they, along with the other heroes, gather together as the Justice League of America.
Issue 4: The Next Generation!
Paul continues to witness the energy and excitement of the new dawn heroes, from the debuts of Green ArrowGreen Arrow
Green Arrow is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp, he first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in November 1941. His secret identity is Oliver Queen, billionaire and former mayor of fictional Star City...
and then another predecessor of the Atom, to the resurgence of both the kid sidekicks of Robin
Dick Grayson
Dick Grayson is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in April 1940....
, Kid Flash
Wally West
The Flash is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. He is the first Kid Flash and the third Flash....
, Aqualad
Garth (comics)
Garth is a fictional character, a superhero in publications from DC Comics, originally known as Aqualad, and later known by the codename Tempest. As Aqualad, he is the teen sidekick and protege to his guardian, the super-hero known as Aquaman, bearing the same super-abilities as his mentor that...
, Wonder Girl
Donna Troy
Donna Troy is a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics. She first appeared in The Brave and the Bold vol. 1 #60 , and was created by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani...
, and Speedy
Roy Harper (comics)
Roy Harper is a fictional superhero in the DC Comics Universe. He was known for over fifty years as Green Arrow's teenage sidekick Speedy. He first appeared alongside his mentor in More Fun Comics #73...
, which form the Teen Titans, and superheroes' rogues gallery of super villains, to the later debut of strange heroes such as the Metal Men
Metal Men
The Metal Men are fictional characters that appear in comic books published by DC Comics. The characters first appeared in Showcase #37 and were created by writer Robert Kanigher and penciller Ross Andru...
and the Doom Patrol
Doom Patrol
The Doom Patrol is a superhero team appearing in publications from DC Comics. The original Doom Patrol first appeared in My Greatest Adventure #80...
. Paul's becomes even more excited after seeing a news story about the JLA are teaming up with the JSA, who decide to come out of retirement. Meanwhile, he continues to visit Jimmy in prison and speak on his behalf at his parole hearings. Jimmy is by now, has thought back over the mistakes he made, and vows to reform. More heroes debuts around this time in the form of Batgirl
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino...
, Hawk and Dove
Hawk and Dove
Hawk and Dove is the moniker given to two superheroes when they team up to fight crime. Hawk and Dove describes each character's attitude or approach to fighting crime. The hawk represents aggression, and the dove representing pacifism.-Hank and Don Hall:...
; however, Paul, Peggy, and Diana are witnessing the end of the dawn superheroes while on vacation in New York as they see the death the Doom Patrol on national media where they are apparently killed by General Zahl
General Zahl
General Zahl is a DC Comics villain. He first appeared in Doom Patrol vol. 1 #121.-Biography:General Zahl is a former Nazi U-boat captain who tangled from time to time with the Doom Patrol, originally as "Captain Zahl."...
in order to save small fishing village of Codsville.
Issue 5: Crisis!
Paul notices the world have underwent a darker direction such as the JokerJoker (comics)
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
acting more maniacal and actually killing people, including his own men with Joker Venom, the Spectre
Spectre (comics)
The Spectre is a fictional character and superhero who has appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in a next issue ad in More Fun Comics #51 and received his first story the following month, #52...
is taking out his own brand of vengeance on even the most petty of crimes, while trying to reassure his daughter Diana that heroes are still heroes no matter what they look like after witnessing Green Arrow's new change of look. Meanwhile, Jimmy is finally released on parole, and takes a security job at S.T.A.R. Labs
S.T.A.R. Labs
S.T.A.R. Labs, is a fictional research facility, and comic book organization appearing in titles published by DC Comics. They first appeared in Superman vol. 1 #246 , and was created by Cary Bates and Rich Buckler.-Publication history:...
. Paul confirms Jimmy's reformation during a battle between Superman and Chemo
Chemo (comics)
Chemo is a fictional supervillain that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Showcase #39 Chemo is a fictional supervillain that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Showcase #39 Chemo is a fictional supervillain...
, after he learns that Jimmy evacuated the labs' staff on his own, saving nearly everyone in the process. More heroes are debuted as the year is progress, including the new Doom Patrol, Firestorm
Firestorm (comics)
Firestorm is the name of several comic book superheroes published by DC Comics. Ronnie Raymond and Martin Stein, the first Firestorm, debuted in Firestorm, the Nuclear Man #1 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Al Milgrom. Martin Stein, by himself as Firestorm, debuted in Firestorm the Nuclear...
, and the New Teen Titans. Paul is later surprised by Batman's resignation from the Justice League and his formation of the Outsiders
Outsiders (comics)
The Outsiders are a fictional DC Comics superhero team. As its name suggests, the team consists of superheroes who allegedly do not fit the norms of the mainstream superhero community, namely the Justice League....
, and even more surprised with the appearance and predecessor of heroes such as the Blue Devil
Blue Devil
Blue Devil is a superhero featured in material published by DC Comics. He first appeared in a special insert published in Fury of Firestorm #24 . That story led directly into Blue Devil #1, also cover dated June 1984...
. Paul has Jimmy, his wife Helen, and their son Ted over for dinner just as the Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
begins. Paul is called into duty on the streets to help save civilians, and have Jimmy to take the rest of the family down into the basement of their house for safety. He then joins with Nelson and the rest of Metropolis police and bear witness to the chaos of the Crisis, as well as more heroes from all eras, some of whom people had never seen before, also helping in the rescue effort, unaware of the bigger threat to come.
Issue 6: Aftermath!
Paul is just awed by the number of heroes helping in the rescue during the Crisis, as well as the Flash's disturbing disappearance right in front of their eyes. Paul then goes to help a woman trapped under some debris and gets help from the Guardian, who for years he believed dead while in his identity (unaware that he was cloned by Project CadmusProject Cadmus
Project Cadmus is a fictional genetic engineering project in the DC Comics Universe. It was created by Jack Kirby as the DNA Project in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #133 , and was run by the former Newsboy Legion...
). He tries to reintroduce himself, who he believes is Jim Harper, only for the Guardian to intend to him that Jim Harper is dead. He then reminds Paul that they still have lives to save, and go their separate ways. When Paul goes to help the casualty, the Guardian is secretly congratulating Paul for the man he has become. Meanwhile, in the Lincoln's basement, Jimmy decides to go check up, until the foundation caves in on him while he climbs the stairs. Back in Metropolis, Paul and Nelson continue to aid in the rescue effort, and see the Anti-Monitor
Anti-Monitor
The Anti-Monitor is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain and the antagonist of the 1985 DC Comics miniseries Crisis on Infinite Earths. He first appeared in Crisis on Infinite Earths #2 , and was destroyed in Crisis on Infinite Earths #12, only to return after a long absence in Green...
for the first time, watching as all the heroes fly in his direction for a final showdown. The skies turn back to normal, signalling the end of the Crisis. Paul reunites with the rest of the family at the hospital where Jimmy was taken to, and learns that due to his friend's injuries that he will never walk again.
After a period of rebuilding, things return to normal, with Paul watching a news report on the formation of the Detroit-era Justice League an error, since they formed before the "Crisis on Infinite Earths", criticizing it for being a "third-string little league". For the first time in his life, he begins to question if the heroes know what they are doing, despite being reassured by Peggy. Paul and Nelson watch Gordon Godfrey, which Paul's dislike to Godfrey about the outlaw of any superheroes activity, citing that if it was not for the heroes, then the Crisis would have been the end of it all. Just as Nelson is about to make a point, the two get called to gear up, as the entire police force heads out to confront Brimstone just as he attacks Metropolis. Despite being nearly incinerated, Paul and Nelson are rescued in the nick of time by the JLA. The League makes a valiant effort against Brimstone; however, his power is too strong, and Paul and Nelson are awestruck when they witness it defeat the League with ease.
After Brimstone disappears, Jimmy and Paul witness a news report about an angry mob ganging up on Robin
Robin (comics)
Robin is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson, as a junior counterpart to DC Comics superhero Batman...
and nearly beating him to a pulp. Jimmy is touched by this, hoping that Robin does not end up like him, crippled and bitter. Paul convinces to reassure Jimmy that he will always be there for him, no matter what. Later, he learns of Brimstone's defeat by the Suicide Squad
Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squad, also known as Task Force X , is a name for two fictional organizations in the DC Comics Universe. The first version debuted in The Brave and the Bold #25 , and the second in Legends #3...
, now a team made up of both heroes and coerced villains. Around this time, the President outlaws superheroes appearing in public, and the JLA disbands. Subsequently, Paul hears Godfrey leading his followers at a rally in Washington, D.C. to overthrow the government, along with backup in the form of Apokoliptan
Apokolips
In the DC Comics fictional shared Universe, Apokolips is the planet ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series. It is also integral to many DC Comics stories. The planet is considered the opposite of New Genesis....
Warhounds and Parademons; however, he is thwarted by a group of heroes made up of Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate is the name of a succession of fictional sorcerers who appear in books published by DC Comics. The original version was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, and first appeared in More Fun Comics #55...
's invitation. They then decide to reform the Justice League, at Doctor Fate's invitation, something Paul sees as "legends reborn". Weeks after the event, Paul and Nelson are promoted to detective, but things turn grim when they see a news report on the Joker being confirmed to have shot and crippled Barbara Gordon
Batman: The Killing Joke
Batman: The Killing Joke is an influential one-shot superhero graphic novel written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland. First published by DC Comics in 1988, it has remained in print since then, and has also been reprinted as part of the trade paperback DC Universe: The Stories of Alan...
.
Issue 7: Doomsday!
Paul notes that tragedy once again "changed the rules of the game", as the loved ones of superheroes were now becoming prime targets in the wake of Barbara Gordon's ordeal with the Joker. He begins to wonder how, if his daughter Diana (now a teenager) was harmed by a criminal of any sort, he would not hesitate to kill him. Years later, he and Nelson are at Metropolis headquarters where they see a news report that BaneBane (comics)
Bane is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 , and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan. Bane has been one of Batman's more physically and intellectually powerful foes...
has broken Batman
Batman: Knightfall
"Knightfall" is the title given to a major Batman story arc published by DC Comics that dominated Batman-related serial comic books in the spring and summer of 1993...
and toss him over a roof. The chief warns them to be on the lookout for anything similar going on in Metropolis. At the same time, the alien monster known as Doomsday
Doomsday (comics)
Doomsday is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appears in Superman: The Man of Steel #18 , and was created by writer-artist Dan Jurgens. IGN's list of the Top 100 Comic Book Villains of All Time ranked Doomsday as #46...
emerges in the Midwest, where it quickly takes down the Justice League, until Superman arrives to help them. Meanwhile, Jimmy takes Peggy on a tour of S.T.A.R. Labs, where he notices her hand shaking and her pale complexions, suggesting that she and Paul see a doctor. In Gotham City
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
, the vigilante known as Azrael
Azrael (comics)
Azrael is the name of several fictional characters in the DC Comics universe. They are a group of assassins who were created by The Order of St. Dumas to "enforce god's will"...
has taken over as Batman and goes after Bane, first wearing the traditional Bat-suit with armorer gauntlets. Back in the Midwest, Superman catches up to Doomsday and thrown him a great distance, until Doomsday lands in the outskirts of Metropolis. In Gotham, Azrael engages Bane again, this time wearing his armor costume, and chases the strongman across the city until finally defeating him aboard an elevated train that crashes into an abandoned building, where he leaves Bane for the police.
At the Lincoln's house, Paul and Peggy call Diana into the living room to tell her something important. After visiting the doctor, it was revealed that Peggy has cancer. Peggy assures Diana, that since they think she caught it early, there will be a lot they can still do at this stage. Just then, Paul's phone goes off, and when he learns why he is needed he reluctantly heads over to downtown Metropolis to join the police force in confronting Doomsday while Superman's still fighting it. When Superman is stepped out of the way to move Lois Lane
Lois Lane
Lois Lane is a fictional character, the primary love interest of Superman in the comic books of DC Comics. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, she first appeared in Action Comics #1 ....
and Jimmy Olsen
Jimmy Olsen
Jimmy Olsen is a fictional character who appears mainly in DC Comics’ Superman stories. Olsen is a young photojournalist working for the Daily Planet. He is close friends with Lois Lane, Clark Kent/Superman and Perry White...
away from the fight, Paul and Nelson distract Doomsday by firing at him with their guns. Superman then speeds back to finish off Doomsday once and for all, until both fall, still and unmoving. The Justice League arrived too late just to realize that, and Paul tells of how everyone felt once they saw that Superman, has died "the most honourable, most decent of us all".
Issue 8: Parallel Lives!
After the death of SupermanThe Death of Superman
"The Death of Superman" is a 1992 comic book storyline that occurred in DC Comics' Superman titles. The completed multi-issue story arc was given the title The Death and Return of Superman....
, everyone in the world and Paul along with his fellow officers, are present at Superman's funeral. Meanwhile, Paul and his family learn from Peggy's doctor that Peggy has been responding well to all the treatments, and there may be a chance that she may recover from her cancer. Diana and Paul vow to support Peggy throughout this whole ordeal. Currently, in Gotham City, Batman is recovering and stops Azrael's brutality under his identity. In Metropolis, four individuals appear and claiming to be a reborn Superman: Superboy
Superboy (Kon-El)
Superboy is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe. A modern update of the original Superboy, who is a younger version of Superman, the character first appeared in Adventures of Superman #500 , and was created by writer Karl Kesel and artist Tom Grummett.Originally...
, Steel
Steel (comics)
Steel, in comics, may refer to one of several DC Comics characters:* Commander Steel, a World War II hero and his grandsons, also known as simply "Steel" and "Citizen Steel"....
, Cyborg Superman, and the Eradicator
Eradicator (comics)
The Eradicator is a fictional comic book superhero character having a recurring role in Superman stories published by DC Comics. Originally created as a weapon by an ancient alien race, he is over 200,000 years old and is considered an artifact of Krypton...
. Paul and Nelson are called over to S.T.A.R. Labs to investigate the theft of an extraterrestrial exo-suit. A theft discovered by Jimmy. Nelson believes that one of the four "Supermen" may be responsible.
Meanwhile, in Coast City
Coast City
Coast City is a fictional city created by John Broome and Gil Kane that appears in stories published by DC Comics. It is depicted most often as the home of the Silver Age version of the superhero Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.-Fictional history:...
, Mongul
Mongul
Mongul is the name of two fictional characters that appear in comic books published by DC Comics. The first version of the character debuted in DC Comics Presents #27 and was created by writer Len Wein and artist Jim Starlin. The second version first appears in Showcase '95 #85 and was created by...
's spaceship appears over the city. Eradicator tries to set out to destroy alien spheres from being deployed, when he is struck from behind by Cyborg Superman, who uses Eradicator's energy to trigger the spheres, causing a massive explosion that devastated Coast City and its entire population. The remaining spheres then begin construction of a new Warworld, with the ship, controlled by Mongul as its heart. Back in Metropolis, the heroes are witnessing the return of the true Superman, who along with Steel and Superboy are set out to destroy the Warworld and take down the Cyborg Superman and Mongul. Green Lantern has returns, intent on getting his revenge for Coast City's destruction. The Supermen, along with the revived Eradicator, confront Cyborg Superman, who inadvertently restores Superman to full power, whom he then defeats the Cyborg Superman.
A few days later, Paul, Peggy, and Jimmy attend Diana's high school graduation, and she tells them that she intends to go to medical school to become an oncologist, whom that she can help people like her mother. Meanwhile, Green Lantern is angered and attacks his own Green Lantern Corps
Green Lantern Corps
The Green Lantern Corps is the name of a fictional intergalactic military/police force appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They patrol the farthest reaches of the DC Universe at the behest of the Guardians, a race of immortals residing on the planet Oa...
and the Guardians of the Universe
Guardians of the Universe
The Guardians of the Universe, alternatively known as the Guardians or Oans are a fictional extraterrestrial race in the DC Comics universe. They first appeared in Green Lantern Vol. 2 #1 , and were created by John Broome and Gil Kane. Here they do not reveal their existence to Hal, bringing his...
after the loss of Coast City. After this, Green Lantern absorbs the Central Power Battery entirety of its power, which allowing him to become fully possessed and taking the name of Parallax
Parallax (comics)
Parallax is a fictional comic book supervillain in the DC Comics universe. Created by writer Ron Marz and artist Darryl Banks for Green Lantern vol...
.
Issue 9: Knight After Knight
Paul recalls on how calling those years a time of turmoil would be the understatement of the century. Despite the return of the true Superman and Batman, Green Lantern had gone rogue, leaving a path of destruction and death that could never be equaled, and then vanished for some time. Meanwhile, as Paul informs Nelson of news regarding Peggy's cancer being possibly cured, they witness the news report a battle between the new Green Lantern and Major ForceMajor Force
Major Force is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. He is a supervillain that first appeared in Captain Atom vol. 3, #12 .-Early life:...
on TV. Shortly after, a new bulletin comes out reporting of a spacecraft heading towards Metropolis harbor. Paul and Nelson head out with some of the police force, and get there just as the ship's pilot, a female alien named Dusk comes out. Gathering a large group of heroes together, she warns the arrival of the Sun-Eater
Sun-Eater
A Sun-Eater is a fictional, artificially created living weapon in the DC Comics universe. It has played an important role in various storylines.-History:...
, urging them to evacuate the planet as it about witness the "Final Night
Final Night
"The Final Night" was a 1996 comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self titled limited series and most of the comics published by DC Comics with a cover date of November 1996. It featured the main heroes of the DC Universe. At the end of each issue is an in-story text piece written by...
". The heroes vow to stop this from happening.
Paul and Peggy watch the eclipse from their home, as their daughter Diana drives up. Peggy states that if it really is the end of the world, then they will face it as a family. All three go inside, where Paul turns on the television to a news report about the Sun-Eater. The heroes are trying to find ways to destroy the Sun-Eater; however, Parallax volunteers and offering to help, explaining he is doing all he ever wanted to setting things right. When the Earth is saved by Parallax, he sacrifices his life to reignite the Sun using his power to absorb that of the entity. Afterward, Paul checks in on Jimmy, who is in rehab to get him walking again. The two of them talk about the missing exo-suit stolen from S.T.A.R. Labs, and Paul suspects him that they are still looking for it, despite the case being moved into the cold case files. During the events of Day of Judgment
Day of Judgment (comics)
Day of Judgment was a DC Comics limited series and crossover storyline during the autumn of 1999. The limited series was written by Geoff Johns, with art by Matthew Dow Smith....
, Paul and Nelson go to check out another lead on the exo-suit; however, they witness an invasion of demons from Hell, led by the Spectre who had been possessed by the renegade angel Asmodel
Asmodel
Asmodel is a fictional fallen angel, a comic book character published by DC Comics, his namesake deriving from the Asmodel of real Christian theology, the Angel of April and Patience. He first appeared in JLA #7, and was created by Grant Morrison and Howard Porter...
. Paul and Nelson calls for backup, and at the same time, the newly-reformed JLA and the Sentinels of Magic
Sentinels of Magic
The Sentinels of Magic is a fictional group of magically powered heroes that appear in comic books published by DC Comics. They first appeared in Day of Judgment #1 , and were created by Geoff Johns and Matthew Dow Smith.-History:...
arrive into the battle. The Sentinels of Magic open a portal to Heaven and come back with the soul of Green Lantern. He then leaps into the Spectre and drives Asmodel out, fully bonding with the Spectre. Green Lantern is vowing to change the direction of the Spectre's mission, from one of vengeance to one of redemption.
Issue 10: Truth and Consequences
Paul recounts how the headline following that incident may just be his favorite, due to the irony of how despite Metropolis experiencing an actual demonic attack, the newspapers claimed it was all a mass delusion. He calls it astonishing that people have the ability to convince themselves of something when they do not wish to face the truth. Paul says that it is just a matter of whether or not one believes in an afterlife. He cites his own uncertainty, though hoping there is one, so he can reunite with Peggy, who had succumbed to her cancer. Noticing the snow falling outside, he begins to recall the holiday season he spent with Peggy, Diana, who is now a practicing oncologist at Metropolis General, and Diana's boyfriend, Stanley Dover. Just as they are hanging the decorations on a Christmas tree, Diana gets called back to the hospital, saying she will be back as soon as she can. At the hospital, Diana meets with her patient, Dr. Jenet Klyburn from S.T.A.R. Labs, who immediately guess that her test results were positive: she has cancer, a diagnosis Diana was about to make. Diana affirms that they will be able to treat it, and assures her that they will do everything they can.Meanwhile, Paul hears a traffic death of Elongated Man
Elongated Man
The Elongated Man is a fictional comic book superhero in the DC universe. He is a reserve member of the Justice League. His first appearance was in The Flash vol. 1, #112...
's wife; Sue Dibny
Sue Dibny
Susan "Sue" Dearbon Dibny is a fictional character from DC Comics associated with the Elongated Man. Created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, the character first appeared in Flash vol. 1 #119...
, who is murdered. Later, Paul was second only to that of Superman's, with the only difference since, due to her humanity. She would not return just as easily. The entire superhuman community turns out, along with many ordinary people as well. Both had been touched in some ways by the Dibnys. Despite his fondness for the Elongated Man, Paul had his own troubles to deal with, once he and Peggy visit the doctor who confirms that her cancer worsening, and very aggressive. Because it is now in her bones and marrow, it is virtually untreatable, save for a few aggressive treatments. Peggy declines these, stating that that she will face it on her own terms, making what little time she has counted.
On the walk back from the hospital, Paul tries to maintain a positive attitude about the situation, with some difficulty. Peggy offers to buy one for Paul's collection; however, Paul sadly declines, saying that it is too painful for him at a time like this. Peggy convinces him that they will get through this. Paul reveals to this day that paper is the only hole in his collection. He then recounts how the superheroes community began a manhunt for Sue's killer. In the end, Paul and Nelson, while eating in a diner, learn that Jean Loring
Jean Loring
Jean Loring is a fictional character in comic books published by DC Comics, formerly associated with superhero the Atom for whom she was a supporting character and primary love interest. She first appeared in Showcase #34 , created by Gardner Fox and Gil Kane...
, ex-wife of the Atom, was the murderer, in an attempt to win back the Atom. While Nelson notes that at least Jean is sentenced to an insane Arkham Asylum
Arkham Asylum
The Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
, Paul adds that he feels apologizing for Elongated Man most of all. Paul then gets a phone call from Peggy, checking up on him. After hanging up, Nelson gets a call regarding the long-missing exo-suit, and the two head for Metropolis national bank.
Once there, they discover that the man who stole the exo-suit is using it to commit a robbery known as "Armory", until he is stopped by Superman, who also saves Paul and Nelson during the conflict. Superman strips the armor piece by piece off of Armory, leaving the criminal in custody by the two detectives. Later, while Paul is taking care of some paperwork at headquarters, he gets a call regarding Peggy's condition that sends him running straight to the hospital. Once there, he meets up with Diana, who informs him that Peggy took a turn for the worse. When Paul asks what she is doing for her, Diana lets him know that she is making her comfortable, which is all they can do. At her bedside, Peggy says her final goodbye to her husband and daughter, who have given her a wonderful life whom she has no regrets and then finally closes her eyes forever. Her funeral, Paul recalls were small and private, with only himself and his entire family in attendance. He did not invite many of her friends, wanting them to remember her as she had lived.
He takes the next month off from work to mourn, while at the same time, citizens are under control transformed into OMACs
OMACs
The OMACs are a fictional type of powerful cyborg that exist in the DC Comics universe...
. Following his mourning, Paul had returned to duty and is helping Nelson inspect a secured exo-suit in S.T.A.R. Labs, along with Dr. Klyburn and Jimmy; they had kept the added-on arsenal for future emergencies. Dr. Klyburn then tells Paul that she owes a huge debt of thanks to Diana for helping to put her own cancer in remission. Jimmy accepts Paul back and apologizing for being a suspect him of the theft of the exo-suit and which Jimmy says that he might have suspected himself as well. When the detectives are about to leave; however, Nelson is reveal to be one of the victims of the OMACs as he transforms and begins to destroy the facility. As the Nelson OMAC is attempting to kill Paul, it is shot in the back by a missile fired from Jimmy, who is using the exo-suit. Jimmy manages to finish off the OMAC, although not before Jimmy sustaining wounds and falls to the floor, while the fallen OMAC transforms back into Nelson. Paul rushes to Jimmy's side, assuring him that they will get help. A dying Jimmy reminds Paul that he always owed him for getting him paroled, and asks to tell his wife and son that he loves them. With his last breath, Jimmy says how good he felt to be able to walk again. Paul is greatly saddened and takes out his police badge as he decides to retire from the police force.
In the present, Paul reaches for his continued story article; however, he is stopped by a nurse, where he had been recounting his story the entire time. She tells him that it is time for him to go to sleep, to which he reluctantly agrees, despite him saying that there is more to tell. The nurse tells him that it is exactly the same story every night, and that she has heard it so much she knows it by heart. He claims it is true, to which she also agrees, if it is true as those told by the other residents. As the nurse tucks him in after he takes his pills, she reminds him of the visit by Diana and her family tomorrow. The nurse, on her way out, muses that at least he still has his dreams, to which Paul, drifting off to sleep, replies, "And what dreams they were, Peggy darling. What dreams they were....." Before Paul falls asleep, the scene pans to a clear plastic case bearing the original Atom's business card that Paul kept decades ago, with the note thanking Paul for saving his life.
Co-feature
Reflection, a reporter and a photographer are getting the story about Doctor FateDoctor Fate
Doctor Fate is the name of a succession of fictional sorcerers who appear in books published by DC Comics. The original version was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, and first appeared in More Fun Comics #55...
, the Spectre
Spectre (comics)
The Spectre is a fictional character and superhero who has appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in a next issue ad in More Fun Comics #51 and received his first story the following month, #52...
and Zatara
Zatara
Giovanni "John" Zatara is a fictional character in the DC Universe. He first appeared in Action Comics #1 , and was created by writer and artist Fred Guardineer. He is a stage magician who also practices actual magic...
, while trying to figure out whether magic are fact or fiction.
Reaction, the Dummy
Dummy (DC Comics)
Dummy is the name of two fictional supervillains in DC Comics. The first Dummy debuted in Leading Comics #1 .He is not to be confused with Scarface, the ventriloquist dummy/alter-ego operated by Arnold Wesker.-First Dummy:...
challenges the Seven Soldiers of Victory
Seven Soldiers of Victory
The Seven Soldiers of Victory is a fictional team of comic book superheroes in the DC Comics universe...
: Vigilante
Vigilante (comics)
Vigilante is the name used by several fictional characters appearing in DC Comics. The original character was one of the first DC Comics characters adapted for live-action film, beating Superman by one year.-Greg Saunders:...
, TNT
TNT (comics)
TNT is a DC Comics superhero from the 1940s. TNT and his side-kick Dan the Dyna-Mite were created by Mort Weisinger for DC Comics, and made their debut in Star-Spangled Comics #7...
and Dan the Dyna-Mite
Dan the Dyna-Mite
Dan the Dyna-Mite is a fictional character, a teen-aged superhero published by DC Comics. He was the young sidekick to the character TNT, and was created by Mort Weisinger and Hal Sharp in 1942. TNT and Dyna-Mite made their debut in World's Finest Comics # 5, and starred in Star-Spangled Comics #...
, Shining Knight
Shining Knight
Shining Knight is the name of three comic book superheroes that have appeared in books published by DC Comics. The original Shining Knight, Sir Justin, was created by Creig Flessel and first appeared in Adventure Comics #66 .-Sir Justin:...
, Stripesy and Star-Spangled Kid
Sylvester Pemberton
Sylvester Pemberton, alternately known as The Star-Spangled Kid and Skyman, is a fictional superhero in the DC Comics universe. Sylvester first appeared in Action Comics #40 and was created by Jerry Siegel and Hal Sherman....
, Crimson Avenger
Crimson Avenger (Lee Travis)
The Crimson Avenger is a masked crime fighter in the and the first to use the name "Crimson Avenger." He first appears in Detective Comics #20 and was created by Jim Chambers.-Fictional character biography:...
, and Wing.
Resurgence, the Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown
The Challengers of the Unknown is a group of fictional characters in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, or co-created with Dave Wood , this quartet of adventurers explored science fictional and apparent paranormal occurrences and faced fantastic menaces.Scripts for the first...
, Sea Devils
Sea Devils (comics)
The Sea Devils are a team of characters in comics published by DC Comics. They are a team of conventional adventurers, in undersea adventures. They were created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Russ Heath ....
, and Cave Carson
Cave Carson
Calvin "Cave" Carson is a fictional character that appeared in stories published by DC Comics. Carson, a spelunker, first appeared in Brave and the Bold #31 ; he was created by France Herron and Bruno Premiani.-Publication history:...
team-up against the Volcano Man.
Remembrance, Jeb Stuart of the Haunted Tank, the Losers, Gravedigger
Gravedigger (comics)
Gravedigger is a codename used by two fictional soldiers published by DC Comics. Captain Ulysses Hazard the first Gravedigger debuted in Men of War #1 , and was created by David Michelinie and Ed Davis. Tyson Sykes the second Gravedigger debuted in Checkmate vol...
, Mademoiselle Marie
Mademoiselle Marie
Mademoiselle Marie is the name of two fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics...
and possibly the Unknown Soldier attends a reunion in the 1970s where they celebrate the fallen soldier, Sgt. Rock, who had died in World War II.
Resistance, Adam Strange
Adam Strange
Adam Strange is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Mike Sekowsky, he first appeared in Showcase #17 .In May 2011, Adam Strange placed 97th on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time....
teams up with other space adventurer Tommy Tomorrow
Tommy Tomorrow
Tommy Tomorrow was a long-running science fiction hero published by DC Comics in several of their titles from 1947 to 1963. He first appeared in Real Fact Comics #6...
, Captain Comet
Captain Comet
Captain Comet is a fictional DC Comics superhero created by DC Comics Editor Julius Schwartz, writer John Broome, and artist Carmine Infantino....
, and Space Ranger
Space Ranger
Space Ranger is a science fiction hero who was published by DC Comics in several of their 1950s and 1960s anthology titles. He first appeared in Showcase #15 , and was created by writers Edmond Hamilton and Gardner Fox, and artist Bob Brown...
.
Revision, a young Clark Kent
Clark Kent
Clark Kent is a fictional character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Appearing regularly in stories published by DC Comics, he debuted in Action Comics #1 and serves as the civilian and secret identity of the superhero Superman....
is approached by the Legion of Super-Heroes
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
to join their team. However, Legions from multiple points further in the future arrive and asking Clark for their help. A fight breaks out as to which Legion receives Clark first. Clark rebukes the multiple Legions, returning his Legion flight ring noting that it means something special to each Legionnaire and to come back when they can tell him what that special thing is.
Reunion, the Atom helps Professor Hyatt with his invention, the time pool, and a mystery gold coin dating to the Arthurian period. The Atom enters the time pool where he witness the battle of King Arthur, Shining Knight
Shining Knight
Shining Knight is the name of three comic book superheroes that have appeared in books published by DC Comics. The original Shining Knight, Sir Justin, was created by Creig Flessel and first appeared in Adventure Comics #66 .-Sir Justin:...
, Silent Knight
Silent Knight
The Silent Knight is a fictional medieval hero appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #1 , and was created by Robert Kanigher and Irv Novick...
, Merlin
Merlin (DC Comics)
Merlin, is a fictional character, a comic book magician published by DC Comics. Myrddin debuted in New Comics #3, , and was created by Rafael Astarita...
, and Etrigan the Demon against Morgaine le Fey
Morgaine le Fey (DC Comics)
Morgaine le Fey is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. She debuted in The Demon vol. 1 #1, , and was created by Jack Kirby...
and her demonic knights.
Revelation, a dairy woman and others who had been kidnapped by the forces of Apokolips
Apokolips
In the DC Comics fictional shared Universe, Apokolips is the planet ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series. It is also integral to many DC Comics stories. The planet is considered the opposite of New Genesis....
are rescue by the New Genesis
New Genesis
New Genesis is a fictional planet in the . This planet, along with Apokolips, is speculated to be near the constellation Orion...
hero, Orion
Orion (comics)
Orion is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in New Gods #1 , and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby.-Jack Kirby Era:...
, whom he explains his story about the New Gods
New Gods
The New Gods are a fictional race appearing in publications by DC Comics, as well as the title for four series of comic books about those characters. They first appeared in New Gods #1 , and were created and designed by Jack Kirby....
.
Resurrection, the wizard Shazam tells the story of Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel (DC Comics)
Captain Marvel is a fictional comic book superhero, originally published by Fawcett Comics and later by DC Comics. Created in 1939 by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, the character first appeared in Whiz Comics #2...
, the Marvel Family
Marvel Family
The Marvel Family is a group of fictional characters, a team of superheroes in the Fawcett Comics and DC Comics universes. Created in 1942 by writer Otto Binder and Fawcett artists C. C...
, and Black Adam
Black Adam
Black Adam is a fictional comic book character, created in 1945 by Otto Binder & C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics. Originally created as a one-shot villain for Fawcett Comics' Marvel Family team of superheroes, Black Adam was revived as a recurring supervillain after DC Comics began publishing Captain...
.
Redemption, the legacy of the Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle (Ted Kord)
Blue Beetle is the second Blue Beetle, a superhero who was originally published by Charlton Comics and later picked up by DC Comics...
in his last moments before his death in Countdown to Infinite Crisis
Countdown to Infinite Crisis
DC Countdown, commonly referred to as Countdown to Infinite Crisis, is a one-shot publication and the official start of the Infinite Crisis storyline. It was released 30 March 2005, sold out, and quickly went to a second printing. When this comic was first published, the cover showed Batman holding...
.