SUPERMAN versus FLASH
Fast Friends (DC)
Where: Flash #209 When: June 2004
Why: Geoff Johns How: Howard Porter

The Story So Far...
When Barry Allen sacrificed himself to save the universe from the machinations of the Anti-Monitor, he was survived by his speedster nephew, Wally West. The then Kid Flash in turn adopted the heroic mantle of the scarlet speedster, the Flash, becoming a public icon of justice in Central City!

Having taken up residence in Keystone City; West is made to regret his unusually public identity when Hunter Zolomon, (Zoom), attacks his wife Linda, causing her to miscarriage their unborn twins.

Grief stricken, West accepts an offer from Hal Jordan, host for the omnipotent entity of vengeance, the Spectre. Jordan, on a mission of redemption, offers his friend in life the opportunity to erase all knowledge of his identity, thus curtailing future retribution from his enemies. The influence of the Spectre, however, erases knowledge of Flash's true identity en masse to include, clues of the Flash legacy, and even West's own alter-ego from himself!

It is not until the Batman deduces the identity of the absent Flash that the truth is once again revealed, but the mystery remains for the Justice League, whose altered memories can no longer pay tribute to the sacrifice of the previous Flash, Barry Allen, and are no longer certain of the fibre of their speedster ally.

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Superman 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Superman 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Flash 7 (Lightspeed)
Stamina: Superman 6 (Generator)
Agility: Draw 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting Ability: Draw 3 (Street Wise)
Energy Power: Superman 5 (Lasers)


- With the planet Krypton on a path toward destruction, a scientist, Jor-El, bundles his only son into a rocket ship designed to take him far from the impending doom. The young Kal-El would be rocketted far from his home to come to land on the planet Earth, where a yellow sun would grant him the powers to become the man of steel - Superman!

A spiritual leader for the superhero community; Superman has a wide array of physical capabilities to back his presence up, the stalwarts being; super strength, flight, heat-vision, super breath, and super speed. He also has a keen intellect, his Kryptonian brain enhanced in much the way his body is.

A keen strategist, Superman has a broad understanding of sciences and battle tactics, but is often hindered by his own sense of caution and responsibility.

- During a fateful visit to his criminologist uncle's police laboratory; a bizarre series of events that once conspired to give Barry Allen the powers of a speeding Flash were to bestow a gift upon the young Wally West! Doused in the same chemicals as his uncle, Wally too was given the ability to tap into the properties of the speed force to move at fantastic speeds!

When Allen gave his life to thwart the Anti-Monitor's plans to destroy the universe; West chose to honor his mentor by retiring his role as Kid Flash, to succeed his uncle as The Flash! In doing so, the new Flash inhereted not only the public responsibility of protecting Central City, but also upholding the ideals of his predecessor. To this end, Wally West has been very successful!

Along with the inherent ability to move at great speeds; West can utilize his abilities to manipulate his molecules to pass through solid objects, harness and channel velocity, and even travel through time with the right peripheral.

Math: Superman Ranking: Superman (#4)

What Went Down...
An emergency League meeting gathers the presence of; Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Elongated Man, Zatanna, Firestorm, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Hawkman, and Atom; each asking the same question -- who is the Flash, and why can't they remember him?

The League offer their friend the benefit of the doubt, hoping to give him the chance to reveal the truth himself, but preoccupied by the disappearance of his wife, the Flash proves unwilling to stand and talk. At super speeds he escapes to the JLA Watchtower teleport system, which zips him to New York, where he intends to begin the search for his absent wife.

Intent on getting answers, it's not long before Superman reaches New York under his own power, catching up with the scarlet speedster with a firm, but understanding approach. The Flash remains uncooperative.

Harnessing the powers of the speed force, Flash bursts into a sprint that leaves a red blur marking his path. Superman's mighty muscles manage to propel him right behind the scarlet speedster, but he lacks the inherent abilities that allow Flash total manipulation over speed. He considers funneling Superman's kinetic energy into himself, but fears the destruction his invincible body would cause if his momentum was stripped as they zip across a busy bridge.

Flash continues to evade Superman, heading for a penthouse owned by his in-laws, bought with the fortune the Parks made from investing in KORD Industries.
With no sign of family, Flash heads to the countryside, redirecting his attentions to losing Superman, which he assumes he'll do across the Rockies. He's wrong.

As the pair skim across the surface of the Pacific Ocean, the airborne Superman tries to use a focused beam of heat vision to tag the Flash into slowing. Though a sound strategy, the Flash easily outruns the blast.

The duelling runners blur colours along the coastal vista of the Parks' Californian condo, where the in-laws are sitting down to a home cooked Korean meal.
Linda proves absent, sending the highspeed chase into international waters!

Superman begins deducing the cause for Flash's silent determination, slowly recalling the details of Flash's relationship with the Asian-American TV reporter. The revelation seems to slow Wally West for just a moment, but he vibrates free of Superman's grip, leading the charge across Russia, France, and back to the open sea.

Wally West looks deep inside himself and recalls the many times Linda Park has been his "lightning rod." The object of clarity that pulls him from the void. He reaches deep into his heart and believes she's waiting at home. He feels she just wants to talk about the shock of his newly secret identity. He feels it and with the burst of a second-wind, accelerates into a homeward bound supersonic boom!

Wally powers through Keystone City, blazing a trail toward his apartment!
Superman finds himself left in the crackling energy and dust of Flash's charge, but when the speeding hero comes to a halt, he finds only the deafening silence of an empty home. Finally, Flash stops running, and with Superman arriving close behind, he pulls back his crimson cowl, so that the truth can flood back into the Man of Steel's mind.

The Hammer...
Under ordinary Infinite Wars conditions this 'battle' would probably have been called a draw. Yes, there's some level of physical altercation, but ultimately, the conflict is resolved through non-violent means. However, in the interest of the Olympic spirit, we make another concession to declare Flash the winner!

And the winner Flash certainly was in a period of reinvigoration under the direction of Geoff Johns. This issue marks yet another tidy example of Johns' capacity for writing stories that draw heavily upon surrounding context, but do so with a new-reader friendly approach. If it were a more recent issue, I'd almost certainly recommend it to anyone enticed to jump into the Flash, because it not only recaps elements close to the character, but also reflects upon his position within the Justice League. A position very different to that of the cartoons, which recast the Flash as a less ponderous, comedy relief character.

The post-Johns period saw an eventual decline in quality that pretty much wrote the character off for the bulk of 2007 and 2008. The epitomy of this bungling was two seperate short-lived relaunches of the title, one as Fastest Man Alive which featured the ill fated career of Bart Allen as Flash, and All-Flash which stuttered the welcome return of Wally West and resumed numbering (200's).

One wonders if situations like these led DC Executive Editor, Dan DiDio, to admit, in a recent interview, that constant reboots of characters was counter-productive and only alienating longterm fans.
Such an interpretation would go in the face of unconvincing claims that Bart Allen's tenure as titular star, (under the TV-Flash writing team of Danny Bilson & Paul DeMeo), was a planned investment to ruse fans into shock upon his death.

Regardless of post-Infinite Crisis ,it appears Flash will once again enter the race, leaving behind the shock combustion of Mark Waid's unsuccesful return home.
While the solo series meanders it's way through the quagmire of life with two freakish kids, Geoff Johns returns for the Final Crisis tie-in, Rogues Revenge.

The three-issue mini repairs Johns with former cohort, Scott Kolins, and appears to connect to his upcoming Flash: Rebirth, which is said to reintroduce Barry Allen into contemporary continuity and do for the Flash family what Green Lantern: Rebirth did for the Corps! Big claims, but if anyone can live up to them, it seems it's Geoff Johns!

The master isn't without challenge, however.
Hal Jordan's much maligned death was seen to be the result of severe creative mismanagement, making his return a welcome one in the 2004 mini.
Barry Allen's death, as a result of DC's seminal crisis; Crisis on Infinite Earths; was much less insulting. It put to bed a much-loved character with tremendous respect and heroic sacrifice setting the standard for a worthwhile superhero death for two decades, while also launching the legacy of Wally West's legend!

Reversing this has the potential to have the very reverse effect of constant reiminaginings of characters. Fans have already shown tremendous tolerance for treading on sacred ground, in particular the 2005 faux-resurrections of Jason Todd and Bucky Barnes.

We mustn't count our Flashes before they race! There's still plenty of mystery yet to be revealed, with the matter of Black Lanterns and New Gods still to be resolved! We will, of course, continue to watch on with great interest!

The Fight: 3 The Issue: 5

Are you watching with great interest?
Fancy seeing more first-hand? By using TPB and collection purchase links provided, you not only get a chance to glimpse the many races between Flash and Superman up close, but also help sponsor future entries in the Infinite Wars! Not enough for you? Be sure to stop-in with the Amazonian Gift Shoppe and survey even more titles on offer featuring issues collected from previous reviews!

QUICKFIX: WONDER MAN vs USAGENT
Don't You Daaare Miss It! (Marvel)
Where: West Coast Avengers Annual #5 When: 1990 Why: Dwayne McDuffie How: Grant Miehm

THE TAPE...
Strength: Wonder Man 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: USAgent 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Wonder Man 3 (Athle)
Stamina: Wonder Man 5 (Marathon)
Agility: Draw 2 (Average)
Fighting: USAgent 4 (Trained)
Energy: USAgent 2 (Projectile)

Math: Wonder Man
Ranking: USAgent (#73)

THE FIX...
Here on the Infinite Wars we have a pretty strict format policy.
Sure, expanded content has managed to dwarf the classic battle blogging, but when it comes to contributions to our cumulative win/loss statistics it all boils down to combat - until now!

Tomorrow marks the official opening ceremony for the Olympic Games [wink wink] in Beijing, but we thought we'd get in early with a little bit of friendly competition amongst the Avengers. More specifically, a weightlifting challenge waged by the USAgent, who, at least according to Hawkeye, is going for some kind of record.

With month-long themes that have engulfed the Infinite Wars of late, this marks yet another opportunity for us to take a closer look at the grand tradition of the short story in superhero comics.
Earlier in the year, during one of those very montly spotlights, we took a look at the Iron Man annual [#11] from the same year as this entry's (1990). It was to our surprise and pleasure that we received contact from the author of that particular short, who, as it turned out, was not an aspiring comic book professional, but rather a Jill of many trades who came to the rescue of an Editor in need! [Those interested in Carrie Lowery's experience can learn more from her blog: My Cool Job!]

Short stories like these really provide a unique perspective of the American comic book experience, and for a blog like ours, provides endless objet d'art!

This short, which ultimately sees USAgen'ts record attempts thwarted by a well meaning, but completely oblivious, Wonder Man, provides valuable curio. Sure, aside from being a minor contribution to USAgent's exploits as the teeth-grinding straight man of the West Coast Avengers; it's also one of the early works of a writer many will now know as the man behind headline titles like Fantastic Four and Justice League of America - Dwayne McDuffie!

Among McDuffie's most significant contributions was his immediate impact at Marvel with the creation of Damage Control. Pitched as a Marvel Universe sitcom, the series detailed the exploits of a superhero insurance/construction agency which, with much bumbling, helped rebuild oft destroyed locales like Josie's Bar, which was destroyed during a scuffle between Daredevil and Turk, in Damage Control's 1989 pre-series debut [Marvel Comics Presents #19].

Despite fading into obscurity, Damage Control has been a lasting concept in the Marvel Universe. Most recently they played a conspiratory role in Civil War, revealing corruption that had newly appointed CEO, Walter Declun, providing Mutant Growth Hormones in an effort to drum up business. To this end, he was ultimately responsible for the Stamford tragedy that begun the conflict, having provided MGH to enhance the powers of Nitro, who exploded beyond his means in battle with the New Warriors.
After Wolverine weeded out the corruption, the group resumed their super-logical function by rebuilding New York after it was destroyed by World War Hulk.

The legacy of Damage Control continued into the Ultimate Universe, where Brian Michael Bendis used the concept to introduce a benevolent incarnation of the Wrecking Crew, who act as superpowered employees of the agency.

Dwayne McDuffie Buys:
- Icon: A Hero's Welcome
- Civil War: Fantastic Four
- WWH: Damage Control
- JLA: The Injustice League
- JLA: Sanctuary
- Beyond!
- F4: The Beginning of the End
- Static Shock: Vol. 1 DVD
- Justice League: Season 1
- Justice League: Season 2
- JLU: Season 1
- JLU: Season 2McDuffie is also noteworthy for his role as writer/producer on a string of WB/DC animated series that include; Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, Teen Titans, and the popular animated adaptation of his own 1993 comic creation, Static Shock.
In this instance, however, way back in 1990, Dwayne McDuffie was the writer of Don't You Daaare Miss It!; the story of Wonder Man stealing USAgent's thunder! Oh, yeah, and all hell breaking loose as the Avengers find themselves beseiged by rampaging, animated monster trucks -- but that's a battle for another day!

The Fight: 0 The Story: 3
Winner: Wonder Man

An interesting bonus footnote: This issue of the West Coast Avengers Annual also includes another back-up short written by Carrie Lowery, this time detailing the caper of a misplaced miniature by Hank Pym. Unfortunately, the high quality tale doesn't feature combat, so it's unlikely to feature on the Infinite Wars, but is well worth checking out! "Honey, I shrunk the Hyperatomic Anti-Proton Cannon!" is only available in this issue, so keep an eye out in back issue bins, folks!

---

Stay tuned for even more features as we celebrate the diverse possibilities of a world of superheroes, and the competition of the Beijing Olympics! Coming up is our own take on an Infinite Wars Olympics, plus; the ultimate race, and statistical gold! Vote in the polls (top right)!

IN STORES: AUGUST 06, 2008
You can probably find complete shipping list updates on most major comics sites. Consider this an opportunity to either do all your info-shopping in the one place, or get a speculative perspective on what might be worth checking out. These are untested reads. Secret Wars on Infinite Earths can offer no guarantee or endorsement of quality. These are simply titles that may be of potential interest. Some items may ship late.

The Infinite Wars now has a gift shop!
Now you'll find Amazon purchase links to hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and other collections, not only on regular entries -- but also new releases at the bottom of the Shipping List, and now a whole catalogue of potential purchases via the Infinite Wars: Amazonian Gift Shop. [Men are also welcome!] By shopping with Amazon via our purchase links, you not only find yourself a great deal, but also sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars.

READ THE PREVIEW - VISIT THE SITE - BUY THE COMIC
Thin and Crispy...
JUN082317 AVENGERS INVADERS #4 (OF 12) $2.99
JUN080270 AUTHORITY #1 $2.99
JUN083804 BOYS #21 (MR) $2.99
JUN082373 FRANKLIN RICHARDS SUMMER SMACKDOWN $3.99
JUN080187 HAWKMAN SPECIAL #1 $3.50
APR082275 IRON MAN VIVA LAS VEGAS #2 (OF 4) $3.99
APR082198 JACK STAFF #18 $3.50
JUN082312 KING SIZE SPIDER-MAN SUMMER SPECIAL $4.99
JUN080230 MANHUNTER #33 $2.99
JUN080206 NIGHTWING #147 RIP $2.99
JUN082379 PATSY WALKER HELLCAT #2 (OF 5) $2.99
JUN082380 PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #22 $2.99
AUG072031 SPECIAL FORCES #3 (OF 6) $2.99
JUN082303 ULTIMATE ORIGINS #3 (OF 5) $2.99
JUN080306 VINYL UNDERGROUND #11 (MR) $2.99

The Deep Dish...
- JUN080202 DETECTIVE COMICS #847 RIP $2.99
I'm more interested in the Detective story than Morrison's RIP. Does that make me bad person?
As disappointing as the conclusion to Jeph Loeb's year-long mystery was, I actually have a strange fondness for the Hush character. Undoubtedly a character in need of development, I hope Paul Dini will be the man to endear the character to other Bat-fans. Alas; with Battle for the Cowl looming, I imagine it'll be another unfortunately abbreviated attempt to build the character's credibility. At the very least, I hope we can get a decent shot of Catwoman, who will now be sorely without her own title. With Dan DiDio recently confessing to the counter-productive nature of title reboots, one wonders if this might be rectified with long lasting dedication.

- MAY080145 FINAL CRISIS #3 (OF 7) $3.99
Things don't look so good for Wonder Woman!
Not nearly as confusing or mind-bending as some particularly American readers might lead you to believe! Final Crisis, as a major event in the DCU, has been surprisingly subdued thus far, but as the heroes find themselves targetted and knocked-off by the baddies, my expectations continue to grow. Could this possibly be the mass elevation of DC's lead heroes to New Godhood, or will the status quo somehow remain intact after Morrison's Darkside Club rips through it?

- MAY082275 HULK #5 $2.99
Thor missed WWH. He's making up for lost time!
The under performing Norse god of thunder joins Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness' duplo proportioned bash-up that continues to linger on the mystery of the titular character's identity. As mindlessly fun as the [sorely absent from the site] punch-up might be, one wonders if this is a step down from the vaguely introspective efforts of WWH. It's a welcome change of pace for Thor, who's tragically bogged down in his own slow moving rebirth, but surely there's a better balance somewhere in between!

- MAY080178 ROBIN #176 RIP $2.99
Batman's missing and Tim Drake's got to take the mantle!
Another surprisingly effective RIP teaser that really isn't giving any clues to the true fate of the Dark Knight, nor the likelihood of his successor! Definitely worth a look, Bat-fans!

- JUN080175 TRINITY #10 $2.99
Crime Syndicate has a much better ring to it than some monster whose name I don't know. Still, Trinity fails to impress from afar, proving to be considerably less enticing than I personally found Countdown to be! If only this were a weekly title introducing a fresh take on an old idea, instead of what feels like stale bread from the mid-nineties...

- JUN082309 VENOM DARK ORIGIN #1 (OF 5) $2.99
Continuing the theme of Brand New Day; Marvel pitch a new Spider-man story that needlessly revisits the past! A little clue for the kids who somehow think the cast of Maximum Carnage are importa t: they aren't! Shockingly enough, it looks like BND might have the more significant Venom story on the way...


Know Your Trade...
APR080228 COUNTDOWN ARENA TP $17.99
JUN082447 ESSENTIAL MAN-THING TP VOL 02 $16.99
FEB080079 GRENDEL GOD & THE DEVIL TP $29.95
APR080062 MASK OMNIBUS TP VOL 01 $24.95
MAY082360 PUNISHER PREM HC WELCOME BACK FRANK $24.99
MAR080032 USAGI YOJIMBO LTD ED HC VOL 22 TOMOES STORY $59.95

EYE ON: JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL!
JLI? Smells more like a repackaged America, to me!
What would happen if the League really went global?

With the Olympic Games kicking off this month, we thought it might be appropriate to reevaluate the notion of the Justice League as international peace keepers!

In the late eighties the League did indeed branch out into several intercontinental franchises. The best regarded among these was the brand spearheaded by Keith Giffen, JM DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire, which eventually came to be consolidated under Justice League International.

While the teams undeniably boasted a greater quota of internationally derived characters, this diversity was ultimately swallowed by the importance of American pie stalwarts still remembered for the series: Batman, Flash, Guy Gardner, Elongated Man, Captain Atom, Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, and Martian Manhunter.

Perhaps more successful at capturing the international design was the Global Guardians. Inspired by diversity introduced in the Super Friends cartoon, and built with characters who featured in the subsequent comic spin-off, the Guardians boasted characters from Africa, Australia, Greece, England, Japan, and several other nations from around the world. These obscure characters failed, of course, to garner much attention, best noted in many cases for much later appearances.

I can't pretend to be reinventing the wheel, here.
Grant Morrison is a name many will now associate with the Global Guardian properties thanks to works like; JLA, Seven Soldiers, and Final Crisis. The Scot, perhaps because of his own origins abroad, has been vital to reimagining these characters as truly viable properties that help support the makeup of the DCU.
It's difficult to escape Morrison's shadow, in this respect.

By dwelling on the realism of touchstones provided by New York City, Marvel's comics have often garnered attention as the 'relatable' brand for common readers. This focus on regions familiar to the creators, however, has created an extremely wide realm of oversight for the DCU to capitalize upon - done so quite succesfully with titles like Checkmate. So far is Morrison's reach that it even touches this series which delivers contemporary reference to the world fabric of the DCU. It draws upon concepts introduced in 52; most recently the prominent inclusion of one of China's super powered heroes, August General in Iron.

Checkmate dwells largely on the soft-political intrigue of this UN-funded world organization. Shared between superheroes and world intelligence agencies; the Rucka-reinvented Checkmate has successfully carved a niche built on tight character drama, interspersed with rollicking action. It's a well conceived, (if still very American), look at an agency built around concepts of international justice.

For our version of the JLI, I wanted to mindful of potential overlap.
I, of course, feel there's a strong need for a team of international heroes, but in a world where Checkmate operates with many allies of the League, it's important that there be differentiation. Checkmate's strict adherence to certain protocols, along with it's slavish reliance upon the influences of world powers, makes seperating the two teams a fairly simple feat.

Like the well known JLA; this is about conceiving superhuman justice that exists outside the constraints of the law. This is a team carefully designed to apply the same concessions afforded by the JLA - a team not usually officially affiliated with government agencies, despite exibiting the luxury of that degree of trust - to a global stage. In accordance with this ideal a diverse selection of world heroes is required, not only to garner the assurances of suspicious world powers, but to represent concerns broader than that of the conventional League.

Asthetically I would like to overcome the obscurity of some of these characters to build a team that suggests a high level of competence. Obligatory archetypes are overlooked in favour of wide representation and experience that makes them quality players on the world stage. This, of course, is an emotionless process that quickly presents a range of personalities that themselves drive the drama of any would-be JLI series.

I have to admit: We're kinda doing this on the fly, which has made compiling a list with careful consideration difficult. If you'd like something more thorough, you might like to think about commissioning some work, otherwise, feel free to post your own ideal international League or the names you feel were overlooked.
At it's heart this is a broad idea ready-made with backdoors and plug-in ports for expanded concepts. It's the big and bold fun of superheroes, with a hint of naive resolve for certain politically motivated narratives.

Wonder Woman (Diana)
Alternate Affiliations: [Justice League America]
Year One: [1941] Nation of Origin: [Themyscira]
Win Percentage: [42.86%] Cumulative Rank: [#42]

Credentials:
If you've been a long time Infinite Wars reader, you'll probably see some of these choices coming. Following up on ideas discussed previously on the site [Wander Woman]; Wonder Woman steps up to lead my team of International heroes across boundaries and dimensions.

Wonder Woman is a Jill of many trades - so much so, it's almost hard to argue against making her team leader. Her time as a diplomat is vital to maintaining goodwill during the JLI's operations across borders. Wonder Woman's smart enough to know that, while her team willfully exists outside of the law, co-operation and agreement are only going to make their efforts more effective.
However, when bureaucracy and corruption stand in the way of justice, her unwavering dedication and warrior instincts will ensure the team does what's necessary to serve the greater good.

Her brief career in espionage lends a tactical maneuverability that compliments her diplomatic negotiations. Her leadership positions the team to meet threats with the proactive force of an Amazonian superhero strikeforce, or the silent military precision of an intelligence agency. Her broad acquaintance as one of the DCU's tentpole icons rounds out the ability to manage execution of these strategums, including utilizing those recruited into regular membership.

As a member of the trinity, Wonder Woman is vital to maintaining a familiar facade that maintains trust in the public eye. Though related closely with the United States, the star-spangled warrior princess remains removed enough that she can operate in ways other Leaguers never could, also conversing privately with Batman and Superman to assure those within the superhero community.

Rounding out Wonder Woman's contributions to the team is her physical prowess. Comparable to Superman, she more than fills the position regularly held by the Man of Steel with American incarnations of the Justice League. She leads the JLI from the front, providing brains and brawn in their pursuit of justice.

World matters:
Recent indiscretions including the Amazon attack and her public execution of Maxwell Lord mean Wonder Woman will have her political opposition. As a darling of the Justice League, and as one of the most prominent heroes in the world, it's fair to say Wonder Woman can bounce back from this fairly quickly, if she hasn't already. For the Amazon, balancing this harsh justice with public expectation is a crucial role as team leader.

This relates to the influences of characters like Batman or Superman, who might not have the trust of other world powers. Batman in particular would prove an unpopular constituent within the team, forcing his role into a relegated advisory position (although, other characters may be inclined to relay information).

Wonder Woman naturally seperates from her trinity counterparts in the formation of this team on principles of justice, also. Despite her diplomacy, a key component to the foundation of Wonder Woman's team would be a sympathy for world affairs, and a pro-active stance on delivering justice. This would continue themes of a strained respect privately held amongst the trinity.

Aquaman (Orin)
Alternate Affiliations: [Justice League America]
Year One: [1941] Nation of Origin: [Atlantis]
Win Percentage: [75%] Cumulative Rank: [#40]

Credentials:
I'm kinda breaking a personal rule here, because those playing along at home will know the classic Aquaman is actually dead. I'd use the JLA: Classified defense, but I'm so carried away with the JLI idea that I'm not sure I could handle squeezing it into a finite, ineffectual series.

The inclusion of Wonder Woman and Aquaman is two-fold: On the one hand; they are seasoned veterans of the Justice League that lend a sense of experience (and familiarity) to both the world of the DCU, and the readers of the comics.
Likewise, whilst benefitting the team with their presence, they also have the opportunity to elevate reputation above the secondary status held to other characters. Aquaman in particular is a brand seemingly perpetually in need of revamp, and as a supporting character, and second-in-command, I'd like to think this is a strong place to start.

Aquaman represents a seasoned competence on this team similar to Wonder Woman, providing strong connections to other parts of the world in a way not often emphasised of his Atlantean removal from America.
He has a similarly commanding regality, sense of harsh justice, and motivation to pursue personal goals, particularly ever present environmental issues.

World matters:
Obviously if this were Orin there'd be matters of his return from the dead and regression from the transformation he underwent when becoming The Dweller of the Depths.
As much as I hate to discount the value of death, the return of Orin does offer the opportunity to focus this Aquaman's attentions more intently on JLI activities, whilst leaving his successor to maintain the specific interests of Atlantis.

That's not to say Aquaman would not bring Atlantean issues with him.
With world affairs providing inspiration for fictionalized undertakings by the team, Aquaman would have particular stake in the continued illegal whaling in the Pacific and Antarctic oceans.

The Knight (Cyril Sheldrake)
Alternate Affiliations: [Ultramarine Corps]
Year One: [1950] Nation of Origin: [England]
Win Percentage: [0%] Cumulative Rank: [#495]

Credentials:
Aquaman and Wonder Woman are here for experience and custodian responsibilities to the Justice League brand. As much as they can be characterized as foreign entities, they hold a very close relationship with the United States, so here is where you get more of the required international flair.

Batman -- lynchpin of the DCU -- is the obvious starting point for any kind of team. The simple fact, however, is that his clandestine and paranoid operations are not palatable to nations who would be concerned about US nationalist motivations, and would rather know their 'enemy' a little closer.
The Knight might not be any more transparent than the hero who inspired him, but the perceived threat of the second-generation Brit hero is far less.

The Knight gets an opportunity to play a developed senior role with the JLI, more so than brief appearances with Morrison's slightly green Ultramarine Corps. While important to maintain a sense of individuality, the Knight does essentially fullfil the Batman role within the team, perhaps even liaising with the Dark Knight in secret, a potential point of conflict for less trusting members of the team.

World matters:
The Knight's association with the Ultramarine Corps brings with it certain world baggage, not the least of which was their formation of an independent nation called Superbia! The very public destruction of this hi-tech floating city, which crashed into Congo as a result of Gorilla Grodd and Nebula Man, is sure to have caused some international concern.

It might be a perceived benevolence of the United Kingdom that helps smooth out the Knight's membership with the team, but an underlying strain of tension would no doubt characterize the JLI's standing in the public eye. The Knight's tactical strengths as a surrogate Batman make him an ideal member for the more secretive missions undertaken by the team.

Though not immediately connected to any ideal or issue, the Knight provides a touchstone for events pertinent to the UK.
As a hero, he observes his teammates with a hint of hoping cynicism, concerned that one of their key roles in the near future may be dealing with a world that witnesses the fall of America as an empire.

Rocket Red
Alternate Affiliations: [Rocket Red Brigade]
Year One: [NA] Nation of Origin: [Russia]
Win Percentage: [NA] Cumulative Rank: [NA]

Credentials:
In a sense, the asthetic of the JLI is more of a superheroing council, than a strictly reactionary presence more conventionally associated with the team. The majority of it's membership should have a stature that elevates them above the foot soldier capacity, providing more of an informative role with expertise in their respective areas and corners of the globe.

It seems necessary to include certain familiar world powers in a concept like this, and Russia is obviously right there among them. Case-in-point: After several events renewed the presence of the Brigade in the DCU; Captain Maks Chazov - current Rocket Red #1 - was inducted as a field operative of Checkmate.
Hindering the Green Lantern's operations within Russian borders was just one of those recent events, harkening to potential tensions within the JLI collective.

With a good many memorable Rocket Red members deceased a new member of the Brigade seems like the most obvious option for the JLI. This relationship may, however, be destined to dissolve, harkening to the potential tensions signified by certain memberships. The Rocket Red's loyalty to Russia might clash with the sometimes manipulative operations of the League, forcing a more suitable freeagent to be found to represent the Soviet interest.

World matters:
There's a strong tradition of calling upon long forgotten affairs to fuel the fictional fires of comics worlds. While tensions between Russia and Georgia might influence interactions within the group, there also remains lingering Cold War references that might also continue to fuel mistrust and paranoia.
The movements of the Rocket Red would likely be a subject of particular interest that Batman might probe The Knight for, unlikely to be able to extract intelligence from Wonder Woman during their encounters.

A Rocket Red member is potentially a vital component to operating with diplomatic freedom within Russian borders. Depending on the development of the character's sensibility, this might even be a potential exploit for the team. There does, however, remain the initial potential for frustration as the Rocket Red continues to regard mother Russia with higher priority than world affairs.

August General in Iron (Fang Zhifu)
Alternate Affiliations: [Checkmate]
Year One: [2006] Nation of Origin: [China]
Win Percentage: [NA] Cumulative Rank: [NA]

Credentials:
As characters in American comic books, we have to admit, despite any international awareness, this remains a concept with a decidedly Western reference base. If the tensions of a Russian member were something to be noted, then no doubt poaching a Chinese member from Checkmate would be a stir.

August General in Iron represents an opportunity for Chinese influence on the team, highlighting a particular brand of suspicion. Like the Rocket Red member, this would be a character attached to long strings of bureaurocracy, influencing the movements of the team which might include presenting a more positive facade to the rest of the world.

World matters:
The popular subject of Chinese espionage and control over media means the free roaming activities of the JLI provide a far greater opportunity to control and influence opinions than from within Checkmate. In some ways it makes a lot of sense for August General in Iron to plant himself within a superhero team, rather than an organization so specifically controlled by an international forum.

Concerns surrounding Tibetan Indepdence would no doubt be a hotbed of tension within the team, particularly given the nature of the group as a force inserting it's will into volatile situations unattended by law enforcement. Internal conflict a-go-go as members debate the necessity of the team's influence in African genocide, Japanese whaling, and other affairs, versus liberating Tibet.

Bane
Alternate Affiliations: [Secret Six]
Year One: [1993] Nation of Origin: [Santa Prisca]
Win Percentage: [0%] Cumulative Rank: [#542]

Credentials:
A recent stay with the Society of Supervillains really undermined Bane's credibility as a reformed criminal, but one is almost inclined to put this down to unfortunately inconsistent characterization, rather than a condemnation of character. It wasn't so long ago he was accepting funding from Bruce Wayne, who helped Bane trace his birth father to the Himalayas.

To the delight of the Infinite Wars; Bane showed political motivations during a stay in his native Santa Prisca, where he intervened in election frauds to supress the influence of militia [Checkmate #12]. It's here that we pick up the villain who briefly held membership with the Suicide Squad, and is again to resume activites, this time as a member of the pseudo-villainous, Secret Six.

World matters:
Would-be critics of the JLI wouldn't have to work hard to hone in on the team for harboring a known criminal. Of all the members associated with shady periods, Bane's is the most prominent, even if many of his wars with the Batman remain unknown to public organizations.

Physically imposing, tactically brilliant, and dedicated to ideals, Bane is a fair representative of the team, even if his influence is hampered by the presence of other powerful characters. This in itself could potentially push the character away, who is mostly here to represent South American interests. Resistance to formal affiliation with Checkmate prevents Fire from fulfilling the role she previously held with the Global Guardians.

Rising Sun (Izumi Yasunari)
Alternate Affiliations: [Big Science Action]
Year One: [1977] Nation of Origin: [Japan]
Win Percentage: [NA] Cumulative Rank: [NA]

Credentials:
... Speaking of the Global Guardians -- the first of their membership to join the JLI would, of course, be Rising Sun! You will have recently seen Rising Sun appearing in Final Crisis, suggesting an almost suspicious association with the works of Grant Morrison. This, I assure you, is coincidence.

We probably could've avoided such comparisons if Japanese representation was granted to Kimiyo Hoshi, the female Dr. Light.
I'd cover myself with the thought that these characters might be interchangable as adventures progress, but I admit, I rather like the idea of Wonder Woman leading an entirely male group into a world that might demand that of them. Also interesting is, yes, Morrison's recent characterization of Rising Sun as a frustrated statesman of the Japanese superhero scene.

Delicately building that trait into a sense of a generation gap might be an interesting quality, particularly given the sponsorship of a fairly seasoned group that might not necessarily agree with his curmudgeonous philosophy.

World matters:
Rising Sun would obviously be right at the centre of tensions with Aquaman and Japan, but I'm not sure which way he'd fall. Trying to keep the ship on a superhero tilt, (rather than the pseudo-politics of Checkmate), I see Rising Sun more of a magnet for the strong traditions of Japanese pop culture, rather than another political activist. I do, however, see Rising Sun as a more Western hero, perhaps giving him a more cavalier and adventurous edge than his counterparts.

Tasmanian Devil (Hugh Dawkins)
Alternate Affiliations: [Global Guardians]
Year One: [1977] Nation of Origin: [Australia]
Win Percentage: [0%] Cumulative Rank: [#499]

Credentials:
The little brother of the Western powers, it seemed fitting to include Australia in the affair even if their representation is low profile.

In a team of starched and serious personalities, Tasmanian Devil offers experience as a long serving member of the Justice League and Global Guardians, but maintains an important perspective of playful irreverence. This extends from the opportunity to reflect a characterized Australian spirit that is good hearted, bashful, but a little bull headed.

More grounded than the rest of the team;as plays mentor to the youngest member of the group, while also occasionally taking the role of peacemaker, particularly where tensions might build between members.

World matters:
While Hugh Dawkins might be inclined to have an opinion on many issues, his involvement in the team is perhaps the least politically driven. As an open homosexual, issues particularly prevelant in the United States are sure to make him an unsuspecting gay icon. Taking this in his stride, Tasmanian Devil's key value to the team's operations would be as a proficient soldier in his beastial form.

Kid Impala (M'Bulaze)
Alternate Affiliations: [Ultramarine Corps]
Year One: [2005] Nation of Origin: [South Africa]
Win Percentage: [0%] Cumulative Rank: [#502]

Credentials:
Representing Africa, Kid Impala is the least involved member of the team, mentored under the wing of Tasmanian Devil. Following in the footsteps of his Global Guardian father; Impala liaises as part of his education in the superheroing world. As a speedster, he's particularly effective in the field, but also provides a vital connection with African nations the team might meet.

World matters:
Impala connects the team to issues of poverty and violence in the African nations, and is a member sponsored by Wonder Woman. His inclusion, much like many other members, is meant to inspire trust in his particular regions, despite senior member's best efforts to shelter him. Much like Tasmanian Devil, he may find himself a reluctant poster child for political opinion.

Flash (Wally West)
Alternate Affiliations: [Justice League America]
Year One: [1959] Nation of Origin: [United States]
Win Percentage: [66.67%] Cumulative Rank: [#20]

Reserve credentials:
The make-up of the JLI lends itself to addition and subtraction, the membership important for their individual contributions as much as their associations with other portions of the world superheroing community.

Flash, as with other prominent members, plays a part-time role in instilling faith in the extention of the Justice League brand. His reserve role includes mentoring Kid Impala and helping him hone his inherited powers of superhuman speed, so he might replace the Flash in situations that require the power. Flash's speed is an invaluable part of stealthy operations within unruly borders.

Green Lantern (John Stewart)
Alternate Affiliations: [Green Lantern Corps]
Year One: [1971] Nation of Origin: [United States]
Win Percentage: [100%] Cumulative Rank: [#65]

Reserve credentials:
In our recent interview with Jimmy Palmiotti he made the completely valid point, "This is a giant event in the DCU and how could you not have a Green Lantern involved?" As a reservist Green Lantern not only provides a substantial powerboost, but also intelligence, expanding the team's horizons to the cosmic plane with his role in the Corps.

Ethnic diversity is inevitably an issue, on and off the page, when formulating teams. John Stewart not only engenders a certain goodwill because of race, but for having greater experience than Rayner, temperment than Gardner, and trust than the once Parallax-infected, Hal Jordan.

Oracle (Barbara Gordon)
Alternate Affiliations: [Birds of Prey]
Year One: [1967] Nation of Origin: [United States]
Win Percentage: [NA] Cumulative Rank: [NA]

Reserve credentials:
Another reservist; Oracle provides a connection for Wonder Woman and the JLI to an independent wealth of information. Though not a regular member, she is on-call to facilitate any demands that might be required, particularly whenever the team is forced to operate without the assistance of international governments.

Black Adam
Alternate Affiliations: [NA]
Year One: [1945] Nation of Origin: [Khandaq]
Win Percentage: [85.71%] Cumulative Rank: [#13]

Credentials:
The elephant in the room is the Middle East.
Admittedly, in my haste to get this entry done and dusted, I didn't really stop to consider any obscure characters that might cover the region. Let's face it, for a world League, it is a region that needs an association.

Black Adam's World War III rampage thoroughly rules him out as a public representative of the JLI. However, as a power, the team might be inclined to take him into their ranks after wresting custody away from Checkmate, and/or other organizations who might attempt to incarcerate the troubled foe.

An insanity plea and some fast talking might be what facilitates this, but really, Black Adam plays the silent role of temptation and dissention within the team. Without any subversion Adam acknowledges that his tenure with the JLI will not last, but the potential for his own development as a character is there, as much as he might tempt and lure JLI members toward their greatest risks as a proactive law enforcement agency operating outside conventional boundaries.

As a field agent, Adam proves a powerful and willing inclusion on the team.

---

Want to know more about the players on our JLI? Follow links in the menu and article to find a universe of heroes - and come up with your own team!

C2C OLYMPIAD: THE MARTIAL ARTS GOLD STANDARD!
It's Olympic season on the Infinite Wars, which means, after spotlighting some of the characters you know and love, we can turn our attentions away from cinemas to get back to what's important -- super fights!

The Infinite Wars likes the titanic clashes of powers like Hulk and Hercules, but we have to confess to having a special prediliction for the hand-to-hand artistry of a good martial arts fight! Be it Daredevil, Batman, Ryu, or Scorpion, there's just something special about a character whose greatest offensive asset is his or her self! In this modern world of international trade and co-dependence, can we not relate especially to the idea of self-sufficiency as a super power?

Gathered for your viewing pleasure is a small but impeccable selection of hand-to-hand battles featured previously on the Infinite Wars. To find more fisticuffery of this calibre you'll have to make the trek into the exciting world of the Secret Archives, but fret not! Next Sunday we'll have another selection of bashing bigmen in a whole new flavour!

Power Man & Iron Fist #90 (February 1983)
"The Untouchable!" Busiek/Cowan
Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, Hulk Hogan and Mr. T, Parker Brothers... The world has seen many impressive tandem pairings, but few measure up to the tag team of duo of Power Man and Iron Fist!

Comics' original buddy team - the Heroes for Hire compliment each other as the ultimate pairing of strength and power, with finesse and skill. Tactical brilliance and fighting execution are brilliantly displayed in this instant classic that pits the heroes up against the Italian job of the mutant menace - Unus; the Untouchable!

With an impenetrable forcefield allowing him to commit petty crimes unchallenged, Unus has the overwhelming advantage, forcing Power Man and Iron Fist to call upon all their kung fu skill and brawler brawn to save the day!

DC: The New Frontier #2 (April 2004)
"Fun City" Darwyn Cooke
When the greatest fighters in the DC Universe need to hone their hand-to-hand skills, there's a selection of fighters they might go to. Few, however, have the seasoned experience and wisdom of Ted Grant -- better known to the world as the powerless member of the Justice Society of America, Wildcat!

A former boxer; Grant proved powerful enough to hang with the big boys, joining the collective of superheroes that made up the world's very first superhero team, with little more than his fists and determination!

Responsible for contributing to the training of Batman and Catwoman; Wildcat is truly at home in his own domain - the ring! Darwyn Cooke puts on a show exclusive to the comic book version of New Frontier, pitting the Wildcat against a certain opponent that may or may not be fast, pretty, and impossible to beat!

Detective Comics #796 (September 2004)
"... And Red All Over" Gabrych/Woods
Few skills are as important to the Batman as his keen intellect, but when it comes to executing the perfect strategums, a finely tuned body trained in a variety of martial arts is vital!

Batman combines his brilliance and fighting skills with a small arsenal of weapons that counter balance the assault of foes who draw upon a wide range of gimmicked weapons and powers. There are, however, those who would challenge the Dark Knight with a fighting prowess that rivals his own!

The serial killer Victor Zsasz observes humanity with a cynicism that provokes his murderous intent. Baring a deep seeded grudge against Batman, Zsasz remains one of the most dangerous madmen in his gallery of criminally insane rogues! A harsh induction for a Robin in-training!

Green Arrow #71 (April 2007)
"Change Partners" Winick/McDaniel
Another of the DCU's super-powerless vigilantes; Oliver Queen draws upon his skills as an archer and hand-to-hand fighter, to combat evil as a solo hero and member of the Justice League!

Not too long ago Green Arrow opted to broaden his skills in the field to include the use of a sword. This new training comes in especially handy when the ruthless former-Robin, Jason Todd, comes to Star City to corrupt GA's sidekick and continue his grudge against the superhero community he feels failed him.

It's an all-out hand-to-hand smackdown as the two fighters clash in what soon turns out to be yet another planned piece of Red Hood's sinister scheme, forcing GA to fight not only for himself, but his sidekick Speedy, as well!

Immortal Iron Fist #11 (January 2008)
"The Seven Capital Cities of Heaven" Fraction/Brubaker/Aja
The hidden mountain city of K'un L'un is famous for producing the chi-powered might of Iron Fist, but this tradition of the noble martial artist began long before Danny Rand inhereted the unique skill!

An ancient tradition sees the champions of seven cities competing in a tournament to decide which of the heavenly cities would be exposed to the conventional plane.

Spiteful son of K'un L'un, Davos, returns to the hidden city as a representative of of their rival, K'un Zi, all in an effort to gain the powers he was denied by Danny Rand. In battle he reveals his transformation from Steel Serpent, to Steel Phoenix, showing no mercy to opposition who learn the bloody consequence of martial arts warriors who are not without powers!