Justice League

ARTISTS

Writers: J. M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen
Penciller: Kevin Maguire
Inker: Al Gordon
Colorist: Gene D'Angelo
Letterer: Bob Lappan
Editor: Andrew Helfer

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CHARACTERS & SETTINGS

heroes: Batman, Black Canary II, Blue Beetle II, Booster Gold, Captain Marvel, Doctor Light IV, Green Lantern IV, Martian Manhunter, Mister Miracle
supporting: Maxwell Lord

Setting: 20th-century Happy Harbor, DCU, USA

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ISSUE SUMMARY

Cover Description: There are two covers to this issue. The common cover depicts Justice Leaguers Batman, Black Canary, Captain Marvel, Dr. Light, Guy Gardner, Martian Manhunter, and Mister Miracle backed up against a chain link fence warning of "Nuclear Radiation" by 13 members of the Soviet Rocket Red Brigade. The alternate cover includes only Batman, Captain Marvel, and Rocket Red. Neither cover includes Booster Gold.

Brief Synopsis: While pursuing the "three nukebusters," the Justice League invades Soviet airspace, becomes embroiled in a battle with the Rocket Red Brigade, and watches as a nuclear reactor approaches Meltdown.

Issue Summary: On the dishonest advice of Rumaan Harjavti, the trio of Silver Sorceress, Wandjina, and Bluejay invade the Soviet Union to destroy the Soviet nuclear arsenal. Naturally, this attracts the attention of the Justice League, who give pursuit int eh Blue Beetle's Bug airship. Unfortunately, the Soviet Rocket Red Brigade discover the Bug and intercepts the Justice League, leading to combat.

When Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev hears of the potential threat to his missiles, he orders the Rocket Reds to stand down and assist the Justice League in defending the country against the invaders. In the ensuing chaos, one nuclear reactor staff rushes their shut down procedure, and the plant begins to meltdown. Determined to save the world from the fallout, Wandjina sacrifices himself to prevent the meltdown.

In the aftermath of the emergency, the Justice League returns to their Secret Sanctuary headquarters where Maxwell Lord introduces the team to its "newest member -- Booster Gold!!" Reveal Potential Spoilers

Booster Gold's role in this story:
Cameo (Booster Gold makes a minor appearance)

Costume Worn: MARK I power-suit

Issue Notes: This issue depicts the potential meltdown of a Soviet Union nuclear reactor, similar to the events that took place at the Soviet Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor Plant in April, 1986. The issue also marks the appearance of future Justice Leaguers Red Rockets #4 and #7.

This story has been reprinted in the following issue:
Justice League International Volume 1 (2009)

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ISSUE ANNOTATIONS

Page 22, panel 5
Maxwell Lord introduces both himself and Booster Gold to the Justice League inside the Secret Sanctuary headquarters outside of Happy Harbor, Rhode Island. This is both Booster's and Lord's first meeting with the Justice League. Present at the time are Leaguers Batman, Black Canary, Blue Beetle, Captain Marvel, Dr. Light, Guy Gardner, Martian Manhunter, and Mister Miracle, though Lord addresses all of his comments to Batman. This is Booster's second meeting with Batman, but his first with all other Leaguers present, including future partner in comedy, Blue Beetle.

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ISSUE REVIEW

Boosterrific Review: For the second time in two issues, Booster Gold appears only briefly in a story more concerned about international relations between super powers (both countries and heroes) than with the adventures of Booster Gold. Not that I'm complaining, mind you, as this issue is chock full of action, comedy, and tragedy, easily distracting from Booster's absence.

Boosterrific Rating:

• Currently 4.0/5 Stars.

Average Fan Rating:

• Currently 4.0/5 Stars.

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