JSA: Atrocity
By Bruce Wayne
Chapter 1
January 20, 1961 - Washington, D.C. - Earth Two
It's 12:13 p.m. on the steps of the United States Capitol. A new president has been sworn in and is currently giving his Inaugural Address to the nation.
"We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom -- symbolizing an end as well as a beginning -- signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago."
In New York City, Doctor Charles McNider is carefully listening to the speech over his radio. McNider is a former physician who now writes scathing editorials and detective stories based on figures in organized crime. McNider became very interested in crime a number of years ago after he became a victim himself.
It was late one evening when the doctor was called upon by police to treat a mob informant by the name of Brown. Brown had a run afoul of a local Mafioso known as "Boss" Maroni. As McNider was treating Brown, a local gangster threw a hand grenade into the room and the resulting explosion killed Brown, his nurse, and the attending police officer. McNider managed to survive, but the explosion left him blinded for life. He abandoned his medical practice and devoted himself to criminal research.
The words to the young president's speech seemed to take McNider's mind back some years into the past to another time when McNider had been inspired to help others in trouble. Back to a time when McNider, who was known as Doctor Mid-Nite, was part of a very elite group who were called "mystery-men."
"The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe -- the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans -- born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage -- and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world."
In Gateway City, police detective Jim Corrigan was listening to the same speech on his car radio as he drove to the scene of a shooting across town.
The new president's words were making him remember when another group of individuals were tempered in a different kind of war. A war against evil. The evil that always seemed to raise its head on this planet.
Corrigan was no ordinary man. Jim Corrigan was actually dead. A walking dead man. At one time, Corrigan was a New York City police detective in pursuit of one of the "Big Apple's" most notorious gangsters, a man named Gats Benson. Corrigan had developed a personal vendetta against Benson, vowing his arrest. A police informant by the name of Louis Snipes gave Corrigan a tip on a Benson hit at a local warehouse. When Corrigan arrived, he was clubbed unconscious and taken to a hideout near the Hudson River. Benson confronted Corrigan there, swearing vengeance for Corrigan's past interference. Under his orders, Benson's men bound Corrigan in a 55-gallon drum and filled it with quick-drying cement. They then sealed the drum and threw it into the river. Corrigan choked to death on the cement before the barrel had reached the river's bottom.
As he died, Corrigan's soul journeyed to the place of ultimate judgment. Confronted with the reality of his demise, Corrigan was enraged and cursed both his fate and those who allowed it. When he was judged, Corrigan was deemed unfit for Heaven and undeserving for Hell. It was decided that he would be the recipient of what was called the Spectre force. The Spectre force's purpose at the time was to avenge innocent blood, but it required a mortal host to maintain a "human" perspective. Corrigan became the latest host.
The Spectre force was formed in the distant beginning of human civilization, when humanity began to recognize and seek interaction with God. To communicate His occasional displeasure with humanity, God created a being imbued with a small portion of Himself to wreck His vengeance as required. This entity, literally the Wrath of God, became the Spectre.
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
This much we pledge -- and more."
In Manhattan, millionaire Wesley Dodds remembered a pledge he made some time ago as he watched the address on his television. A pledge to be the scourge of criminals that prowled the streets of New York City. Dodds had spent part of his youth in the Far East and learned Oriental herbalism, martial arts, and even origami. Throughout much of his life he had traveled around the world from Europe to the South Seas. After college and his father's death, Dodds became the manager of a vast estate and an investor.
At some time in his life, Dodds became plagued by extremely vivid dreams of criminal activities. The dreams would not allow him to rest. Dodds used his fortune to finance a lab and develop a formula for sedative and hypnotic gasses. He then bought several kinds of gas masks and set himself up as an avenger against evil called The Sandman. He went out into the world and pursued the criminals that haunted his dreams. But the thought crossed Dodds' mind that "Those days were gone." He wished those days could somehow return.
"To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do -- for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder."
Also in New York City, this time at Grant's Gym in the borough of Queens, Ted Grant, former championship boxer, stopped to listen to the president's speech that was blaring over the radio. He remembered his old allies and the origins he shared with a group of special individuals who handled cooperative ventures against those who wanted to do harm against innocent people. Grant hated bullies who preyed on the weak.
Ted Grant was the son of Henry Grant. Henry Grant had been a frail child and swore on the birth of his son that the boy would not suffer those same frailities. Throughout his childhood, Ted was trained in all manner of athletics. Of all the sports, however, Ted excelled most in boxing.
When he graduated high school, Ted did pursue a boxing career but went to college to study medicine. He took part in the college boxing team part-time to keep in shape. His coach was Joe Morgan, a former championship boxer.
Halfway through college, Grant's father died and his father's debts consumed whatever savings he had. Unable to continue his studies, Grant left school and tried to find a job. Unfortunately, the U.S. economy was not at its best and Grant failed repeatedly to find gainful employment.
One night, he happened upon two muggers assaulting a famous boxer, "Socker" Smith. With Grant's help, Smith overcame the assailants, an act which earned Grant Smith's gratitude. Grant joined Smith as a professional boxer under the management of Flint and Skinner and proved himself to be championship material. He later became the undefeated heavyweight champion boxer.
But, somehow, that still wasn't enough for Grant. He needed more out of life. He felt there was a special calling for his life and he eventually became another "mystery-man," named Wildcat, who battled the forces of evil. But that was long ago.
"To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom -- and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.
To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required -- not because the communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge -- to convert our good words into good deeds -- in a new alliance for progress -- to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house."
Looking up at the podium that had been built next to the Capitol building, those words struck a definite cord with Diana Prince. Diana worked for U.S. Army intelligence and was stationed in Washington, D.C. She was very glad to hear the new president speak the inspiring words that he was -- she believed strongly in the same ideals.
Diana was the daughter of Hippolyte, immortal queen of the Amazons of Paradise Island. Even as a young girl, Diana was seen as an exceptional child, displaying incredible strength and agility. Events that occurred on Paradise Island allowed Diana to come to the U.S. where she went on to battle evil.
Unlike most of the other "mystery-men" of her time, Diana in her guise of Wonder Woman, continued her career while many of her colleagues had gone into semi-retirement. Dark-haired and beautiful, Diana missed her former colleagues and wondered what they were presently doing.
"To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support -- to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective -- to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak -- and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run."
At stately Wayne Manor, located just outside of Gotham City, Bruce Wayne was watching the address on his television in the living room of his mansion. Also with him were his wife Kathy Kane Wayne and ward Dick Grayson.
Bruce had been raised in an environment of wealth and privilege and enjoyed a happy childhood until the age of seven. One evening, Bruce and his parents were walking home from a movie. When they crossed what would later be known as Crime Alley, they were confronted by a mugger. The robber demanded Martha Wayne's jewelry and any cash they may have on hand. When Thomas Wayne resisted, the suspect shot him. In the excitement, Bruce's mother suffered a massive heart attack and died shortly thereafter.
The deaths of his parents traumatized young Bruce and marked a turning point in his life. He later swore to pursue all criminals to avenge the deaths of his parents and devoted himself to attaining physical and intellectual excellence. He underwent rigorous physcial training and educated himself in criminal science and police techniques.
Bruce Wayne was an affluent Gotham City businessman and socialite. One night in his study, Bruce reflected on his oath to avenge the deaths of his parents and how his oath would best be fulfilled. He decided he needed to leave the traditional avenues of justice and become a symbol of something that would inspire fear and awe in the criminal ranks. As if an omen, a bat flew through the window of the study and inspired Bruce. He decided that he would adopt the guise of a bat and developed the identity that made him the scourge of Gotham's underworld -- Batman.
Like Wonder Woman, Batman had remained quite active fighting the forces of evil for many years. His new wife was also a crimefighter known as Batwoman and Dick Grayson was the long-time partner of the Caped Crusader known as Robin, the Boy Wonder.
"Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction."
In Gateway City, Terry Sloane was watching the speech on a television in the English Department professors lounge at Gateway University. The words "accidental self-destruction" bothered him for some reason. He didn't like the sound of that. The words made it sound like the world was a dangerous place.
Being another former "mystery-man," Sloane knew firsthand that the world was indeed a very dangerous place with villians who wished to make it so. Sloane had been one of the least known men who tried to go out in a costume and right wrongs. Sloane believed very strongly in fair play. Often, though, it seemed like the world was anything but fair.
A child prodigy, Sloane as a young boy demonstrated superb skills in athletics, martial arts and engineering skills. He entered college at the age of 12 and graduated in less than a year. After obtaining the maximum formal education available to him, he devoted himself to athletics, again showing superb performance. He later turned his attention to business, where he rapidly became successful and wealthy.
The accomplishments Sloane had achieved by a rather early age, may had been considerable, but they left Terry feeling unchallenged and depressed. He felt pressured by living a so-called "perfect" existence.
As he was driving home from work one day, he noticed a young woman standing on the edge of a bridge. Before his eyes, she jumped into the river. Acting quickly, Sloane saved the woman from drowning. It turned out that the woman was the sister of a man who had fallen in with a gang of criminals. Sloane adopted the identity of Mister Terrific and found a renewed sense of purpose in defeating the gang and rescuing the woman's brother from a life of crime.
It had been a while since Sloane had seen action as Mister Terrific. Could world events be changing to cause Terry to come back out of self-imposed retirement to help advocate "fair play" and make the world a safer place for every law abiding citizen? Only time would tell.
"We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.
But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course -- both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war."
In New York City, archaeologists Carter and Shiera Hall watched the new president on the television in Carter's museum office. The words they heard sounded ominous. Shiera felt a chill go up her spine. As world-renown archaeologists, the Carters had dug up the remains of lost civilizations many times. Could history repeat itself?
Probably next to Jim Corrigan, Carter Hall was a real "mystery-man." He was said to be the reincarnation of an Egyptian prince named Khufu. One day Hall received a gift from an archeologist named James Rock. Rock had sent Hall a dagger with a crystal blade, and when Hall touched the blade, he fell into a trance. In a dreamlike state, Carter saw the life of Khufu Nunfold as in the days of ancient Egypt.
When he awoke, Hall felt strange and left his house to wander the streets of the city. When he passed a subway entrance, several people emerged, fleeing a tragedy on the tracks. As he rushed to investigate, Carter ran into a young woman, the reincarnation of his lost love, Shiera.
The two investigated the subway station to find the subway tracks being flooded with thousands of volts of electricity, killing many people. Hall vowed to investigate the cause of the disaster and took Shiera to his home. Carter donned a mask of a hawk and wings made of Nth Metal, a discovery of Hall's. He tracked the source of the electrcity to the lab of a man who was the reincarnation of the high priest Hath-Set. Hawkman, as he would be later be known as, destroyed the lab.
It had been many years since Hawkman and Hawkgirl had flown the skies of Earth. Shiera and Carter looked into each others eyes and both could see a certain wish in them.
"So let us begin anew -- remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.
Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.
Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms -- to bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations."
In yet another part of New York City, Rex Tyler, the chief executive officer of Tyler Chemicals, heard those words as he watched the television in the study of his home. The president spoke of problem-solving -- something Tyler had considerable experience in.
At one time, before he had his own corporation, Tyler was a chemist employed at Bannermain Chemical. Many of his colleagues, there, considered Tyler to be humble, meek and timid. He was nicknamed "Tick-Tock" for his obsessive punctuality.
In the late hours of the evening, Tyler worked hard on a private project -- the development of a drug that would give men miraculous powers. Tyler called the drug "Miraclo," and after some brief experiments with animals, tested his Miraclo formula on himself. He was astonished with the effectiveness of the drug. For a single hour, he had incredible strength and speed, increased resistance to physical harm, and the ability to leap great heights. Tyler decided to use his discovery to become a force for good in the form of a "mystery-man" called the Man of the Hour, or Hourman.
It had been a long time since Tyler had donned the uniform that represented justice and strength. Tyler had often wished he could relive those old days and see his old colleagues. What would ever cause such a thing, Tyler didn't know.
"Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah -- to 'undo the heavy burdens ... and let the oppressed go free.'
And if the beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.
All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.
Now the trumpet summons us again -- not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need -- not as a call to battle, though embattled we are -- but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, 'rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation' -- a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility -- I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exhange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which can bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it -- and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."
In Calvin City, Professor Al Pratt of Calvin College listened intently to the address and was inspired by the words. Pratt had always had a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility. Being a mere one inch over five feet in height, Pratt in his younger days had often been the target of harassment. He was often referred to as "Atom Al" by his tormentors.
One day Pratt was approached by a panhandler. Feeling sympathetic, Pratt bought dinner for the old beggar. In the course of the conversation, it was revealed that the beggar was Joe Morgan, a former heavyweight boxer and trainer.
Pratt shared with Morgan his craving for greater strength and fighting ability. Morgan seized on the youth's obsession by offering his services as a trainer. Pratt had inheirited some property from a deceased uncle, so he provided Morgan with housing in exchange for his services as trainer. Using weekends and study breaks, Pratt trained intensively with Morgan.
In a few months time, Morgan decided the training was complete, and the two moved back to Calvin City. Morgan even provided Pratt with a calling card that said "The Atom," in reference to the word's former meaning of "small" and its new meaning of 'powerful." Pratt eventually donned a costume and became yet another "mystery-man" for a while.
As he sat, listening to the president's speech, Pratt's mind wandered to the days of yesteryear and wondered if it was possible to relive them once again. It was a question that he had no real answer to.
"Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."
As the speech concluded, there was applause not only at the nation's capitol but also from around the world. It was an inspiring speech that would live down through the coming generations.
But the speech may had also inspired a certain group of individuals whose mission it would be to save the world once again. A group of individuals who were once known as The Justice Society of America.
* The complete Inaugural Address of President John F. Kennedy was included here.