DC COMICS
WRITER: Geoff Johns
ARTIST: Fernando Pasarin
COVER: Alex Ross/Dale Eaglesham, Ruy Jose

Liberty Belle takes the spotlight in this issue which re-caps her life while telling the story of the JSA's battle against Zoom, the new reverse-Flash. It is a well-balanced issue in both story and art. The origins and background of Jesse Chambers-- the new Liberty Belle, are summarized in a way which should satisfy continuity fanatics while pleasing readers who want to see the character fleshed out. The unfortunate story of how Jesse had an affair with her mother's fiance is prudently omitted. The writer doesn't deny it happened-- he just doesn't mention it. Even while telling this whole tale of how Jesse became Liberty Belle, the issue also has a fairly interesting confrontation between Damage and Zoom, the man who mutilated him. Although Damage is not the focus of the story, he also comes off as interesting and sympathetic despite his obvious flaws. The ending of the story isn't much of a surprise but the writer does bring us to it in a satisfying manner. The art is finely-detailed and laid out well but it also seems a bit cold for such a dramatic story. Four out of five stars.