Story: "Chapter Four: Who Benefits" (30 Pages)

Credits:

Brad Meltzer (plot, script)
Rags Morales (pencils)
Michael Bair (inks)
Kenny Lopez (letters)
Alex Sinclai (colors)
Michael Siglain (assistant edits)
Mike Carlin (edits)

Feature Characters:

Atom II
Black Canary II (both last in Flash Vol. 2 #214)
Elongated Man
Green Arrow I (between pages 12 and 17 of Flash Vol. 2 #214)

Guest Stars:

Batman (next in Flash Vol. 2 #215)
Mister Miracle II (Scott Free)
Oracle II
Robin III
Spectre II
Superman
Wonder Woman I

Supporting Characters:

Jean Loring
Jonathan Kent
Owen Mercer
Alfred Pennyworth
Jack Drake
Lois Lane

Villains:

Black Spider I
Calculator
Captain Boomerang
Chronos
Deadshot
Fiddler (behind the scenes)
Merlyn
Mirror Master III (next in Flash Vol. 2 #214)
Monocle
Slipknot

Guest Appearance:

Flash III (between pages of Flash Vol. 2 #214)

Other Character:

Lowell (a Daily Planet employee)

Comment: Continued directly from the previous issue. Approximately 24 hours pass during the course of this issue.

Synopsis:

The Atom races through the telephone line to save Jean Loring from hanging, ensuring that she does not become another victim of Sue Dibny's killer. The evidence points to Slipknot, a former member of the Suicide Squad who lost an arm while serving with the group and is now incarcerated at Opal City Penitentiary. Green Arrow goes to interview Slipknot, who is now a follower of Kobra, accompanied by Wonder Woman who is able to use her lasso to ensure Slipknot tells the truth. Unfortunately, he knows nothing about either killing, and the heroes are no further along in their investigation. Even Batman is finding himself at a dead end, asking himself over and over again who benefits from these crimes, with answers ranging from Elongated Man himself to members of the villainous community and the loved ones of certain heroes. Meanwhile, the villains worry about the effect the crime could have on them, Captain Boomerang and his son hav a conversation, and Green Arrow challenges Hal Jordan, the Spectre, about his lack of involvement in this affair. And the next morning, Lois Lane gets a threatening note. The note makes it clear that the writer knows she is married to Superman, and says that she's next...