Story: "Element of Surprise" (22 Pages)

Credits:

Mark Waid (plot, script)
Bryan Hitch (pencils)
Paul Neary (inks)
Ken Lopez (letters)
Laura DePuy (colors)
Steve Wacker and Dan Raspler (edits)

Feature Characters:

Superman
Batman
Aquaman
Martian Manhunter
Wonder Woman
Flash III
Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner)
Plastic Man

Guest Stars:

Bruce Wayne
Clark Kent
Wally West
Kyle Rayner
John Jones
Eel O'Brian
Metamorpho

Supporting Characters:

Joey Stagg
Sapphire Stagg
Simon Stagg
Terry Berg

Villains:

The Cathexis (first appearance)

Other Character:

Elena (Bruce Wayne's date)

Synopsis:

In a house near Los Angeles, a small boy wishes his father could be back. Meanwhile, the super-powered halves of the League upgrade the Watchtower and their costumes, while things go from bad to worse for some of their secret identities. However, in Denver, Aquman visits the hospital bed of John Jones, formerly the Martian Manhunter's chief alter ego. Jones tells him that although he has lost much in terms of perception, he has also lost many negatives, particularly the burden of being the last of his race. At the same time, Wonder Woman, conversing with Clark Kent, discovers that he too is experiencing the benefits of not being a super-hero - not least some time to spend with his wife.

The Martian Manhunter discovers that an elemental force the JLA have been pursuing is a resurrected Metamorpho, making his way to the home of his child. As the League and Metamorpho arrive, so too do some strange beings, who explain that a being called Id from their dimension has escaped to this, where he grants people's wishes. Joey Stagg had wished for his father 'back' rather than 'alive' the results of which wish are rather unpleasant. The beings are able to access Joey's mind and reverse the situation. Back at the Watchtower the beings introduce themselves as 'the Cathexis', and say that the League too has had contact with Id, hence the fact that their identities have split.