Story: "The Purification Plague, Part One: Dark Convictions" (22 Pages)

Credits: Michael Jan Friedman (plot, script); Sal Velluto (pencils); Jeff Albrecht (inks); Bob Pinaha (letters); Glenn Whitmore (colors); Brian Augustyn (edits)

Feature Characters: Martian Manhunter, Gypsy, Hourman I, Thunderbolt IV, Elongated Man, Black Canary II

Supporting Characters: Hannibal Martin, Mari Bowes

Villains: Iron Cross, Heatmonger, Backlash, Golden Eagle II, Blind Faith (as the Aryna Brigade), Sander Hotchkins (leader of the Aryan Nation), Randolph, Charles (his suborndinates), Harold Coltrane, Erwin (scientists), Dan Fiedler, Steve Mahler (other members), Brady (a guard; first appearance of all)

Other Character: Mister Calhoun (an FBI agent)

Comment: Story continues in the next issue

Synopsis:

A white supremacist group called the Aryan Nation has set itself up in Pine Heights, Nebraska, including a group of previously unknown metahumans, the Aryan Brigade. When an FBI agent is killed there after discovering that the group plans to unleash a genetic virus which could wipe out all non-white Americans, the Justice League is called in. Biochemical expert Rex Tyler, a.k.a. Hourman, is persuaded to help, along with Black Canary, Thunderbolt, Elongated Man and 'task force' regulars Martian Manhunter and Gypsy. Under assumed names, they attend an Aryan Nation rally, but once inside, Peter Cannon (Thunderbolt) is recognised by a rally attendee.