Story: "First Day For The New Guy" (22 Pages)

Credits:

Kurt Busiek (plot, script)
Tom Grummett (pencils)
Prentis Rollins (inks)
Comicraft (letters)
Guy Major (colors, color separations)
Peter Tomasi (edits)

Feature Characters:

Josiah Power (next in issue #13)
Skyrocket
Bork
Manhunter IV
Witchfire (both also in flashback between pages of issue #10)
Striker Z
Sapphire
Firestorm II (joins the team; next in JLA #77; also in flashback following JLA #76 and preceding issue #10 and in flashback in between issue #10 and main story)

Supporting Characters:

Bobbie Roberts (last in issue #2)
Rupe (next in issue #13)
Martin (first appearance; a Power Company staff member; behind the scenes)

Villains:

Shadowspire agents (including Mourn II, Paulie, Frankie, Jojo, Charlie Anderson, and Mick Collins; first appearance of all; organization last in Deathstroke #54)
A swamp demon (first appearance)

Other Characters:

Gumbo (first appearance; a bar owner)
Mr. Sellack (first appearance; a drugstore clerk; in flashback)
reporters
San Fransisco Citizens

Synopsis:

With helpful assistance by their newest member Firestorm, the Power Company stops the re-forming of the terrorist organization Shadowspire. They get lots of publicity, mainly because Manhunter exaggerates the threat to make sure that the Power Company is consulted and payed by companies who fear the terrorists. Skyrocket does not like it, but is unsure what to do as long as Josiah Power lies in a coma.
Witchfire and Striker Z go to the Louisiana swamp on behalf of the Trinus Lords. They find the legendary Sword of Khelu'Ar that once belonged to the sorcerer Nyarl-Amen. However, they never anticipated the swamp demon guarding the sword. The monster attacks the two heroes, chopping off Witchfire's right arm by the shoulder. As if that was not enough, Withcfire is shocked to see that her severed arm does not look at all human...