^^^Dangit!
Okay, let’s see what happens when the JLA goes MIA (again) and the US Govt. decides to get proactive and rebuild the team…:
THE VETERAN
Seemingly immortal, virtually indestructible, w. nearly 250 years of experience, the Vet’s taken part in every war the United States has ever fought, and he’s in charge.
THE VIKING
Having been created, and then erased, during the Emperor Joker event, how the godlike Viking is now on Earth is a mystery. His presence has upset several Pantheons, which will be an issue (several issues really a whole story arc). Then there’s the fact that he was originally created using 5th dimensional “magic”, and Mr. Mxyzptlk will eventually show up w. some questions.
SOCIALIST RED GUARDSMAN
The radioactive up-armored Guardsman is massively powerful, so when he defects from China and not only goes to America but joins their newly formed JLA, the Chinese Govt. views it as a slap in the face. Look for Guardsman’s former team the Great Ten, to try and forcibly bring him back “home”, kind of like Alpha Flight went after Wolverine back in the Claremont/Byrne days.
ATOM SMASHER
Al Rothstein is more than happy to put all his generational Infinity Inc. JSA baggage behind, so of course his new team and his old team will cross paths, w. him squarely in the middle.
BUMBLEBEE
The Veteran finds it hard to believe that a young woman w. such a useful powerset, scientific background, and initiative, has never been a prominent hero on a major team. He’s going to change that.
DAMAGE
A certified team wrecker during his “Hour of Power”, Ethan Avery had been AWOL and on the run from the US Govt. until the Veteran tracked him down, and offered him a chance to clear his record in return for joining the new JLA and using his abilities in a way that wouldn’t compromise his morals.