Squadron Supreme 1-12

Squadron Supreme 1-12, Complete First Series, Marvel Comics, Sep 1985-Aug 1986

Squadron Supreme #1: “The Utopia Principle!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Bob Hall and John Beatty. Cover by Hall & Joe Rubinstein. Long before the Authority, Ultimates, and Supreme Power – there was the Squadron Supreme! Ever wonder what it would be like if the world’s greatest heroes took over the world and forced humanity to live in a utopia under their super-human guidance? That’s exactly the scenario this twelve issue mini series explores. Considered by many to be years ahead of its time, this series features a JLA-like team of heroes who, with no more villains or world threats to conquer, turn their attentions to creating a worldwide utopia – even if they must take over the planet to do it. As the story unfolds we learn that not all the heroes are on board with this new world order, and a line will be drawn in the sand.

Squadron Supreme #2: “A Small Sacrifice!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Bob Hall and John Beatty. Cover by Hall & Bob Layton. The Squadron Supreme is paid a visit by one of their greatest enemies right in their own hall of justice. Plus, in this all too human look at super-heroes, one member finds out that the very abilities that make him special maybe responsible for slowly killing those closest to him, and another member makes an impossible promise that may drive him to the brink of insanity.

Squadron Supreme #3: “Showdown!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Bob Hall and John Beatty. Cover by Hall & Bob Layton. While Amphibian, Whizzer, and Arcanna quell a riot, Doctor Spectrum checks in on Nuke. But after learning that his powers were responsible for giving those close to him cancer, the nuclear hero is in no mood to talk. This leads to an epic battle between two of the most powerful beings on the planet and only one of them will survive. 32 pages, FC. Cover price $0.75.

Squadron Supreme #4: “Change of Heart!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Bob Hall and Sam De La Rosa. Cover by Hall & Bob Layton. One member of the team commits the ultimate crime against a fellow Supremer. Anytime someone usurps control over another’s free will, it’s never a good thing. Plus, learn the secret origin of Doctor Spectrum.

Squadron Supreme #5: “Turn-About!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Bob Hall and Sam De La Rosa. Cover by Hall & Bob Layton. When the Squadron Supreme went public they let the world know their true identities. This has left their family and friends vulnerable to their enemies, and the Institute of Evil are not the kind of super-villains to let opportunity slip away.

Squadron Supreme #6: “Inner Circle!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Paul Ryan, Keith Williams, and Sam De La Rosa. Cover by Bob Layton. Has the Squadron gone too far. In this seminal issue the world’s greatest heroes use the super-technology at their disposal to brainwash some of their greatest foes and make them good guys. The Squadron Supreme may have just crossed a line they may never return from. Story continued in Captain America (Vol. 1) #314.

Squadron Supreme #7:  “Love and Death!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by John Buscema and Jackson Guice. Cover by Buscema & Bob Layton. Story continued from Captain America (Vol. 1) #314. Nighthawk begins to gather his forces to oppose the new world order, plus the Squadron Supreme’s greatest enemy calls forth the one being who may be able to destroy the team forever. Master Menace has summoned Hyperion’s evil doppleganger form limbo and things from this day forward will never be the same. 32 pages, FC.

Squadron Supreme #8: “The Clash!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Bob Hall and Sam De La Rosa. Cover by Hall & Bob Layton. It’s Hyperion vs. Hyperion for the fate of the world. Hyperion is the strongest hero on this and arguably any world, and when these two opposite sides of the same coin clash the earth will tremble! It’s a clash of titans from which only one will walk away from.

Squadron Supreme #9: “Borrowed Time!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Paul Ryan and Sam De La Rosa. Cover by Ryan & Bill Sienkiewicz. Power Princess had fallen in love with Hyperion, but it was with an imposter. Now, she must discover for herself if her feelings for the real Hyperion are true or was it all an illusion. Plus, finally, Tom Thumb gets his hands on the cure, but is it soon enough to help the diminutive genius? 

Squadron Supreme #10: “The Dark from Within!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Paul Ryan and Sam De La Rosa. Cover by Ryan & Bob Layton. Another member of Squadron Supreme has met his maker, plus the team is finding out that their self-made utopia may not be as sturdy as they thought. And, the ranks of Nighthawk’s Renegades grows and the time to strike is nigh.

Squadron Supreme #11: “Betrayal!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Paul Ryan and Sam De La Rosa. Cover by Ryan & Bob Layton. “Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.” Nighthawk is a flawed and conflicted hero who finds himself using the very tactics that he is fighting so hard to oppose. This issue sees the lines between good and evil continue to blur to the point where there is no more white and black – only shades of grey. 

Squadron Supreme #12: “The Dregs of Victory!” Story by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Paul Ryan and Sam De La Rosa. Cover by Ryan & Bob Layton. This is it, the final showdown. With the lines between good and evil no longer certain, the Squadron Supreme and Nighthawk’s Renegades come together in one final confrontation for the fate of the world. Whose side are you on? What’s more important? Utopia or free will?