Geoff Johns isn't taking things easy on JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA. The team was originally put together by Amanda Waller and Steve Trevor as a preemptive precaution to take out the original Justice League. The only thing is, the team members (with one exception) have no idea of this purpose. As they are just getting used to being a team, another threat has surfaced - the Secret Society of Super Villains. Green Arrow had infiltrated them in another guise and barely escaped with his life. In the last issue, it was decided that Catwoman would do the same and try to gain membership into the Society so the League could track them down.
During the course of the issue, we do discover some new tidbits on the team and the New 52 Universe. There will be spoilers for the issue for be sure to read it first. Especially when it comes to the crazy cliffhanger ending.
Arthur Light
In the pre-New 52 Universe, Arthur Light operated as the villain, Dr. Light. Mainly as a villain of the Justice League and Teen Titans, he later was upgraded (or downgraded?) into a vile character during IDENTITY CRISIS, in which it was revealed his mind was later altered by Zatanna after he attacked Sue Dibny in the Justice League Watchtower.
Now Arthur Light is working for A.R.G.U.S. He is the "leading mind on super-human energies." It seems he is a true patriot as he is working to do his best "for America."
The Invisible Jet
Wonder Woman's original mode of transport has long been one of ridicule. With her ability to fly, there really isn't a need for her to have an invisible plane. As the team prepares to embark on tracking down the Secret Society, Trevor takes them on board their transport. The plane had been modified by A.R.G.U.S. and is a "flying fortress equipped with an arsenal capable of taking on a small army." It also has a cloaking device that makes it so not even Superman would be able to detect it.
Stargirl's Rebellion
In the New 52, Stargirl is somewhat of a celebrity. The young hero has become a media sensation and regardless of the power she possesses, she has been used as the JLA's spokesperson. This means she has been held back on missions deemed too dangerous.
After getting left behind once already and Waller making it clear where she stood with her, Stargirl decides she's going on the new mission regardless. Aside from putting her life at risk, Waller also made it clear that he has some information on Courtney that she probably wouldn't want others to know about. If she survives this mission, she'll definitely have some explaining to do to Waller.
The Birth of Dr. Light?
While studying a coin used as a communication device from the Secret Society that was emitting a strange frequency, Light undergoes a transformation.
It almost seems as if the Society wanted the coin to be investigated as Light experiences a 'nasty' message, bathing him in an unknown energy that will likely transform him closer into the character we knew before.
Catwoman's Fate
This is the big one. Normally we don't spoil stuff like this or endings of issues but chances are you've already heard the about Catwoman's fate.
Catwoman found herself bound at the Society's secret mansion. She easily managed to escape when left alone. She came upon Professor Ivo and was soon apprehended again. When the Society's leader asked what her and her "friends" were doing there, she acted as if she didn't know who or what he was talking about. When she refused to answer, he pulled off the handle of his cane and held a gun to her head.
Catwoman claimed if he killed her, Batman would stop at nothing to find him. That's exactly what they want. The trigger was pulled.
Sure there are some ways out of this mess, especially considering some of the players involved in this issue. Even though the cover to next month's issue wants you to believe otherwise. But that's a discussion for another time.
Be sure to pick up the issue to see the other events that occurred as well as the backup revealing more about Martian Manhunter.