JLA: Paradise Lost #1

The exciting three-issue miniseries teaming the JLA with the fallen angel Zauriel (first seen in JLA (1997) #6-7) continues, as the Martian Manhunter lies dying! While the JLA rushes to the aid of their fallen comrade, Zauriel must flee the allied forces of Heaven and Hell with Shannon, his one true love. But when the Father of Lies, Neron, gets together with Asmodel, the Lord Angel of the Bull Host, there’s very little that can stand in their way, and Zauriel may have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save his beloved.

Renouncing heaven and his own immortality for love, guardian angel Zauriel has decided to approach the woman he risked everything for. Zauriel goes to San Francisco, and visits sales assistant Shannon Coyne, the woman he had been tasked with protecting. Laying his heart on the line, Zaureil professes his love, leaving Shannon shocked.

Meanwhile, Asmodel, Zauriel’s arch-enemy and a fallen angel of the bull host, plans his revenge for being defeated by Zauriel and the Justice League. Asmodel had approached Neron, one of the most powerful demons of hell, for an alliance. Now, however, with Zauriel’s presence, Neron worries about interference from the guardian angel and his allies in the Justice League. Neron sends Etrigan the Demon after Zauriel.

At Shannon’s apartment, Etrigan attacks the couple. Zauriel draws Etrigan and the fight away from Shannon, and the two fight in the streets of San Francisco. Eventually, Zauriel convinces Etrigan to side with him; if Neron’s plans were wrecked, then Etrigan would rise in ranks amongst the lords of hell. Etrigan appreciates Zauriel’s thinking, and leaves.

Meanwhile, at the Justice League Watchtower on the Moon, Martian Manhunter is on monitor duty when a seemingly young child enters the Watchtower. The child reveals himself to be Asmodel, wearing a “flesh-suit.” Asmodel pummels Martian Manhunter in revenge for the League defeating his prior plans. He leaves Martian Manhunter for dead on the Moon’s surface, on the hunt for Zauriel.