Chapter 1: As the Heart Beats

Johnny Thunder was unhappy when his favorite soap opera, As the Heart Beats, was interrupted by a news flash. But as soon as he saw what was being reported, his anger was quenched...

"We interrupt this program with a special live news bulletin. In Centennial Park in Seacoast City, two unknown men are engaged in a life-and-death battle. One man appears to have super powers similar to Green Lantern, only in white and gray, while the other is armed with a supply of exotic gadgets and weapons. As you can see, the unknown flying man has just been knocked from the sky with some unknown weapon, and the other man is now attacking with a sword. Wait! The gadget man has just sprayed the flying man with some kind of paste! KSEA News was fortunate to have a live news crew broadcasting from the scene of the building collapse, next to the park, so we can bring you this exclusive coverage."

Johnny had heard enough. "The flying guy, that's that new guy, Jim Chisholm, who was working out at JSA HQ last week! Say, you'd think there would be something we could do to help!" On the TV screen, the cocoon surrounding Chisholm suddenly exploded! He flew at the other figure at incredible speed, and slammed into him, driving him back into and entirely through the walls of a nearby gazebo. Chisholm stopped, and a giant hand sprung from his Glove, reaching for the villain. This hand seemed to be somewhat out of control, totally demolishing the wooden gazebo. Chisholm looked astonished. He quickly dissolved the white construct, and ran over to the villain. As he approached, the camera panned to the villain, who could be seen writhing in pain. In the background, Johnny could see police and ambulances approaching. Then Jim collapsed to the ground!

"T-Bolt, what happened? I expected you to whisk us off to Centennial Park!" Johnny yelled. "Why did Jim almost kill that guy? What trashed his power, and how did he get it back? I'll bet you had something to do with this!"

It was hard to believe, but the T-Bolt almost looked sheepish. "Well, Master John, you wished that we could help Chisholm, but you didn't specifically say how. As you know, when you are not specific, I have considerable latitude in interpreting your commands."

"Stop with the excuses already! What did you do?"

"Well, Master John, I didn't do much… I simply created a little lead shielding, and Jim did the rest on his own!"

"So why did his powers go out of control? And what made him collapse like that?"

"Sorry, oh most glorious one, I don't really know. If you would only ask me to find out…"