Underworld Unleashed

In a classic tale of temptation and duplicity, Neron, a demon from Hell, assembles the villains of the universe and offers them their "heart's desire" in exchange for their souls. As each criminal individually accepts the damned bargain, the heroes of Earth are suddenly overpowered and easily defeated by their evil adversaries.

But the augmented villains soon learn the horrible price they must pay as Neron uses his unwitting pawns in an attempt to take over the entire universe. Now with Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, the Flash and the rest of the heroes of the world helpless, the fate of all existence rests on the shoulders of the Trickster, the one man who might outdeal the devil.

Underworld Unleashed #1

(September, 1995)

Cover by Howard Porter, Dan Green

Abra Kadabra approaches the Rogues Gallery (minus Trickster) with a proposition, an offer of power and respect. All they have to do is to destroy five targets at the same time. Unfortunately, the Rogues are killed when the targets are destroyed, which sets Neron free on the Earth.

Underworld Unleashed #2

(October, 1995)

Cover by Howard Porter, Dan Green

In this issue Neron starts to tempt the heroes with their greatest desires. Some tell him no; others, like Blue Devil, take Neron up on his offer, only to find out (like the villains did) that there are consequences to saying yes to Neron. Back in Hell, Luthor and the Joker force the Trickster to tell them where Neron's power is being stored. They then manipulate Circe, Dr. Polaris and Abra Kadabra into using their magic to open it.

Underworld Unleashed #3

(November, 1995)

Cover by Howard Porter, Dan Green

As Neron's power continues to grow, the effects of his influence have taken hold of the Earth: the entire world appears to be erupting in waves of violence and panic. The full might of the Justice League pierces the barrier to the Underworld and confronts Neron's demonic army. Convinced that Neron has captured Superman, they navigate through the circle of Hell to find him. Neron, meanwhile, sits atop his throne with Lord Satanus kneeling before him. Satanus acknowledges Neron's power, and offers up his own sister, Blaze, in exchange for lenience.

Underworld Unleashed Collected Editions

Original (March, 1998) and 25th Anniversary (November, 2020) TPBs

When absolute evil arises... there will be hell to pay

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