A creature of unimaginable power and anger has arrived on Earth, decimating the ranks of the JLA. The surviving members unravel its secret and fight to prevent it from unleashing World War III. Batman finally determines that former member Plastic Man is the Key to salvation, but Plastic Man has no memory of his super-heroic life. Set against this backdrop is the private struggle the Martian Manhunter endures in an effort to conquer his fear of fire. What he didn't expect was to fall in love with his teacher, the villainous Scorch. TRIAL BY FIRE represents a turning point in the Martian Manhunter's life as he experiences both great personal growth and great personal loss.