Justice League #32 (HERE BE SPOILERS!)

This issue is like one of those episodes of a '70s or '80s TV show that they try to use to drum up interest for a spin-off.  You're expecting to see the Fonz on "Happy Days," but, instead you're forced to sit through "Joanie Loves Chachi."  The Doom Patrol play Joanie and Chachi here, and it's a chore to get through all the exposition and posturing.  In terms of the Justice League, the only thing that we learn in this issue is that the Power Ring ring is trying to light a fire so that the creature that destroyed Earth-3 can come and get Superwoman's child.  We're not told why the ring wants that, so we're just left to sit with that information while we grit our teeth through the heavy-handed Doom Patrol appearance.  (You'll notice that I didn't mention anything about Lex Luthor or his quest for the Justice League's secrets, making this issue yet another example of pet peeve #2).

** (two of five stars)