JLA: Pain of the Gods is a trade paperback which compiles issues #101-106 of the American comic book JLA, published by DC Comics. This story arc was written by Chuck Austen and penciled by Ron Garney. Synopsis They may be the world's greatest heroes – Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman and The Flash – but painful experience has taught them what it means to fail... When Superman's actions cause the death of a rookie superhero, his grief and anger force each member of the Justice League to examine their darkest hour: the time when their world-shattering power just wasn't enough! From Flash touched by tragedy in a burning tenement block, to Wonder Woman facing the prospect of death, JLA: Pain of the Gods exposes the human side of superheroes – as never before! Main characters Superman: Also called the Man of Steel, he was born Kal-El on the planet Krypton, before being rocketed to Earth as an infant by his scientist father Jor-El, moments before Krypton's destruction. Discovered and adopted by a Kansas farmer and his wife, the child is raised as Clark Kent and imbued with a strong moral compass. Very early he started to display superhuman abilities, which upon reaching maturity he resolved to use for the benefit of humanity. Batman: Batman's secret identity is Bruce Wayne, an American millionaire (later billionaire) playboy, industrialist, and philanthropist. Having witnessed the murder of his parents as a child, he swore revenge on criminals, an oath tempered with the greater ideal of justice. Wayne trains himself both physically and intellectually and dons a bat-themed costume in order to fight crime. Batman operates in the fictional American Gotham City. Green Lantern: John Stewart is the third Green Lantern of Earth, formerly a sniper for the U.S. Marines and an architect. His power ring grants him the ability to make energy constructs guided by thought using his willpower. Originally given Green Lantern Corps membership after his predecessor Hal Jordan left the position. Flash: Also called the "Fastest Man Alive" and the "Scarlet Speedster", Wally West is the third incarnation of The Flash. Wally West was also the first Kid Flash. His powers all center around his super-speed abilities. Wonder Woman: Wonder Woman is a warrior Princess of the Amazons (based on the Amazons of Greek mythology) and was created by William Moulton Marston, an American, as a "distinctly feminist role