Is that G'nort on the cover between J'onn and Kilowog?
My Dinner with G'nort
It is! G'nort seems strangely attracted to the JLA (or strangely attractive to the JLA writers). G'nort decides to pop in for a visit, but finds no one at home. J'onn is off to meditate, and everyone else is off on business. He sends G'nort down to watch some TV. Kilowog hears G'nort talking to General Glory's puppy, and comes in to see if he might want to go out on the town. Kilowog must be very bored. And while they are talking, we get a peek at Fire, who appears ready to go out on the town in one of her poorly chosen outfits. During this run, I really never tire of picking on Fire's clothing choices. Really, a red, white and blue bandeau with that green hair? Fire needs a Project Rooftop makeover!
So Kilowog tells L'ron to tell J'onn that he and G'nort are going out on the town. L'ron does. J'onn realizes this is a mistake, and runs out to stop them. He ends up going along, to keep them out of trouble. First stop, men's clothing store. J'onn wants them to look a little more normal. That makes sense. But nothing fits Kilowog, until G'nort uses his ring to fix up a suit. And all the bills go to Max. I bet Max loves that.
Back at headquarters, Booster comes to visit. I miss Booster. Isn't it about time for the next issue of the new JLI to come out? When he hears that J'onn is out with G'nort and Kilowog, he is sure that they will all end up in jail. And when Beetle wanders in, they agree it just a matter of time. (I loved the little exchange between Beetle and Booster. Come home, Booster!)
So, the evening out continues with a Broadway show. J'onn, J'onn, J'onn, why in the world would you pick CATS as the show to see? Not only is it a cliché, you have G'nort with you! Indeed, G'nort reacts much as you might expect to the "cats" on the stage, and the three are ejected from the theater. "Take them home, J'onn," you might be saying to yourself. But no, J'onn is persuaded to take them to dinner at no less a place than Windows on the World (which was at the top of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, and was a truly impressive place to visit). Unbeknownst to our heroes, the restaurant was also chosen by the man formerly known as Black Hand, as the location to celebrate his triumph over his "hero-phobia". Black Hand was last seen when Guy took Ice on a date to one of his "dancing" establishments. When our three heroes arrive, G'nort is forced to change his appearance, as "pets" are not allowed in the restaurant. J'onn is already in his human guise. They are seated, and G'nort and Kilowog talk J'onn into letting down their disguises for just one toast.
But that is enough. Black Hand sees J'onn and G'nort, and instantly loses control. He attacks, and ends up breaking through the glass and taking G'nort with him. G'nort's ring is in J'onn's pocket (boy, that's a few apostrophes), so he can't fly. Whoops. Eventually, they are saved by J'onn, but the three do end up arrested. They have to be bailed out by Beetle and Booster, who don't let them forget it!
This is CLASSIC JLI. I love the funny issues best of all. J'onn trying to cope with the madness. Booster and Beetle together. Even Fire's bad outfits.
(This reminded me of the "My Dinner with Abed" episode of Community. Not that they were in any way similar in story. Watch it!)