JLA - Tower Of Babel: The Full Story
8. Implementation: Batman, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, Plastic Man
Ra’s al Ghul knew that the only way that his plans would be successful was if he took Batman out of the equation and kept him distracted while he implemented his schemes. To this end, Al Ghul had the coffins of Thomas and Martha Wayne removed from their resting places on the grounds of Wayne Manor and Bruce dropped everything to find them.
In JLA #43, The Martian Manhunter was attacked by a missile loaded with nanobots that caused his skin to catch on fire and he began to run in excruciating pain. The Flash and Wonder Woman traveled to Germany to discover the cause of a forest fire. They discovered that it was J’onn and were able to subdue him and get him back to the Watchtower.
At that time, Plastic Man and Aquaman were at the United Nations to assist in the mediation of disputes between Turkey and Rhapastan when they were attacked by members of the League of Assassins. Plastic Man’s rubbery form was flash frozen and shattered with a sledgehammer. Aquaman was hit with a highly specialized form of the Scarecrow’s Fear Toxin which gave him hydrophobia. As an Atlantean hybrid, his strength would diminish and he would die within 24 hours without contact with water. At this point, Superman called for Batman’s help but received no answer.