It is well known that the demise of the super group StormWatch led to the birth of their successors, the Authority. But until now the inner origins of how the most powerful team in the WildStorm Universe came together has never been revealed. Seen through the eyes of Jenny Sparks, "The Spirit of the Twentieth Century" and Authority team leader, we experience Jenny's first meetings with all of her teammates and learn how each encounter took place during pivotal points in Twentieth century history. From stealing mystical artifacts from the Nazis to working with government covert op teams during the '80s, the true beginnings of the Authority are finally told.

Named by James Gunn as an influence for Gods and Monsters, the first chapter of the new DC Universe film and television slate! This New York Times bestselling story inspires the upcoming film THE AUTHORITY. The Authority are heroes in only the strictest sense of the word. Ruthless and unforgiving, this group of insanely powerful superhumans face down countless menaces to Earth, protecting mankind with their cold version of justice. An invasion from an alternate Earth, an international terrorist who is laying waste to major cities and a hostile alien intelligence who calls himself God all fall under their rule. This is THE AUTHORITY. Pay allegiance. Or get your head kicked in.

WildStorm's wildest super-team returns in its third trade paperback - an anthology of outrageousness collecting some of the Authority's most unforgettable tales. Included is the much talked-about "Earth Inferno" story from THE AUTHORITY #17-20, where the very planet we live on rebels against its inhabitants. Plus, THE AUTHORITY 2000 ANNUAL, and two tales from the WILDSTORM SUMMER an introspective look at Jack Hawksmoor and a peek into the private life of the nanotech-enhanced Engineer. For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS