The launch of the Milestone line of comics, with its culturally diverse mix of super-heroes, set in the fictional city of Dakota, continues as a marooned alien walks among the citizens of Dakota, having created the guise of a conservative African-American lawyer, Augustus Freeman IV. When 15-year-old Raquel Ervin breaks into Freeman's house, she finds more than just another rich guy; she finds a role model. Raquel cajoles him into becoming Icon, the hero of Dakota. Written by Dwayne McDuffie, with Art by M.D. Bright and Mike Gustovich. Cover by Denys Cowan and Jimmy Palmiotti.

Rocket comes to the aid of the recently pulped Icon, and then, while Icon and the Blood Syndicate engage in round two, Rocket goes head-to-head with Wise Son. Written by Dwayne McDuffie, with art and cover by M.D. Bright and Mike Gustovich.

As “The Long Hot Summer” continues, Icon and Rocket put aside their differences in order to save lives placed at risk by the riot. But this truce between the two heroes may be short-lived at best.

In the aftermath of the Shadow War, Icon plans to use the truth about the Big Bang to go after Holocaust. Meanwhile, Rocket finally tells her mother she is pregnant. Written by Dwayne McDuffie, with art and cover by M.D. Bright and Mike Gustovich.

In this extra-size 25th issue, Icon fights for Earth’s survival in an interstellar courtroom, recounting his experience as Augustus Freeman through slavery, Reconstruction, and two world wars. Meanwhile, in Dakota, the new Icon and Rocket confront the deadly Oblivion, the alien shape-shifter responsible for marooning the original Icon on Earth.

The “Mothership Connection” story line continues: Icon ties up some loose ends before leaving Earth…and leaving his partner, Rocket, a pregnant teenager, to protect Dakota alone. Written by M.D. Bright, with art and cover by Bright and Mike Gustovich.

The planet Earth is put on trial, and Icon’s got a witness whom even he didn’t expect-Rocket. But the Galactic Coalition has a surprise of its own: an attack by a powerful species of would-be conquerors.