Millennium # 1 1987 NM-

Millennium # 1, released in November 1987 (cover-dated January 1988), is the first of an eight-issue weekly miniseries that served as a massive DC Comics crossover event. Written by Steve Englehart and illustrated by Joe Staton, the issue introduces a global conspiracy involving the robotic Manhunters and the next stage of human evolution. 

The story begins with the arrival of a Guardian of the Universe, Herupa Hando Hu, and his Zamaron mate, Nadia Safir, who have returned from another dimension. They summon a massive gathering of Earth's superheroes to the Green Lantern Citadel in Santa Monica. 

The cosmic pair announces that the "Millennium" is at hand—humanity is evolving, and they must select ten "Chosen" individuals to become a new race of immortals and the universe's next guardians. However, their ancient enemies, the Manhunters, have spent centuries infiltrating the lives of these heroes as sleeper agents to sabotage this evolution. 

Key Revelations 

• The Manhunter Conspiracy: The robotic Manhunters used a sphere containing Harbinger's data from Crisis on Infinite Earths to learn heroes' secrets and place agents close to them.
• Sleeper Agents Revealed: Several major supporting characters are revealed as Manhunter infiltrators, including Lana Lang (Superman’s childhood friend), Dirk Davis (Booster Gold’s manager), and Rudy West (the Flash's father).
• The Chosen: The Guardian reveals that one of the Chosen is Terra of the Teen Titans, unaware she had died years earlier. 

Main Characters & Creative Team 

• Protagonists: Hal Jordan, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, and Tom Kalmaku.
• Antagonists: The Manhunter Grandmaster and his network of sleeper agents.
• Writers/Artists: Written by Steve Englehart with art by Joe Staton and Ian Gibson.