As John Ridley’s and Georges Jeanty’s return to their Wildstorm roots with The American Way: Those Above and Those Below ramps up, things are heating up for all sides. Check out the exclusive preview of The American Way #5, out next Wednesday, after the jump. And don’t miss Ridley’s appearance at the DC in DC event later in January.

Writer: John Ridley

Penciller: Georges Jeanty

Inkers: John Livesay & Le Beau Underwood

Colorist: Nick Filardi

Letterer: Travis Landham

The American has discovered there is a new superhuman on the scene, and the young man is none too happy to be confronted by a costumed hero, especially not one he thinks is a government stooge. It’s a deadly standoff as fire meets fire—almost literally! Meanwhile, there is dissension in the ranks amongst the radicals as Amber Waves’ erratic behavior continues to bring heat of another kind down on all of them.