[1] The series, which is based on a pitch from George R. R. Martin, follows a world where various supervillains are captured by the Suicide Squad and imprisoned on a distant planet.

Major characters in Salvation Run include Lex Luthor, the Joker, the Rogues (Heat Wave, Captain Cold, Weather Wizard, Abra Kadabra and Mirror Master), and other morally ambiguous heroes such as Scandal Savage and Catwoman.

Tie-ins to the series were released in Countdown to Final Crisis, Outsiders, Checkmate, Catwoman, and Justice League of America.

Following Black Adam's rampage in World War III, the Amazonian attack on the United States, the murder of the Flash (Bart Allen), and the Injustice League's attack upon the wedding of Green Arrow and Black Canary, a government-sponsored secret program is put in place to combat the growing metahuman threat.

Lex Luthor announces to the group that he, Doctor Sivana, Professor Ivo, and General Immortus have devised a way to escape.

Amidst this, Grodd kills Monsieur Mallah and Brain after they attempt to ally with him and Vandal Savage reaches the Safe Zone at the top of a hill.