Emily Briggs was a mousy librarian who lived a quiet life with her husband in Gotham City. That all changed when she was kidnapped by people from the underground civilization known as Abyssia. The Outsiders set out to rescue Emily. After a battle with the people of Abyssia, Emily's heritage was revealed to her and as Haley's Comet passed by the Earth, Emily underwent a metahuman transformation, as well as becoming (at least in her own mind) more physically attractive.

After leaving Abyssia to its people, Emily returned with the Outsiders and an astonished husband. She soon took on the name "Lia" as well as a more confident, yet self-centered, personality.

She joined Batman and the Outsiders for a short period, but ended up teaming with Wonder Woman more than she did with her own group. When the Justice Lords were formed she became a member and helped to hunt down the Outsiders.

Looker possesses these superhuman abilities: telepathy, and telekinesis.