(Spoilers for DC Comics released 03/09/2021)
(Words in italics signal actions)
The GC52 Logo appears on televisions, computers, and all other types of viewing devices at its normally scheduled time. Lead Anchor Dan McMahon sits at the center of the newsroom behind his desk. This week he’s wearing a vibrant yellow sports jacket which is outlined by the large window behind him looking out over Metropolis. The Daily Planet globe is visible behind him as the setting sun sparkles off the crown jewel of the City of Tomorrow. The GC52 theme music begins to dim as the actual program begins.
Dan: Good Morning, Good Afternoon, and Good Evening to all our wonderful viewers from the docks of Coast City to the furthest reaches of Oa, you are watching the multiverse’s best news show that brings you the news that you need to know! As always, I’m your host, Dan McMahon, doing my part to bring you up to the minute updates on the worlds you live in! What a week it has been. Our top story tonight is the Man of Steel, my hero, and yours, Superman! Well, I guess I should be saying Men of Steel now, as it seems being a hero is a family business!
The iconic S symbol appears over Dan’s shoulder for the viewers at home with the headline “Double Trouble for Alien Foes” brandishing the bottom of the window.
Dan: High above our little blue ball, Superman and Superman pushed back an alien incursion from beyond the stars. Our newsroom on the Watchtower caught some footage of the fight that left the elder Superman wounded. Now, this isn’t anything new to long-time viewers as Superman has been through the wringer. Remember Doomsday? What a wild few months those were. I think I still have some of those sunglasses that one of the Supermen wore but that’s beside the point. I did want to take a moment to dig into this whole double super thing.
The image over his shoulder cuts away as the camera focuses on Dan for a moment.
Dan: The other Superman, formerly Superboy, went away for quite some time. Some people are still confused as to why he is older now… to that I say, who cares? Is he not walking in his father’s footsteps to protect us? The kid had to be away from his father for some time so coming back must be hard for the both of them. From what I have been told by sources close to the family is that Jon spent some time in the future with the Legion of Superheroes. Another team for another day but he is back! Trying to live up to the man that his father is cannot be easy. Seeing your role model take a pretty nasty hit can bring up some real feelings about morality. So, kid, you’re one of the best of us and I know everything will be fine for your Dad as long as you’re both around!
Dan leans back into his chair with a smile before turning towards someone off-camera.
Dan: Let’s send you over to one of our favorite correspondents to check in on some things! Take it away, Ethan.
The camera cuts over to in-studio correspondent Ethan, sitting behind his desk, a smile not quite meeting his eyes. On the big LED screen behind him are two images, one of Jim Gordon, the other, The Joker.
Ethan: Evening folks, or morning, we’re worldwide, who knows. Anyway, you’re here for some news right? Well, after the events of A-Day and the death of countless people at Arkham, there have now been reports that The Joker has been spotted in the nation of Belize. What’s he doing there? Who knows, but it can’t be good.
Ethan: However, there may be some good news. One of my contacts in GCPD, who shall remain nameless, no questions, thank you, has brought to my attention that retired commissioner, hero Jim Gordon may be on the case. No stranger to the harm that the Clown Prince can cause, having had family injured, or even lost their lives, Gordon knows the pain. But I’m getting off track, what I’m trying to say is that Gordon has seemingly been hired to hunt Joker down by an individual henceforth unknown. We sure do wish the old commissioner the best of luck in his mission.
The image on the screen behind Ethan switches to one of Wonder Woman. It seems there’s finally some news on her location after being missing for a while now.
Ethan: In multiversal news, we have received a report from Justice Incarnate. They’ve been able to locate Wonder Woman, though not much else, no rescue attempt has been successful. It appears our beloved hero is hanging out with the Norse Gods, specifically the warriors of Valhalla.
Ethan: Now, based on the report it doesn’t seem as though Wonder Woman is in peril. She seems to be getting on quite well with the Norse warriors, especially well with one by the name of Siegfried, if you catch my meaning. Though I can see it, he does give off this aura, even just from the blurry images we’ve received.
The reporter starts to wander off into his thoughts before a cough from one of the camera operators brings him back to reality.
Ethan: Oh sorry folks, got a bit carried away there. Well, that’s all I have for you tonight. I’ll be sure to update you on any developments regarding these stories as they develop. Anyway, back to you Dan!
The camera shifts back to Dan who is trying not to laugh.
Dan: Ethan, thanks for all of that. Simmer it on that Norsemen, you may get your heart broken. We now take you live to our newest reporter in the field, Violet, who brings us some rather…clownish news.
The feed cuts over to Violet who is standing on the streets of Gotham City, she’s lost in a trance staring at the havoc of the city before focusing on the camera with a quick smile.
Violet: Hiya folks! Whew, it’s crazy out there right?
The reporter points her thumb behind her to Gotham City as another cop car speeds by.
Violet: How is anyone to get around in this city anymore?! Okay, news just in! Harley Quinn has been spotted around the ruined outskirts of Gotham. I guess she’s survived that whole “Joker War” mess, huh? Can’t say the same for her bestie Poison Ivy though, we haven’t seen her in a long while!
The reporter scratches her head and cocks it to the side as she looks into the camera.
Violet: They’re definitely not just besties though right, they are or were totally dating right? Honestly, a major upgrade from Joker if you ask me.
She shrugs before moving on with her report.
Violet: Although, there have been several sightings of Harley with Batman and other vigilantes through the city. What the heck is going on Gotham? Where does this girl’s loyalty stand? Oh, and there appears to have been a minor costume update too that I need a closer look at! I swear it’s not so I can dress just like her… ANYWAY, I do hope we get some clearer answers on if she is a hero now or whatever the Bat people are. I just really like her, okay? I’m rooting for her…. well, uh, back to you Dan!
Dan is talking to Jerry as the camera cuts back as he asks who hired Violet but Jerry doesn’t have an answer either. He turns back to the camera to pick back up on the reporting.
Dan: Stay safe out there, Violet! We take you to another part of Gotham City for another of our new hires to bring you some more news from the frontlines of Gotham. We seem to go through Gotham reporters like we go through makeup to keep me looking spry…
The camera cuts to Bruce Spruce giving his famous, winning smile. His eyes are piercing and he emanates a confidence that there’s just no way he’s earned. All the same, he dives right in.
Bruce: Good evening from Gotham City! This is (locally) beloved street reporter, Bruce Spruce, bringing you the live coverage you crave, from the heart of this fair city. Tonight, I bring with me disturbing news of a new drug that is plaguing the streets. The kids are calling them “cheerdrops” and they apparently make you hallucinate your wildest fantasies. Sounds promising, I know, but there have been reports of folks lost in their world getting hit by cars, walking off bridges, and all other manner of distracted, deadly accidents.
Bruce holds his finger up to his ear, getting a live update via comms.
Bruce: Speaking of, it appears a man is being cornered by police on a rooftop, as he gets closer to the edge. I’ve been told this is not a suicide attempt, but rather he is hallucinating on these “cheerdrops.” Things aren’t looking good though–Oh my god!
Batman swoops through the sky, grabbing the drug-addled man, saving his life, and returning him to safety. Gunfire rings out as they take aim at Batman.
Bruce: Batman saves the day! Incredible! &@#$ those cops taking shots at him, have you, people, no decency? He just saved that man’s life and–anyways, going back to the story…
Bruce cools down from his brief moment of hot-headedness. Bruce is a big Batman fan, and of his extended family, which also leads to being…not so big a fan of the police nowadays.
Bruce: Batman isn’t the only one stalking the streets tonight, on the hunt for this new drug. Recently-returned-to-the-city, Red Hood, has been seen approaching what is rumored to be a potential warehouse where they make “cheerdrops.”
Bruce and his cameraman run across the street to keep a close eye on the scene, reporting as it’s happening in real-time as best they can, sneaking around in their camouflage tech so they remain unseen.
Bruce: In tow with him, he has… a child? Where did he get a child? Is that his child? Someone, get me something on this kid! Folks, I am gifted at many things, but sadly lip-reading is not among them. Oh, it looks like the child is now being handed the mantle of Red Hood! I can only assume that’s the meaning behind passing him the mask, I can’t believe we’re capturing this passing of the torch!
The camera shakes back and forth, in disapproval. While Bruce is turned and facing the camera, glass windows are heard shattering. When he turns back to see, Red Hood has burst into the building, leaving the child, his new ward, safe on the outside.
Bruce: It looks like Red Hood is taking the fight straight to them! We have no way of getting in that building safely so we will stand watch from the outside for now, but don’t worry Gotham, we will be back soon enough to bring you more on this developing situation! For now, let’s throw it back to the studio.
The feed returns to the studio where Dan is fixing his hair and tie.
Dan: Well, that is all we have tonight everyone! I am actually headed over to Gotham City to buy a beer for my old friend Cole Cash who got a new gig in Gotham City. Great guy, sort of a mess but glad he is… on the right path, I think… anyway… Glad you chose to spend your time with us today. Be it the Bat Symbol in Gotham, a red streak through Central City, or a golden lasso on Themyscira… GC52 has you covered with the news you need to know. Till next week, I’m your host Dan McMahon. Be strong in all your convictions.
Books covered this week:
- Superman #29 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Phil Hester, Eric Gapstur, Hi-Fi, and Dave Sharpe.
- The Joker #1 by James Tynion IV, Guillem March, Arif Prianto, and Tom Napoltano.
- Wonder Woman #770 by Michael W. Conrad, Becky Cloonan, Travis Moore, Tamara Bonvillain, and Pat Brosseau.
- Batman: Urban Legends #1: Harley Quinn by Stephanie Phillips, Laura Braga, Ivan Plascencia, and AndWorld Design.
- Batman: Urban Legends #1: Red Hood and Batman by Chip Zdarsky, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Marcus To, Adriano Lucas, and Becca Carey
- Batman: Urban Legends #1: Grifter by Matthew Rosenberg, Ryan Benjamin, Antonio Fabela, and Saida Temofonte.