(Spoilers for DC Comics released 04/13/2021)
(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 blue blazer with a Superman tie 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!
The image that appears above Dan’s shoulder is that of Superman’s crest with candles sticking out of it like a cake.
Dan: This week is a very special week! I am in high spirits because the city of Metropolis is celebrating the birthday of our very own Man of Steel! That’s right, it’s Superman’s birthday! The normal parade and fanfare are already underway across the city. My favorite Superman birthday treat is always that ice cream that’s actually rainbows… Not sure what makes it Superman related but it sure is a treat. I’m taking the family to Centennial Park for the concert dedicated to the blue boy scout himself. The only thing is that he will not be attending this year… he is actually far off in the reaches of space handling some things. We wish him the best and hope he returns soon.
Dan lets out a labored but optimistic sigh as he readies to switch over to the next story.
Dan: Now I am kicking it over to Violet who will be bringing you some OFFICIAL news from within the studio.
Violet: Hello everyone, Dan has me back this week to test my abilities and my dedication to the cause…
Violet’s face becomes a panicked blank expression, she turns to look at Dan
Violet: What’s the cause again? OH right news! So, I have some multiverse news for you today… back in March, Justice Incarnate managed to locate Wonder Woman. Since then, they have been observing from a distance. The Valkyries of Valhalla, or Norse Gods if you will, have been dying and staying dead. Now I know that’s how it’s supposed to happen, but this is Wonder Woman and the multiverse okay? Norse warriors don’t just “die”. There’s something off and Diana is determined to find out. That hottie Sigfried is nowhere to be seen, shame, he was popular. The report states Wonder Woman met a squirrel who talks and claims to know all, – and they call me crazy – supposedly they ventured into the wood to find answers but she found her way into a very very large egg to be swallowed by a very large snake called Nidhogg. Seriously guys? And still no rescue mission?!
Violet: In regular world news, Oracle and the Bat family have been spotted at computer stores all over the city, apparently a woman named Vivienne Ross a.k.a Vi Ross, has been hacking locations all over to make a mess for everyone, hospitals, ATMs, you name it. However, fear not Gotham, Oracle and the Bat family have captured her and taken her into custody right before she robbed a bank! Thanks Oracle! That’s all I have time for today, Dan?
Dan looks to her and back to the camera before repeating this a few times.
Dan: Are you asking… nevermind. Let’s check in with our newest reporter Katie who is bringing you the latest on Mystery Inc. You know, I knew Norville Rogers back in my high flying days as a youth. He goes by Shaggy, great guy. Makes one heck of a sandwich. Anyway, Katie, take it away!
The report flips over to Katie on the scene.
Katie Good evening, everyone. What’s new, tonight, you might ask? The better question is, “What’s new, Scooby Doo?” I’m surprised to report that everyone’s favorite meddling kids and their Great Dane were spotted at the Gotham Museum of Culture with none other than the cowled-crusader himself — Batman. You heard that right, folks. Mystery, Inc. is back in town. Apparently, Batman’s got a brand new mystery for the gang to solve. Although the real mystery is why they’re still dressing like they’re stuck in the 60s, am I right?
According to my sources, Batman has enlisted the help of Mystery Inc. to solve a crime. And I thought Batman was Gotham’s Dark Knight Detective! Although, Scooby and his friends have teamed up with Batman before. This isn’t their first time they’ve driven the Mystery Machine into the heart of Gotham City. In fact, all the superheroes around here seem to truly enjoy the escapades of the mystery solving teenagers from Coolsville . . .
My sources tell me that Batman discovered that the purple gloves on his original costume in the Batman exhibit of the Gotham Museum have been swapped with phonies. Batman is believed to have experienced memory loss regarding where he ever stored his original purple gloves. Perhaps Batman repressed this memory, due to the horrific color clash and general uselessness of the bright purple gloves. I wouldn’t want to remember a fashion fiasco like that.
This story is still developing, but you’ll want to listen in on this major news update. For unknown reasons — other than the presumed notion that Batman does not want to abandon Gotham City — Batman asks Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby to . . . time travel? Yes, you heard correctly. Batman’s only solution to the missing purple glove caper is to send a dog and his historically, shall we say, questionable, owner back in time. My sources also tell me that the group will be flung back in time to the Dark Knight’s vigilante beginnings through a time machine created by Professor Carter Nichols. Nichols’ expertise in time travel provides some assurance, I suppose. At least Shag and Scooby will have Velma with them. Let’s just hope she doesn’t lose her glasses.
With half of the crew spending time in Batman’s first year as Batman referred to by historians as “Year One”, Fred and Daphne hung back to aid Robin. Their feet-on-the-ground effort directed them toward uncovering a discrepancy with the foundation underneath the museum. Millionaire playboy Bruce Wayne evidently purchased the Gotham Museum without checking the structural reinforcement of the place. Seems like an obvious oversight, but what else do we expect from that mysterious man?
Hang on, I’m getting word now that Batman is going to take Robin and the teenagers below to check out the box under the museum . . . in a shark-shaped Batsub? Are they going to get — oh my. They’re getting in. I hope Fred and Daphne signed a waiver.
And there you have it. Batman is taking minors underwater and sent the other teenagers away in a time machine. We’ll have to see if we can acquire more information about any clues Shaggy, Velma, and Scooby have found in the past. Should we expect an appearance from Scooby’s canine companion, Ace the Bat-Hound, anytime soon? Will Batman track down those awful purple gloves? I’ll keep you updated. Hopefully there’s no lawsuits involved.
Dan: Thank you, Katie! Speaking of Gotham, let’s check in on what’s been going on there…
The camera cuts to Ethan. He’s wearing a dark grey tweed jacket, light blue shirt, and a matching dark grey bowtie. Behind black-rimmed glasses, there’s heavy bags under his eyes, the result of some long nights embedded in Gotham. Behind him is a still image of Jim Gordon.
Ethan: Thanks Dan, and good evening folks. Sorry if I’m less present than normal tonight, I’ve just spent some sleepless nights on the streets of Gotham, checking out some of the recent goings-on. First up, some news on the hunt for Joker following the events of A-Day.
After previously discovering that ex-police commissioner Jim Gordon has been hired by a person unknown to track down the clown, I observed, from a surveillance location I was using while in the city, Gordon meeting with the Batman at his apartment. While I was unable to hear what they were saying, it was clear they were discussing Gordon’s mission. After saying something that left Batman, and I’m sure this doesn’t happen often, stunned. Gordon left shortly after, heading in the direction of the Gotham Clock Tower.
The image behind Ethan changes to one of the vigilante Red Hood.
Ethan: Instead of following the commissioner, I instead managed to track Batman to whatever crime it was he was attempting to stop. Clearing out these goons, who I later discovered were working for Mr. Freeze, something to keep an eye on, Batman then moved on. It seems he was chasing a lead on the new designer drug “cheerdrops”, but he ended up at what is seemingly the Red Hood’s hideout.
From what I could see the Bat and the Hood started fighting before all of a sudden, a young boy ran into the fray, stopping the fight. I didn’t see what happened next as some cops saw me in my vantage spot and I had to make a break for it. I do hope this rift between Batman and Red Hood, whatever it is, can be resolved.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna sleep for a week. Back to you Dan!
When the camera returns to Dan at the News Desk, he is clearly watching a video on his phone. He holds his finger up for one second before putting it down.
Dan: Sorry! Someone just uploaded a grainy video to the Unternet of Grifter and Red Hood going at it. Now like… they both kill people so let’s not debate that but it’s a pretty sick fight. I don’t suggest logging onto the Unternet though… I only have it for, uh, journalistic ventures. I just want Cole to get his stuff together but as you can tell, he is really good at the opposite of that. Did you see the shoot out earlier this week? Not very Cash money of him… Anyway, I have to head out for the Superman birthday festivities! That’s all we have for you, so as always… 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 #30 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Scott Godlewski, Gabe Eltaeb, and Dave Sharpe.
- Wonder Woman #771 by Michael W. Conrad, Becky Cloonan, Travis Moore, Tamara Bonvillain, and Pat Brosseau.
- The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #2 by Ivan Cohen, Dario Brizuela, Franco Riesco, and Saida Temofonte
- Oracle: Ghost in the Machine #1 by Cecil Castellucci, Marguerite Sauvage, and Becca Carey.
- Red Hood: Cheer #2 by Chip Zdarsky, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Julio Ferreira, Marcus To, Adriano Lucas, and Becca Carey.
- Grifter: The Long Con #2 by Matthew Rosenberg, Ryan Benjamin, Antonio Fabela, and Saida Temofonte.