GC52 News (DC Comics Releases for 07/06/2021)

(Spoilers for DC Comics released 07/06/2021)

If you missed last week’s report, check it out here.

(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 dark navy pinstripe suitoutlined 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!

Normally I like to start out a little more positive but Mayor Nakano has gone too far. City Hall has been attacked which may have been prevented if he wasn’t on the hunt for bats than the ACTUAL CRIMINALS! Now he has a tech magnate Simon Saint’s hands in his pockets with something they’re calling the Magistrate something or other? 

As Dan says the word Magistrate, Jerry cringes behind the camera. His heart pumping faster than it has since…the incident. No one else remembers before the Spectre appeared but Jerry does. 

Dan: Raids have started all over the city… if you are in Gotham..please stay indoors. Please stay safe. I need a moment, let’s check in with Violet.

Violet waves at the camera before getting straight into her notes

Violet: Hello, welcome back! I’ve got big news! You all remember Yara Flor? Hot-headed Brazilain that can kick anyone’s ass? Well, the last we saw of her; she was dragged underwater by an unidentified entity. We now have information as to what exactly happened:

Yara was greeted under the water by a God of Brazil. Iara the warrior; who was thrown off a cliff by her father and the waters claimed her as their own child, giving her a tail where her legs once had been. Iara gifted Yara a bola in order for her journey to truly begin…

Hera has chosen Yara to become her latest successor. This led to Queen Hippolyta assigning Wonder Girl along with Artemis and other Amazons, to search Brazil for Yara, to prevent her from becoming a threat to them. Things don’t go entirely according to plan; the Amazons ambush Yara’s plane and fail to take her in. Yara can hold her own rather well which is a surprise to the Amazons. She managed to escape their attempt of capture only to be met by Eros once the plane landed. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, we can see what she’s truly capable of with her bola and newfound purpose. That’s all I have time for, thanks for tuning in, byeeee!

With that, the camera cuts back to Dan.

Dan: She actually seems to be more…normal these days. Anywho, let’s pop over to Kevin at the Hall of Justice!

The camera cuts to Kevin standing just outside the Hall of Justice; he has the look of someone recently frazzled but now soothed; calm but still a little jumpy. Crowds are gathered behind him, milling in front of a parked car.

Kevin: I am very happy to report a shockingly –  but wonderfully! –  quiet week on the Justice League beat this week, Dan. Sources from inside the Hall of Justice say that the team has been focused on recuperating after their recent extradimensional adventures and really just finding some time to themselves. In fact, there is even a rumor that Green Arrow and Black Canary have taken off for a romantic getaway with just the two of them, and I know all our viewers will want to wish them the very best – they’ve certainly earned the vacation!

A tiny pinprick appears on the horizon, just barely visible. Kevin, not seeing it, is growing in confidence as he speaks.

Kevin: But just because no new murderous dictators or terrifying warrior queens have joined the League this week, doesn’t mean nothing is happening at the old HoJ! A few minutes ago, we witnessed a couple entering the building from that car who GC52 sleuths have deduced are likely relatives of one of the League’s recent recruits, the mysterious Naomi! Sources are hush on the exact nature of their connection, but we will be sure to bring you information as we get it.

The pinprick is growing larger and larger, burning its way through the sky ever more noticeably. People are starting to look up and point but Kevin, now in his groove, has still not seen it.

Kevin: So there you have it, folks! A nice, drama-free quiet week for the World’s Greatest Super Heroes! And after a, ahem, dramatic start here at GC52, I will admit that as your humble correspondent, I can’t say I mind it one bi –

Suddenly the flaming form of the alien aggressor called the Synmar Utopica bursts into firm view right over the Hall, roaring in rage. Crowds scatter and Kevin hurls his microphone into the air screaming and flees from view; the camera is dropped just as Superman emerges from the roof of the Hall to confront the attacker. The feed cuts to fuzzy static, then back to the studio. When the camera cuts back to the studio, Dan is on the phone.

Dan: She’s alright though, she was patched up? Good! That’s what I like to hear. You’re doing WHAT with Walter? He’s some sort of shape-shifting world-ending monster and you’re helping him?! I’ll try to call you back because I’m on the air right now. Has anyone actually gone to see the lake? Sorry, never mind. Talk soon… Sorry about that folks! Let’s check in with Katie while I sort some things out.

The camera cuts to Katie, donning a green trench coat and matching verdant-colored fedora. She decides to attempt a ridiculously horrible British accent.

Katie: ‘Ello loves! I’m all the way across the pond here in London today! Top o’ the morning to ya! Oh wait, that’s Irish…Ah, forget it. Hey, don’t I look like a green Carmen Sandiego? 

To everyone’s relief, she switches back to her own speaking voice.

Katie: It’s been a strange week here in London. I feel magic in the air…or is that smoke? Yep, that’s definitely sulfur. Sources indicate that a buried, World War II Nazi bomb was responsible for converting the right good citizens of London into fascists! The bomb was reported as the culprit for people’s sudden dictatorial and ultranationalism behavior by a woman with the initials “S.K.” According to S.K., her mate Nigel went missing for several days. Finding herself trapped inside her apartment and unable to brave the rapidly transforming fascist violence transpiring, S.K. “summoned” the Hellblazer himself, Mr. John Constantine. I do say, that man can wear a trench coat! Am I right? I wonder what he’d think of mine today? 

Our favorite lovable troublemaker is said to dabble in a bit of magic himself. Although it’s supposedly a “dark” kind of magic. I did notice a fresh scar located on S.K.’s hand…I hope Mr. Constantine wasn’t involved in that. Whatever the case, S.K. claims that John Constantine and a, quote, “swamp-loving” friend unearthed the bomb triggering everyone’s — bombastic — behavior. Both Constantine and the mysterious swampy stranger managed to dispose of the device diffusing the fascist enchantment. What I wouldn’t give to whip up a little magic of my own and find out what really went down. Does anyone have some Yunshi anywhere to help me see the truth? Can we get Wonder Woman down here?

Oh, and S.K. wants everyone to know that she helped too. When I asked her to clarify her involvement, she said “I just need you to know that John didn’t save me. I don’t need saving!” and sprinted off into the lingering red shadows coating the alleyways. Happily, I can report that her friend Nigel was found and has been taken to a hospital. It’s been a day full of dark justice from this league of heroes. Now, I have to see a man about a trench coat…I can’t stop thinking about that cut on S.K.’s hand. Maybe…

The camera cuts back to Dan right as Katie starts looking at her own palm curiously.

Dan: I tried reaching out to Crush for an update on her outer space adventure but I’ve not heard back from her since an incident where that Krang-looking alien was working as a “coffee artist” on some derelict space rock. I just hope for the best when she reunites with her father. Being a parent isn’t easy so I just want her to get some peace of mind? Let’s check in with Thomas out there in Space.

The camera cuts to Thomas, who is framed by multiple shiny profile shots of Sojourner Mullein, Simon Baz, and Keli Quintela. Thomas is smiling but sounds more scripted than usual.

Thomas: Hey there, Lantern fashionistas! The Corps is bouncing back hard from its Oa-sized devastation by serving up multiple looks per sector. What are the capabilities of Simon’s cybernetic arm, and what do they mean for fashion as self-defense? Jo’s trademark green glasses: how to get your own, and whether to wear them as giant panels or have them wrap around your head. And finally: Keli gets combed? You’ll have to see it to believe it! Let’s start with some photos from the Oa launchpad–

Thomas puts his finger up to his earpiece, stands upright as he listens, and tosses his fashion report notes to the wind.

Thomas: I’m sorry, it seems we have an update about the status of Corps Leader John Stewart! He’s reportedly been holed up on the planet Sergilon hiding from the Qinoori, who were enslaving populations in the dark sector. Stewart led a successful counterattack with the help of empowered Sergilon locals who fight with their… hair? Is that right? We’ll be sure to bring you the latest updates on these martial locs as soon as we have more information and, perhaps, a better understanding of Lantern Stewart’s exact location in space and time. I’m being told he may even be experiencing these events ahead of our own relative position, in which case this might qualify as a rerun from the past, in the present. Could this mean the fabled time-and-a-half pay for temporally disrupted reporting? We’ll have the latest updates as soon as I get off the phone with HR!

A green streak of light zooshes through the sky in the background.

Thomas: Whoa, what was that? Are the Lanterns finally done sulking and ready to swear revenge on somebody? 

A pair of Thanagarians fly by mentioning Sinestro and New Korugar.

Thomas: Did they just say Sinestro?! You know what that means: it’s time for a Lantern War! Load up The Cavalcade! We have a Code Twister on our hands, and we’re chasing this green-and-yellow storm all the way to the splash page! Back to you, Dan!

Thomas, his AI-assisted camera, and 90s-era Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt, Alan Ruck, and Philip Seymour Hoffman race into the hull of The Cavalcade as it prepares to take off.

Dan: Wow, that story took quite a turn. I sure hope they’re prepared for whatever Aliens they encounter on New Korugar. Hey Sinestro, Lantern Quintela seems pretty Mad About You, huh? I’m glad we got an explanation for John Stewart’s Day Off. The slippery timeline reminds me of Synecdoche, New York. *ahem* Good movie is all I’m saying. Moving on…

The camera flickers on to a view of the Metropolis skyline, the familiar Daily Planet globe standing tall amid the skyscrapers. Quickly, the camera is turned around so that it’s facing Rook, huddled on top of another building. Though nobody’s around, Rook is whispering.

Rook: This is on now, right? YES–yes. Yes. Good stuff. Okay, so here’s how I made it off of that time-looping island, got my memories back, and got my next big scoop. 

It starts with the bat — sorry, Batman — and Catwoman getting played by Deathstroke. At least, that’s what it sounded like Batman was regretting. I wasn’t “in the room” per se, but I had a pretty good view from the vents I was crawling around in. 

As he was escaping, Catwoman snagged a device off of Deathstroke that would let them pick which reality the Zero Point lead to — having a whip really comes in handy sometimes. But even so, they’d be stuck without a third person from their home dimension. So if Batman and Catwoman wanted to get out, they had to get back into the loop and find Harley Quinn. 

I would have volunteered, of course, but it felt really awkward and then they just left on their own. Bad timing, I guess. 

So they had their way out of the loop, or a chance at it, which left me to find this secret organization’s own method of dimensional travel. I did what any good reporter would do: crawled around the vents until I heard someone who sounded like they were in charge of things. And boy, did I find that person.

This Dr. Slone character seemed to be the highest rung on the ladder and sounded like she was planning another breach. I heard the word “metropolis” and, well, I wasn’t going to chance getting ditched again. So the second her squad was through, I followed.

Which leads to me, on the roof of LexCorp, overhearing Lex Luthor and Deathstroke making plans with Slone! At least, until they switched on sound-dampening fields. Damn inconvenient supertech. Still, it sounded like there was at least one other person in there…

This is all to say, this Island and the loop might become a bigger story in the future. I’ll be sure to keep you all updated on what Luthor and Deathstroke could be up to. Stay tuned!

Just before cutting back to the studio, Rook gives the camera a thumbs-up, completely unaware of Deathstroke calmly and deliberately walking towards them in the background. 

Dan: Um, Rook? Rook? There was… behind you…shit. Jerry, try and find out if they’re still alive, I really don’t want to speak to the insurers AGAIN. We now take you over to Jordan who is stationed in Belle Reeve Penitentiary…

It’s clear when Dan reads those words, something goes off in his brain. His bright disposition seems to slunk into the mud as he looks away from the camera as his hand rubs the back of his neck before the feed switches over to Jordan slumping into his office chair and flicking his camera on. A small cramped office comes into view revealing a sterile and claustrophobic little room.

Jordan: Good evening viewers. We’re here at our Belle Reve branch for GC52. Some shocking news today here at Belle Reve so strap in. I’ve managed to cobble together some equipment following recent riots here, so apologies for any technical difficulties throughout this process. It must also be said that this information is top secret and highly classified government intelligence. Discretion is highly encouraged and a leaking of what I am about to disclose will result in a visit from our very own Suicide Squad, and deadly consequences thereafter. 

Today has brought with it some shocking revelations as we have learned that Amanda Waller, the director of Task Force X, has tasked assassin Robert DuBois A.K.A Bloodsport with surveillance of other parallel Earths. Many of our informants here have noted that Bloodsport is wearing a brand new costume and is also utilizing Belle Reve’s vast array of weaponry. Bloodsport is said to be currently on Earth 3, the home of the villainous Crime Syndicate of America. A dark mirror to our own Justice League, featuring alternate versions of Green Lantern, Batman, and Superman as they fight a version of Starro the Conqueror. I have also been informed by my informants here at Belle Reve that Bloodsport’s mission is to locate and capture Black Siren. I haven’t been told much but this Black Siren seems to be a new version of Black Canary, more information when we hear it, folks. 

It’s a slower news day here at Belle Reve itself, however. Reeling from the recent riots and break out the prison is in Lockdown and the Squad is detained in their cells, minus Colonel Rick Flag who escaped his cell in the confusion. This reporter hopes he doesn’t come back. Flag’s one of the good ones and deserves better than what Waller has in store for him here.

The door behind Jordan slams open. A tall, slender, and armored guard walks over and hands Jordan a small piece of paper. Jordan opens it and reads it quickly, glancing up to say..

Jordan: This just in, it appears Bloodsport is battling Ultraman, the Crime Syndicate’s twisted incarnation of Superman. I’ve been patched through to a live feed folks and DuBois seems to be standing his ground while doing no damage. But wait! He’s just teleported to his person a weapon that fires Kryptonite gas. This should surely give DuBois the victory. What’s this?! Ultraman appears to have shrugged it off, HE’S KNOCKED BLOODSPORT OUT COLD! This does not bode well folks. We’ve lost our feed. I’m not entirely sure what is happening but it can’t be anything good. I’ll be sure to inform you, dear viewers, as this situation develops further. Until then, this is GC52’s liaison for Task Force X signing off.

The camera cuts from Jordan back to Dan in the studio. He still seems slightly off after hearing Jordan’s report and gives a rather monotone script read of his normally lively sign-off.

Dan: Well folks, looks like 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.

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Books covered this week:

• Batman #110 by James Tynion IV, Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles.
• Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point #6 by Christos Gage, Donald Mustard, Reilly Brown, Nelson DeCastro, John Kalisz, and AndWorld Design.
• Crush & Lobo #2 by Mariko Tamaki, Amancay Nahuelpan, Tamra Bonvillain, and Ariana Maher.
• Green Lantern #4 by Geoffrey Thorne, Tom Raney, Marco Santucci, Michael Atiyeh, and Rob Leigh.
• Justice League #64 by Brian Michael Bendis, Steve Pugh, Nick Filardi, and Josh Reed.
• Nice House on the Lake #2 by James Tynion IV, Álvaro Martínez Bueno, Jordie Bellaire, and AndWorld Design.
• Suicide Squad #5 by Robbie Thompson, Dexter Soy, Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira, Joe Prado, Alex Sinclair, and Wes Abbott.
• The Swamp Thing #5 by Ram V, John McCrea, 
• Wonder Girl #2 by Joëlle Jones, Adriana Melo, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles.