Tag: gc52

(Spoilers for DC Comics released 08/17/2021)

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 lavender-colored coat and isoutlined 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!

There seems to be a bit of a calm before the storm in Gotham. Clown Hunter recently got jumped, I know that doesn’t sound great. It isn’t but what comes from it is quite heart warming. Another member of the Bat-Family with well-known violent tendencies, Red Hood, helped him out. This could lead to a budding mentorship for a misguided young man and could be good for Hood to help someone out. But as it goes in Gotham…all things aren’t well so lets check in with Katie. 

Out in the field, Katie stands in front of an Alleytown thrown into chaos. Police cars and yellow caution tape cordon off the remains of a burned church. Her black cat confidant, Felicia, bats at a mouse scurrying through the rubble.

Katie: Hello! The investigation into the St. Thomas Church arson here in Gotham’s Alleytown continues today. Earlier, two police officers found a bathtub in the midst of the decimation. A map of Alleytown was recovered. It’s uncertain what the map has to do with anything, but who doesn’t like treasure hunting?!

The prime suspect, the enigmatic Father Valley, remains at large. His motive for the arson has yet to be determined. Although, I suspect he justified the crime with a good old fashion Bible verse. The Good Book has lots of verses about fire he could have pulled from. 

Speaking of Father Valley, a little cat told me the criminal was finally seen with a…bigger cat? Well, she’s not a cat at all. She’s human, but dresses like a cat — if a cat dressed in leather, that is. And had no fur…

In the background, Felicia finally pounces on the mouse skittering around the ashes. She brings it over and lays it at Katie’s feet in triumph.

Katie: Um…thank you, Felicia? You know what cat always catches her prey? Catwoman! Before this mysterious Mortal Kombat sighting involving Catwoman and Father Valley, Catwoman had last been reported missing. I spoke with Detective Hadley earlier. Mr. Hadley is a known associate of Catwoman, formerly left for dead by the aforementioned Father Valley as a result of his ties to the femme fatale feline. He didn’t have much information to offer, but we have reason to believe Batman was involved in Catwoman’s return to Alleytown. I’m assuming Hadley was embarrassed he couldn’t find Catwoman himself. Bat and Cat together again, at least!

A rumbling growl emanates from Felicia’s throat. Above their heads, a petite bird flutters and lands on Katie’s shoulder. The bird wears a translating collar around its neck. Amazingly, bird language is transformed into English as it chirps loudly in Katie’s ear.

Katie: What’s that, robin? Catwoman and Father Valley were fighting each other with swords in an abandoned building until she stabbed him through the shoulder but Father Valley used a remote firing device to launch bullets at a target across from them? Detective Hadley was injured again? But I just talked to him… Hadley almost gets killed, rescued by Catwoman, and then tries to help Catwoman, and is possibly killed for a second time! I wonder if he’s ever heard of a monkey’s paw…or would it be the cat’s paw in this situation? A little cat humor for you while Bradley’s survival status remains unknown. Back to you, Dan.

Felicia jumps in the air, trying to catch the spy robin flying away. The camera cuts away back to the studio.

Dan: Well we can continue the trend of pets in the broadcast as we check in on Bludhaven.

In a crater on a sidewalk of Blüdhaven, he rises… and he is MR. TUBES! HE’S FURRY AND FRIENDLY, BUT OH SO DEADLY IN HIS SUPER MECH SUIT! And this ferret is majorly confused… by why the police are with Blockbuster!

Just above the crater, Nightwing climbs out a window and up to the roof, only for Blockbuster to appear and a police helicopter is firing on the hero from the opposite side! But Nightwing jumps into the vehicle and takes it as his getaway vehicle! 

Knowing the city’s major crime boss is just up above, Mr. Tubes activates his mech’s thrusters to get away from the scene.

Three blocks away he turns to the GC52 drone and begins tapping on his keyboard for his mech to say…

Mr. Tubes: It seems the corruption in the city of Blüdhaven knows no bounds as the cops will not only help the crime boss Blockbuster, but are willing to walk side by side and fight on his behalf! Wait a second! What does this big red button do? 

Time around Tubes, his mech, and the GC52 camera begin moving faster! The suit is armed with a fast-forward button! As Mr. Tubes begins to walk around the city he realizes people are staring so he walks into a store called “Over the Top” walks up to the counter and whips out the credit card of GC52’s Dan! 

Mr. Tubes: I need some clothes, please. 

A few minutes pass and the audience is wondering why hasn’t GC52 just cut to a different segment but just then Mr. Tubes emerge from the store in a navy trench coat, a black fedora that says “papa” in small letters on the brim, and Groucho Marx Glasses and he’s ready to get back to work! 

Just then he notices a crowd of reporters around his apartment building where one Dick Grayson is announcing his new super charity, The Alfred Pennyworth Foundation!

Mr. Tubes turns back to the camera to report after the conference…

Mr. Tubes: Mr. Grayson is a wonderful man and the reason I was adopted from the pet store, but after announcing these plans to change the city, how will the seedy underbelly of the town react? I assume Blockbuster is going to be mighty angry, will Mr. Grayson be safe from the man that controls the city? Find out here on GC52! Back to you, Dan!

The camera cuts back to a flabbergasted Dan in the studio.

Dan: Was that my credit card? Someone get that ferret. Let’s check-in to see what’s going on with…Brian?

A reporter in an ill-fitting tan suit and a crooked mustache appears on screen. They seem to be sweating profusely.

Brian: Hello there Dan, I seem to be reporting live from well- uh, Hell itself.

Dan: Are you sure it’s not just Florida?

Brian: There is a very distinct lack of flamingos and truck stop motels, so I’m pretty confident in my assumption. 

Dan: Oh? Well, how did you end up at Satan’s Doorstep, Brian?

Brian: I was following two kids from Titans Academy- Billy and…Dane, I think? And before I knew it I was stepping through some sort of portal thing into this. The kids must’ve gotten into a sticky situation at the casino down the road. Staked the place out from here and saw them get chased out by some unsavory lookin’ fellas. These kids really have a knack for stirring up trouble, eh?

Some distant yelling followed by thunderous booms can be heard in the near distance, the camera attempts to zoom in on the source of the noise. Although the video is fairly grainy, you can make out what looks like a handful of demons surrounding a MUCH larger red demon…and SHAZAM?!?!

Brian: Hey! That’s one of them unsavory folks, but…bigger. Much bigger. I think that’s my queue to find an exit from this place, until next time, Dan!

The reporter tosses their mic before darting even further away from the distant conflict, then the feed abruptly cuts to black. 

Dan: Resuming our coverage of the rash of fires in Central City, we cut back to Brandon. Are things now under control?

Brandon is standing on the Central City pier, with the whole thing looking worse for wear. The wood of the pier is both sopping wet and torched, with police cars scattered around behind him. There are also a few fire trucks and an ambulance speeding off into the distance. Brandon, meanwhile, is looking rather disheveled… like he was caught in a wind tunnel.

Upon hearing Dan, Brandon finally faces the camera and realizes he’s on the air. He panic-adjusts his hair, then tries to catch up mentally.

Brandon: Uh-w-well, the hospital was a total loss. The Kid was able to confirm that it was Heatwave, which is actually strange. According to Flash, Heatwave had gone legit and wasn’t into crime anymore. I was trying to track down a lead on Mick Rory’s hideout when I…

Brandon looks distracted, mumbles something about red lightning.

Brandon: I found myself dragged out to the pier. The Pier was already on fire, and the Kid arrived just in time to save a kid from being burned. The fire didn’t last long, nor did the fight. I couldn’t pick up why Mick gave up so fast, but it looked like he and the Kid were sharing a moment. Whatever happened to make Heatwave fall off the straight and narrow, I hope the man gets the help he needs.

There is a streak of red and yellow as the Flash runs off. Brandon is about to say something else but vanishes in a bolt of red lightning himself. The camera, held up by a tripod, falls over and cuts to static.

Dan himself is quiet for a few minutes, blinking. He shuffles some papers in front of him, then speaks once more.

Dan: …I’m sure Brandon is fine. We’ll just take the camera out of his next paycheck.

The camera cuts to a feed coming from a handheld camera, maybe a phone. The shot shows Cass in a really small dark room made out of metal. They look extremely tired, but also somehow full of Energy. They are using the same clothes as their last transmission.

Cass: Oh my God, you finally picked up my signal! I have been trying for like four hours… Anyways. Hello there! I’m Cass, your favorite reporter from the future! I would ask for help, but I think the station won’t be able to find me, so let’s talk about the news. My access to the Fortress of Solitude’s security system has let me know that Superman and Manchester Black are recruiting.

Until now the recruits seem to be Steel, who was seen fighting some kind of living internet invasion (of course this happens while I’m kidnaped… this is why I will never be the next Lois Lane). The Man of Steel and…the British guy also recruited a famous superhero couple (and infamous murderers): Apollo and Midnighter, who were last seen fighting a giant robot powered by human brains (and also having some relationship problems… love that sweet sweet gossip). Finally, the team recruited the magic-user, June Moone, also known as The Enchantress. This seems to be an… interesting decision taking into account she is clearly going through some (reality-bending) stuff.   

Anyways, it’s time to ask: can Superman finally change the world for the better? Can we trust Manchester Black? Are Apollo and Midnighter going to stay together? Can the fortress of solitude cameras get a better shot of Superman shirtle–

Suddenly the noise of a door opening off-screen interrupts Cass, and a big shadow is seen covering almost all of the room.

Mysterious Voice: What the hell is that? Give it to me!!!

Suddenly the feed is lost. 

Dan: Who even hired this guy? 

Dan lets out a deep sigh.

Dan: Anyway, 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 – Secret Files: Clownhunter #1 by Ed Brisson, Rosi Kämpe, Andrew Dalhouse, and Simon Bowland.
• Catwoman #34 by Ram V, Fernando Blanco, Jordie Bellaire, and Tom Napolitano.
• Nightwing #83 by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas, and Wes Abbott.
• Shazam #2 by Tim Sheridan, Clayton Henry, Marcelo Maiolo, and Rob Leigh.
• The Flash #773 by Jeremy Adams, Will Conrad, Alex Sinclair, and Steve Wands.
• Superman and the Authority #2 by Grant Morrsion, Mikel Janín, Fico Ossio, Evan Cagle, Travel Foreman, Jordie Bellaire, Sebastian Cheng, Dave Stewart. Alex Sinclair, and Steve Wands.

(Spoilers for DC Comics released 08/10/2021)

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 all black for the first time in a while and 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!

Dan: Sorry I was out last week, I was dealing with some…things. While I was out I learned of some other shady information. It seems as if the Black Canary has joined T.R.U.S.T. which stands for Transparent Researchers United For Strategy And Technology. It’s also rumored they’re the ones who bought up all the missing Bat-tech. After an attack on Juliette Ballantine, Canary was swept away from a large function in London. I do hope Canary is still fighting for the side of the good because it’s also been said that Deathstroke is also working with them.

We now move on to another report from ex-GC52 reporter-turned-spy Ethan. Let’s see if he has any answers as to what’s been going on with the multiverse recently.

He picks up a file emblazoned with the DEO logo from his desk, pulling a pair of reading glasses out of his suit pocket. Putting them on, he begins to read from the report.

For storage in DEO Archives regarding Operation: Infinite Frontier.

Report compiled by Agent 17.

Update 4.

I’m starting to feel uncomfortable with Bones’ plan. He’s kidnapped… I don’t know how many heroes at this point. From the security cam footage I’ve been monitoring at the Carrier Ark loading bay, it looks like Green Lantern and Obsidian are very unhappy with the situation, especially the being captured part. This X-Tract Bones is working with, I can’t find any info on them. As I said, I’m not feeling great about Bones’ plan. He’s become far too paranoid about the multiverse situation. Before the Carrier Ark took off I managed to patch myself into the audio feeds. Bones and Chase were arguing about his plan, the last thing I caught was a gunshot. Sounds like good ol’ Cameron Chase took matters into her own hands.

It looks like Hammond’s ship has arrived at its destination, or a destination at least. Still no word from Hector but looks like the captured heroes have command of the ship. Can’t say I blame them, Hammond’s a creep. Anyway, it looks like Jade, Power Girl, the back-from-the-dead Roy Harper, and the others are at some unidentified Earth that is sure to be all sunshine and rainbows. This is all going as well as can be expected.

Report Ends.

Dan removes his reading glasses and places the report on his desk.

Dan: Yeah this is going somewhere I don’t even want to think about. Shame I can’t actually speak to Ethan, I’ve got some questions. Anyway, let’s check in with Violet.

Violet has drawn up a new brainstorm map, this time; Earth-11 post-its surround the border while the center shows possible outcomes to where Wonder Woman might end up next.

Violet: Shit’s about to go down! I have the latest tea on Wonder Woman! Diana, Siegfried, and Ratatosk continue their hunt for the wicked god slayer, Janus. Unfortunately, they’ve landed themselves in Earth-11 (essentially a world where everyone is genderbent and a bit wavy). There’s a Miss Martian (Marsha Manhunter) who explains the wibbly-wobbly multiverse…stuff?

Violet shrugs.

Violet: ANYWAY, Janus frees an exile, known as Dane of Elysium, “Wonder Man”; who then fails to storm the Hall of Justice. Embarrassing for him, that sounds extremely emasculating. Then Janus shows up, boo that whore!

We get Diana vs Janus round 2! Rather suspenseful to watch if you ask me, especially since Janus has that head hacking saw that kills you for good, even if you’re already dead! Unfortunate news for Deadman, as he has been taken hostage by Janus and dragged into the next realm.

I fully trust Ratatosk now, what a cute lil sweetie. Siegfried also makes himself useful, not only by being easy on the eye but he can actually defend himself and others! (Oh and talk to birds, did we mention that?!) 

Alas, Siegfried and Diana vowed to stay together and protect one another until all of this is over and perhaps even afterward. As always thanks for tuning in!

Violet spins round in her chair to look back at the brainstorm map and the camera cuts back to Dan.

Dan: Well another exciting report from Violet… Let’s check in with one of our newest reporters on the street, Terrence!

The camera cuts to Terrance on a street corner in Gotham. Behind him, a protest is marching down the block.

Terrence: I’m attempting to report from a police protest down in Alleytown! It’s getting a little hectic here and that’s…..that’s Batman. In a suit. Batman is here!?! He’s looking very Iron Man-ish (Can we use that? Like Legally?). Batman is walking all cinematically through the protest, stopping some people with his arms and gadgetry. This doesn’t seem like the regular type of activity from the Batman, could be a new person. There’s 15 people with a Bat logo on their chest in this terrible city. Iron Batman is fighting the Police and now the Magistrate Bots. The new Police Force in Gotham, what could possibly go wrong there? 

The Magistrate is beating on Bats and the Police are aiding them. It’s looking bad but there’s definitely more to this story. I’m getting some pings about heists and robberies along the Shipyards and I’m guessing it has to do with the recent activity with the Fox Family and Wayne Enterprises. 

One of my sources has been investigating and keeping tabs on the Fox Family since the Joker War and the return of one Tim “Jace” Fox has been making waves. That’s probably a line to keep open, who knows what the Fox Family has been up to in these tumultuous times. 

As the Magistrate continues to use excessive force on the protesters, the camera cuts back to Dan.

Dan: It’s truly getting worse in Gotham…

The Isabels are on screen now, but they have two microphones this time, each helpfully color-coded the same as the person holding it. 

Isabel (Blue): Hey, Dan. I just had a quick question before I start my report, how’s Jimmy doing on that Joker report? Just, y’know, wondering how murderous the Joker’s been lately. No reason. 

Isabel (Red): You’re always so weird. What does that even – whatever, hey Dan, hope your week’s been going well. Cause mine has, considering Freeze AND, you remember that guy in the yellow right? Cheer? They’re both in custody. Batman’s free, the whole family showed up to beat up all the bad guys, it seems like that’s all been pretty much dealt with! 

The Isabel in blue has been gesturing at the other with their head during this whole speech, they sneak in a quick ‘off with their head’ motion at the end there. There couldn’t be anything bad happening here, right? 

Isabel (Blue): That’s great for you, I’m sure. But it’s not so on my end! While there’s not been a single explosion since the last time we spoke, there isn’t much more information on the strange parasite that’s shown up a bit too many times in the Gotham Hospital recently. Should we be avoiding the water again? Air vents? The docks? It feels like they’re covering it up, Dan. And Batman – 

Isabel (Red): He’s fine! I already got that in! 

Isabel (Blue): You didn’t even mention The Jury! Barely an hour ago, every visible screen in the city blanked out, replaced with a message for Batman, instructing him to deliver Bruce Wayne to The Jury. What he’s been accused of, where he’s supposed to be delivered to and who The Jury is were not addressed, and we haven’t been able to track down any more information yet, but we’re working on getting some more. Back to you, Dan.

The Isabel in red stares at the one in blue, aghast that they took their sign-off privileges before the camera cuts back to Dan.

Dan: Thank you, Isabel, now we take you to the… what? Is that really what the segment is called?

Adam sits at his desk as a montage of Gotham’s famous couples flash past, superheroes, supervillains, and celebrities alike.

Adam: Hi, I’m Adam, and welcome back to the Gotham Gossip corner as we once again investigate the drama in the gloomy streets of Gotham! Has the Condiment King found his Condiment Queen? Who has Crazy Quilt been caught sharing those covers with? And who is the new bright light in Killer Moth’s life? All this and more in the latest Gotham Gossip corner!

The background changes to show Robin, standing over the rooftops

Adam: Continuing our recent story on Gothams own Boy Wonder, he was last seen investigating a pain cult run by something called “Chaos”. With dozens of teens from all over Gotham being abducted, it was up to Robin to save the day once again. After a shocking reveal that these Chaos “creatures” were nothing more than weirdos in suits covered in eyes, like off-brand biblical angels, Robin was provided the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the group just before they sacrificed one of the abducted teens.

Although sources on the events inside the cult’s lair are vague, we hear Robin fought side-by-side with the teen he rescued, and according to one source: sparks were flying. With the cult defeated and the youths of Gotham freed, we sat down with Detective Williams, the lead detective on the case.

We cut to the young Detective Williams at a crime scene on the streets of Gotham.

Adam: So Detective Williams, what can you tell us about the hero of the day, Robin?

Williams: I may not have been in the city long, but you run into a lot of superheroes in Gotham. This case with Robin was certainly on the stranger side of those encounters, and that includes that creepy yellow guy with the green hair. Guy clearly had a lot on his mind, brooding up on a fire escape like those hero-types usually do. I just thought he needed someone to talk to I guess. He kept talking about how he just broke up with his girlfriend and didn’t know why, just really normal teenager stuff. I can’t imagine it’s easy being that age, figuring yourself out with all the masks on top.

Defining who you are is tough, and I’m sure Batman as a role model doesn’t help. I did my best to talk to the kid and let him know that it’s normal to still be figuring yourself out at that age, and that worrying about it isn’t going to solve anything. It looked like something clicked for him in the end as he grappled off into the darkness, so I hope I was able to help. Hey, this is all anonymous right? I don’t think I’m allowed to be helping capes with their personal lives right now…

Adam: Yes, of course, Mister anonymous detective whom we never named. That’s all for today folks, but who knows what drama will unfold in Gotham next. Back to you Dan!

The camera swings around in the studio to Dan’s lead anchor desk.

Dan: That was actually really insightful, lets see how Katie is doing with the dogs.

Katie sits in the studio, flipping through a script. Felicia the cat bats at a cord dangling off-screen. When she realizes the camera is rolling, Katie hastily puts the paper down and places Felicia in her lap. 

Katie: Ah, hello all you cat-lovers…and…and dog people out there. 

She winces as if thinking about dogs physically pains her. Felicia purrs in solidarity. 

Katie: Sorry, I was going over production notes again. What a wild week! The most tolerable dog in the world went on a globe-spanning adventure this week! Great Dane Scooby-Doo and his crew, with guest appearances from his cowled crusader pal Batman, Batman’s on-again-off-again woman, Talia al Ghul, and violet vigilante, The Huntress. My inside informant caught the large ensemble of characters–I mean detectives — heroes? — whatever. FELICIA caught footage of the aforementioned mystery-solvers joining forces after apprehending a leather-clad ruffian named “The Fontz.” He was not having a happy day.  

Talia recruited the Mystery Inc. teenagers, Scooby, and the crime-fighting heroes after her father, legendary super-villain Ra’s al Ghul was reportedly kidnapped by Bane! An outsider was attempting to locate one of Ra’s al Ghul’s infamous Lazarus Pits. As the League of Shadows tried to close the pits, the outsider infiltrated and captured Ra’s! Apparently, Talia really only wanted Velma and her genius detective skills on the case. It’s not like Ra’s al Ghul would have thrown himself at Batman’s feet for rescuing him… Nevertheless, Velma saw the dangers of the situation clearly and invited everyone along to solve the mystery of the stolen League of Assassins leader. 

Felicia jumps on the desk and starts pacing around. Clearly, it’s time to eat, since it’s been more than thirty minutes since her last meal. 

Katie: Felicia, stop kitten around. You’re as hungry as Scooby-Doo! If only you could subsist on Scooby Snacks…AHEM. To wrap things up, since I obviously have obligations, I’ll give you the rundown on those meddling kids. Talia took everyone over to Venice, Italy on her private jet. Were Scooby Snacks allowed on the plane? It’s hard to say. I wouldn’t want crumbs ruining my personal air carrier. 

Velma’s instincts were no match for the kidnapper. Clues led the gang to fight a mummy in Cairo, Egypt, where Scooby licked up unidentified Bane venom on the ground which thankfully turned out to be nothing but a spilled sports drink. Dogs will really just eat anything, huh, Felicia? 

During their time in Luxor, Egypt’s “Lost” City of Aten, the group found Ra’s al Ghul tied up. It turns out, the villain was none other than a pro wrestler impersonating Bane — and also the mummy they encountered? Mac Vennie wanted to restore his old strength for an epic wrestling comeback through the regenerative Lazarus Pit. HA. Ra’s allowed himself to be kidnapped because…Vennie could have made a good ally? A washed-up wrestler? Oh boy. There’s so much drama in the al Ghul family, no wonder Talia asked a trustworthy turtlenecked teenager for assistance. Velma didn’t lose her glasses once, either! Case: Closed. Cat: Hungry. Me: Off to feed the cat. Back to you Dan! 

Felicia starts biting Katie’s fingers. She exclaims how her fingers are not food as the camera cuts away to Dan.

Dan: Thank you, Katie, now go feed that cat! Corporate won’t like it if we end up with another reporter eaten by their own pet.

Dan turns to face another camera in the studio. A graphic appears on the screen of The Joker’s face superimposed over the Eiffel Tower. 

Dan: You may recall that The Joker was last seen in Belize during an attack on a resort compound. Former Commissioner Gordon was spotted there too. Now there have been new sightings of The Joker in Paris and so, fresh out of the hospital after his last ordeal, intrepid reporter Jimmy is here with a special report. Jimmy.

The camera cuts to a beautiful tree-lined street along the Seine River. There are a few people in the background going about their day. As the camera pans from left to right the Eiffel Tower comes into view in the background and walking into the frame is a tall gentleman, medium build, white hair, and about 75 years old. He is dressed in a well-tailored navy blue suit that looks like it was purchased in 1976. 

Dan: I’m sorry. Who are you? Where’s Jimmy?

Dickkory Shippers: This is Dickkory Shippers with a special report from Paris, France where The Joker has recently been spotted after narrowly surviving his ordeal in Belize. Daniel, my sources have confirmed for me that Jim Gordon has been seen here as well. He has been investigating a cabal called the Club of Villains run by the notorious Le Bossu. That’s French for The Hunchback, Daniel. I also learned, Daniel, that-

Dan: Dickkory. DICKKORY!

Dickkory abruptly stops, visibly annoyed at being interrupted. The camera cuts back to Dan in the studio.

Dan: What happened to Jimmy? Why are you delivering this report?

The camera cuts back to Dickkory still wearing the same expression of annoyance. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts.

Dickkory Shippers: As I said, Daniel-

Dan: My name is Dan and I’m the-

Dickkory Shippers: As I said, Daniel, I’m DIckkory Shippers and I was reporting the news back when there was only one Universe. I broke the story of The Joker’s Five-Way Revenge. So when I heard The Joker was at it again and your reporter was hospitalized and traumatized, I came out of retirement and answered the call. Now, I learned that Jim Gordon was assaulted by several of Le Bossu’s thugs, but managed to return to his swanky hotel that he clearly can’t afford on his pension. It’s not clear yet to me who is bankrolling Gordon. 

I was able to find out though that late yesterday Gordon was picked up by Interpol in connection with the murder of 4 individuals in a laboratory in Montmarte. Gordon had been using a public phone at the time he was taken into custody. Sources tell me that he had placed a call to none other than another former commissioner and current private dick, Harvey Bullock. An anonymous eyewitness confirmed to me that an individual matching the description of The Joker was spotted lurking on a rooftop above. 

Could The Joker and Gordon be working together? Were the murders in Montmartre related to some new dastardly plot? What was so important that Gordon would call Bullock knowing it was 4 a.m. in Gotham City? Dickory Shippers won’t rest until he uncovers the truth! Back to you, Daniel.

Dan: Well, I definitely don’t like that guy. Anyway, 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:

• Detective Comics #1041 by Mariko Tamaki, Dan Mora, Jordie Bellaire, and Aditya Bidikar.
• I Am Batman #0 by John Ridley, Travel Foreman, Norm Rapmund, Rex Lokus, and ALW’s Dave Lanphear.
• Infinite Frontier #4 by Joshua Williamson, Paul Pelletier, Jesús Merino, Xermánico, Norm Rapmund, Raul Fernandez, Hi-Fi, and Tom Napolitano.
• The Joker #6 by Jame Tynion IV, Guillem March, Arif Prianto, and Tom Napolitano.
• Wonder Woman #777 by Michael W. Conrad, Becky Cloonan, Emanuela Lupacchino, Wade von Grawbadger, Jordie Bellaire, and Pat Brosseau.
• The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #5 by Ivan Cohen, Randy Elliott, Carrie Strachan, and Saida Temofonte.
• Red Hood/Batman: Cheer #6 by Chip Zdarsky, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Scot Eaton, Julio Ferreira, Oclair Albert, Marcus To, Adriano Lucas, and Becca Carey.
• Tim Drake: Sum of our Parts #3 by Meghan Fitzmartin, Belén Ortega, Alejandro Sánchez, and Pat Brosseau.
• Black Canary: Cover #1 by Joshua Williamson, Trevor Hairsine, Rain Beredo, and Steve Wands.

(Spoilers for DC Comics released 08/03/2021)

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. News Channel Intern Jerry sits at the center of the newsroom behind his desk. He’s wearing a gray suit that looks three sizes too large for him and his tie is clipped on, behind him is the large window overlooking 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.

Jerry: 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! I’m Jerry, the intern! Dan is out this week doing…something. But I’m here in his place. Sure, Dan could have asked one of the numerous reporters and journalists on staff but here I am. Barely passing my courses at Metropolis University…go Bulldogs.

Anyway, yeah. So I was reading Dan’s emails earlier and he got another message from those people at the Lake House. Not going great from what I can tell. Sounds like there is a big scary building of like black stone. I don’t know why anyone would stay there but it is what it is. Let’s see what Kevin is up to!

The camera pans over the broken rubble of the Hall of Justice. Kevin crouches in the ruins, as occasional explosions ring out above him.

Kevin: Hi Jerry, I’m still here at the Hall of Justice where the battle between the assembled Justice League and the alien we’ve been told is called the Synmar Utopica is still raging. Others would have fled, but your intrepid reporter has stayed in place *under his breath* after my escape car was destroyed. And the second one.

An old wooden door opens in the background seemingly in the middle of nowhere, and Naomi steps out, looking determined. 

Kevin: And I think I’ve just seen – yes, that is the mysterious Naomi, recently appearing as part of the Justice League! Naomi, what can you tell us about this ongoing incident? 

Naomi is surprised to see the camera and her eyes widen. She looks uncertainly between the explosions above and Kevin, then tries to puff herself up a little. 

Naomi: Uh..hello, citizen! There is umm….no reason for concern. I hope. 

There is a blaze of scarlet lightning as the Flash runs by, yelling something. Kevin lets out a squawk and tries to hide behind a fallen section of wall, leaving Naomi speaking awkwardly to the camera. 

Naomi: The uh…Justice League is…on it? That didn’t sound right, I’m sorry – we are on it. Totally. So ah, no need to worry. 

Aquaman crashes down onto the ground, roaring. He immediately picks himself up and leaps atop the rubble Kevin is hiding behind, shouting oceanic obscenities. Kevin tosses his microphone in the air and flees the camera entirely. 

Naomi: But uh…yes it’s probably a good idea to get to safety. Like…now. Just in case. 

Kevin’s screams sound distantly. Naomi looks after him, then up at the fight raging above, then back at the camera. 

Naomi: So …yeah. You should – oh my god, is that Black Adam losing his $&@# on that alien??? I – I gotta get back there. *Under her breath* Oh my god this is crazy how is any of this happening.  *Back to camera* Ummm just hold on out there and we have totally got this. And you guys should probably get a new reporter honestly because this guy seems – 

There is another explosion above and a terrified scream sounds in the background before Naomi breaks off, eyes widening, then leaps off to deal with some new threat. The camera shakes and then cuts back to the studio.

Jerry: Right…um…I don’t know, I’m not an actual news anchor, cut to Katie.

Onscreen, a video plays. A long shot camera angle shows a wetland world shimmering with hues of pink and green. The forest appears to swarm with verdant colors. A cluttered forest of trees sway and branches stretch toward the horizon as if they are alive, beckoning to a life unseen beyond the dusk. A helicopter circles overhead. Its spinning propellers beat loudly, biting through the forests’ clandestine silence. The camera cuts to Katie in the news studio.

Katie: You just saw recorded footage from the Kaziranga Forest in India, where the ground, roots, and plants seem to be moving. Recently, a destructive Prescot bio-agent was unleashed across ninety square miles of India’s Kaziranga here. The bio-agent is a threat to the lands’ interconnected vegetation network. A possibly related unidentified source may be causing a kind of tectonic shift from below. Fertile wetland area has not reacted to a disturbance like this in years — a swampy situation indeed.

An insider revealed to us that an ex-Prescot employee entangled himself in the twisting roots of this situation. From my perspective, it sounds like any human who flees inside a biological warfare zone is on a suicide mission. 

Inside the forest, a group of…abnormal superheroes titled Task Force X has been deployed to locate and retrieve the elemental force and the Prescot-affiliated agent. Task Force X, also referred to by the moniker “The Suicide Squad,” consists of five members. Each infamous metahuman possesses abilities someone deemed well-suited to this mission. I’ve received communications about one particular member feasting on foliage and another walking around like a green, toxic waste globule. Fires have also erupted from the marshland…the last thing they need to deal with is a heatwave trapped inside dense greenery! 

One can’t help but ask: Is this squad saviors or saboteurs? Who is the real villain here? Hopefully they don’t burn the entire forest down. It’s suffered enough damage already. I will update you as the story — 

Cracking sounds cascade throughout the studio. On Katie’s left, a teeth-shaped indentation now replaces the wall paneling. Garbled words “Nom Nom” can be heard moments before an anthropomorphic shark barges through the wall.

King Shark: WHERE TASK FORCE?

Katie stands up and begins backing away from the large and oddly muscular shark man.

Katie: Umm…they’re…in the forest. 

King Shark: I’M KING SHARK! I’M A GOD! I WANT DINNER!

Katie: No, no dinner here. We are not dinner! Your friends are there! I bet they have dinner!

She points to the screen with rolling forest footage.

King Shark: FRIENDS?! 

King Shark turns around, bites through another portion of the building, and runs away as fast as an anthropomorphic shark can run.

Katie: Uhh…that was…fishy? Over to you, Jerry?

Katie grasps her heart, trying to catch her breath after her sharknado encounter. The camera cuts back to Jerry.

Jerry: Dan goes away and then suddenly shark’s are attacking the studio. I really hope he didn’t eat anyone, that’ll be a hell of a mess to clean up.

But in some news from Gotham, Mayor Nakano just had a live report where he gave the Magistrate more authority in the city. I can’t say much but all I can say is that Gotham is about to fall into something very, very dark. If you have the means, please leave before it gets bad…

We turn now to Thomas’s continuing coverage of New Korugar, where Green Lantern Quintela has taken the fight to Sinestro in a burst of vengeful–

Live footage from Korugar interrupts Jerry, with a camera close up to Thomas’s face.

Thomas: Jerry, my journalism training demands that I ask everyone to shut up, as this is no ordinary report. We have CRUZ NEWS!

Jerry: Holy shit CRUZ NEWS!

Jerry slams his palm down on a bright green button, setting off air horns and causing green CGI fireworks to explode all over the screen.

Thomas: I know, Jerry. The details are flying in hard and fast. Jessica Cruz has been spotted on New Korugar in full Yellow Lantern attire, engaged in combat with not only Lantern Quintela but what appears to be a heavily armored Lantern Baz. Is she an undercover agent, a double agent, or maybe one of those subtly characterized yellow lanterns we’re treated to every few years?

Jerry: Thomas, do we have identity verification, or is this another lady in a hood breaking bad?

Thomas: Jerry, she has a glowing symbol over one eye. She monologues about the nature of fear. She recognizes Lanterns Quintela and Baz, letting them escape alive while attempting to avoid Sinestro’s attention. This is a new side of Lantern Cruz, one that is only hinted at for now but perhaps will be elaborated upon at further length in a future, once-a-year kind of report… an “annual,” if you will.

Jerry: This all sounds expensive. Any word on the status of Lantern Stewart and the spaceship full of Lanterns?

Thomas: Focus, Jerry! This is an unprecedented twist in our Oa coverage — a Lantern, changing their ring and serving with the enemy. It’s unheard of!

Jerry slides a stack of tapes labeled “Red Lantern – Gardner” deeper beneath the news desk.

Jerry: Too true, Thomas. We have a news alert showing Lantern Kilowog sending a distress call asking for backup. Will that affect the Cruz News at all?

Thomas gives Jerry a stern look through the camera.

Jerry: Nevermind. Moving on… Looks like Lobo is out of space prison which can’t be good I think. His poor daughter really needs someone to just help her but uh, don’t know if that’s really something her dad will do…

Looks like we have more Task Force X news for you today folks, so let’s see what Jordan has for us, live from Belle Reve.

The camera cuts to a dark small room. A light flicks on revealing Jordan viewing a monitor and rummaging through stacks of papers and files.

Jordan: Hi there GC52 viewers, welcome back to our branch here at Belle Reve penitentiary. I’m Jordan Edwards, GC52’s Task Force X liaison. It’s been incredibly busy here of late. Peacemaker has taken a Squad to India in search of Swamp Thing. Regardless, I’ve been a little busy following Superboy’s Squad. 

The young Kryptonian clone and his team have just recently acquired a new puppet for Waller. My informant tells me this is someone known as Night Terror. Whoever they are, this individual is now within our walls here at Belle Reve, another lamb to the slaughter as it were. 

Anyway, Superboy’s Squad has just arrived at Earth 3 moments ago in search of Bloodsport and Black Siren. We lost contact with DuBois, and Waller obviously considers him too important to leave behind. If Waller thinks it’s worth getting you back, you know they’re important for some reason. 

Marching boots storm down the hallway. A prison guard veers into the room. Jordan covers his camera.

Guard: What are you doing here? I heard voices

Jordan: Oh just running tests on vocal restraining technology for Black Siren. I just need to test the frequencies

Guard: Hmm alright. As you were. Stay here. False Face is starting a riot again

The guard runs off. Jordan waits until he hears the hallway door slam. He uncovers the camera and turns on the monitor again.

Jordan: Sorry about that, viewers. Reporting on a top-secret government black ops group has its fair share of setbacks. Anyway, the Squad seems to be in combat now with Ultra Man. We seem to have missed a lot as Bloodsport has returned with Black Siren in tow. Most of the Squad has just escaped through the new portal technology Waller has gotten a hold of. 

It seems Superboy has been left to fend for himself. Wait! No, he’s just made it through the portal. I’ll cut to our interdimensional feed to see what’s happening and OH! Well, this is certainly an interesting turn of events. It seems Superboy and the Squad are in a decimated city somewhere in Russia. Not only that but they’re being confronted by…Superboy. Waller’s gonna need to do some explaining. 

Jordan’s ears perk up as he hears voices getting closer.

Guard: Somebody get a hold on Rainbow Creature, and call our damn containment unit!

Jordan: Well viewers, it seems like that’s all I have time for right now, I’ll see you next time. In the meantime, I’m gonna lie low a bit.

Jordan covers up his camera and the feed cuts back to Jerry in the studio.

Jerry: Well folks, that’s all we have for you today. I hope Dan’s back next week, but anyway, 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 Jerry, the intern. Be strong in all your convictions.

---

Books covered this week:

• The Nice House on the Lake #3 by James Tynion IV, Álvaro Martínez Bueno, Jordie Bellaire, and AndWorld Design.
• Justice League #66 by Brian Michael Bendis, Phil Hester, Eric Gapstur, Trish Mulvihill, Hi-Fi, and Josh Reed.
• The Swamp Thing #6 by Ram V, Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer, and Aditya Bidikar.
• Batman #111 by James Tynion IV, Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles.
• Green Lantern #5 by Geoffrey Thorne, Tom Raney, Marco Santucci, Andy MacDonald, Michael Atiyeh, and Rob Leigh.
• Crush & Lobo #3 by Mariko Tamaki, Amancay Nahuelpan, Tamra Bonvillain, and Ariana Maher.
• Suicide Squad #6 by Robbie Thompson, Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira, Dexter Soy, Alex Sinclair, and Wes Abbot.

(Spoilers for DC Comics released 07/27/2021)

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 button-up pastel shirt with flamingo printoutlined 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!

Tensions are at a PEAK tonight as the US and Atlantis are on the precipice of war. We spoke a few weeks ago about an energy source that the US Government was trying to take from the Atlanteans. The tensions seemed to drop off after Superman stepped in but it seems as if some sort of undercover agents tried to steal the object out from under the Atlantean’s noses. In retaliation for what Atlantis officials describe as “an unprovoked attack on Atlantean Sovereignty,” no ship is being permitted to cross Atlantean Waters… the shipping lanes that are now closed are considered vital. All sides seem to be bracing themselves for the inevitable moment…when the first shots are fired… I will keep you abreast of the situation.

We now move on to another report from ex-GC52 reporter Ethan, who revealed himself to be an agent of the DEO and vanished mid-broadcast. He’s been sending us reports about a bold new frontier our universe is entering. So, let’s take a read…

Dan puts on some reading glasses, grabs a file lying on his desk, and begins reading.

For storage in DEO Archives regarding Operation: Infinite Frontier.

Report compiled by Agent 17.

Update 3.

Bones finally gave me some info about what’s been happening. Not enough, I might add, but something at least. He has some hair-brained idea to save the world involving recruiting, capturing(?) heroes, and some Bleed-ships? Those are some fascinating tech. That’s about as much as I know, but I did at least find out Agent Chase survived the explosion at that military base. We’d have been in a really bad place if she didn’t make it.

It looks like before they were brought on board the mission (Note: Check if this was willing), Green Lantern and Obsidian were wrecking shop, going after all their old enemies in search of Jade. From the footage I’ve seen, those were some impressive beat-ups.

Finally, Bones gave me a direct link to the monitoring systems on one of the Bleed-ships. This one was captained by Hector Hammond of all people. It seems after the last multiversal reset (See Case File: Death Metal) he got normal again. No more big head. Anyway, he picked up someone our records show as dead, Roy Harper (See Case File: Heroes in Crisis). He had a Black Lantern ring but seemed mostly under his own volition. The last bit of info I got before the monitoring systems went dead was the ship entering the Bleed itself. I’m sure nothing bad could happen.

Agent 17 Personal Addendum:

In what spare time I’ve had, I’ve been investigating Bones’ extra-curricular activities with Checkmate. I’m still light on info about what’s going on, but from what I’ve gathered, at least part of Checkmate is composed of Bones, Lois Lane, Green Arrow, and The Question.

Arrow and Question were on guard duty for Lane at her father’s old houseboat. I think this was her first time back since he died (See Case File: Event Leviathan). Anyway, security cam footage showed Lane entered the building while the others remained in overwatch on a nearby rooftop. Then the whole building up and vanished, likely teleported. My guess, it was Leviathan.

Her husband’s gonna be pissed.

Report Ends.

Dan removes his reading glasses and looks back at the camera.

Dan: Well I’m definitely not scared about what sort of multiversal business we’re gonna end up in. Now, let’s go over to Katie who joins us from the studio today. Katie?

When the camera cuts to Katie in the studio, she is seen clutching her headset with one hand. She nods vigorously, her pupils dilated from disbelief.

Katie: I’m…receiving a communication signal. I’m not sure where the source is coming from, but I need to warn you all: Our reality is in peril! A…being, called Auteur.io appears to be having a god complex. From what I can decipher, this “Archivist of worlds” claims to be in control of every reality in the multiverse. Versions of Superman, Batman, and Robin are currently attempting to battle this celestial monster. They’re stuck on some Wild West-like planet. What a nightmare!

What’s that? If Auteur.io deems a world imperfect he…oh, god. He wants to erase us all! Our realities are like some big movie to him — and he’s the director and editor. 

Can he see us right now? Oh, I do hope he’s catching my good angle…

Diaphanous images of a film strip oscillate on screen. She watches in horror as a constellation of different universes all permeate through the torn veil of her reality in the GC52 newsroom. One film strip focuses, reading “ETRIGAN THE DEMON IN THE FIERY PITS BELOW.”

Katie: Etrigan? Demon? Fiery pits?! Crap, I’ve gotta get out of here. 

Before she can flee, a resonant voice thunders aloud.

Etrigan: HARK! HARK! O NOBLE! O DAMNED! HARK THE DEMON ETRIGAN!

Katie bolts upright out of her seat. Her head whips around her, trying to locate the source of the demon’s words.

Katie: He’s here! Etrigan’s here! Auteur.io has sent him to kill us! To kill me! And on a good hair day too.

Chaos ensues. She runs off camera like beasts from hell have arisen to devour her soul. 

Etrigan: THE WORLD OF TOMORROW, YOU SAY? I WILL DECIMATE THIS PLACE TODAY!

An ethereal shimmer of purple light cascades from the film strip superimposed image. Reality knits itself back together moments before glimpsing Etrigan, accompanied by a demon horde, descending upon a building reading, “The Daily Planet.” Quiet then replaces the tectonic cacophony of noise. The camera cuts back to Dan, seemingly nonplussed by what just happened.

Dan: Well you know what they say, be gone, be gone the form of man… Let’s see what Violet is up to. Maybe she’ll have a normal report this week.

The camera cuts to Violet sitting at her desk

Violet: Hi all! You won’t believe that I have exclusive footage of Harley Quinn breaking out of the Hugo Strange S.A.F.E. facility! But, don’t ask me how I got it because I’d probably lose my job! And for that exact reason, I am unable to show any of it. However! 

Violet clears her throat. 

Violet: The story goes as follows; Hugo Strange captured Harley Quinn, who broke in to save her friend Kevin. Now, while Hugo was denying that dressing as Batman is a sexual thing – I think we can all agree it most certainly is – Harley conducts a “carefully, completely calculated and very well thought out master plan” to rescue Kevin and quickly slips away from Hugo and the orderlies.

Once Kevin was recused, they ran into that big meanie Lockwood, but it wasn’t a problem to them. After all, they had Soleman Grundy show up to help, who had him down in a single knock, it was very entertaining. Harley and Hugo also fought it out for a short while as she retrieved her baseball bat and then left with her gang of “rebels.” 

As for Hugo, an eyewitness reported that he was speaking to a strange, dark figure going by the name “Keepsake.” They also overheard something about how clowns have been given injections? Sounds like bad news if you ask me! 

The camera pulls out to show more of what’s going on around Violet’s desk; her whiteboard has been updated since the last Wonder Woman segment. “Elfhame” is written in italics across the board with a spider-map of the supposed events of this week. 

Violet: Now back on Wonder Woman news, do I have an adventure to tell you all! When I say it’s like something from the movie Enchanted, I’m not joking.  Wonder Woman and Ratatosk have found themselves in Elfhame, a faerie plane that you wouldn’t want to stay long in… Ratatosk learned that the hard way and had a Pinocchio moment not even three minutes into the damn realm. You’d think he’d know better by now! 

Drawing attention to themselves; Diana was accused of regicide immediately upon arrival by King Gwyn and taken prisoner to a tower. There she spoke with Deadman through a puddle! I’ve attached an example to the board to help you envision this better. It really captures the essence, please look! 

The camera zooms into the board:

Violet: Anyway! He filled her in on why Elfhame was a no–no square. Janus showed up too, this is where Diana confirmed she had taken her appearance, causing such accusations to come her way. 

Siegfried is back! Don’t ask me how, some magik pin? Who cares!? We love him for it anyway! They found several allies who agreed to help them find the King and have him let them go, so the huntfor Janus could continue.Diana is rocking a new purple lasso on Gwyn that made him take them to a magic passage. It appears they’re back on Earth but something is off.. I’ll be sure to keep you all updated! Stay safe byeee! 

Dan’s hand is over his face, head down enough that once again the scar on his neck is clear on camera. 

Dan: My children tell me that what Violet just showed you is a mee-mee. I guess I have to stay hip with the times. Now onto a report straight out of Gotham City. 

The camera cuts to Isabel – dressed all in blue.

Isabel (BLUE): Crazy news in Gotham City tonight! My sources have informed me that Bruce Wayne turned himself into the GCPD on Friday night – and stayed there until early this Monday morning when he was released. We don’t know under what circumstances as of yet, we still only know he is – or was? – a suspect in the murder of Sarah Worth. There’s been no mention of charges or bail.

Suddenly… the second Isabel, dressed all in red, peeks around Isabel’s shoulder, handing over a scrap of paper. Then they disappear again.

Isabel (BLUE): Oh, shit. Well – breaking news everyone – apparently Bruce Wayne has returned to his Midtown townhouse only to find it in flames! There are no clues as to who it could’ve been, but Mr. Freeze is the main sus – wait a minute. Mr. Freeze is NOT a suspect, please ignore that. I’ll update you as this situation develops, Dan! 

Blue Isabel turns to glare at someone out of frame, ripping apart the note threateningly, and the camera cuts back to Dan.

Dan: I still don’t get how there are two of them. I wonder if that fire has anything to do with reports of Huntress wrecking shop across Gotham, taking down people infected by those parasites that turn them into murderous husks… Guess we’ll find out soon enough. Anyway, let’s check in with Jake, who I’m sure is having an absolutely horrible time on the trail of Robin…

The video feed switches to a drone’s camera as it peers through the open window of a houseboat to see the dashing journalist Jake taking a waffle from its iron. And he goes to put it down on the plate of LADY SHIVA! Next to that plate, there is a full spread of the most delicious breakfast you can imagine. 

Lady Shiva: It is good you insisted upon Waffles, had it been pancakes, I’d have had to kill you, as I do not suffer fools. 

Jake: Heh thanks…but I gotta ask two questions, why do you have all of these ingredients stocked up? 

Shiva: I am Lady Shiva, there is no art I cannot master, cooking is no different. 

Jake: Makes sense to me, now for the second question, why did we leave Lazarus Island? 

Shiva: To follow Ra’s al Ghul and Robin, of course, I want to see Robin’s skill and how Ra’s has progressed since his fall, both should be the most dangerous of opponents soon enough. 

The camera turns to watch Robin and Ra’s train on the beach, and for the purposes of this news channel, we will show them in a timelapse. Robin and Ra’s meditate, they train in stances next to what can only be described as a Red Bat Dragon, but then they stop to chat, the camera moves in closer. They are speaking of the stars and why Ra’s has inflicted tragedy onto mankind time and time again. His simple wish of stopping the destruction of Earth by attacking its polluters. But in the midst of their conversation, Robin grabs something off Ra’s and pulls a Batman, disappearing without a trace. Then a moment later a jet flies off into the distance leaving Ra’s petting the saddened beast he calls Goliath. 

Shiva: It is time for us to go. 

Shiva starts the boat to follow the path of the jet and when they arrive they see Robin surrounded by Nightwing, Red Hood, Batgirl, and that other Robin! But just then the feed cuts out!

Dan: Is he just having a tropical cruise holiday with Lady Shiva of all people and passing it off as work? Anyway…

The camera cuts from a tranquil landscape with Dan at his desk, and the beautiful sky of Metropolis to a turbulent helicopter above Los Angeles focused on a girl with a starred cape.

Dan: Dear audience, Raleigh here is our new informant regarding anything Mister Miracle. She’s also an escape artist and illusionist who wants to learn every secret Miracle has, and is now aboard a helicopter. Raleigh, could you tell us what you’re seeing?

Raleigh: Hi Dan! We’re just on top of L.A, where Mister Miracle is fighting the mysterious woman who attacked him before, N’vir! She has back-up from some green guys, but Mister Miracle is completely holding his own! OH! He just took her to some uninhabited island not so far away. He’s so smart! I was just thinking about that. 

Dan: Right, do you think you can get there in time? 

Raleigh: Of course. They’re very fast, but fortunately, it’s close! We’re already reaching the island, and it seems he left her unconscious! But the green men are still alive and confronting him.

Dan: Are you safe there? The helicopter is moving terribly!

Raleigh: What? Oh, no! It’s just your cameraman. He’s scared because there’s no pilot. I left some pedals tied with my socks to keep it running and all, but some people can’t get themselves to trust you! But wait, the woman’s now awake, and she’s made her subjects trap him by the limbs. She seems to have somehow taken control of his suit. He can’t do anything!

Dan: Will this be the end of Los Angeles’ hero, Mister Miracle?

Raleigh: Don’t even say that, Dan! Although she keeps hitting him… She just left like a rocket launched into the sky, but Mister Miracle is still on the ground, and he seems severely injured. He…he lost. My idol was just beaten to a pulp and left in the ground.

Dan: This is a sad day for the city of Los Angeles. Being unaware of the intentions of this mysterious attacker, the whole world may have to be wary of the future. We are vulnerable to the person who just defeated Mister Miracle.

We see how Raleigh is putting chains on herself as the camera keeps shaking.

Raleigh: The only thing that could lift my spirit is a good escapism act, so I guess this is it, for now, Dan. Goodbye, cameraman, there’s a parachute behind you!

As Raleigh jumps from the helicopter, tied up with chains, we hear the cameraman screaming but is suddenly cut to an uncomfortable Dan inside the GC52 offices. 

Dan: Well that’s another camera man down. Jerry, can you fill out the report? Thanks.

Dan begins reading a piece of paper passed to him by Jerry off-camera. He looks up from reading a bit concerned. 

Dan: Since leaving the comfort and safety of the GC52 Newsroom, our Senior Legal Correspondent Jimmy has had a bit of a rough time. Undaunted by his troubles though, he has once again traveled to a mysterious Gotham with an update.

The camera cuts to Jimmy standing in a sewer. There are police and medical personnel in the background investigating the scene and tending to a few victims. Jimmy has a black eye and his suit is torn and dirty.

Dan: Jimmy! I’m glad to see you made it out of Arkham, but what happened to you?

Jimmy: Oh, just punched in the face and knocked down by one of Freeze’s goons. From what I could tell after, he was knocked unconscious during the attack last night, and when he came to and saw the police activity he panicked. Bobby and I were just getting set up for this report.

Dan: Do you have updates on the conditions of Penguin and Riddler? Do they know what has been attacking Batman’s Rogue’s Gallery?

Jimmy: Reports are sketchy, Dan, but I was able to find out from a contact I made at the hospital that Penguin is alive, but barely. The Riddler is still in a coma and The Mad Hatter and The Scarecrow are in the ICU. 

Dan: And the thing that’s attacked them?

Jimmy: No one knows yet. I’m here on the scene of the latest attack where Freeze was left with both of his arms and legs broken and several of his recently acquired henchmen torn apart. Apparently, Freeze teamed up with Poison Ivy and hired as many of the now freelance henchmen as they could to protect themselves. It appears to have been to no avail.

Dan: Was Poison Ivy hurt in the attack?

Jimmy: I’ve been told that Poison Ivy was beaten and possibly scalped. She was taken to the hospital, but there’s been no other word about her condition.

Jimmy has been standing still to deliver his report, but now starts to walk to a large hole in the floor. 

Jimmy: Dan, I want to show you the opening to a tunnel in which the GCPD believe the creature escaped after attacking Freeeeeeeee!!!

Jimmy slips walking close to the edge of the hole and begins to slide into the depths of the tunnel.

Dan: Jimmy! Oh no, Bobby, what happened?

The camera turns around to show Jimmy’s cameraman Bobby. We can see Bobby bend down as he holds the camera to pick something up off the floor and he stands up holding what looks like a red wig.

Bobby: I think he slipped on Poison Ivy’s hair. I’m sure he’ll be fine. Back to you, Dan-O!

Dan: Well I sure hope he is alright, we really need to keep a strong legal standing with the team we have. Speaking of legal action, let’s check in with Bree!

The camera cuts to Bree back behind her desk and donning a new power suit. 

Bree: As you folks can see, I’m out of the vent- Uh. I mean, I am no longer undercover at a secret location within the tower. For now. Instead, I will be interviewing an anonymous source that claims to have information on a member of the Bat Pack. Their voice has been altered to protect their anonymity. Now, Mr. Smith was it? Can you please share what you know about this unique trio?

Smith: Yes, you see, I was formerly employed as a Janitor at Beaumont Orphanage. It was an…odd place. There were rumors about kids disappearing and for months, I didn’t buy it. Kids and their wild imaginations, right? But it was those three kids that finally cracked it.

Bree: Oh? They uncovered where their peers were disappearing to?

Smith: Sort of. I stayed late one night because I was asked to make sure the place was presentable for an important guest. A Doctor, of some sort. Sure enough, when this guy arrived things started getting shady. I could overhear him talking to the headmaster about secret experiments and transferring money. They didn’t talk long, Diego interrupted them.

Bree: That child now goes by Chupacabra, correct?

Smith: Yep, I’m getting to that detail. The scientist took the kid, and the other two followed. And then I followed them. Arrived at some sort of…lab, would be my best guess. It was dark. Nothing happened for a little while, and then I saw the two other kids sneak into the building. I didn’t have the guts to follow, the place creeped me out. Anyways, the screeching and yelling started a few minutes later-

Bree: Screeching?!

Smith: That’s…really the only way I could possibly think to describe it. Nightwing came outta nowhere and went in after the kids. The loud noises stopped shortly after. 

Bree: Ah, the mentor is present in their exact hour of need yet again.

Smith: I guess. That’s when the kid came out…different. Diego. His skin had gone grey and his teeth looked weird. 

Bree: Did any of the children appear hurt?

Smith: No, quite the opposite. Diego seemed…happier. He was hopping around like a kid getting ready to open their presents on Christmas morning.

Bree: And what of Nightwing?

Smith: I heard him say something about being proud of them and having some sort of opportunity for them. I dipped at that point, didn’t want to have to explain myself to that guy.

Bree: Ah, I see. Thank you for your time today Mr. Smith. I know our viewers’ are keenly interested in the true identity of Red X, and I feel I get closer with each rock I turn over at the Academy. Until next week and back to you, Dan!

Dan: Thank you, Bree! As I wait for more details on the stalemate on the seven seas, let’s check in with another member of the Superman family.

Rook stands in front of a smoking, half-burnt forest in California.

Rook: You know, this job is a lot of things. Funny, serious, exhilarating, terrifying. It’s a chance to see everything on this side of our multiverse, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. But, today, it’s bittersweet. 

Ever since Clark Kent revealed the truth of who he was to the world, the world’s eyes have been on him and his family. Not that the dynamic duo of Lois and Clark was ever out of the spotlight, but there’s a difference between being the most famous reporters on the planet and the most important people in the galaxy.

On top of that, their son was forced to grow up overnight, save the 31st century, and step up to his father’s mantle. With Clark’s hands full, Jon Kent is left with a lot of responsibility. Now, based on what I’ve seen today, we’re lucky to have him. But even a Superman has limits.

During the latest rash of fires blazing through California (did the last one ever stop?) Jon saved the lives of dozens of firefighters and helped halt the flames. This wildfire was caused by a new metahuman with out-of-control powers tied to his emotional state. 

Our new Superman was able to calm him down and get him to safety, but a pragmatic army official on-site knocked out the meta the second his guard was down, unwilling to risk any future fires. Given the choice between turning the man over and starting a gunfight where the army would absolutely aim for the person who isn’t immune to bullets, well, Superman had to comply.

This isn’t a criticism of Jon — Superman has always helped people in need, and even when the authorities have made that difficult he’s found ways to get around them. I don’t think the younger Kent is any different. I’m sure he’ll find the metahuman and do what needs to be done to keep him safe. 

Still, that moment was a reminder of all the battles Superman has to fight that can’t be won with a punch. In some ways, the most powerful man on the planet is still an underdog compared to the people at the top of the status quo. 

But that never stopped Clark Kent. It certainly never stopped Lois Lane. It won’t stop Jon, and it can’t stop the rest of us either.

So in that spirit, my next assignment will be embedding myself with another group of journalists. From what my source tells me, they run an underground news stream called The Truth, and they’re dedicated to exposing the stories that the establishment would prefer to keep in the dark. I’ll be back with more on that soon, but for now, this is Rook with GC52 signing off. Back to you, Dan.

The camera cuts back to Dan in the studio.

Dan: That’s all we have for you, so as always… hold on, reports are coming in that both Supermen and Supergirl are now on the scene. 

Dan is quiet as he watches the feed from the GC52 Helicopter as he hears Superman say a familiar name, Amanda Waller. Dan nods to himself as his hand, almost like a phantom limb pain, rubs the back of his neck.

Dan: Jerry, I need you to call HR and tell them to book me a plane ticket now. 

The program ends as Jerry walks towards the desk to help Dan gather his things. He seems flustered as he shoves his laptop into his bag. 

Jerry: Sure can, boss man, but where do you need it to?

Dan: Louisiana, as close to Terrebonne Parish as they can get. Actually, no. I’ll call my government contacts to fly me right to Belle Reve.

Jerry: Wait, like the prison? What do you have to do there, Dan?

Dan: Face my past, Jerry. You’re in charge ‘till I get back.

---

Books covered this week:

• Action Comics #1033 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Daniel Sampere, Adriano Lucas, and Dave Sharpe.
• Infinite Frontier #3 by Joshua Williamson, Paul Pelletier. Jesús Merino, Tom Derenick, Xermánico, Norm Rapmund, Raul Fernandez, Romulo Fajardo Jr, and Tom Napolitano.
• Checkmate #2 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, David Stewart, and Josh Reed.
• Batman/Superman #20 by Gene Luen Yang, Ivan Reis, Danny Miki, Sabine Rich, and Saida Temofonte.
• Harley Quinn #5 by Stephanie Phillips, Riley Rossmo, Ivan Plascencia, and AndWorld Design.
• Wonder Woman #776 by Michael W. Conrad, Becky Cloonan, Jill Thompson, Jordie Bellaire, and Pat Brosseau.
• Detective Comics #1040 by Mariko Tamaki, Dan Mora, Jordie Bellaire, and Aditya Bidikar.
• Batman: Secret Files – Huntress #1 by Mariko Tamaki, David Lapham, Trish Mulvihill, and Rob Leigh.
• Robin #4 by Joshua Williamson, Jorge Corona, Luis Guerrero, and ALW’s Troy Peteri.
• Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom #3 by Brandon Easton, Fico Ossio, Rico Renzi, and Rob Leigh.
• Batman: Reptilian #2 by Garth Ennis, Liam Sharp, Rob Steen.
• Teen Titans Academy #5 by Tim Sheridan, Steve Lieber, Dave Stewart, and Rob Leigh.
• Superman: Son of Kal-El #1 by Tom Taylor, John Timms, Gabe Eltaeb, and Dave Sharpe.

(Spoilers for DC Comics released 07/20/2021)

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 powdered blue button-upoutlined 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! To start us off tonight, lets check in with our friends at the Hall of Justice!

The camera cuts to show Kevin’s face extremely close; it is tilted upwards so that only the sky can be seen behind him. It is shaking heavily. Kevin is sweating profusely and talking extremely fast.

Kevin: Hi Dan! Nothing to report here, everything is fine.

Dan’s voice is heard, though the camera remains on Kevin, who suddenly winces at what sounds very much like an explosion.

Dan: Uh, nothing…. To report?

Kevin: Nope, nothing. Back to you in the studio!

Dan: Because we heard there was a situation at the Hall of Justice?

Kevin: Hmm? A situation? Nope, nope, everything’s fine.

Dan: Really. Fine. There wasn’t an attack by an alien named Synmar? Who recently attacked the United Planets, and has a noted mad-on for Superman?

More muffled explosions; there is a flare of light in the corner of the screen and the camera takes a particularly big bounce. Kevin swallows.

Kevin: OH that situation. Um, yes, uh, I suppose that is correct. In fact, it does seem that the entire Justice League mobilized to battle this alien attacker outside the Hall. That did happen.

Dan: And….. did they win?

Kevin: Hmm?

Dan: ….did the Justice League win?

Kevin: Oh! Uh…. Probably? Let’s say yes, let’s say they definitely won and that is –

The camera bounces again, and falls; we suddenly see that it has been propped up with Kevin in the back of an open-topped car that is driving rapidly away from the Hall of Justice, which remains surrounded by explosions and distant fighting super-people.

Dan: ….Kevin, as our intrepid Justice League reporter, I’m sure you’re not currently fleeing the scene of a major battle in order to save your own skin. Because –

Kevin: Listen, I never asked for this be – uh, I mean, of course not! In fact, I just heard a tip that Deathstroke the Terminator was seen out in the outskirts of the city, where Green Arrow and Black Canary are believed to have gone, and I decided to investigate. Personally. And immediately.  

Dan: You decided to leave a Justice League battle in progress to investigate an unconfirmed villain sighting on the outskirts of Washington DC?

Kevin: (Very quietly) I never said it was the outskirts of DC.

Dan: Wait but… you’re in DC now…. Which city were you planning to go to  –

Kevin: (Even more quietly, looking sideways) …..Coast City.

Dan: COAST CI-

Before either of them can say anything more, there is a massive explosion at the Hall of Justice in the background, lighting up the entire horizon, as Synmar rips through the front of the building. The shockwave booms out, and as Kevin yells, the camera tumbles through the air and cuts to black.

Dan: We may need to look into a new Justice League correspondent, let’s pop over to see what’s going on in Katie’s neck of the woods.

The camera cuts to Katie, standing in front of an imploded pile of mud on the ground. A singular blood streak paints the ground red, ending at the dock’s edge behind her. She appears perturbed. Avoiding the residual gore, she moves toward her beloved black cat, Felicia, as the feline bounds toward Katie. 

Katie: I’m here at the Gotham Docks, where more than a catfight has occurred. After three consecutive days of protests in Alleytown, a GCPD standoff with the protestors, explosions, fires, and Mayor Nakano’s iron grip on the city of Alleytown, I’m not surprised to find more signs of carnage today. 

She sighs, the weight of grief evident by her demeanor. Felicia rubs up against Katie’s legs and purrs sweetly.

Katie: Who needs people when you have cats? You don’t cause any trouble, Felicia. 

Bending down Katie hugs the cat. Felicia nuzzles her face with affection. A coughing sound interrupts, alerting Katie that she better get back to the report, or she’s in the doghouse.

Katie: Speaking of cats, Alleytown’s local heroine Catwoman was spotted pouncing across rooftops last night. We know Catwoman has been working with Alleytown’s youth to better the city, but I have newly leaked information about some additional allies in her struggle against Nakano’s attempts to shut down communication. 

Here’s a riddle: I often wear a skintight catsuit, but I am not Catwoman. Who am I? The answer: Why, the Riddler, of course! We should have a “Who Wore It Better Poll”, between Catwoman and the Riddler on the GC52 site…Riddler, formerly known as a Catwoman ally, apparently recruited more vivacious villains to their cause. And unfortunately, what you see before me in this oozing pile of brown…can only be the remains of the captain of clay, Clayface. 

Her face crumples up in slight revulsion as she catches a scent of charred clay.

Katie: Sources tell me that Catwoman, Clayface, Croc, Knockout, Firefly, and Cheshire teamed up with Catwoman and her network of kids in Alleytown. What happened to poor Clayface here remains a mystery. Word on the streets indicates the infamous new creep, Father Valley, as the culprit. Valley is also implicated in the recent St. Thomas Church explosion. The preaching predator better pray he doesn’t get caught, because he needs to be locked up in Arkham Asylum ASAP. 

As for this trail of blood, DNA testers identified it as…Catwoman’s. A fight with Father Valley must have ensued because I don’t know anyone else that could draw blood from the fleet-footed feline. Catwoman is currently MIA, but Felicia here can track her down…

Katie looks down at Felicia hopefully. Felicia sniffs the edge of the dock.

Katie: Cats always land on their feet, right? I’m sure Catwoman is fine…although, it would be an ideal time for a certain Batman to emerge from his cave now… That’s all for today. Stay safe, and cuddle a cat.

The camera cuts back to Dan in the studio.

Dan: Wearing all leather in July cannot be fun right? I would need to cover myself in baby powder so I didn’t cha- sorry. It sounds like we have an incoming report from Mr. Tubes?

The camera switches to drone footage as we’re back on Mr. Tubes’ mech scaling the side of a building. A building where one Mayor Melinda Zucco resides. After witnessing Nightwing enter, Mr. Tubes knew there was a scoop! But once he ends close enough to peek into a window it appears Nightwing has left and Dick Grayson has arrived. Being unable to hear exactly the conversation between Grayson and Zucco, our furry friend grabs his piece of graphite and a sticky note. He climbs out of his mech only to jump right back in only to reappear with goggles which he then turns and the feed switches from the drone to Mr. Tubes’ own recording feed! It’s time for him to get the scoop. 

He skitters closer to the pair as a door opens and an older woman appears to greet Dick. Mr. Tubes begins to write down: Zucco- Mother know Dick. Tony Zucco- Kill Graysons. Melinda = Grayson Sister. 

Before the trio notices, Tubes hears a large group coming down the hall. He slips under the door for a peak to see Blockbuster and his goon squad approaching the door. 

Mr. Tubes: In Ferretish: Oh shit! 

He then skitters back across Zucco’s home to his mech which is perched on the side of the building. Before he climbs back in he notices a dorky caterpillar climbing slowly up the side of the building. Thinking nothing of it he crawls in and takes his goggles off. Once the camera feed reverts to the drone it notices the caterpillar has a small radio around its neck. This caterpillar is no caterpillar, but the evil Mr. Mind, who wants his mech back! But Tubes doesn’t know any of this so he just lets go of the wall, falling back to the street, which now has a crater in it! 

Mr. Tubes: Typing on his keyboard for the mech to say: Back to you Dan!

Dan doesn’t even seem phased by the mech-ferret at this point.

Dan: Well, things sound like they’re going uh, well, for Nightwing. Let’s pop in to check on the latest from Titans Academy!

A small person with a mustache and a baseball cap appears on the screen, there’s a certain familiarity to some of their facial features. 

Bree: This is Br-…ian, reporting from the base of Titans tower. I’m definitely a new reporter, NOT a long-time staff member with a restraining order from a Titan. Ahem- Speaking of Titans, there has been quite the flurry of activity on the tower grounds today!

Bree/Brian: The most interesting of which is that Shazam has revealed himself to be amongst the Titans! And…having a difficult time controlling his powers. A recurring theme here. However, the older Titans seem to be particularly on edge about that today. I wonder if their anxiety has anything to do with the presence of an unusual guest I spotted covertly entering campus earlier. A certain someone that has an affinity for sweeping capes and a gold helmet. 

The reporter pauses to look over their shoulder before continuing in a lower tone.

Bree/Brian: I also saw something quite…otherworldly, Mrs. Raven’s star pupil opened a portal with another male student. A LOT of magic is happening in that tower. I’m not sure if I have a good feeling about it. Oh! I could partially hear the two boys talking to each other- from below their open dorm window- their names are Dane and Billy. Billy was going on about some rescue mission for a…rock of eternity? Seemed like a lot of trouble, even for a magical rock. 

Brian adjusts their mustache as it seems to curl off their face at the bottom for a second.

Bree/Brian: A-Anyways, that’s all I have at the moment. This place always seems to leave me with more questions than answers, perhaps I’ll have juicer scoops for the folks at home next week. Back to you Dan!

With that, the camera returns to Dan in the studio.

Dan: Breaking news coming out of Central City, we take you there now live!

The camera shows Brandon standing in front of a hospital currently engulfed in flames. Central City’s best firefighters are already on the case, and a series of crimson and gold streaks can be seen behind him. Brandon is wearing some business casual that looks rather new, though he is still wearing the somewhat ragged bow tie he was last seen in.

Brandon: Dan! Good to see a familiar face. I stand in front of one of the worst fires Central City has seen in some time. Luckily, The Flash formerly known as Kid Flash is in action, and he’s currently getting everyone free from danger.

The Flash zips by, leaving another civilian next to Brandon. She looks like she’s been stuck in a wind tunnel testing out a new way of making BBQ ribs.

Brandon: Speak of the devil! Ma’am, do you know who caused thi- never mind, dumb question. If it’s Central City, it’s Heatwave.

Civilian: Of course it’s Heatwave. He walked right by me, asking everyone to stay out of his way. He has something planned for The Flash, and I don’t think he cares which one.

Brandon: A Rogue with a grudge? That can’t be good. 

Brandon holds a hand to his ear.

Brandon: I’m also receiving reports that this Flash was seen jetting out of Terrifitech seconds before arriving on the scene. Was the Kid looking for a job with one of his fellow heroes? He’s back for the first time in what feels like years, and Mr. Terriffic doesn’t always run in the same circles as the Flashes. Aside from the elder Flash, anyhow.

There’s a pause as Brandon looks at the civilian to his left.

Brandon: You guys have the older Flash with the winged helmet too, right? I’d hate to get this stuff wrong.

Realizing he’s still on-air, Brandon turns back as a massive explosion of flame rips out of the hospital’s roof.

Brandon: Looks like things are heating up! I’ll keep you updated on what happens next.

Thinking the camera is off, Brandon facepalms.

Brandon: Oh god, I actually used a pun without realizing it. Kill me now.

Dan sits at his desk trying to keep a straight face. 

Dan: Tragic about the fire, hope things start to cool down. It actually seems as if our Lantern correspondent is on Earth for this week’s report. Let’s check in!

The camera cuts to Thomas standing on a high-rise balcony overlooking an alien spaceship firing beams above New York City.

Thomas: Hello Dan, I’m here in New York City and not Metropolis, covering a highly unprecedented alien assault on a major American city. Sources indicate that several members of the Justice League have been captured, but a Green Lantern or two may turn up any minute to turn the tide. Oh, look at that! Zoom in on that!

The camera zooms in on a shiny, gold-colored superhero flying up to attack the alien craft, deflecting fireballs and firing beams upward at it from his wrists.

Thomas: Is that Gold Lantern from the 31st century? All right, Earth’s got this on lock! Wait… what’s that drone zipping around him? Goldie just landed a great shot on the alien ship! That must have disabled their communications. Time to break in and free the Justice League, right on time! It looks like a dependable, steadfast hero has made all the difference today–

Thomas touches his earpiece. 

Thomas: What’s that? Hold up the newest trending video to the camera? Um okay, we’ve got some breaking news folks, let’s take a look.

Thomas holds his phone up to the camera and plays a message from Booster Gold.

Booster Gold: Yo! I am back and you are watching live as I risk life and limb in an effort to trash the most dangerous threat New York has ever seen! A reminder that if you want to support one of the few heroes who aren’t bazillionaires, contribute to my PlzPayMe account! Pay for a full year’s subscription and you get complimentary V.I.P. status!

Thomas pockets his phone.

Thomas: Alright, alright, no soliciting on air! I should’ve known this was a Booster story the second our PA said it was a Green Lantern scoop. They’re all still off-world! Well, maybe this could’ve been an Alan Scott story, but not anymore. Just more performative heroics in search of a buck. Let’s pack it up everyone, nothing to see —

Whoa! Did you see that? It’s The Bug! Blue Beetle’s here! Do you think he has a PlzPayMe account? I’ve got an extra credit card I could use to donate… Keep rolling! Let me check on social, see what everyone’s saying about the Blue & Gold reunion…oh man…

The camera cuts back to Dan.

Dan: Looks like we can add a couple more colors to Thomas’ beat, eh? One of our reporters is on a very important but chilly mission…

The camera cuts to Cass sitting at a desk full of crystals and working on a computer. We can only see their back, but their hair is all messed up, and they’re kind of shaking. From off-screen, the camera operator reminds Rodrigo the feed is live.

Cass: Can you just wait a moment, hacking into the Fortress of Solitude’s security system is not the easiest job in the world…wait… I’M IN! I’M IN!

Cass faces the camera, their eyes are really red, they are holding a coffee cup, and they are wearing a shirt that says “You wanted Lois Lane, but you’re stuck with me”. It seems like they haven’t slept in days.

Cass: Well, hello there! This is Cass, your favorite reporter from the future. Today we are discussing Superman (I think). After being involved in the arrest of famous metahuman terrorist Manchester Black, Superman took the criminal into his care, presumably to his fortress. And now that I have access to the security feed I can tell you what happened. I’ll try to be quick.

Soooooo… apparently when Superman was younger he made a promise to this guy called Kennedy (I have no idea who he is) about making the world a better place, but then as time went by and Superman started losing his powers, he realized that that the Justice League and he underestimated…well, everything. Now Superman is asking Manchester to help him create a team so he can fulfill his promise. 

Now, this leaves us with a lot of questions. Can Superman trust Manchester Black? He has tried to kill him many times. But an even more pressing question is: Can Manchester trust Superman? Can we? Because, let me tell you he might not be the blue boy scout we used to know, for starters I’ve just discovered he has a room where he can watch anything in the world…or anyone. Makes you wonder, right?

Cass looks around the room, and then they come closer to the camera

Cass: Also, I have a contact that says one of Superman’s oldest enemies has discovered something new about kryptonite, something that could destroy the man of tomorrow… but I can’t tell you much more… or they’ll know.

Mysterious voice in the background: We already do.

The transmission is suddenly cut, and it goes back to the studio.

Dan: Well that was…interesting. Anyways, 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:

• Justice League #65 by Brian Michael Bendis, Steve Pugh, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Josh Reed.
• Catwoman #33 by Ram V, Fernando Blanco, Jordie Bellaire, and Tom Napolitano.
• Nightwing #82 by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Rick Leonardi, Neil Edwards, Andy Lanning, Scott Hanna, Adriano Lucas, and Wes Abbott.
• Shazam #1 by Tim Sheridan, Clayton Henry, Marcelo Maiolo, and Rob Leigh.
• The Flash #772 by Jeremy Adams, Will Conrad, Alex Sinclair, and Steve Wands.
• Blue & Gold #1 by Dan Jurgens, Ryan Sook, and Rob Leigh.
• Superman and the Authority #1 by Grant Morrison, Mikel Janín, Jordie Bellaire, and Steve Wands.

(Spoilers for DC Comics released 07/14/2021)

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. Dan runs in, clearly out of breath, almost slamming down into his chair as he smiles. 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!

I’m sorry I’m out of breath, I just was running a little late. I was out way too late last night, cannot even remember the last time I partied until the sun came up. The wife wasn’t too happy but it’s not everyday that the WILDCATS return! Grifter texted me last night that his “grand plan” finally came together. Honestly, it didn’t matter to me because we hit the town like lightning. Have you ever had a frozen margarita made by Nora Fries? Absolutely top 5 drinks of all time and the nicest woman! I worked with her hus- nevermind. Anyway, great night. Glad Cole got his life together a little.

Moving on, we’ve received another report from our ex-reporter Ethan about his ongoing activities as an agent of the DEO. Jerry, how did this one show up in the office?

There’s mumbling off-screen as Jerry explains. Dan looks slightly let down by the answer.

Dan: Oh, it just came in the mail? That’s a bit boring, isn’t it? Anyways, let’s have a read shall we…

Dan puts on his reading glasses and starts to read through the report.

For storage in DEO Archives regarding Operation: Infinite Frontier.

Report compiled by Agent 17.

Update 2.

Since my last addition to this report, there’s been a couple of interesting developments in the operation. Firstly, we’ve had verified confirmation of an explosion at the JSA headquarters. Despite eye-witness accounts of green flames, it is unconfirmed whether team member Jade was involved. Though her father and brother, the original Green Lantern and Obsidian respectively, have been on-site conducting their own investigation.

Around the same time as the explosion, the USAF base out in Metropolis radioed in a sighting of a black-clad flying figure jetting off. I’ve not been able to get any confirmation on who this was, though what the security cams did capture stirred something familiar in my mind, one word, death. 

This leads me to the most important point of my report update. Cameron Chase, she’s been investigating the multiversal breeches just like Bones asked her to. She even went and interrogated Batman and Superman about it. I heard the recording, it was great. She’s great. Anyway, she was on-site at the Metropolis USAF base at the time of that sighting, speaking with Captain Atom when a massive detonation wiped the base off the face of the Earth.

We’re all scrambling here to get an idea of what happened. I hope Chase is alive somewhere. Bones asked me to monitor the feeds so I’m stuck at HQ for the time being. I’ll update when we have news.

Report Ends.

Dan removes his reading glasses and places the report on his desk.

Dan: Hmm, I’m in agreement, I really hope Chase is okay. Every time I’ve seen her in action she’s been a force to be reckoned with. Let’s go over to Vi- oh god she’s yelling at the crew…

Violet is yelling at the crew while flapping her reports around wildly and pointing to a whiteboard behind her; it has each location that Wonder Woman has been reported in from the last few weeks.

Violet: I’m telling you all, she’s within reaching distance, well eh, sorta! I’m working on it! 

She quickly notices the camera on her and shoves a crew member out of her shot before composing herself.

Violet: Hi all! Welcome back! I have reports of the ever so wonderful Wonder Woman and deadened Deadman wandering the Graveyard of the God’s in search of the Keeper of Grounds. Ratatosk; Diana’s messenger squirrel, gladly pointed the way. Maybe he ain’t so bad, well…  once there are no secrets involved. A furious Diana is determined to return the lost souls of the Olympians to their rightful ralem, therefore, she challenges the Keeper to a game of riddles. How exciting! 

What seemed to be a fair game quickly turned out of favor for both Deadman and Diana. The Keeper demanded either the Olympians or her friends stay. Diana of course opted only for chaos to remain and outwitted the Keeper, having them return everyone to their rightful domains. Apparently, the portal back to Olympus was a tomb with Diana’s name on it? That’s super cool and also terrifying. 

Reports state that; once Diana returned to Olympus, she immediately sought out Janus the God of all beginnings and disaster brought upon the city. She was strongly advised against but that’s never stopped Diana before! Hermes shares with Diana that Janus left their ralem through a magic well. Apparently, no one ever returns from this well but once again, this doesn’t stop Diana from plummeting her way into oblivion to continue her captivating adventure! You folks have to admit, despite the unfortunate situation, she is going on a sensational journey that has me itching for more! That’s all I have time for, see you soon folks! 

Violet turns back to the whiteboard and scribbles “ElFhame?!” to the bottom of her list and the camera cuts back to Dan.

Dan: Well at least she stopped yelling at the crew. Now let’s go over to Isabel who has a report on the latest goings-on with the “Cheer” drug sweeping through Gotham. No, wait, looks like it’s actually a report on the Roland Worth situation. Is it both? I’m confused.

The camera cuts to Isabel. But… there’s two of them. One in all blue, one in all red – and there’s only one mic.

Isabel (BLUE): Hi Dan! It’s been an exciting week here in Gotham and it’s only gotten worse! After the explosions I reported on last time- 

Isabel (RED): And the freezing of Batman, which I reported on last time-

Isabel (BLUE): Yes yes, whatever. Anyway, explosions! There have only been more, in various parts of Gotham, all from under the streets, and Nightwing – plus both Batgirls – are helping citizens out of damaged buildings and to safety. 

Isabel (RED): While this is obviously unusual activity for Mr. Freeze, this might have something to do with the unknown person seen with him at the time – dressed all in yellow – even facepaint! 

Isabel (BLUE): What are you talking about? This was clearly orchestrated by Roland Worth in his vendetta against Batman and Bruce Wayne! 

Isabel (RED): The vendetta he’s had since what, a week ago? Get a grip! It’s obviously Mr. Freeze! Who else would do something this extreme? 

Isabel (BLUE): Roland Worth! Have you not heard a THING I said?? I can’t believe you – it was all “this’ll be great, it’ll cut down on time” – 

Isabel (RED): If you would just let me SPEAK then I could finish up and you can take all the time in the world! 

Isabel (BLUE): Fine! Go ahead, what else is there to report on? 

Isabel (RED): Mr. Freeze kidnapped Batman. 

Isabel (BLUE): And?

Isabel (RED): That’s pretty much it. 

Isabel (BLUE): That’s IT?

There’s feedback from the mic as the Isabel in blue drops it, and leaps for the Isabel in red. There’s some yelling behind the camera, and it falls to the ground, lens cracking and going dark. When it cuts back to the studio, Dan’s eyes are wide open.

Dan: Wh-who-how… never mind. Let’s go check in with Adam as I try to figure out if that was real or hangover-induced hallucinating. 

As the camera cuts to Adam he sits at his desk as a montage of Gotham’s famous couples flashes past, superheroes, supervillains, and celebrities alike.

Adam: Hi, I’m Adam, and welcome back to the Gotham Gossip corner as we once again investigate the drama and intrigue in the gloomy streets of Gotham! Which set of Gotham starlet twins have been out on the town with Two-Face? Has the Riddler finally found the answer to the question, “What is love”? And has Lord Death Man found himself a Lady Death Man? All this and more in the latest Gotham Gossip corner!

Following on from last month’s hot scoop on Gothams own Tim Drake, adopted son of Bruce Wayne, we’ve been eager to uncover the truth of his friend’s disappearance. Our intrepid reporters found themselves one step behind the Boy Wonder himself in this investigation, which is worrying as usually Robin is at least 10 steps ahead of us while we’re just trying to figure out what game we’re all playing. Has GC52 just upped its journalism game? Or is something holding the caped crusader’s partner back? Either way, after following the clues from the boy’s parents, friends, and a secret GCPD source, the case came down to the same thing it always does in Gotham, a strange cult. As with all cult-related crimes, we began at gothamcults.com, the premier home for all Gotham-based cult and secret societies (memberships half off with the code: GC52), and we sent another member of the Gotham Gossip Corner team to investigate.

A webpage fills the screen showing advertisements for various Gotham-based cults. Several names are visible; Cult of the Golden Batarang, Sons of the Condiment King, and the Cult of Pain.  

Adam: Now unfortunately we didn’t think our choice of reporter through very well, since apparently pain cults look for a high pain tolerance, and not someone who cries like a baby the second they look at you funny. Thankfully, when our reporter went up to the roof to cry off his near torture he stumbled on the young Tim Drake lost in thought and multiple creatures matching the descriptions of the “Chaos” creature spotted stealing the youths of Gotham. How will Time Drake survive these terrifying foes?  Will Robin finally catch up to the case and save him? Our reporter seems to be hiding for his life at the moment, so check back next time for an update on Gotham’s latest drama. Back to you Dan!

Dan: Thanks for that Adam! I hope that Robin gets to spend more time with his friend Superboy, they seem like nice boys. Let’s check in with Katie to see what’s new with Scooby-Doo!

A raucous festival takes place behind Katie, who wears a mask resembling a certain Alleytown cat hero. She nearly screams into the microphone in order to be heard.

Katie: HELLO ALL YOU COOL CATS AND KITTENS! Behind me, you’ll see masks galore and special guests parading through the streets during today’s annual Gotham City Seaside Spectacle. Eventually, you can spot the Mystery Inc. gang waving from the float by the dancing robotic Sphinx. Beside them are Batman, accompanied by Batgirl and Nightwing. Are they dating? Are they more than friends? That’s a mystery no one can solve!

Speaking of mysteries, Batgirl and Nightwing proved a dynamic duo in helping Mystery Inc. solve the case of monsters…and crooked monster insurance sellers. No crooked real estate developers at this lovely beach town today, gang! It turns out that the monsters — not saints — came marching down in an attempt to foil the parade! Hippogriffs and Sphinxes and Sea-Lions — oh my! 

A cheer rings out through the crowd as the Mystery Inc. and Bat-Fam float appears behind Katie. Loud yells questioning the dating status of Batgirl and Nightwing cause the two heroes to grit their teeth in embarrassment. For some reason, Fred and Daphne appear equally sheepish.

Katie: Who let the dogs out? As you can hear, the spectators are wildly excited, since all monster-shenanigans ceased. Or maybe they’re hoping to get a relationship update…perhaps I should interview the Bat-heroes after this segment. They’re not fooling me! I see the way they shake and shiver! 

Masks remain a central draw to the Seaside Spectacle celebration. Unfortunately for the crime-solvers, all the men running around in monster masks made it difficult to establish just who was controlling the mayhem-causing monsters! Yes, the mythological creatures terrorizing the crowd were nothing more than robots. Emerging from the ground, water, and from the sky, the creatures drove the crowd into a frenzy. No one was ready for this act except the mastermind behind the plan, mob boss Black Mask. Are we really surprised by this reveal? I mean, a festival where everyone’s wearing a mask, sending his mask-donning False Facers out to sell monster insurance…this event was practically made for Black Mask’s buffoonery! 

No one bought that insurance! Who trusts insurance guys anyway? Thankfully, with the help of an undercover Batman, Gotham’s crime-busting family and the teenage gang discovered the identities of the masked Terrible Trio controlling the monster robots and arrested Black Mask. A heroic act from Scooby, er, well, a happy accident, caused Black Mask to trip over Scoob and face-plant! Ironically, those meddling kids from Crystal Cove didn’t realize that you can’t pull off Black Mask’s mask — because it’s his face! Case closed! Now, I wonder if I can bribe Scooby for deets about Nightgirl and Batwing with some Scooby Snacks…Back to you, Dan!

Katie adjusts her Catwoman mask and heads into the crowd as the camera cuts back to Dan.

Dan: In stranger news, we actually have a new face with the GC52 News team. While no one remembers hiring him, we’ve gotten used to alternate universes doing our hiring for us. Joining us with a report on a sighting of a familiar face from Central City is our own (apparently) Brandon. Brandon?

We cut to a debriefing room in the middle of The Speed Lab. It’s a small room with two wooden chairs on either side of a metal table. We see Brandon sitting in one, with a half-eaten plate of lightning bolt cookies in the middle of the table. His head is in his hands, elbows resting on the table. He is wearing ill-fitting clothes from the nearby Flash Museum – though he has a bow tie around his neck that somehow survived when the rest of his original clothing did not.

Brandon: It’s my first day on the job, and I’ve already been sucked through time and space and shot through the Speed Force like a cannon. I didn’t ask for this. I just wanted health care.

Dan: Ah, Brandon?

Brandon looks up at the surveillance camera. He has apparently heard Dan.

Brandon: Dan?! How did you- you know what? Nevermind. 

Brandon takes a moment to adjust his tie and look more presentable. As much as one can while wearing a Flash t-shirt proclaiming “Math is Fun-damental!” and Central City Cougars boxer shorts, anyhow.

Brandon: There was chaos today in Central City, as the former Kid Flash was hurled through the Speed Force itself to try and prevent the total collapse of life as we know it. Another Tuesday for some, the end of the world for others, but the Kid kept his cool. It’s commendable, even as he was forced to relive the worst day of his life. I am…

Brandon pauses, looking around his current room. We can see a handcuff keeping him chained to the table.

Brandon: …not at liberty to say what it was, much less where or when. However, the Kid was able to face his demons and has come out a better person for it. I myself survived the journey alongside him, and can only attest to the fortitude it took to do what happened next.

Savitar, one of the Flash’s strongest villains, erupted from the depths of the Speed Force and began to steal the speed of anyone who relied upon it. However, the Kid stood tall in the Flash’s classic costume and held the megalomaniacal villain to a standstill. It even seems like the Kid received a power-up, but Savitar was sucked into a Boom Tube before the Kid could force him back into the Speed Force.

One of Central City’s favorite sons is back, and representing what this reporter feels is one of the better costumes the Flash has worn. Godspeed, Kid.

Thinking the segment is over, Brandon looks over to the door.

Brandon: …can I please go home now? My mom is making tacos tonight. It’s still Julapril 12th, right?

As the camera cuts back to the studio, Brandon remains looking longingly at the door.

Dan: Well I’m sure that’ll be something we have to deal with down the line. Anyway, fantastic news, viewers, we were able to retrieve Jimmy from the Gotham he found himself in during his last report and he’s here now with a Special Report on the history between former Commissioner Gordon and The Joker. Jimmy.

Jimmy is standing in front of Arkham Asylum. It appears that measures are still being taken to repair the facility and add additional security measures after the recent attack. There are signs of construction work. Jimmy looks unfazed despite being so close to a building with such a terrifying history of horrible things happening there.

Jimmy: Thank you for that warm welcome, Dan. It almost seems genuine after being abandoned in Belize and a parallel Gotham. Perhaps you can put in the GC52 Employee Handbook a section that multiversal travel may make you lose the ability to retain liquids in your body for 48 hours? 

The camera cuts back to Dan in the newsroom. He is unflappable in the face of Jimmy’s snarky attitude with a hint of an expression that perhaps he preferred when Jimmy was in the research department running down odd facts about obscure Green Lantern villains like The Javelin and Sportsmaster.

Dan: Oh, it’s in there. Page 192. 

The camera cuts back to Jimmy now clearly fazed by Dan’s quick retort. 

Jimmy: Well, that’s fantastic. What isn’t fantastic is that former Commissioner Gordon has still not been located since being seen in security footage at the site of The Joker attack in Belize. While the GCPD continue to investigate The Joker’s murder of hundreds here at Arkham Asylum, I decided to take a look back on the first time The Joker came to Arkham Asylum as we tour the facility’s new security measures. Let’s head inside.

Jimmy turns and heads through the main doors of Arkham. There is a lobby with two guards stationed inside near metal detectors. Beyond them is a raised office with the top half of the wall made of plexiglass and two more guards inside. To the right of the raised office are steel doors. The guards come over to escort Jimmy through the metal detector as he begins his report. Bobby, Jimmy’s trusted cameraman, stays ahead of Jimmy and films him as he walks through the steel doors and down the corridors of Arkham. Just as Jimmy begins his report the steel doors can be heard closing with a loud CLICK.

Jimmy: There aren’t many here who have survived to remember the first time The Joker came to Arkham, but I managed to track down a few former employees who spoke with me on condition of anonymity. The most surprising thing I learned is that on The Joker’s first day in Arkham he was not held in the most secure wing, which was reserved for one resident, Billy Sampson, funded by Billy’s brother Sawyer Sampson. Although not much is known now about Billy Sampson, he was accused of cannibalizing his family. Former Commissioner Gordon was so distraught that The Joker would not be in a secure facility he stayed outside his cell the entire first night being subjected to The Joker’s ramblings. Former Commissioner Gordon was described as “obsessed”, “totally fixated”, and “preoccupied to the point of paranoia”. I was also able to speak with a current member of the GCPD that recalled former Commissioner Gordon, then-Captain Gordon, failed to accompany then-District Attorney Dent on a raid of Carmine Falcone in the old Mazzucchelli Towers, which resulted in the deaths of several members from the one-three. 

Jimmy stops in front of a large cell with a thick glass wall. The door to the cell is open. Jimmy walks in followed by Bobby. As Jimmy turns back to address the camera the door to the cell closes.

Jimmy: These new cells are made of an impenetrable glass, impervious to bullets and bombs. The doors are operated from a main control room and a secondary location with built-in redundancies in the event of power outage or infiltration. These units now have individual air recyclers to thwart a future gas attack. Back to you, Dan.

The camera cuts to Dan in the newsroom.

Dan: Jimmy, they’re not going to keep you there, are they?

The camera is trained on Jimmy as he taps on the glass of the cell. The tapping turns to banging and quickly becomes frantic as Jimmy begins screaming “Let me out” seemingly unaware that the footage is broadcasting. The camera then cuts back to Dan in the newsroom.

Dan:  I’m sure he’ll be fine, but 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.

A few hours after the studio closes for the night, Jerry sits alone at his desk with his laptop open. His hands are pressed to his face as he tries to keep things straight.

Jerry: It’s so hard to keep it all straight. The Spectre cursed me, you know that? Keeping me outside of the timeline as everything started fresh was a god damn curse. I see so much. I see the future that is slowly becoming our now. The Fear State is coming and they aren’t aware but I can’t speak up. It would change so much. What if I made it worse? I woke up screaming the other night. I dreamed of a wedding. A wedding for House El of Alura Van-El and Khan. They were…are…may still be in love. He is a champion of Warworld and earned the family name of El but it was all interrupted by Pyrrhos. An evil magic imbued Kryptonian that tossed them all into the Phantom Zone. But it was warped… almost falling in on itself… I don’t want to see all of this anymore, Spectre. Please…help me.

Books covered this week:

• Grifter: The Long Con #5 by Matthew Rosenberg, Ryan Benjamin, Antonio Fabela, and Saida Temofonte.
• Infinite Frontier #2 by Joshua Williamson, Paul Pelletier, Jesús Merino, Xermánico, Norm Rapmund, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Tom Napolitano.
• Wonder Woman #775 by Michael W. Conrad, Becky Cloonan, Andy MacDonald, Nick Filardi, and Pat Brosseau. 
• Red Hood/Batman: Cheer #5 by Chip Zdarsky, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Diogenes Neves, Marcus To, Adriano Lucas, and Becca Carey.
• Detective Comics #1039 by Mariko Tamaki, Viktor Bogdanovic, Daniel Henriques, Norm Rapmund, Jordie Bellaire, and Aditya Bidikar.
• Tim Drake: Sum of our Parts #2 by Meghan Fitzmartin, Belén Ortega, Alejandro Sánchez, and Pat Brosseau.
• The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #4 by Sholly Fisch, Dario Brizuela, Franco Riesco, and Saida Temofonte.
• The Flash Annual #1 by Jeremy Adams, Fernando Pasarin, Brandon Peterson, Hi-Fi, Michael Atiyeh, and Steve Wands.
• The Joker #5 by Matthew Rosenberg, James Tynion IV, Francesco Francavilla, and Tom Napolitano.
• Action Comics Annual #1 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Siya Oum, Scott Godlewski, Hi-Fi, and Dave Sharpe.

(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.