SHATTERED WORLDS | DC (2022)

Year 1: God Vs King

Part 1

Superman stormed out of the hall, leaving behind those members who had chosen to stay with him. The realization that his best friend not only refused to join his cause but actively created a division within the superhero community fueled the anger in his soul. He flew off to the Fortress of Solitude to reflect, questioning whether there might be another way to achieve the peace he so desperately sought.

Meanwhile, Batman was on his way back to the Batcave, having noticed Damian's hesitation to leave with everyone else. Bruce could see his son was lost in thought. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," replied Damian, though Bruce sensed there were deeper issues at play.

"It's about what I said back there, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it is."

"Well, what do you have to say?" Damian glanced away, struggling to find the words.

"Have you ever paused for a single moment and considered whether or not you may actually be wrong, even for a second?"

"Of course," Bruce replied, albeit not as thoroughly as he should have. "And you still think you're doing the right thing?"

"What's your point?"

"I agree with Superman. I think we should eliminate criminals who refuse to change," Damian replied. "If it means restoring peace, the end can justify the means."

"And I assume you also agree with him that he should be the one to control governments and individuals?"

"Ugh, you see, Father, that's your problem. You get caught in the details, and you don't see the bigger picture."

"And what's that?" Bruce inquired, his concerns for his son's values and judgment growing by the moment.

"World peace!" exclaimed Damian, as if it were the simplest solution. Bruce, not wanting to continue arguing, remained quiet until they arrived home. As they made their way to the Batcave, Bruce couldn't help but ponder how much his son had changed and wonder if there might yet be hope for the young man he feared was lost.

Part 2

Somewhere off the coast of New York

A whaling ship was hunting, killing whales one after another before suddenly being capsized. Out of the water emerged Aquaman and his troops, threatening the sailors and interrogating them about who sent them. However, he was interrupted when Wonder Woman appeared.

"Arthur, stop. I understand these sailors were doing something terrible, but we have called for a—"

"I know what you have called for, but I don't care, Diana. The ocean does not answer to your calls." 

"Arthur, I wasn't asking. I'm telling you. Stop, now," she said with a seething tone.

"I am not a service dog like you, Diana. I am king of the ocean, and I do as I please."

"Then you leave me no choice," Wonder Woman declared as she, Flash, Cyborg, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl launched an attack on Aquaman and his forces.

Diana and her team began making quick work of the Atlanteans, catching them by surprise. However, as the fight went on, they slowly became more and more separated until they were out of calling range. It was then that Aquaman reminded them where they were — in his domain.

Aquaman's superior fighting abilities in the water quickly began to overwhelm them, and to make matters worse, Aquaman unleashed the Kraken. The monster was so colossal and powerful that no one stood a fighting chance.