SHATTERED WORLDS | DC (2022)

Year 5: Reunions

Joker

The Joker, a figure synonymous with chaos and terror, stood atop a distant rooftop, his eyes fixed on the children's hospital across the city. A twisted smile played on his lips as he observed the innocent lives going about their daily routines, unaware of the impending horror that awaited them. With a flick of a switch, a thunderous explosion ripped through the hospital, engulfing the building in a massive fireball. The force of the blast shattered windows and sent debris flying in all directions.

As the smoke billowed from the ruins of the once-pristine hospital, the Joker's maniacal laughter echoed through the air. His crazed eyes gleamed with sadistic delight as he reveled in the destruction he had wrought. The news of the bombing spread like wildfire, shocking the world, who has not seen a display of criminality this large since Superman took over the world, to its core. Reports flooded in, confirming the devastating toll - hundreds of innocent children had perished, and countless others lay injured, their lives forever shattered by the Joker's heinous act.

Superman, alerted to the tragedy, raced to the scene, his heart heavy with dread. As he arrived at the ruins of the hospital, he was greeted by a sight of utter devastation. Amidst the rubble and the chaos, a single playing card caught his eye - the Joker's infamous calling card. For a moment, Superman's heart skipped a beat, a sense of déjà vu washing over him. However, he quickly composed himself, unwilling to believe that the real Joker himself could somehow be back.

Addressing the reporters who had gathered at the scene, Superman declared that the bombing was likely the work of a deranged Joker fanatic, a twisted individual seeking to emulate the notorious villain. He assured the public that the perpetrator would be brought to justice, and that the city would not be intimidated by such cowardly acts of terror.

Meanwhile, the Joker, having set his plan in motion, made his way to his old hideout. As he approached the dilapidated building, he found it abandoned and in ruins, a mere shadow of its former glory. Only a handful of Joker zealots remained, clinging to the memory of their fallen leader. When the Joker stepped into their midst, the zealots, believing him to be an imposter, lunged at him with murderous intent.

But the Joker, with a twisted grin on his face, quickly proved his identity in the most brutal fashion. Singling out one of the zealots, he unleashed a flurry of blows, his laughter punctuating each sickening crunch of bone. The other followers, their eyes wide with a mixture of fear and awe, quickly fell in line, realizing that they were in the presence of the true Clown Prince of Crime. The Joker, his point made, set about rallying his remaining forces, his mind already racing with twisted schemes to plunge the city into further chaos.

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The news of the devastating explosion at the children's hospital sent shockwaves through the underground world. Villains and criminals alike whispered amongst themselves, speculating about the identity of the daring individual who would launch such a brazen attack on Superman's regime. The audacity of the act left even the most hardened criminals in awe, and soon, the question on everyone's lips was: who was behind this shocking display of defiance?

The Legion of Doom, intrigued by the development, convened an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of this revelation. As they gathered around the table, their faces etched with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, a sudden, chilling laughter reverberated through the room. The sound was so unexpected, so unnerving, that it sent shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned villains present.

As the laughter subsided, a figure emerged from the shadows, his unmistakable green hair and ghastly white skin immediately identifying him as none other than the Joker himself. With a nonchalant air, he sauntered over to the table and took a seat, his eyes gleaming with a manic energy that left the room in stunned silence.