DC Future State shows sad futures from Superman and Wonder Woman.
Week two of the DC Comics event Future State showed a grim future. Dick Grayson put on the costume of one of the Teen Titan’s deadliest enemies, leaving Nightwing behind and becoming Deathstroke. The Green Lanterns’ rings are no longer functioning, leaving Jessica Cruz to defend Green Lantern’s Power Battery – a feat that ended with her being offered a Yellow Lantern power ring. We also had Bruce Wayne running for his life and discovering that his tech inadvertently helped create the Magistrate.
The third week of the huge crossover also resulted in some sad moments. Both Wonder Woman and Superman are in battles with seemingly dark futures and we also see that things in Gotham may be about to get worse.
The Magistrates becoming legal
Comic book: Future State: The Next Batman
"“Collateral damage is for the rest of you.” Magistrate peacekeeper"
The District Attorney and Mayor of Gotham are having a conversation about the Magistrate peacekeepers. They discuss how the law that allows the Magistrate to shoot on sight is flimsy, saying they (the Magistrate) aren’t using force equal or lesser than the threats. The two of them decided that it’s time to make the law fit what they need.
The Magistrate is bad enough. We’ve seen that they don’t care about innocent people or the dead. When Detective Chubb asked if people getting beat to death is their problem, one of the Magistrate members said, “ We get paid to take out masks. Collateral damage is for the rest of you.” These are not the people the law should be defending. If they become the new people in charge of keeping the peace, there will be even more dead bodies than usual.
Superman’s disappearance
Comic book: Future State: Superman: Worlds of War
"“You’re going to make it home.” – Superman"
It seems like it’s been years since Superman was last seen on Earth. With his disappearance, the people of Smallville started worshipping his memory like he was a god. Why wouldn’t they? He was raised there. It was more his home than the one that birthed him. And he has powers that some gods couldn’t dream of.
A young woman named Sadie visits Smallville from Gotham to listen to the stories of Superman. There were tales of the Man of Steel defeating foes despite being outnumbered and seemingly overpowered. This leads to theories on where he went. It was at that point that Sadie had enough.
Sadie hates the way that they’re treating and talking about Superman, claiming that the hero wouldn’t want any of this. Smallville vendors are selling fake Kryptonite jewelry and worship isn’t what he stood for. She leaves saying that it was a mistake going there. Before she left, someone asked how Superman saved her. Sadie said, “Superman didn’t save me. Clark Kent did.”
The story doesn’t end there. We find out that Superman is fighting somewhere with one of his most powerful enemies, Mongul, in charge. Without his powers, armor, and with only a sword and shield, Superman protects his fellow captives. This showed the true mettle. Superman isn’t the abilities granted from a yellow sun. His courage and ability to fight for those weaker than him is what makes him great. It’ll be interesting to see his fate and how he ended up there to begin with.
Wonder Woman at the end of the world
Comic book: Future State: Immortal Wonder Woman
"“But now, even the bats are gone.”-Wonder Woman"
Wonder Woman starts, “impossibly long ago in a distant future.” She has streaks of grey in her hair, but in as good shape as she was in her prime. She’s in the Bat-Cave looking for Batman’s utility belt. Talking to the ghost of Bruce Wayne. With a tear, she leaves the Bat-Cave with his belt. It’s a somber moment that only leads to something more evil. That evil is Darkseid.
A threat that destroyed New Genesis is now on Apokolips. While others fight and die defending Apokolips, Darkseid leaves for Earth. Superman tries to stop Darkseid, but is easily defeated. Wonder Woman and her army of warrior Amazons try as well, but receive the same fate as Superman. It’s the end of the universe and it looks like nothing can stop it.
If you were going to put your money on someone saving the universe, Wonder Woman is a great bet. She doesn’t give up, she’s incredibly powerful, and has supreme fighting abilities. While she feels like she’s failed, that’s not going to stop her from fighting. Diana is going to fight until there’s nothing left. Even then, she may find a way to battle with her spirit.
Two things should be noted as well. First, can Wonder Woman use the Green Lantern ring or is it still depowered? Second, it would be shocking if there wasn’t something in Batman’s utility belt that can’t help her. Lastly, before he died, Swamp Thing gave her a gift. Those three things may be enough to kill Darkseid for good. We also have to remember that Future State may not conclude with a happy ending. Stay tuned to see what happens.
What do you think? Are you enjoying DC Comics’ Future State? Let us know in the comments below?