Author's Note:
The following story is based on the DC Comics Elseworlds series of the same name by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. It is not a direct adaptation, but rather an inspired tale that also satisfies the circumstances of the animated universe. Additionally, the story takes place following the episode "Starcrossed" and must, unfortunately, ignore all episodes that follow. Though don't be surprised if references are made. As usual, the characters and stories are the sole property of DC Comics and AOL Time Warner. They are not in any way used for profit, but rather for the sake of fun and personal pleasure. So please don't sue.
Enjoy.
Two Years following the failed Thanagarian Invasion...
SUPERMAN GONE!
The once great hero of Metropolis bids farewell as Magog takes the throne as the city's champion
By Donald Troupe, Staff Writer
METROPOLIS - Two days removed from the Metropolis Courthouse acquitting Magog of first-degree murder, Superman took flight from the very steps of the judicial building. In the eyes of many witnesses, it was perhaps the last time the once publicly proclaimed 'Man of Steel' would be seen in the skies of Metropolis.
It was three weeks ago that Magog, one of the many in a growing breed of new heroes, charged into the KMTV building where known Gotham City terrorist The Joker was hiding out. The costumed villain had killed ninety-two men and one woman within the span of two hours, seventeen confirmed after the city's police had cornered him in the television station. When Superman arrived on the scene, Magog stood proudly over the smoking remains of crazed sociopath.
Superman pleaded his case before a grand jury that the method in which Magog brought the villain's attempt at mass genocide came to an end was ruthless and immoral. Yet in a unanimous vote that was deliberated for only fifteen minutes, the jury acquitted Magog and was looked upon by the public as the hero they wished to have as their protector.
On the day Superman fled to the skies, Magog publicly challenged him to a bout for the title of the city's champion and defender of Metropolis. Challenging the elder hero to "pass the torch," he said. Though the crowd who were on hand to witness this challenge demanded Superman to accept, he glared at the younger hero for only a moment before turning away from the public and flying off.
Continued as SUPERMAN on page A5.
Justice League
Kingdom Come
By Lord Akiyama
Based upon the story by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
Prologue: The End of an Era
Five Months after Superman's disappearance...
J'onn ran his fingers upon the surface of the table. He looked at the seven empty chairs individually. Nearly three years before, seven souls met to discuss how to better the world they had adopted as well as any other neighboring planet that cried for help. Now there was nothing left. A shame, he thought, and a complete waste of time and money to have built a second Watchtower.
Bruce was the first to leave upon the disappearance of the man who best represented the team. It was almost immediately that The Dark Knight, who was never an official member to begin with, no longer saw interest in remaining part of a collective that was no longer cared about by the public. And without Clark, he knew the League would never stand a chance at surviving in the long run.
John was next. The Green Lantern never fully recovered emotionally from when Shayera left. He just wasn't the same man any more, as was evident in the battles they fought before Superman's departure from public view. J'onn tried to contact him many times, until the day John threatened to hurt Martian if he didn't stop bothering him. Since then, John seaming dropped off the radar even from the Green Lantern Corps.
Though highly optimistic about seeing the team remain in force, Wally eventually left. He had found himself a girlfriend willing to settle down with him and he spent less time being a hero and more being just Wally. Though the others were happy to finally see him get a date, his leave was a blow to the status of the League. It wasn't admitted allowed, but The Flash truly was the conscience of the group.
It was only yesterday when Diana said that it was time for the League to officially disband. She knew the two of them could never achieve any sort of victory or strength alone and no other hero was willing to join what was called as a lost cause. She tried many times to bring in new members, but even she came to the conclusion that it was too late. Superman was the strength and Flash was the conscience. Without them, there was no Justice League.
It had been years since J'onn was released from his imprisonment at the hands of the United States government. Years since six unique men and women extended their hands in friendship and welcomed him. They were the only family he had left. Now they were gone. And once again, he was all alone.
He was uncertain what lay ahead in the future for him, taking one last look at the meeting room before slowly walking toward the door. The one thing he was certain, though, was that the Justice League was no more. It would not be long before some government, most likely the United States, finally did something with the Watchtower. He cared not about whether it would be dismantled or reconstructed as a base of operations. Though he deleted all existing records and knowledge of the team, it wouldn't matter and no one cared any more.
J'onn took a heavy sigh before turning off the lights and slowly closing the door behind him, signifying the end of an era.
to be continued...