For decades, they’ve lurked in the shadows, a symphony of chaos playing out against the backdrop of Gotham’s gargoyles and Metropolis’s glittering skyscrapers.
But what happens when the villain’s symphony becomes a full-blown opera, their discordant notes shaking the very foundations of the Justice League?
This isn’t just another day in the city of heroes. A familiar face from the depths of Gotham’s underbelly has just ascended to a position of unimaginable power, their twisted ambition reshaping the landscape of the DC Universe.
Implications for the Multiverse
What this team-up means for the future of DC’s Prime and Absolute Universes
A DC Comics villain no one expected has just become one of the biggest power players in both the Prime and Absolute Universes. DC All In has slowly been weaving a high-stakes narrative ever since Darkseid’s death late last year and now, a major update has come to the All In saga. The Absolute Universe has only been around for a little over a year, but it’s already made a sizable impression among fans.
After months of wondering who would be the first DC character to meet their Absolute counterpart, Mirror Master, one of the Flash’s most perplexing rogues, has made his way to the upside-down world. While the Absolute Mirror Master is trying to piece the secrets that tie his world together, his doppelgänger has arrived with an offer that could mean big things for both of their worlds.
A Backdoor to the Prime DC Universe
This is a huge development for both universes. While the Prime Mirror Master isn’t the first person to venture to the Absolute Universe (that ‘honor’ goes to Booster Gold), Sam Scudder is the first person to meet his Absolute counterpart. It’s especially shocking since the Prime DCU has been cut off from the multiverse since the ending of Absolute Power and the only portal, a corrupted Justice League membership card, is too dangerous to pass through.
But the Mirror Master’s Mirror-Verse evidently acts as a backdoor to the Prime DC Universe’s new neighboring Earth. Booster used the corrupted card to go to the Absolute Universe and was erased from everyone’s memory! Fans haven’t seen too much of the Absolute Mirror Master beyond this story (aside from a cameo in Absolute Flash #1). But he seems to want to know where things went wrong in his world out of genuine curiosity rather than ill-will.
Scudder, on the other hand, is a real wild card. Like the rest of the Rogues, he’s generally more concerned about a big payday, but he’s shown to be willing to work with his counterpart, at least for now.
The Mirror Master’s Motivations
More Than Just a Wild Card: Understanding the motivations behind the Mirror Master’s actions
In the Mirror Master’s lair, he’s shown trying to connect all the strange events of his world, from the arrival of the Green Lantern in Evergreen to a coming psychospheric collapse. Mirror Master observes the clues he’s gathered, wondering what it all means and what he’s missing. But almost as quickly as he arrives home, Absolute Mirror Master gets a shock as he’s greeted by the Mirror Master from the Prime Universe.
A Backdoor to the Prime DC Universe
This is a huge development for both universes. While the Prime Mirror Master isn’t the first person to venture to the Absolute Universe (that ‘honor’ goes to Booster Gold), Sam Scudder is the first person to meet his Absolute counterpart. It’s especially shocking since the Prime DCU has been cut off from the multiverse since the ending of Absolute Power and the only portal, a corrupted Justice League membership card, is too dangerous to pass through.
But the Mirror Master’s Mirror-Verse evidently acts as a backdoor to the Prime DC Universe’s new neighboring Earth. Booster used the corrupted card to go to the Absolute Universe and was erased from everyone’s memory! Fans haven’t seen too much of the Absolute Mirror Master beyond this story (aside from a cameo in Absolute Flash #1). But he seems to want to know where things went wrong in his world out of genuine curiosity rather than ill-will.
The Bigger Picture
The Psychospheric Collapse: What this event could mean for the Absolute Universe and beyond
This is a huge development for both universes. While the Prime Mirror Master isn’t the first person to venture to the Absolute Universe (that ‘honor’ goes to Booster Gold), Sam Scudder is the first person to meet his Absolute counterpart. It’s especially shocking since the Prime DCU has been cut off from the multiverse since the ending of Absolute Power and the only portal, a corrupted Justice League membership card, is too dangerous to pass through.
But the Mirror Master’s Mirror-Verse evidently acts as a backdoor to the Prime DC Universe’s new neighboring Earth. Booster used the corrupted card to go to the Absolute Universe and was erased from everyone’s memory! Fans haven’t seen too much of the Absolute Mirror Master beyond this story (aside from a cameo in Absolute Flash #1). But he seems to want to know where things went wrong in his world out of genuine curiosity rather than ill-will.
The Implications for DC’s Prime Universe
This is a huge development for both universes. While the Prime Mirror Master isn’t the first person to venture to the Absolute Universe (that ‘honor’ goes to Booster Gold), Sam Scudder is the first person to meet his Absolute counterpart. It’s especially shocking since the Prime DCU has been cut off from the multiverse since the ending of Absolute Power and the only portal, a corrupted Justice League membership card, is too dangerous to pass through.
But the Mirror Master’s Mirror-Verse evidently acts as a backdoor to the Prime DC Universe’s new neighboring Earth. Booster used the corrupted card to go to the Absolute Universe and was erased from everyone’s memory! Fans haven’t seen too much of the Absolute Mirror Master beyond this story (aside from a cameo in Absolute Flash #1). But he seems to want to know where things went wrong in his world out of genuine curiosity rather than ill-will.
What This Team-Up Means for DC’s Prime and Absolute Universes
A Backdoor Between Worlds of Something More?
This is a huge development for both universes. While the Prime Mirror Master isn’t the first person to venture to the Absolute Universe (that ‘honor’ goes to Booster Gold), Sam Scudder is the first person to meet his Absolute counterpart. It’s especially shocking since the Prime DCU has been cut off from the multiverse since the ending of Absolute Power and the only portal, a corrupted Justice League membership card, is too dangerous to pass through.
But the Mirror Master’s Mirror-Verse evidently acts as a backdoor to the Prime DC Universe’s new neighboring Earth. Booster used the corrupted card to go to the Absolute Universe and was erased from everyone’s memory! Fans haven’t seen too much of the Absolute Mirror Master beyond this story (aside from a cameo in Absolute Flash #1). But he seems to want to know where things went wrong in his world out of genuine curiosity rather than ill-will.
Related
I Finally Understand Why Supergirl Earned the Nickname “Woman of Tomorrow”
I always thought Supergirl being called the “Woman of Tomorrow” was just a clever play on Superman’s nickname, but now I see she more than earned it.
Why Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Is Kara Zor-El’s Definitive Tale
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is, without a doubt, Kara Zor-El’s definitive tale, as it is basically the definition of a hero’s definitive story through its focus on immense character growth, moral complexity, sacrifice, responsibility, overcoming trauma, and self-reflection.
Batman Was Never Truly About Vengeance, But He’s Always Been About Compassion
A lot of media has portrayed Batman as someone who seeks out vengeance. The iconic line spoken by Kevin Conroy in Batman: The Animated Series literally claims “I am vengeance!” It’s hard to argue with that, but I think that’s a moment that Batman needs to move past.
It’s fine if he starts out believing himself to be vengeance. The Matt Reeves movie The Batman played with this very idea by having Batman claim to be vengeance only to realize that vengeance can’t save Gotham City, that it needs something more.
It was a great evolution of Bruce’s character in the movie. It’s hard to overstate just how much effect The Dark Knight Returns had on Batman’s legacy. Another iconic example of Bruce’s darker motivations comes from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, where Bruce has another iconic line: “The only way the world makes sense is if you force it to.”
But I don’t believe that, and I don’t think Bruce would either. Granted, Miller’s take is a much darker and grittier version of Batman, and it’s hard to overstate just how much effect The Dark Knight Returns had on Batman’s legacy, but I always thought the line made Batman seem far too violent and conflict-hungry – like he’s looking for fights so he can force people into his idea of how the world should be.
Batman Believes That Compassion Can Save the World
Vengeance Only Gets You So Far, Even for a Vigilante
Throughout Planetary / Batman, both Batman and Planetary are chasing down John Black, a supposed criminal who has multiverse warping powers. The multiverse keeps warping around John Black, and it seems like he may be using that to try and escape.
Initially, Batman tries to capture John Black to bring him to Arkham Asylum, but as the multiverse keeps shifting, Batman shifts with it, resulting in Batman shifting into his very first iteration: a version of Batman who has no issue with lethal force.
But before he can kill John Black, he’s convinced that John isn’t the villain – he’s the victim.
How has Planetary affected more recent DC events? For an answer, check out the just-concluded Outsiders series by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Robert Carey, available now from DC Comics.
Conclusion
The Rise of a Mastermind: A New Era for DC Comics
In our in-depth analysis, we delved into the unexpected ascension of one of DC Comics’ most notorious villains, exposing the intricate web of power and deception that has propelled them to the forefront of the DC Universe. Our investigation revealed a complex tapestry of strategic alliances, calculated manipulation, and daring heists, all of which have enabled this cunning mastermind to consolidate their grip on power. Key to their success has been their ability to adapt, to capitalize on the chaos and uncertainty that has long plagued the DC Universe, and to exploit the weaknesses of their adversaries.
The implications of this shocking rise to power are profound, with far-reaching consequences for the very fabric of the DC Universe. As this villain’s influence expands, so too does the sense of unease and uncertainty that pervades the world of DC Comics. The traditional power structures are being upended, and the rules of engagement are being rewritten. This is a new era, one in which the lines between hero and villain are increasingly blurred, and the concept of good and evil is being redefined. The future of the DC Universe hangs in the balance, and the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next?
As we gaze into the unknown, one thing is certain: the DC Universe will never be the same. The mastermind’s grip on power is tightening, and the world is holding its breath, waiting to see what’s next. Will this villain’s reign of terror be a catalyst for change, or will it signal the demise of the very heroes we thought we knew? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the DC Universe is on the cusp of a revolution, and the consequences of this shocking rise to power will be felt for a long time to come. The question is: are you ready?