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Title: Twilight of the Gods (Rock Of Ages Part 5)
Writer: Grant Morrison
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FEATURE CHARACTERS
Aquaman, Flash III, Green Lantern V - In the future.
Batman, Martian Manhunter, Superman - In the present.
VILLAINS
Darkseid (the future version)
Grandmother Box (Granny Goodness combined with Mother Box)
Swarmtroopers (the future equivalent of Parademons)
Desaad (defeated and replaced by Batman)
Glorious Godfrey (announces Darkseid's arrival on Earth)
Metron (the future version that was broken by Darkseid)
The Injustice Gang (Luthor, Joker and Dr Light seen on the last page)
GUEST APPEARANCES
Amazo (the reprogrammed former enemy of the JLA)
Argent (member of the Jurgen's Teen Titans)
Atom (Ray Palmer, now back to his correct age)
Batman (having beaten Desaad)
Black Racer (the New God of Death)
Green Arrow (the future version of Connor, looking more like his father all the time)
Orion (seen briefly as Darkseid's ship lands)
Wonder Woman (the future version is a battle hardened warrior)
COMMENTS
This issue continues the dark future of Darkseid as seen last issue, it takes place parallel with the first twenty two pages of JLA #15 where we see Superman about to destroy the Philosopher's Stone. The act that creates the possibility of the dark future.
The point of the Three Monkeys is further reinforced by the slogan in the Lunar concentration camp which is clearly the battered and captured JLA Watchtower (strangely enough it's the best its ever looked). We had seen last issue that the Daily Planet building is still standing and in this issue we see that the Lexcorp Building is also still standing.
SYNOPSIS
The JLA resistance group against Darkseid splits their forces, Azteka and Argent attack the zombie factory on the Moon while Amazo, Ray Palmer and Connor run interference with the legions of Swarmtroopers. Batman and Wonder Woman lead the three time travellers into the heart of Darkseid Las Vegas citadel by using a Boom Tube to take them direct to Metron. The battle takes place on three fronts as the Black Racer circles collecting the souls of the dead. Even Amazo the reprogrammed robot recognises him in the end.
At the heart of Darkseid's citadel Wonder Woman battles Granny Goodness and Batman tricks Metron into becoming human. Then while he is vulnerable Batman knocks him out and injects him with a powerful hypnotic agent. The drugged Metron is compelled to return the three time travellers to their own place in the cosmos. As they leave Wonder Woman dies killing Grandmother Box and Azteka detonates her chest battery destroying the Lunar Zombie factories and freeing all the enslaved drones and Swarmtroopers. Ultimately is not the titans like Superman or Batman that kill Darkseid but Ray Palmer and Connor Hawke.
In the aftermath Orion the depowered God of War uses a Genesis Box to unmake and then remake the universe without the taint of Darkseid.
QUOTE
"How small you are, yet... your have hurt me. I respect that." - Darkseid on the Batman.
ALAN KISTLER'S ANNOTATIONS
Page 1 - Again, narration time. Although this time it has a twist. This time the narration is by Black Racer, the New God of death. Nice touch!
I find it ironic that the JLA Watchtower, once the world's first line of defence, has been perverted into the Darkseid's Swarmtrooper station.
Page 4 - Creativity strikes again as Argent gives a nod to the Green Lantern. Notice right next to her on Panel 1 there is a nod to the classic Superman costume. And on Panel 2 we see the electro Superman underneath her and Martian Manhunter flying behind Azteka.
Page 6 - Notice Metron's red eyes. Obviously Darkseid has somehow corrupted the scientist.
Page 7 - Granny's reference to unruly children harkens back to her days as head of the Apokolips orphanage, where Darkseid's soldiers were trained.
Page 9 - Panel 2: A classic entrance. Batman obviously has a plan. Notice the barrage of smoke bombs launched from the Boom Tube. Also, take a look at Granny. Just as the Mother Boxes reacted by going "Ping!" Granny goes "Poom!"
Page 10 - Panel 1: Batman seems to easily readjust to his former role as leader of the JLA.
Panel 2: Ah, so Bruce designed this smoke specifically for Metron. God, he's good. And notice to the right we see his silhouette in the smoke.
Panel 3: Classic line. "Boo." Notice that Metron, who usually doesn't display any emotion aside from anger or scientific curiosity, is actually scared in this panel as well as the last one. Just goes to show you ... even gods are afraid of the Dark Knight. :)
Pages 12-13 - Very nice. Not only do we see a great example of Wonder Woman's unyielding will, we see The Batman once again use his brains to win the battle. His manipulations are carefully worded and planned. Does he ever not know what he's doing?
Page 15 - Very touching. This is a fitting death for Wonder Woman. She fights till the last breath, takes her enemy with her, and saves Batman's life in the process. A true hero's end.
Page 16 - I like Batman's reactions on Panels 1 and 4. His concern for Diana and his farewell nicely display that, despite popular misconception, Batman truly cares for his team-mates.
Panel 5: I loove this panel! We got Batman literally smiling in the face of certain death and saying some of the best lines I have ever read! And the narration from Black Racer just added so much more to the impact. After all, Batman and death are old friends. :)
Page 17 - Like many heroes before her, Azteka sacrifices herself so that others may live. And her lines here are priceless. Bravo, Grant!
Page 18 - Perfect! Batman says "look up" and then Darkseid sees the moon explode. I love it!
Also, note Orion obviously has a plan in the works. It's always foreboding when an avatar of death tells you "the end is here."
Page 19 - Again, a fitting death. Even as the Omega Beams encircle him, Batman verbally spits in Darkseid's face.
Page 20 - Perfect. Once again, it is not raw power, it's your skill and your brains.
Page 22 - Imagine that. The two "weaker" heroes killed Darkseid. Kudos to Morrison!
Page 23 -So at last we see the truth behind Granny's prophecy of "Orion ... all is in ruin."
Page 24 - Obviously Batman, J'onn and Superman didn't have too much trouble beating the Injustice Gang. We see remnants of the battle here in forms of debris, an arrow in the wall, and (for reasons soon to be revealed) a spare Joker suit on the floor. Notice the weeping figure of Dr. Light on the far right. Is he really such a wuss?
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