It doesn't matter how many times we've seen a future or alternate universe story centered around our favorite characters. There's always something appealing and exciting about the idea. Looking towards the future, there are limitless possibilities. That's something that we'll be seeing soon in the DC Universe.
Last week it was announced that J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen were writing a JUSTICE LEAGUE 3000 series. We saw some images so of course we'd have a bunch of questions. We tried finding out as much as we could. Here's what the guys had to say.
Comic Vine: Does this title fit into the Legion of Super-Heroes timeline?
J.M. DeMatteis: Legion of Super-Heroes? That name’s familiar, but I can’t quite place it...
Keith Giffen: Only in that it takes place in the 31st century. This is not a Legion book.
CV: Will we see the formation of the team or will they already have been united?
KG: Both actually.
JMD: We’ll come in on them already united (albeit at an early stage of the game)...and part of the fun will be doubling back to find out just how they came together. One thing you should know right off the bat: things aren’t necessarily what they seem.
CV: The choice to go with future renditions of the current Justice League makes sense but will we also see versions of other character not necessarily tied to the JL?
KG: I mean, never say never but I'd really like to get JL3000 up and running on its own before ringing in alternate versions of Hawkman or the Atom or whoever. That said, I did pirate the name "Fatal Five" so...
JMD: One of the great things here is that we’re in a future universe that’s not bogged down in continuity; so we’re free to create and expand in as many directions as we’d like. We can build an entire universe of new, and old, characters. No limits.
CV: Is there the possibility of any direct descendants taking on the mantle of the current heroes?
JMD: That’s assuming these aren’t the current heroes. I’m not saying they are, but I’m not saying they’re not. (It’s an annoying answer, I know, but it’s the best I can do at the moment. There are surprises ahead and I don’t want to ruin them.)
KG: Nope. No direct descendants, no Legionnaires in disguise, none of that.
CV: Does this mean there's always (usually) some form of Batman, Superman, etc throughout time?
KG: Ooooh... loaded question. I'm going to say... I haven't the slightest idea but suspect the answer is no.
JMD: I can’t answer for all time, only for the 31st Century.
CV: The released images didn't show a version of Aquaman. Is there just more to come or could this say something about Atlantis in the future?
JMD: Aquaman could absolutely show up some time down the line, but, for now, we’re concentrating on the Big Five. As for Atlantis in the future...you just gave us a great idea!
KG: There's a lot more to come.
CV: Will the action take place on Earth, space, all over the place?
JMD: All of the above.
KG: Earth, space, all over the place... Sounds like a lost Fireball XL-5 lyric. But yes, yes it will. All over the place.
CV: How much of the past history is known to these heroes? Has there been detailed records or could there be gaps throughout history?
JMD: That’s a fascinating question. Of course, I can’t tell you why that question is so fascinating—but you’ll find out when you read the book.
KG: Major gaps. Great Disaster anyone?
CV: Can we assume these characters are heroes and not a bunch of villains in some strange futuristic twist of fate?
JMD: They are absolutely heroes. They are absolutely the Justice League. Except when they’re not.
CV: Here's the inevitable question, will there be an eventual crossover between the two times?
JMD: We can’t rule it out, but I don’t see it happening for a very long time.
Looks like we'll have to stay tuned to find out more information.