by Libbylawrence

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Gold’s words were oddly prophetic, since Batman, Lead, and Iron had also encountered a group of the odd metallic raiders on the ridge called Slater Slope. The isolated area was outside the city limits and retained some of its original rustic charm. However, a failed redevelopment project had left the area with a few jarring reminders of the urban sprawl that lay a few miles below. Amidst a graveyard of metal, wood, and wiring appeared the robotic thieves.

Batman had prepared for such a meeting, and he hurled pellets at two of the silver-white beings as they loaded raw ore on a platform. A blinding flash illuminated the area as each pellet reacted with the body structure of one of the iron beings and created a type of instant oxidation. Rusting them will slow them down, but not stop them, mused Batman.

Lead had … Continue Reading…

by Libbylawrence

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They swiftly reached a small building nestled in the woods outside of Gotham Heights. As they approached the door, Batman started to reach for one of the many capsule-like containers on his utility belt.

Platinum smiled winningly and said, “I think I can save you some time. Allow me.” She extended her hand and reshaped one finger until it became a longer fiber that conformed to the interior of the door’s lock. In seconds, she had unlocked the door. Swinging it open, she gave a quick curtsey. ”After you, gentlemen,” she said.

“Cleverly done,” said Batman, impressed. “A crime-fighter doesn’t need a utility belt with your group around.”

“We’re full of talents,” said Mercury. “Did you know I’m the only metal that is liquid at room temp–?”

Before he could finish his boast, Mercury was struck by a shadowy figure that darted forward out of … Continue Reading…

by Libbylawrence

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On a sweltering August night, even the air-conditioned ballroom at the Gotham Regency Hotel felt uncomfortably warm, and the crowded conditions didn’t help the situation.

Elegantly dressed men and women mingled and chatted by a buffet table, while others danced to the sounds of the Swing Sisson Quartet. A banner stretching across the room proclaimed Jason Bard for D.A.

Two young men leaned against a wall and watched the proceedings with the apathetic and world-weary demeanors of the idle rich.

“Len, this is a total bore,” said Devin Douglas. “Still, Wayne never fails to put out a good spread, and his little events do attract a surprising number of prime ladies.”

His equally bored friend nodded and added, “I couldn’t care less about Jason Bard and his campaign for D.A., but I figured some real babes might show up. Wayne does have an … Continue Reading…

by Starsky Hutch 76

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Christmas Eve was just another night to the children lying in their dungeon cells beneath Granny Goodness’ orphanage. They were tired and weary from their daily dose of suffering, which Granny Goodness referred to as care.

Few of them had even heard of Santa Claus or his sleigh ride. Many of them had difficulty sleeping because of nightmares. Visions of sugar plums did not dance in their heads. In fact, their nightly screams and moans were enough of an annoyance to Granny’s men that all cells had soundproofed walls.

In every cell, every orphan — from the oldest boy to the youngest girl — was surprised by the sight of a miniature boom tube appearing in his or her room. From these boom tubes flew toys for each and every child.

The children approached the toys uneasily. They wanted them but … Continue Reading…

by Starsky Hutch 76

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“How could he treat his Granny so?” Granny Goodness moaned. “After all I have done for him over oh so many years?”

“I know,” DeSaad said in a soothing voice. Since his back was facing her, she couldn’t see that he was also rolling his eyes. Her prattling drove him insane, but he knew the value in allowing her to think of him as a confidant.

“Is it right to deprive the child of Granny’s guidance?” she continued. “Who better to help the boy rid himself of his soft tendencies? Surely you’ve seen them?”

“Indeed I have,” DeSaad said, turning to face her.

The look in his eyes and the tone of his voice encouraged her to continue. “If Darkseid continues to make allowances for the boy, who knows what will happen?”

“It’s Suli all over again,” DeSaad said under … Continue Reading…

by Starsky Hutch 76

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‘Twas the week before Christmas, and Apokolips lacked joy,
All were miserable, that is, except one fair-haired little boy.

Kalibak grunted as he lugged the cumbersome tree toward the quarters of his younger brother, Prometheus. What did the boy want with a tree, anyway? The boy read too much, plain and simple. It gave him odd ideas — especially the books from Earth.

As Kalibak entered the doorway, the boy looked up, his blue eyes growing wide with delight. “You got it! You’re the best big brother in the whole world!” Prometheus ran to the behemoth of a man and hugged him. Kalibak credited himself for not freezing with shock this time. The boy was the only one who had ever hugged him in his entire life, unless you considered being grabbed and slammed to the ground hugging. … Continue Reading…