Young Justice was a series with such promise and it did have some cool ideas. Unfortunately the questionable execution left the potential of such ideas so little to be desired. It gets points for good animation and world building but failed in regards to romance plots being written like bad fan fiction or a horribly written YA novel and villains with convoluted plans and heroes being so incompetent that Justin Hammer from the MCU could take the heroes down with little to no effort.
So I'm going to do my own version of Young Justice and showcase how I could do it better, because I can.
Now lets talk about the starting point of this. The starting point would be when The Team freed Superboy and Conner meets The Man of Steel himself. From that point on you'd see how the series completely alters from its canon counterpart.
Independence Day and Fireworks
In Conner's awestruck meeting with Superman it didn't take The Man of Steel long enough to register that: Conner is his clone and that Cadmus designed him as a weapon against him. Because, going by comic history, even Batman stated that Superman is just as, if not, smarter than him so Clark is smart enough to see the signs. Especially if he examines the area enough.
And most importantly Clark doesn't act cold or distant around him. In fact he responds in a manner that anyone who knows Superman should. He not only accepts Conner but even offer him to stay at the Kent Farm. Followed by Superman looking over the rest of the Team and gave them a silent yet compassionate nod of acceptance.
Batman otoh sees this as a sign of things to come, which is something that he had always dreaded ever since taking in apprentices of his own. The Team took down Cadmus and shutdown their illegal research. It won't be long till The Team become targets of even more dangerous villains. Other members of The League share the same sentiments too. Yet they've accepted that The Team has became more than just 'sidekicks'.
Note: This version of the canon episode helps establish The Team as a rite of passage. They've become more than just apprentices or sidekicks. Together they've become a superhero group. And this also fixed some rather controversial issues that didn't sit well with me. Like Superman's distant relationship with Superboy and The League's on an off mishandling of their young wards. In this version they're more like concerned parents that are worried of the dangers their children would face when going out into the world but accept that they cant keep them from the dangers the world has to offer, all they can do is prepare them for it.
Stay tuned for my next update when I introduced The Team's combat mentor!
Episode 2: Adjustments
This is the part where the series completely go off script. In this one The Team are moving into the new. There would be one shot of Wally kicking it in the entertainment center. Probably him playing a video game with Aqualad, more like Wally teaching Aqualad in playing one while Aqualad's awkwardness of land customs made for a combination of heartwarming and humorous banter. We then move to Robin and Batman as they've installed some updates in the comm room. It's a nice little father/son bonding between Bruce and Dick. It goes along the lines of Bruce telling Dick that there will be a moment when your team well have to look towards Robin for leadership and to not be afraid to lead them. And always be a few steps ahead of any foe you face. Really heartfelt stuff.
Meanwhile in Star City we have Speedy stopping a super strong criminal named Brick. It wasn't an easy task as we are talking about a dude who is as strong as his namesake. It almost look like she's in a bad way until Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Artemis entered the picture to even things up. With a combination of creativeness and some nifty brick disabling trick arrows the super criminal was taken down.
In this version, Artemis, Speedy, Canary, and Green Arrow have established themselves as Team Arrow. Also, small shout out to the series. After the criminals are apprehended Team Arrow have a little chat. Oliver tells Speedy how he had neglected Speedy as both a mentor and an older sibling and how he should have treated Speedy as an equal. Black Canary, being the actual professional psychiatrist, that she is, provided as a mediator between the two. Artemis was there because she had nothing better to do and she finds family drama boring. Fridge Brilliance. Speedy calmed down and agreed to return but under one condition. She's only referred as Red Arrow from this point out.
Artemis: "Don't hold your breath, Speedy"
Thea punches Artemis in the arm and Thea joins Team Arrow as they make their destination to Mt.Justice.
In Metropolis there is a scene of Superman and Superboy saving Metropolis from Parasite. Conner is dressed in his canon outfit, the reasons being is he's looking for a style that matches him. The two team up and defeats Parasite, using a combination of strategy and brute force. It wasn't an easy task for Kon as Parasite came close on defeating him in several occasions. Upon first observation he realized that Conner lacks the combat and strategical expertise. Superman contemplates on finding someone to train Conner.
In that one moment Conner ends up becoming a media sensation because of his team up with Superman. Several questions range from: Who is Conner? a sidekick? another cousin? Or perhaps a long lost son? This kind of media exposure makes Conner a little uncomfortable as he isn't used to this kind of thing.
"You want to know what he really is? A hero"
Lex Luthor approached Superman and Conner, he offers his congratulations. Especially to Conner. Lex offered Conner a hand of congratulations and he accepts, albeit a little reluctantly.
The episode closes with The Team celebrating Speedy's return and a promising future as a group. Martian Manhunter closes it by introducing another member to the group. Miss Martian.
Note: I told you this will go off script.
Yes, Thea is Speedy. Why? I like Thea. And the sibling dynamic with her and Artemis is cute. Also, in this one, Oliver is less of a dick towards Speedy when compared to canon.
Another thing to take note is Lex isn't a member of The Light. I feel Lex work best when he's an enigma. You aren't sure exactly what his motivations are and why he's so accepting of Superboy? And bonus points in Superman acting better than his canon counterpart.
This is a bit of a breather but with a purpose. It helps establish relationships. Especially with The Team and it showcase a better familial dynamic between the group and their mentors.
Episode 3: Schooled
Batman summoned The Team for a meeting. He announced that despite their achievements there will always be threats bigger than them they'd have to face. And they must prepare themselves both physically and psychologically. So Batman mentions that a teacher will be summoned to help them prepare.
Cue the collective 'Oh crap' reactions among the team.
Batman shared a knowing glance at Diana. He leaves Diana to instruct The Team. She mentions how being in the position The Team is in is an honor but Bruce is right in that there will always be an obstacle that's tougher than the last. And she's one of them.
Conner calls her bluff and steps up. Diana gives Conner a smile of respect for his eagerness.
The two engage in a sparring session Conner showed a good showing in the beginning but Diana's experience edges out and took Conner to school.
Diana offers her hand and Conner accepts it. Diana tells the students to take this lesson to heart. Cause in the next session. All members of The Team will have to fight her as the next session involves functioning as a team.
Kid Flash: "Gulp"
***
We cut to a lab that looked like an underground facility. The lab is a mad scientist wet dream, test tubes, state of the art lab equipment that looked a little too advanced, and several monitors. A petite woman in her mid-30's watched the one that occurred during July 4th. The Cadmus breakout. Her steel gaze centered on The Team breaking into the Cadmus Labs and freeing Project Kr. She stops the recording and head to a secret vault within her lab. We find out that the woman is Dr.Jessica Ivo, widow of Dr.Ivo. She went inside the vault that contained her secret weapon. Amazo. She gave Amazo a simple directive. Retrieve Project Kr, at any cost.
Note: Another Arrow shout out!
http://arrow.wikia.com/wiki/Jessica_Ivo
This isn't a gender swap as there is a subtle hint that the Jessica Ivo is the widow of the deceased Dr.Ivo. In this reality, Jessica Ivo was an acclaimed scientist whose research in genetics have made a generous contribution to the world. Such genetics that includes replacing lost limbs on patients who have lost their respective ones during an unfortunate accident and giving life back to endangered animals. Simply put, her husbands death was the spark that started her start of darkness but finding out that the culprit behind it was a superhero was what put her over the edge.
***
Back at Mt.Justice we have Thea looking at the surveillance footage of Brick's smuggling deal two days ago. Team Arrow discovered that the shipment was a drug called the Miuraku Serum. Thea wanted to apprehend the mysterious buyer of the serum but the buyer never showed up. The one upside was she at least had enough evidence to put Brick away for good.
Superboy enters the room and the two start to have a casual conversation. Thea asked how Conner is handling being a celebrity? Conner mentions that it's awkward, he never does it for the fame. It just feels right. Thea notes that saving people runs in the family. Indicating not just Conner's situation but her own.
Conner mentions how he overheard the surveylance footage she was looking at and was wondering if he could help? Thea mentions that while Brick was apprehended they never discovered who the buyer of the serum is.
Note: Yeah. Definite ship tease. But unlike Megan/Conner from canon this will be built up.
The shipping moment was cut off when Robin contacted them for a group meeting to strategise on how to fight Wonder Woman.
Thea grimaced"No matter how it will go, I'm still going to feel the after effects of that session for the next few days"
"Same here and I'm a freaking brick!" Conner quipped.
So, yeah. We have a villain with a motivation and a Dragon who could pose a threat to The Team and a subplot that could lead to something down the road.***
We cut to a lab that looked like an underground facility. The lab is a mad scientist wet dream, test tubes, state of the art lab equipment that looked a little too advanced, and several monitors. A petite woman in her mid-30's watched the one that occurred during July 4th. The Cadmus breakout. Her steel gaze centered on The Team breaking into the Cadmus Labs and freeing Project Kr. She stops the recording and head to a secret vault within her lab. We find out that the woman is Dr.Jessica Ivo, widow of Dr.Ivo. She went inside the vault that contained her secret weapon. Amazo. She gave Amazo a simple directive. Retrieve Project Kr, at any cost.
Note: Another Arrow shout out!
http://arrow.wikia.com/wiki/Jessica_Ivo
This isn't a gender swap as there is a subtle hint that the Jessica Ivo is the widow of the deceased Dr.Ivo. In this reality, Jessica Ivo was an acclaimed scientist whose research in genetics have made a generous contribution to the world. Such genetics that includes replacing lost limbs on patients who have lost their respective ones during an unfortunate accident and giving life back to endangered animals. Simply put, her husbands death was the spark that started her start of darkness but finding out that the culprit behind it was a superhero was what put her over the edge.
***
Back at Mt.Justice we have Thea looking at the surveillance footage of Brick's smuggling deal two days ago. Team Arrow discovered that the shipment was a drug called the Miuraku Serum. Thea wanted to apprehend the mysterious buyer of the serum but the buyer never showed up. The one upside was she at least had enough evidence to put Brick away for good.
Superboy enters the room and the two start to have a casual conversation. Thea asked how Conner is handling being a celebrity? Conner mentions that it's awkward, he never does it for the fame. It just feels right. Thea notes that saving people runs in the family. Indicating not just Conner's situation but her own.
Conner mentions how he overheard the surveylance footage she was looking at and was wondering if he could help? Thea mentions that while Brick was apprehended they never discovered who the buyer of the serum is.
Note: Yeah. Definite ship tease. But unlike Megan/Conner from canon this will be built up.
The shipping moment was cut off when Robin contacted them for a group meeting to strategise on how to fight Wonder Woman.
Thea grimaced"No matter how it will go, I'm still going to feel the after effects of that session for the next few days"
"Same here and I'm a freaking brick!" Conner quipped.
***
Meanwhile, we showcase Oliver and Dinah looking over the Mirakuru Shipment from the bust that they and the rest of Team Arrow were involved in. This spurns a flashback from Oliver involving his encounter with Dr.Ivo, Jessica's husband, and it's more like how it's presented in canon but with a few differences. Since the Black Canary in this is Dinah from the comics I'm not using Sara Lance. In her place will be Chloe Sullivan. The story is simple, met Oliver when she attended the same academy he went to but with her, it's through scholarship. They both got really involved, then he invited her on his yacht. And we all know how the story went from there. Dinah wonders if there are others like this, which spurned Oliver to want to investigate the issue at hand.
What the rest of the league is doing? Superman is saving people around the world. Saving a country from a tsunami, rescuing a submarine crew that is stranded in the ocean, even helping NASA explore potential life on other planets. You know, standard Superman stuff. Wonder Woman is working with the world's scientest to discuss a solution to the world's climate change. To showcase she's more than just a warrior. Bruce is helping Gordon in improving Gotham and the best way to do it is by swaying changing the political system within the city.
One thing that bugged me about the canon YJ series is you don't often see the JL do JL stuff. Sure we'd see them in meetings but they don't do many worlds saving and when they do they're always thwarted by The Light. They've become so incompetent that I bet The Monarch from Venture Brothers could take on all of them, on his worst day! Hell, Dr.Evil was more competent than the JL in canon.
***
The Team; consisting of Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Megan, Red Arrow, Artemis, Megan, and Conner conduct a strategy on how to take on Wonder Woman during their next session. Aqualad strategizes that Red Arrow, Artemis, himself, and Robin have the long range advantage while Connor's super strength and Megan's psychic abilities make them the powerhouse of the team. Red Arrow, Artemis, Robin, and Kid Flash provide the distraction while Aqualad uses his powers to slow Wonder Woman down enough for Megan and Conner to get a few hits in. Robin urged the group that, since Wonder Woman has the experience edge then the odds of winning aren't that great. But if they work together then they might have a chance at bringing the fight to a stalemate.
Thea's communicator ringed. She answers it and hears Dinah's voice on the other end. They couldn't make it out but from the background, there is an intense battle going on and Dinah request that The Team arrives for backup.
Thea: "Dinah? Dinah, what is going on over there?!!!"
Dinah: "Damn."
A Canary Cry followed afterward then communication ended
***
In the lab, Dr.Jessica Ivo watches the raid on the warehouse. We don't see what is happening as it only focuses on Jess watching the holo-monitor. To describe the pure malice she has I'm going to post a pic of Cersei Lannister.
Jessica: "You're not who I'm after, Oliver. At least not yet."
***
The Team arrives at the warehouse and it is completely wrecked. Megan scans for Green Arrow and Black Canary. Miss Martian sees Green Arrow laid unconscious on the floor, looking pretty FUBAR(fucked up beyond all recognition). Black Canary doesn't look any better. But she's the only one out of the two who is conscious and is lifted up from her feet by Amazo: The Unstoppable Android.
He has Black Canary by the throat and Dinah's gradually losing consciousness.
His actions was stopped when Superboy blast him with his laser eyes. It made contact but it was only a minor annoyance. Amazo looks at Superboy and the rest of the YJ
Kid Flash: "From zero to Terminator, how scary is this thing?"
Amazo cast Black Canary aside. KF speedblitz towards her then catches Dinah.
"Kid Flash, take her and Green Arrow back to base" Aqualad instructed and the two fought against Amazo. The battle was really a way to distract Amazo while KF deals with taking Canary and Arrow out of the area.
Robin, Red Arrow, and Artemis kept their distance as the latter two use a variety of trick arrows. Robin would distract him with flash grenades. But Amazo never loses ground.
Aqualad fights Amazo with his aqua blades but he discovers that Amazo copied KF's speed abilities and dodged them effortlessly.
Kid Flash just finished taking Green Arrow and Canary to safety while he notices to his surprise that Amazo has his abilities. Amazo looks at him and fires his laser eyes at him. Kid Flash dodges it and Amazo was rocked with sonic arrows from Artemis and Red Arrow. He focus his attention towards the trio on the rafters. Amazo was sent flying with Miss Martian's TK but Amazo used his own TK to stop himsef. Jessica ordered the android to use whatever means to ensure his mission is a success. Amazo's eyes glowed red at the order and now it's time for Amazo to get really dangerous.
You remember the Freaky Friday concept? Most of the time it's played for laughs. There is nothing funny going on here. With the help of Miss Martian's psychic powers that he copied he transferred the minds of The Team from their original bodies and mixed them up
Robin > Artemis
Aqualad > Red Arrow
Miss Martian > Kid Flash
All members of the group were understandibly freaked out. Amazo used Aqualad's water powers to freeze the group in place with his blood bending.
Conner fights valiantly against the android but his efforts was futile. "You know why you're spared?" He says to Conner that he's assigned by Conner's creator, Jessica Ivo to return home to him. Conner resisted."F**** you! How's that for a response?"
"Kon El" It was Dr.Jessica Ivo's voice that he hears. Thanks to a communication device she implanted within Amazo she's capable of speaking to him through Amazo. But since it's through Amazo her voice sounds even more cold and mechanic.
"Are you really going to let pride stand in the way of your teammate's lives? What I'm offering to you is simple. Come home and your friends will live, if not."
Amazo zips behind Miss Martian(Actually Kid Flash in her body) and punched a hole through her chest. Terminator style. Amazo drops Miss Martian(Kid Flash) on the ground."She can heal. I cant say the same about the others, unfortunately"
Conner grits his teeth then reluctantly agrees. Amazo knocks the rest of the group out with it's psychic powers. The last thing Thea saw before everything went black was Conner leaving with Amazo.
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