DC Explores the Justice League’s Original Origin Story in a Gruesome New Twist

WARNING! Spoilers for DC Horror Presents… #3 The latest installment of DC Horror Presents… offers a haunting tribute to the original origins of the Justice League within the DC Universe. This issue features Batman confronting a chilling tableau where humans are grotesquely transformed into trees. Since its inception in October 2024, this horror anthology has treated fans to a series of unsettling narratives, and the newest edition is no exception.

The opening tale in DC Horror Presents… #3, crafted by Francesco Francavilla and Simon Bowland, begins with a harrowing scene of Batman entombed underground. The narrative soon plunges into a backstory where the Dark Knight investigates a deserted botanical conservatory, leading him to uncover grim secrets.

As he delves deeper, Batman is horrified to find what look like human beings grotesquely morphed into trees.

The Justice League’s Classic Origin Reimagined in a Chilling Narrative

Justice League of America #9: A Vintage Cover by Iconic Artists

Comic book cover: The Justice League transforms into trees.

Originally, the Silver Age classic, Justice League of America #9, crafted by Gardner Fox and illustrated by Mike Sekowsky and Bernard Sachs, narrates the inception story of DC’s flagship team. Within this issue, which unfolds as a flashback, the League marks its third anniversary while recounting their formation to new member Green Arrow and mascot Snapper Carr, detailing an alien invasion from the planet Apellax.

In the storyline, following the demise of their leader, the Apellaxian aliens wage war to choose a new ruler, dispatching various representatives, each with distinct powers, to Earth. The Earth’s heroes confront this extraterrestrial menace but tragically end up turned into trees as they attempt to combat the threat. Ultimately, they devise a way to overcome the Apellaxians, leading to the formation of a united front against future dangers.

DC’s Original Silver Age Justice League Origin: A Nightmarish Tale

Even Swamp Thing Would Be Puzzled

Comic book page: the Justice League appears as bark-covered tree creatures.

The narrative was revised in Crisis on Infinite Earths by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, where the continuity was altered to include Black Canary in place of Wonder Woman. Over the years, multiple adaptations have reshaped the Justice League’s origin, and Apellaxians have resurfaced periodically to challenge Earth’s heroes. While it seems improbable that Batman will confront a new wave of Apellaxian foes in this latest horror tale, it serves as an affectionate nod to dedicated fans of the Justice League.

DC Horror Presents… #3 is currently available from DC Comics, continuing to enthrall enthusiasts with its spine-tingling narratives.

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