How the Justice League’s New Headquarters Resolves a Disliked DC Comics Storyline Subtly

Warning: Spoilers for Black Lightning #2

The Justice League Revives the Iconic Watchtower with a New Twist

The reformation of the Justice League has heralded the highly awaited return of their emblematic Watchtower, now featuring critical updates to meet the evolving needs of its superhero inhabitants. Among these enhancements, one particular aspect promises to reshape DC’s narrative landscape significantly.

Anissa Pierce Confronts Emotional Turmoil in the Watchtower

In the preview for Black Lightning #2, crafted by Brandon Thomas, illustrated by Fico Ossio, colored by Ulises Arreola, and lettered by Lucas Gattoni, we witness Anissa Pierce—known as Thunder, the daughter of Black Lightning—opening up about her complicated emotions regarding her father. Following the harrowing events of the landmark Absolute Power arc, she has experienced profound emotional strife. This turmoil has led the Justice League to direct her to the “Sanctuary Wing”of the Watchtower for necessary therapeutic support.

Revisiting Sanctuary: A Bold Move Within the Justice League

Sanctuary Mask from DC's Heroes in Crisis

The Sanctuary Wing of the revamped Justice League hub draws inspiration from the troubled mental health facility introduced in the renowned Heroes in Crisis storyline, penned by Tom King and illustrated by Clay Mann. Originally, Sanctuary served as a refuge where heroes could confront their trauma in privacy, albeit under the watchful gaze of robots instead of human therapists. This unconventional method, paired with enforced isolation among residents, aimed to maintain anonymity but resulted in catastrophic consequences.

The Catastrophic Fallout from the Sanctuary Protocols

The most devastating incident occurred when Wally West, also known as the Flash, sought treatment at Sanctuary following personal tragedies. His isolation, mixed with overwhelming grief, led him to explore the confidential therapy recordings of fellow heroes. This act of desperation culminated in a catastrophic explosion of the Speed Force, which tragically resulted in the deaths of Sanctuary’s residents. The gravity of this event shook the Justice League to its core, making the revival of Sanctuary both unexpected and controversial.

However, the reintroduction of this facility in the Watchtower signifies a shift in approach. The Justice League is implementing conventional therapeutic methods, including the presence of qualified therapists to provide personalized care—illustrating their commitment to rectifying past errors.

It’s noteworthy that the narrative surrounding the Flash’s role in the Sanctuary tragedy has since undergone a retcon, relieving him of culpability for the incident. To delve deeper into this development, check out The Flash 2021 Annual #1, featuring the creative talents of Jeremy Adams, Fernando Pasarin, and Brandon Peterson, now available from DC Comics!

Growth Through Reflection: A New Era for the Justice League

Despite being DA’s leading superhero ensemble, the Justice League acknowledges its fallibility. The Sanctuary incident stands as a stark reminder of their shortcomings and the preventable tragedies resulting from oversight. In Black Lightning #1, Superman candidly reflects that problem-solving is not traditionally the League’s strong suit. This reimagined era offers a chance for heroes to confront their previous missteps and strive for improvement.

Don’t miss Black Lightning #2, set for release on December 11, 2024, from DC Comics.

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