WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Future State: Justice League #1, by Joshua Williamson, Robson Rocha, Daniel Henriques, Romulo Fajardo, Jr. and Tom Napolitano, on sale now.
As the DC Universe has provided a glimpse into its possible future following the crossover event Dark Nights: Death Metal in the Future Event publishing initiative, a new Justice League has risen up to defend a reimagined DCU for a new generation. However, while this fledgling ensemble struggles to overcome their own trust issues as they come together, a familiar foe from the Justice League's past has risen to menace the future, providing this new team with an epic confrontation to see if they are worthy enough to fill the iconic roles of their respective predecessors.
As an aging Legion of Doom assembles in the decrepit Hall of Doom to discuss how best to combat the new Justice League, they are ambushed and killed by a group of super-powered figures. As the Justice League investigates the grisly murders, they are individually picked off by opponents taking on the appearance of their teammates. While Aquawoman is able to lash out at one with her trident, she is horrified to discover an unnatural white skin beneath the surface before she is defeated as the villains reveal themselves to be the fearsome Hyperclan.
Created by Grant Morrison and Howard Porter in 1995's JLA #1, the Hyperclan introduced themselves to the world as the next generation of superheroes that quickly began currying the general public's favor with heroic acts around the Earth. Led by Protex, the group of purported heroes included A-Mortal, Armek, Fluxus, Tronix, Primaid, Zenturion and Zum. The Hyperclan maneuvered itself to destroy the JLA's orbital headquarters, killing Metamorpho, before revealing themselves as White Martians seeking to conquer Earth. While much of the League was defeated in the opening onslaught, Batman evaded detection and systematically took the invaders down. In the aftermath, Martian Manhunter and Aquaman used their telepathic powers to reprogram the enemies to have normal, human identities and mental blocks to prevent them from tapping into their powers.
The Hyperclan regained their memories and menaced the heroes on multiple occasions, with several banished to the Phantom Zone after an explosive rematch against the League. Not all White Martians were destined for villainy, fortunately, with M'gann M'orzz taking on the mantle of Miss Martian and serving as a prominent member of the Teen Titans. Boasting all the superpowers, including shape-shifting, as their green counterparts, the White Martians are among the most formidable enemies the DCU has ever known and especially deadly working together towards the common goal of conquering Earth and terraforming it to resemble Mars at humanity's expense.
The new Justice League is still settling into their roles as the defenders of an Earth having an uncertain, dangerous future and the Hyperclan stands as the ultimate test. Able to take on the forms of anything from their iconic predecessors to their teammates, the Hyperclan can play on the distrust and division between the team as it slowly convalesces and builds its own internal dynamics.
However, with a noted vulnerability to fire that was exploited by the original Batman years ago, the defeated team may have some combustible tricks up their sleeve as the Hyperclan attempts to replace the new Justice League as they take on their forms and present themselves to the public as Earth's saviors in their latest deceptive play.