WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Legion of Super-Heroes #3 by Brian Michael Bendis, Ryan Sook, Travis Moore, Wade Von Grawbadger, Jordie Bellaire and Troy Peteri, on sale now.
Since Jon Kent joined the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st century, we've learned more and more about the future of the DC Universe. Through him, we found out what happened to Earth, and how the planet was given a second chance at civilized life; we've discovered Aquaman's trident was lost for a thousand years; and we've learned about the existence of Planet Gotham.
It's the notion of an entire planet devoted to Gotham City that prompts Jon Kent to go get his best friend and fellow Super Son Damian Wayne back in the present in Legion of Super-Heroes #3. Superboy then transports Damian to the 31st century so that he, too, might see the amazing cosmic future that lies ahead. However, Robin's visit leads to some intriguing questions about the Boy Wonder, and it reveals a curious new detail about the Legion's mandate.
When Superboy brings Robin to the 31st century, the duo spend most of their time alone in the Legion's headquarters. After all, the team is busy with various missions, from a fight on Rimbor to an interrogation on Planet Gotham. When both situations are dealt with, however, the superheroes finally return home to discover that Jon has brought Damian to the future.
And their reaction is surprising to say the least.
While the Legion were more than happy to accommodate Jon Kent in their time period, Robin's presence seems to cause concern. Saturn Girl is quick to erase Damian's trip to the future from his mind and take him back to his present.
Later on, when Jon isn't there, a few of the Legion members discuss what happened. Dawnstar says she thought Chameleon Boy was pulling a joke by taking the form of Robin. "What kind of joke is that?" Chameleon Boy answers, "'Look at me, hey, I'm Baby Hitler.' I would never do that."
The implication is that there is an incredibly dark future ahead for Damian Wayne, one that likens him to a genocidal mass murderer. And while Brainiac 5 says that the comparison is a "deeply unfair assessment of Damian Wayne," we can't help but wonder what exactly happens to Damian Wayne in the future. What's more, Brainy goes on to say they are actively working to prevent that future from happening. "We, as a group, have dedicated our entire existence to rooting for his success."
This adds a new layer to the foundation of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Before, they said they first assembled in honor of Superboy and to preserve the ideals of Unity Day. But now, we know there is another reason the Legion has formed. According to Brainy, they are dedicated to changing Damian Wayne's future.
It may just be one possible timeline, but what could he do that is so terrible? Could this somehow be tied to Damian's 666 future where he becomes an immortal Dark Knight after selling his soul to the devil? Recently, in the pages of Batman #77, during the "City of Bane" storyline, we learned Damian had sold his soul to a demon to gain an advantage in his fight to save Gotham. It was theorized this is the deal that leads to his 666 destiny, and now we wonder if Legion of Super-Heroes #3 hides another piece of the puzzle thousands of years in the future.