Snyder Cut: Top 5 'Elseworlds' stories that Zack Snyder could draw from for future 'Justice League' projects
It's all but official, the Snyder Cut of 'Justice League' has nothing to do with the DCEU films, but stands alone as an Elseworlds tale. Separated from the shackles of DC canon, there's no limit to what kind of stories can be told if Snyder is following the 'Elseworlds' format. We take a look at the top 5 storylines to come out of the 'Elseworlds' imprint, and how Snyder could draw inspiration from any one of them for possible sequels, be they costume designs, plot ideas, or even just general themes.
1. Gotham by Gaslight
This was the comic that started it all. Though DC comics had its fair share of "Imaginary Stories," it wasn't until 'Gotham by Gaslight' in 1989 that DC really began its 'Elseworlds' imprint. Featuring a Victorian era, steampunk version of Batman following the trail of Jack the Ripper, the costume alone is worth bringing into the live-action films. It wouldn't be beyond the pale to see the Justice League travel through time and should they land themselves in the right era, Batman's 'Gotham by Gaslight' costume would be the perfect thing to help him blend in with both the shadows and the time period.
2. Superman: Red Son
While it's already too late to see Superman raised by the Russians, there's always the possibility of Russian brainwashing to convince Superman that he was born in Communist Russia. This well-meaning, but ultimately totalitarian version of Superman would be a formidable challenge for the Justice League to take on, and tie into the Russian scare that is gripping America. The one thing nobody wants to see Russians hack into? Superman's mind.
3. Kingdom Come
Considered one of the most classic 'Elseworlds' stories in DC comics history, 'Kingdom Come' tells the story of a Superman whom the world has passed by. This version of Superman attempts to deal with an out-of-control, younger generation of superheroes, trying to teach them the old fashioned ways of truth, justice and the protection of the innocent. It plays with some very deep themes of responsibility and humanity, and would be a fantastic story for Snyder to build up to. It would allow the Justice League what most other superhero franchises don't allow their heroes to do: age, and tell new stories from the change.
4. JLA: The Nail
When something as small as a nail keeps the Kents from finding Superman's rocketship when he first crashes down to Earth, it changes everything. A world without Superman is a different place, the world is more distrustful of the League, and becomes a less tolerant place for metahumans because of it. While the Superman of the Snyderverse was already raised by the Kents, the themes of the comic could still translate. It wouldn't take much for the court of public opinion to turn against the Justice League, and in the aftermath of that, things could go quickly dangerous for the League.
5. Batman & Dracula: Red Rain
The 'Elseworlds' tag would allow for some truly outlandish tales and 'Red Rain' might be one of the more far-fetched extremes we could see Snyder taking his vision. A brush with the supernatural sees Batman turned into a vampire to keep Gotham City safe. Batman was already one of the most intimidating members of the League, an upgrade to vampirism would make him an unstoppable force, and fit right in with the grim and gritty tone of the Snyderverse films as well.
The Snyder Cut of 'Justice League' is set to release on HBO Max in 2021.
