New Gods (Volume 3) #22 is an issue of the series New Gods (Volume 3) with a cover date of January, 1991.
Synopsis for "Remembrance"
Following an annual routine, Metron visits a ruin at a mountain top in New Genesis. Lightray sees Metron at a distance and, moved by curiosity, asks him about this place. However, Metron is in no mood to answer questions, and he urges Lightray to leave him alone. Alone, Metron sees the statues and reflects on the early days of New Genesis, a few years after the pact.
Back in the day, Desdemona, teacher of the children of New Genesis, attempted to regain Metron's heart, but even then, Metron had more interest in knowledge than in affection.
During those days, the recently-resurrected Steppenwolf carried on an attack on New Genesis. Under Highfather's orders, Desdemona took all the children to a bunker, one of them being a young Orion who wanted to stay and fight.
After the forces of New Genesis stop the invading armies, Desdemona visits Metron in his lab, working on the Mobius Chair. Shortly before entering, she hears an explosion caused by one of Metron's attempts to make it work. Desdemona tries to make him see that, in his dedication to seeking knowledge, he is wasting his life, alienating himself from emotions. However, he ignores her and continues with the experiment.
The next day, Metron visits Darkseid in Apokolips, asking for more X Element to replace the destroyed in the explosion. Darkseid gives him a small sample but promises to provide more when Metron fulfills his part in the bargain. With the X Element, Metron succeeds in his experiment and creates the Boom Tube. However, Desdemona tries to convince him not to grant his invention to Darkseid, saying he would use it to extend the war. Metron presents his discovery either way and says it can be adapted to Himon's Mother Boxes. Darkseid says he never managed to utilize a Mother Box, but his scientists will formulate an alternative power source. As a reward, Metron receives more of the X Element and leaves. Five seconds after his departure, Darkseid gives Steppenwolf the order to ready the army for another attack.
Satisfied by his pact with the devil, Metron fulfills his task and completes the Mobius Chair, then tests its power in traveling through time and space. However, Apokolips' forces invade New Genesis using the new Boom Tube technology. Even though they evacuated immediately, countless innocent Genesisians fell under Steppenwolf's army, including children. But Orion stood his ground and fought against him, causing their forces to retreat to Apokolips. Metron returned just in time to see the end of the battle, the retreat of the invaders, and the destruction left by them. Disgusted by his careless attitude, Desdemona blames Metron for this disaster and says she doesn't want to see him again.
Back in the present day, Desdemona visits the same ruins on the anniversary of the massacre. She says that she finally understands why Metron doesn't allow any emotion. Metron replies that he doesn't know what she's talking about, except he does, and then they part ways.
Appearing in "Remembrance"
Featured Characters:
- Metron (Flashback and main story)
Supporting Characters:
- Desdemona (First appearance) (Flashback and main story)
- Fastbak (Flashback only)
- Highfather (Flashback only)
- Lightray (Flashback and main story)
- Orion (Flashback only)
Antagonists:
- Darkseid (Flashback only)
- Steppenwolf (Flashback only)
Other Characters:
- Enemy Ace (Cameo) (Flashback only)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (Cameo) (Flashback only)
Locations:
Items:
- Mobius Chair (Origin)
- Aero-Pads
- Element X
- Mother Box
Vehicles:
Notes
- This issue tells the story of how Metron created the Mobius Chair, and it takes place after New Gods #7 and before Mister Miracle #9.
See Also