Sideways #8: Trip into the Dark Multiverse

We pick up this chapter with a bit of a recap of what happened the last issue from Sideways narration. How he had opened up a rift to a waterfall on his classmates in a fit of rage before being found by the Seven Soldiers and then taking them to the Dark Multiverse. He notes that he’s never been to the Dark Multiverse yet it feels oddly familiar to him. He’s clearly struggling to maintain his composure but wants to do the greater good. Though he questions if it’s the right thing briefly. Zatanna refocuses Sideways and reminds the group that the less time they spend in the Dark Multiverse the better. But as Sideways only agreed to get them to the Dark Multiverse, he subtly suggests he wants to leave. Klarion countering that the agreement was to take them to Guardian directly. Unfortunately, he explains that’s not how his power works. That the greater the distance he travels the more distorted their arrival point. So while he was able to bring them to the Dark Multiverse, he has no idea where Guardian is within it. He’s still new at using his powers and attempts to use it once more to get them closer. Unfortunately, his powers aren’t working which means they’re all trapped in the Dark Multiverse.

Without Sideways rifts, they begin their search on foot. But none have any idea how long their journey will take as the worlds are constantly made and destroyed. Zatanna is confident they’re heading in the right direction as the world crumbles behind them and leaves only a single direction. Sideways wants to move faster which Shining Knight agrees upon. Of the whole group, she’s the most dedicated to finding Guardian though Bulleteer notes there’s a chance he’s already dead. Although Frankenstein replies he can feel him being alive. Mister Miracle adds on that if Guardian is alive then so are the Sheeda. A notion Klarion supports by saying they’re the final step in human evolution and all they know how to do is survive and kill. Sideways asks the obvious question, the Seven Soldiers claimed they stopped the Sheeda. So why would they still be alive? She explains it’s because of the events of Dark Knights Metal setting events in motion and gives us a brief recap. Ending with Sideways noting he was there and Zatanna implying that the Seven Soldiers needing Sideways might be part of a grander design.

They continue their journey for an unknown period of time before stopping for the night. Creating a fire to provide warmth and light, something Klarion believes will simply attract the Sheeda. Zatanna tries to calm Klarion but he brings up that it isn’t just Sideways but all their powers are weakened while in the Dark Multiverse. That now that they’re stuck together as a group they’re far more vulnerable. Mister Miracle reminds him they’re all because of a new prophecy to deal with the Sheeda. Klarion admits he doesn’t want to face “her” again before reminding us of Gloriana. On cue, we shift over to Gloriana who is watching the group on a crystal ball and she still has a living Guardian as her prisoner. Now that her enemies are all gathered, she sends her Sheeda horde to decimate them. Back with the heroes, they try to find out why Sideways powers aren’t working. Mister Miracle suggesting its stress but Klarion can tell from his aura that his powers are negated entirely by the Dark Multiverse. With this revelation, Zatanna apologizes for bringing Sideways into this but he says he responded to her and could’ve declined. Bulleteer notices somethings wrong when Frankenstein & Shining Knight return with warning of the Sheeda Hordes approach.

The heroes stand united but they stand no chance against the Sheeda. Being easily injured or overwhelmed. Zatanna takes Sideways and puts some distance from the Sheeda and stand by Klarion who then unleashes Teekl on the approaching enemy. But Zatanna knows a losing battle and sends Sideways away to what looks like a darker version of Metropolis alone. Something Sideways is against as he wants to be helpful to Zatanna and the Seven Soldiers. He tries to use his powers to return on his own but once more they don’t activate. Knowing he can’t give up, he tries to think of a plan only to be distracted by a sudden rumbling. The World he was transported to now begins to break apart around him and forces him to flee. But an all too familiar bat-shaped figure approaches and grabs him before speaking. Introducing himself as Peerus, his savior, and if Sideways keeps struggling he might drop him into the void below.

After passing out, Sideways awakens inside a castle where he’s greeted by several figures. A strange porcupine man, a squid-like mermaid, a werewolf, and an ant Superman. Despite their monstrous appearances, the Porcupine man & squid mermaid are fairly polite to Sideways. Explaining that he was saved and is in a benevolent land during benevolent times. The Werewolf and Ant Superman, on the other hand, aren’t as kind. The Werewolf calling it propaganda while the Ant Superman calls Sideways a spy. A final monstrous figure appears and names the individuals as Spiner, Lori, Rant, and Olsen. Telling them to be quiet and not give Sideways the wrong idea. The strange monster is Dear Lois and explains they get easily excited by new things and can answer any questions he has as she can sense his thoughts. She says this is the Kingdom of Benevolence ruled by Peerus the Benevolent. That each of them, like Sideways, was found by him and saved before their worlds were destroyed. That this place was built in an area outside the Dark Multiverse where they can be safe and hidden. They are then told to All Rise and lower their heads before his benevolence. Something that seems to scare the monsters who ask Sideways to do it and to also stay quiet. A glowing white figure, Kentclark, appears to be the man who was talking and came alongside a hooded figure called the Giver. Sideways apologies for being hesitant to listen to them but Peerus tells him to not apologize and sits on his throne. That he will learn their rules and learn to love him as the monsters do. That he will protect them till their dying day…