WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Titans #18!TheTitanshave just leveled a significant accusation against theJustice League, suggesting that the newly revived League might already be venturing down a dark path that raises serious ethical concerns. While this claim has not yet been confirmed, there is a small but notable piece of blink-and-you-miss-it evidence that hints the Titans’ assertion may have some validity.
…Donna’s dialogue suggests malpractice in the League’s approach to the Phantom Zone…
DC’s ALL IN initiativeintroduced major changes to the DC Universe, including the revival of the Justice League after several years of disbandment and the expansion of the team’s roster to include every hero on Earth. Among the new members were the Titans, though they continue to operate independently.
However, if Donna Troy—now leading the team after Nightwing’s departure—is any indication, there’s a clear disconnect between the Titans and the Justice League,with the team disapproving of several of JL’s decisions, particularly one involving the Phantom Zone.
According to the Titans, The Justice League Is Misusing the Phantom Zone
“The League Wants to Toss Enemies into the Phantom Zone and Leave Them.”– Donna Troy inTitans#18 (2024)
InTitans#18 by John Layman and Pete Woods, the Titans respond to the havoc caused by the criminal sibling duo, Mammoth and Shimmer. After the battle, with Mammoth escaping and Shimmer being incapacitated, Roy“Arsenal”Harper suggests taking Shimmerto the Watchtower—the Justice League’s new base of operations—since the League has“a secure holding facility”there. However, Donna Troy quickly shoots down this suggestion, saying,“No. I was serious. We’re going to help her. The League wants to toss enemies into the Phantom Zone and leave them. If—and when—those enemies get out, they are twice as motivated to get revenge.”
Donna’s statement serves as a serious accusation against the Justice League, implying that they are mishandling their approach to dealing with enemies. Sincethe Phantom Zone is considered one of the cruelest forms of punishment in the DCU, this suggests that the League might be engaging in unethical practices by using it indiscriminately. Tossing villains into the Phantom Zone without due process would place the League in the role of jury, judge, and executioner. While some might argue that the League reserves this punishment for the worst criminals, Donna’s genuine concern for Shimmer indicates that they may be imprisoning foes without discretion.
Justice League UnlimitedConfirms the Phantom Zone Is Located in the Watchtower
“Phantom Zone Prison Gate: No Admittance Without Clearance.”–Justice League Unlimited#1 (2024)
Aside from Donna’s accusation of the League mishandling the Phantom Zone, there has been no confirmation that this is a practice that DC’s heroes are actively condoning or participating in. However, Mark Waid and Dan Mora’sJustice League Unlimited#1 (2024) provides confirmation thatthe League has integrated the Phantom Zoneinto their operations. In a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, Flash is seen giving Air Wave a tour of the Watchtower, wherea glimpse of a massive, solid metal gate reads,“Phantom Zone Prison Gate: No Admittance Without Clearance.”This confirms that the Phantom Zone is indeed in use at the Watchtower.
The key question, however, is how the League is using this interdimensional prison, and that’s what truly matters.Donna’s dialogue suggests malpractice in the League’s approach to the Phantom Zone, and the fact that none of the other Titans—including Nightwing—contradict her statement adds weight to the idea that something underhanded may be happening. With the Phantom Zone being teased in bothJustice League UnlimitedandTitans, it seems likely that it will soon play a larger role in DC’s ongoing narratives.
What Does It Mean for the DCU If the Justice League Is Misusing the Phantom Zone?
Main Cover by Dan Mora forJustice League Unlimited#5 (2025)
If the Justice League is using the Phantom Zone as a one-size-fits-all solution for their enemies, it could mean that the DC Universe is a lot safer—for now. Donna’s statement,“If—and when—those enemies get out, they are twice as motivated to get revenge,”seems to foreshadow an outcome where the villains escape, likely forming an alliance, and become an even greater threat than before. Additionally, theJustice Leaguemay come under scrutiny from those outside theTitans, potentially tarnishing their reputation and casting them in a darker light.
Justice League Debuts New “Elite Strike Force” of God-Tier Heroes
It has become clear that the new Justice League now operates with subteams, including the recently revealed “Elite Strike Force” lineup.
Teen Titansis a superhero animated TV series based on the DC Comics team of the same name. Airing from 2003 to 2006, the show follows five young heroes—Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy—as they battle villains while navigating adolescence. The series was widely praised for its blend of action, humor, and character development, and it spawned a popular spin-off,Teen Titans Go!.
