WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for Titans #18!THE Titans we have just leveled a significant accusation against the Justice Leaguesuggesting that the recently revived League may already be venturing down a dark path that raises serious ethical concerns. While this claim has yet to be confirmed, there is a small but notable blink-and-you'll-miss-it piece of evidence that suggests the Titans' claim may have some validity.
...Donna's dialogue suggests negligence in the League's approach to the Phantom Zone...
DC's ALL IN initiative introduced 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 all of Earth's heroes. Among the new members were the Titãs, although they continue to operate independently.
However, if Donna Troy - now leading the team following Nightwing's departure - is any indication, there is a clear disconnect between the Titans and the Justice League, with the team disapproving of several of JL's decisions, most notably one involving the Phantom Zone.
According to the Titans, the Justice League is misusing the Phantom Zone
“The League wants to throw enemies into the ghost zone and leave them.” – Donna Troy on Titans #18 (2024)
In Titans #18 by John Layman and Pete Woods, the Titans respond to the destruction caused by the criminal brother duo Mammoth and Shimmer. After the battle, with Mammoth escaping and Shimmer incapacitated, Roy “Arsenal” Harper suggests taking Shimmer to the Watchtower - the Justice League's new base of operations - since the League “a secure holding facility” there. However, Donna Troy quickly dismisses this suggestion, saying: "No. I was serious. We're going to help you. TThe League wants to throw enemies into the Phantom Zone and leave them. If — and when — these enemies leave, they will be twice as motivated to take revenge.”
Donna's statement serves as a serious indictment against the Justice League, implying that they are mishandling their approach to dealing with enemies. Since the Phantom Zone is considered one of the cruelest forms of punishment in the DCUthis suggests that the League may be involved in unethical practices by using it indiscriminately. Throwing villains into the Phantom Zone without due process would put the League in the role of jury, judge, and executioner. While some may argue that the League reserves this punishment for the worst criminals, Donna's genuine concern for Shimmer indicates that they may be imprisoning enemies without discretion.
Justice League Unlimited Confirms that the Phantom Zone is located in the Watchtower
“Ghost Zone Prison Gate: No entry without authorization.” – Justice League Unlimited #1 (2024)
Aside from Donna's accusation that the League mismanaged the Phantom Zone, there has been no confirmation that this is a practice that DC heroes are actively condoning or participating in. Justice League Unlimited #1 (2024) confirms that the League has integrated the Phantom Zone into its operations. In a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, Flash is seen giving Air Wave a tour of the Watchtower, where a glimpse of a massive, solid metal gate says: “Ghost Zone Prison Gate: No entry without authorization.” 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 really matters. Donna's dialogue suggests negligence in the League's approach to the Phantom Zoneand the fact that none of the other Titans - including Nightwing - contradicted his statement adds weight to the idea that something underhanded might be going on. With the Phantom Zone being teased in both Justice League Unlimited and Titansit 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 for Justice League Unlimited #5 (2025)
If the Justice League is using the Phantom Zone as a one-stop solution for their enemies, it could mean the DC Universe is a lot safer – for now. Donna's statement, “If – and when – these enemies leave, they will be twice as motivated to take revenge,” seems to foreshadow an outcome in which the villains escape, likely forming an alliance, and become an even greater threat than before. Furthermore, the Justice League may be under scrutiny from people outside the Titanspotentially tarnishing their reputation and casting them in a darker light.
Titans #18 is now available from DC Comics!