The Metro-tower: NOW we're talking.

[Style]

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/jlu/episodes/iamlegion/09.jpg

This is my ode to my most favorite headquarters of the Justice League: The Metro-tower.

Finally we have a headquarters that makes sense, and has some level of practicallity to it. You see, the thing with the orbiting towers is, the least little thing goes wrong, and your heroes are trapped up there. You need Javelins and Teleporters to get to the surface. Those go down, and they're screwed. I've always known this, but "Divided We Fall" is the best case in point.

There's also the other thing: a sense of aestetics. At least the first watchtower had one. The second didn't. It was like they were working in a submarine or something.

A sense of aestetics is important for a League headquarters. The place has to look like a place where demigods gather to dispense Justice to the world. Anyone who says that they wouldn't care about that kind of thing obviously is forgetting about the Batcave and the Fortress of Solitude.

Finally, the Metrotower addresses both concerns. It's no longer susceptible to the ludicrous design flaw of getting your people up into and back down from orbit. That's just cumbersome. Secondly, it's got a sense of personality, inside and out. It finally looks like a place where Superheroes gather, and where Justice is the highest ideal. A big improvement over that dreary space station.

And it's a bonus that it looks like an exaggerated version of the Hall of Justice. That's cool. For the longest time, I thought they were gonna move into the Ultimen's old digs, but this is better, way better.

Do you like it too?

[Magmafire2374]

The only time it was called the "Metro Tower" was by Bruce Wayne in "Epilogue" right? I don't recall anyone else calling it that. Some people have dubbed the picture as being the "Justice Hall" but I dunno about that either. Maybe it will be called something else entirely. ????

[Redemption]

I have to say that the first Watchtower. It was simple and got the job done. Unlike all of these crazy new-fancy, fangled up Headquarters.

[jv2k]

Yea I like the first one best, the tower second, and the ugly cgi second watchtower last.

[Casey Mack]

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/jlu/episodes/iamlegion/09.jpg

This is my ode to my most favorite headquarters of the Justice League: The Metro-tower.

Finally we have a headquarters that makes sense, and has some level of practicallity to it. You see, the thing with the orbiting towers is, the least little thing goes wrong, and your heroes are trapped up there. You need Javelins and Teleporters to get to the surface. Those go down, and they're screwed. I've always known this, but "Divided We Fall" is the best case in point.

There's also the other thing: a sense of aestetics. At least the first watchtower had one. The second didn't. It was like they were working in a submarine or something.

A sense of aestetics is important for a League headquarters. The place has to look like a place where demigods gather to dispense Justice to the world. Anyone who says that they wouldn't care about that kind of thing obviously is forgetting about the Batcave and the Fortress of Solitude.

Finally, the Metrotower addresses both concerns. It's no longer susceptible to the ludicrous design flaw of getting your people up into and back down from orbit. That's just cumbersome. Secondly, it's got a sense of personality, inside and out. It finally looks like a place where Superheroes gather, and where Justice is the highest ideal. A big improvement over that dreary space station.

And it's a bonus that it looks like an exaggerated version of the Hall of Justice. That's cool. For the longest time, I thought they were gonna move into the Ultimen's old digs, but this is better, way better.

Do you like it too?
only problem is now the people of metropolis are in even more danger then they were in before. Now if the Legion or any other uber League Villans wants to go get a piece of the League..they dun need a spaceship anymore. IT would turn Metropolis into a warzone costing may lives and property damage, and with Metropolis always in danger....this just adds to it. It was not a smart idea to build a base in a major city like that..its practically asking for trouble. The watchtowers were more effective cause they watched over all of earth, and remained at a safe distance from any major threat.

[Ultraman Nexus]

I like it because it's a kickass take on the Hall of Justice.

[Doomsday]

I thought the Metro tower was the tower in "Shadow of the Hawk", not the one in first one which is what the picture you have up is. Theres right now that we know of is 2 land base watchtowers, ones in a city and ones on an island. Both are better than the watchtowers in space.

[Nightspore]

I dunno about a ground based headquarters. Leaving the "Shades of Superfriends!" behind, it's gonna be slower to get to any one place on the planet from a ground-based rather than a space-based headquarters. And certain JLU members don't need transport like javelins (Superman and J'onn being obvious examples).
And I agree . . . anyone who's building near that thing is gonna find their property insurance rates go waaaaaaaay up.

[The Penguin]

Do you like it too?Yes I do. It looks fantastic and is just a lot more interesting than a space station.

[Trevor Balena]

I thought the Metro tower was the tower in "Shadow of the Hawk", not the one in first one which is what the picture you have up is. Theres right now that we know of is 2 land base watchtowers, ones in a city and ones on an island. Both are better than the watchtowers in space.
You're not the first person I've heard say this, but I think you're wrong. If you look closely at the picture Style posted above, you can see water on the two visible sides of the piece of land the Tower is on. And if you look at the aerial establishing shot from "I Am Legion", you'll see that everything about the Tower -- including the bushes and statue-thingy out front -- look exactly the same.

One MetroTower, two establishing shots. I'm pretty sure.

[Style]

You're not the first person I've heard say this, but I think you're wrong. If you look closely at the picture Style posted above, you can see water on the two visible sides of the piece of land the Tower is on. And if you look at the aerial establishing shot from "I Am Legion", you'll see that everything about the Tower -- including the bushes and statue-thingy out front -- look exactly the same.

One MetroTower, two establishing shots. I'm pretty sure.Yeah, this is what I've always assumed. The only unfortunate thing about the second shot is that it looks like an island in the middle of the ocean, when I think it's just an Island in the Metropolis river or something, like in New York.

[Silly McGooses]

Wait, is the Metro Tower where they are now? I didn't even know that...shows how much I pay attention. I think I like the first Watchtower best, but I don't think the second one was around long enough. Something about it reminded me of a Star Trek show...including when it got wrecked. :anime:
EDIT: ew, I just noticed the bottom level looks a lot like Justice Hall or whatever it was from Superfriends...I hope this disturbing theme, not helped by that whole legion of doom thing, isn't an ongoing trend...

[warmachine04]

I like the Metro-Tower. It does remind me of the old Hall of Justice but its way cooler. :D

[Doomsday]

You're not the first person I've heard say this, but I think you're wrong. If you look closely at the picture Style posted above, you can see water on the two visible sides of the piece of land the Tower is on. And if you look at the aerial establishing shot from "I Am Legion", you'll see that everything about the Tower -- including the bushes and statue-thingy out front -- look exactly the same.

One MetroTower, two establishing shots. I'm pretty sure. Yeah your right. Took another look at it and its just a different angle that makes it look like its an island, really its just a river. Well its deff really cool looking, best at the first angle of it.

Hey look at that, Style lost the 92 at the end of his name. Nice.

[Temple Fugate]

I'm glad they didn't go with the straight Hall of Justice design (seen in "Ultimatum") and instead made this AWESOME version with egsagerated proportions that make it a very subtle homage. But I voted for Watchtower I because that thing looked cool. It wasn't just the design, it was the way it visually "fit" into the picture of Earth's orbit. That's a superhero base. The Metro Tower is, too. It's just..static.

I LOVE how they cut to the Tower and you could hear trumpets softly playing the JLU theme.

[FALLEN ELDOR]

only problem is now the people of metropolis are in even more danger then they were in before. Now if the Legion or any other uber League Villans wants to go get a piece of the League..they dun need a spaceship anymore. IT would turn Metropolis into a warzone costing may lives and property damage, and with Metropolis always in danger....this just adds to it. It was not a smart idea to build a base in a major city like that..its practically asking for trouble. The watchtowers were more effective cause they watched over all of earth, and remained at a safe distance from any major threat.

I'll admit it does seam a little irresponsible, but I'd imagine security is stepped up after the Suicide Squad's little excursion. On the other hand, Lets not over think it and just enjoy the Nostalgia of the Hall of Justice :D

[Gorthaur]

Aesthetically, the most recent HQ takes the cake, no contest - it plain looks the coolest. The original Watchtower takes the second place, here.

As for practicality, I'd have to go with Watchtower II. Sporting everything from an advanced communication network to a death ray to a cafeteria, that thing was practically an independent city. The orbital location also not only made it all but impregnable, but also provided relatively easy access to any part of the world. The accessibility issue may have been a small disadvantage, but that is the case with any defense - even the strongest castle walls can be turned into those of a prison - the advantages are usually worth it.

[Fone Bone]

I REALLY like the new tower's design but we really haven't seen enough of it to make a fair call. The first Watchtower looked great from the outside but was sterile on the inside. The second Watchtower had the opposite problem: it was bustling like a space city with Cafeterias and gyms and weapons lockers but looked SOOOO boring on the outside.

Vote forthcoming, assuming we see enough of the Metro-Tower in the two episodes that will be airing on Saturday.

[I-Am That Is]

I wonder, can anyone throw up a screencap of the Tower from "The Call"?

[Style]

I wonder, can anyone throw up a screencap of the Tower from "The Call"?Unfortunately, it seems that World's Finest doesn't have the exterior shot on file.

But here's the interesting thing: in "The Call," the JLU headquarters is referred to as "The Watchtower." But, in "Epilouge," they reference the "Metrotower," implying the Metrotower survives into the future. Have they modified Batman Beyond's future history? Maybe there was more truth to b.t.'s joke about declaring "The Call" non-cannon than we initially suspected...

[I-Am That Is]

Unfortunately, it seems that World's Finest doesn't have the exterior shot on file.

But here's the interesting thing: in "The Call," the JLU headquarters is referred to as "The Watchtower." But, in "Epilouge," they reference the "Metrotower," implying the Metrotower survives into the future. Have they modified Batman Beyond's future history? Maybe there was more truth to b.t.'s joke about declaring "The Call" non-cannon than we initially suspected...Was it not called the Watchtower by a tourist?

It's possible that the colloquial name is Watchtower, even though the "official" name is Metro-Tower.

It's like the now destroyed Twin Towers/World Trade Center.

[Reverend]

I wonder, can anyone throw up a screencap of the Tower from "The Call"? Can do.

http://img120.imagevenue.com/loc146/th_6b7_JLU_WATCHTOWER.jpg (http://img120.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc146&image=6b7_JLU_WATCHTOWER.jpg)

It is possible that the Metro-Tower isn't even in Metropolis.
If you recall Terry was heading there in the suit, rather than the car and I assume there's a limit to how fast and how far that thing can fly, so the Metro-Tower might be somewhere like Bludhaven, or another city very close to Gotham. That could mean that thing up there is an entirely different facility....or the Metro-Tower closed for some reason during the BB era, but re-opened sometime after the events of "The Call".

[DisneyBoy]

It is just me, or is the perspective a little off? The Tower isn't going upwards towards the same vanishing point the other buildings are in the background...

...it's a nice design though.

[OneManHairBand]

Aesthetically, I concur that the new tower looks great.

But as for practicality, it might as well have a bullseye painted on the roof that says "Supervillains hit here!"

[Style]

Aesthetically, I concur that the new tower looks great.

But as for practicality, it might as well have a bullseye painted on the roof that says "Supervillains hit here!"All publically known headquarters have that problem. How many times were the first two orbiting watchtowers attacked by the bad guys? I can think of at least 5 off the top of my head, and I'm sure there's more.

So, that's why I concur that the ideal JLU headquarters would probably be a secret, perhaps subterrainian one.

But, I'm willing to put that concern aside because the Tower looks so damn good!

EDIT: I just did a count. The two Watchtowers were invaded by enemy forces a total of 10 times over the course of the first 4 seasons. Watchtower I was invaded 6 times,* Watchtower II was invaded 4 times.


*Note: This number includes Brainiac's invasion of the Watchtower in the Static Shock episode "A League of their own, part 1." If you wish to disregard this, then the first tower's invasion number is 5 and the total is 9.

[enigmatic_one]

It is just me, or is the perspective a little off? The Tower isn't going upwards towards the same vanishing point the other buildings are in the background...

...it's a nice design though.
I believe the top of the building is more of a triangle, rather than a tower, which is why it is coming together in a point, not because it is very tall and vanishing at a different point.

~Enigmatic One

[Gorthaur]

All publically known headquarters have that problem. How many times were the first two orbiting watchtowers attacked by the bad guys? I can think of at least 5 off the top of my head, and I'm sure there's more.But an orbiting station immediately rules out any potential attacker who doesn't have the capacity to reach the orbit. Which would be the vast majority of people who might potential have a bone to pick with the League.

[I-Am That Is]

EDIT: I just did a count. The two Watchtowers were invaded by enemy forces a total of 10 times over the course of the first 4 seasons. Watchtower I was invaded 6 times,* Watchtower II was invaded 4 times.


*Note: This number includes Brainiac's invasion of the Watchtower in the Static Shock episode "A League of their own, part 1." If you wish to disregard this, then the first tower's invasion number is 5 and the total is 9.Out of curiosity, what where they?

Anywho, perhaps making the Tower a big fat target was deliberate?

Think about it for a minute. That way, they can draw the Supervillain's to them, instead of having to react to them.

[Gorthaur]

Anywho, perhaps making the Tower a big fat target was deliberate?

Think about it for a minute. That way, they can draw the Supervillain's to them, instead of having to react to them.If that were the case, I don't think they would have built it into a major population center.

[jv2k]

It is possible that the Metro-Tower isn't even in Metropolis.
If you recall Terry was heading there in the suit, rather than the car and I assume there's a limit to how fast and how far that thing can fly, so the Metro-Tower might be somewhere like Bludhaven, or another city very close to Gotham. That could mean that thing up there is an entirely different facility....or the Metro-Tower closed for some reason during the BB era, but re-opened sometime after the events of "The Call". I remember them mensioning that it was in metropolis.

[Temple Fugate]

Out of curiosity, what where they? "Injustice for All" pt II: The Injustice Gang planted a bomb on Watchtower I.
"Twilight" pt I: Darkseid used a boom tube to walk right into Watchtower I.
"Only A Dream" pt I & II: Dr. Destiny was able to mentally reach Watchtower I to invade Hawkgirl's and Flash's dreams.
"Eclipsed" pt II: The alien gem infected every JL member but Flash.
"Hereafter" pt I: Lobo crashes his motorbike into Watchtower I.
"A League of Their Own" Part I (Static Shock): Braniac escaped from his quarantine on the Watchtower I.
"The Once and Future Thing Part One: Weird Western Tales": The Watchtower II was invaded by Chronos.
"Task Force X": TFX snuck their way into Watctower II.
"Flashpoint": Lex Luthor remotely activates the BFG on the Watchtower II.
"Panic in the Sky": Galatea and the Ultimen attacked Watchtower II.

[DisneyBoy]

Wow...I never realized it happened so often until you listed it there...

[Azrael24]

yea, its like the watchtower has "HIT ME!!"

[Casey Mack]

"Injustice for All" pt II: The Injustice Gang planted a bomb on Watchtower I.
"Twilight" pt I: Darkseid used a boom tube to walk right into Watchtower I.
"Only A Dream" pt I & II: Dr. Destiny was able to mentally reach Watchtower I to invade Hawkgirl's and Flash's dreams.
"Eclipsed" pt II: The alien gem infected every JL member but Flash.
"Hereafter" pt I: Lobo crashes his motorbike into Watchtower I.
"A League of Their Own" Part I (Static Shock): Braniac escaped from his quarantine on the Watchtower I.
"The Once and Future Thing Part One: Weird Western Tales": The Watchtower II was invaded by Chronos.
"Task Force X": TFX snuck their way into Watctower II.
"Flashpoint": Lex Luthor remotely activates the BFG on the Watchtower II.
"Panic in the Sky": Galatea and the Ultimen attacked Watchtower II.
interesting now the metro tower is located near regular people with families and kids..as opposed to the blackness of space. I wonder how many people would lose their lives or homes if a huge villian group attacked. The decision to put a base in major city..is idiotic.

[LucheLibre]

We do have to remember, though, that the main reason for building the metro-tower in the first place was for the superheroes to be able to better connect with the populace and gain their trust. Before, the heros seemed like Gods watching from above, able to bring death and destruction just as quickly as salvation.

Remembering back to "Divided We Fall," Superman referred to the need for an "embassy." A big superhero base located far from anyone would have done little to solve the issues with mankind that came with the orbital Watchtower.

So, the metro-tower is a compromise. Give the people their peace-of-mind in exchange for a more open and somewhat vulnerable league.

[Style]

interesting now the metro tower is located near regular people with families and kids..as opposed to the blackness of space. I wonder how many people would lose their lives or homes if a huge villian group attacked. The decision to put a base in major city..is idiotic.Okay, listen. It's been admitted that neither solution is ideal. The ideal is a secret headquarters.

Barring that, both the ground based and orbiting base have their streangths and weaknesses. You consider endangering people by putting it in a population center idiotic. Well, I consider putting them in a place where if the least little thing goes wrong then all of your heroes are hopelessly stranded in space.

And while I'll probably be proven wrong, it seems to me that the villains attacking League headquarters protected not only by the league but the military too would be something like Suicide. Not too mention it's now a very public venue and that would curb attempts as well.

[Style]

Wow...I never realized it happened so often until you listed it there...He actually missed a couple, including Starcrossed, which I consider to be one of the key examples.

[Gorthaur]

Well, I consider putting them in a place where if the least little thing goes wrong then all of your heroes are hopelessly stranded in space.I think you're grossly exaggerating that particular vulnerability.

The teleporters might not be the most reliable mode of transportation, but they are an effective way of near-instantaneous "troop" movement. When possible, it seems quite ideal.

Failing that, the League has an entire fleet of Javelins, capable of reaching the surface in a few minutes. Not quite as fast as the teleport bays, of course, but even more reliable.

And even if, by some freak occurrence, someone managed to take even those out, the League has several members who can reach the Earth under their own power, others capable of space transportation (Dr. Light comes to mind, and Green Lantern can transport several people in one of his constructs), alternative methods of teleportation (Dr. Fate, Etrigan, Boom Tubes) etc.

Not to mention that even if, despite all this, some of the heroes do get stuck off-world, they are most likely going to be the street-levelers - that is, the ones least useful in any major crisis.

As for the list of Watchtower invasions, to me that largely just proves how extreme measures it takes to even have a chance - in many cases, carefully planned infiltration. And I would hardly hold it against the League's defenses that they were unable to stop Darkseid and New God technology, or an entire fleet of Thanagarians (who also happened to have the security codes).

[Kid Eternity]

I was hoping that the JLU would set up HQ in a remote mountain like in the comic. That way if anyone was foolish enough to attack them on their own home turf, no innocents would get caught in the crossfire.

[Martianman606]

I personally LOVE the new Metro Tower. Don't get me wrong - I've always personally also been a fan of The Watchtower. But when that great picture of the Metro Tower zoomed in on the screen, I got extremely giddy. It just looks so....Justice League of America, I guess. Something about it just made me wanna go raid a comic book store.

-Martianman606

[I-Am That Is]

Well, it would seem that they're still using Watchtower II.

[Pyro]

Now that we've seen them both, I think this season has the best of the bunch, because I love the Metro-Tower design, and I also love the updated Watchtower II.