The Spectrumverse

Issue #5

Billy could feel his chest tighten, “but-but this place has been open for years...”

“And since two thousand and five it’s just been heading down hill. We don’t get visitors like we used to.”

“I’d still come here.”

“Billy. This place hasn’t been doing so well, I can’t even remember the last time this exhibit was packed.”

“...I do.”

Hoffman knew what Billy was talking about. He too thought back to that day, his tenth birthday. All those kids running about and looking at all the costumes. Even this fond memory could not ease what he felt now. Hoffman felt unsure how he could lift the spirits of this dedicated visitor. Instead, he patted Billy on the shoulder and gave him a look of reassurance. Even as he tried it didn’t work. He couldn’t understand why all of this was happening. Why all at once? Was it a joke of some kind? Billy was still trying to accept the rejection letter and now he had to settle for the idea his beloved Museum would be closing. As Hoffmann turned and walked away, Billy called out to him.

“Mr. Hoffmann’ he cried ‘This place can’t close down; it’s been here forever.”

Hoffmann stopped and turned around, He shrugged before gesturing toward the mannequins dressed as the iconic heroes, “All I can say is this. Even Metropolis Man hung up his mask...”

In this moment of truth, Billy found it hard to respond. Metropolis Man had vanished years ago, after a long and distinguished career as a vigilante; both as an independent hero and as a representative of his country. Even within his current surroundings, Billy felt his world was collapsing around him. As Mr. Hoffmann departed from the exhibit, Billy tried to hold back his tears.

Steadily, his sadness transformed into numbness. It was the only way he could cope with such an announcement. Not even the glory of Metropolis Man and his grand past could bring light to the shadow that lingered over near future. Even now the fond memories of this place were beginning to break. He couldn’t endure that, he had to leave.

Quickly exiting the exhibit, Billy followed the sighs. Walking out of the exhibit he took a left, heading toward the older exhibits Billy attempted to avoid the other guides. Making it to the other end of the corridor Billy came to the entrance of an exhibit. Over the doorway was a sign that read ‘Captain Victory and the pirate wars.’

Billy came to a standstill after reaching the sign. He never had an interest in pirates nor in such an outdated hero. Avoiding the entrance, Billy pressed onwards. Passing numerous Newspaper clippings in frames along the walls but he only wanted to leave. Billy had read all of them, many times over. All around him on the walls were reports and deeds of the United Protectors. Stories that could help him forget.

Sadly, not even these grand tales of fighting tyrants, terrorists, and other such threats. Billy just wanted to leave. He wanted to go home and just sit in his room all by his lonesome. Without any other input, he needed to process all that was going on.

Reaching the end of another corridor, Billy saw the entrance of the gift shop. Either side of the doorway stood two mannequins dressed as masked vigilantes. Their costumes consisted of a white bodysuit, green gloves, green masks, and green boots.

One held a sign that said, “We hope you come again’ and the other held one that read ‘be safe out there”.