It had taken less than a minute for hundreds of applications to fill Menageries email. The teaser video had fans of the illustrious villain all wondering what he would get up to this time. Comments speculated, reaction Viewtubers gesticulated, and news stations started to spread the news.
So imagine everyones surprise when weeks later another trailer came out.
It opened with the normal fare one would see in World of Supers. A city filled with civilians walked about, chatting about nothing or trudging toward work. The camera panned until it focused on a section of the city filled with food carts, street performers, and happy people. It seemed some sort of party was going on.
A sharp-eyed viewer would spy Dr. Zlos titular top hat in the crowd, their prowess rewarded a moment later when the camera zoomed in on the villain. He walked around the festival with Cass in tow, the minion laden with a number of prizes.
The silver-skinned butler pushed his head around a large plush teddy bear. Boss, I thought we were getting up to trouble?
We are, Cass, the villain said as he stopped at an art stall filled with cartoonish drawings of super heroes.
Boss, I dont think
I dont pay you think, Cass, Dr. Zlo interrupted.
You dont pay me at all, boss, Cass answered.
Dr. Zlo glared at his butler, the minion quickly changing the subject. Its just, boss, I thought you had a grand plan?
I do, the villain said, paying for a drawing of two supers in a rock paper scissors match. Part that plan involves timing. Something Im sure you wouldnt know.
Right, boss, Cass answered.
The two continued for a short moment. So, uh, boss? What are we waiting for?
Patience Cass, Dr. Zlo answered. My plan shall soon be revealed.
The villain stopped at a food truck, ordering a funnel cake that he took one bite of and unceremoniously tossed on the ground. He continued with a number of small but terrible crimes, such as cutting in line, as time passed.
Cuts of Dr. Zlo handing over money flashed across the screen, with more cuts to Cass as his burden grew larger and larger. Then, finally, the villain stopped in the center of the festival.
Get ready, Cass, the villain said, straightening his tie. We have to look presentable for our first crime in this new world.
Right, boss, Cass said. He tossed the junk away before moving to stand next to the villain.
May I have your attention, please! Dr. Zlo shouted.
Standing before the villain was himself. Well, obviously not himself, but someone similar. Instead of black, Dr. Dobro wore a white suit that hung somewhat loose around his muscular frame. Instead of a top hat, he wore a safari hat snugly on his cranium.
The worst part of it all was the mustache. Where Dr. Zlos was thin and perfect for dastardly twisting, Dr. Dobro had a mustache ready for adventure. It was impeccably waxed with curls at the ends that oozed refinement.
A monocle rested over one of his cheery eyes.
What mockery is this! Dr. Zlo shouted.
I say! Dr. Dobro exclaimed. Someones gone ahead and made an evil duplicate of myself!
You take that back! Dr. Zlo growled. If anything, youre the boring version of me!
I say old chum thats no way to talk to people, Dr. Dobro commented.
Well then, Dr. Zlo said. Since you refuse to fight with words, we shall fight with fists!
Of course, Dr. Zlo cheated, firing his laser monocle in a surprise attack. Dr. Dobro seemed used to unsportsmanlike conduct, however, and simply stepped out of the way.
The fight lasted mere moments. Dr. Dobro using his cane and a monocle as well to finish off the Zlorrency still stumbling around. Dr. Zlo growled in annoyance at this but was unable to one-up his obvious parallel counterpart.
When the last minion fell, Dr. Zlo landed and stomped his foot in frustration. Angrily, he thrust his cane at Dr. Dobro. Mark my words, you shall pay for this!
Ha ha! Many have attempted villain. But none could stand against the prowess of Dr. Dobro! Gentleman Hero!
Then I, Dr. Zlo, villainous mastermind, shall be the first to bring you low!
And with that, Dr. Zlo launched himself into the sky, retreating as he schemed.
And I know just the way to do it, too, he said before the video finished.
The link to register appeared, swiftly followed by Dr. Dobro and Dr. Zlo calling for aid to their respective sides. More people flocked to sign up, the excitement building as Menagerie readied itself for its most intensive event yet.