(Image Source: HBO Max)
The story of Peacemaker Season 2 could have larger ramifications for the DCU than previously expected. It was reported that James Gunn had developed the show into a bridge between Superman and the upcoming Man of Tomorrow movie. However, it now appears Gunn may also be introducing a major element of DC Comics lore into the DCU.

The story of Peacemaker Season 2 has centered around a location known as the Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC). Originally, it was used by Auggie Smith as an extra-dimensional storage space and workshop. However, his son Christopher discovered the doors within the QUC could be used to travel to other Earths.

On the surface, this seemed to be identical to the Pocket Universe created by Lex Luthor in Superman. However, the events of Peacemaker Season 2 revealed some subtle differences. Chief among them was that the alien device used to access the QUC was portable. Also, the portals it generated could also be established in any open doorway. Finally, the QUC portals were confirmed by Sydney Happersen to be more stable than the Pocket Universe gateways. However, all of this overlooked one key question: who developed the QUC and the technology to access it?

Peacemaker portal generator may be New Gods technology

(Image Source: HBO Max)

One theory suggests that the alien device that Peacemaker used to access the QUC was created by the New Gods. Created by Jack Kirby, the New Gods are a race of powerful aliens in the DC Comics cosmology. Born of the extradimensional Fourth World, they inhabit two worlds outside of the normal universe. One is the idyllic New Genesis, which is ruled over by the benevolent Highfather. His dark counterpart is Darkseid, the New God of Tyranny, who leads the evil New Gods of Apokolips.

Both groups of New Gods utilize sentient computers they call Mother Boxes. They are powerful, helping the New Gods to manipulate the universe around them. One Mother Box was responsible for transforming Victor Stone into Cyborg. However, their most famous ability is the creation of Boom Tubes, portals that allow the New Gods to travel anywhere in space and time.

The device used to access the QUC in Peacemaker functions in the same manner as a Mother Box. Specifically, when it opens a portal, it generates a small sonic boom after a tremendous surge of energy. While Boom Tubes do not require a doorway to act as an anchor, this does not seem to be a coincidence.

New Gods connection could explain Peacemaker’s helmets

(Image Source: HBO Max)

The alien device being New God technology could explain another oddity, specifically, how Auggie Smith was able to create so many special helmets for his son. Little was revealed about Auggie Smith’s background in Peacemaker Season 1. However, he did not seem to have the intelligence or engineering background needed to develop such advanced weaponry.

Christopher Smith confirmed this in Peacemaker Season 2. While discussing the QUC with Leota, he confirms that his father flunked out of high school. When asked how Auggie made his son’s helmets, Chris said it was “complicated.” However, this incongruity is easily explained if the alien technology Auggie Smith took from a dead alien is a Mother Box.

Mother Boxes can access the accumulated knowledge of the New Gods. They can also be used to fabricate items by transforming ambient energy into matter. This could have given Auggie Smith the expertise or resources he needed to create his White Dragon armor and his son’s helmets. Additionally, it has been noted by comic fans that the Peacemaker helmet design resembles that of the New God Orion.

(Image Source: Jack Kirby)

This theory does have some strikes against it. Chief among them is that the alien device does not physically resemble the Mother Boxes of the comics. Additionally, the alien Auggie Smith killed was not a New God. While it’s possible the technology was stolen or a New God knock-off, that seems unlikely.

However, even if the device is not a Mother Box, it could still be used to expand the DCU. ARGUS misusing the portal generator could set up the story of Man of Tomorrow. Alternatively, stolen alien technology on Earth is exactly the sort of thing that could set up the story of Lanterns.