DC Comics reboots continuity...again; New costumes, origins, and #1s to come

[GrnMarvl14]

Source w/image.

Starting this summer, the publisher will re-number its entire DC Universe of titles, revamping characters such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and others from its 76-year history for a more modern and diverse 21st century.

The first book to be released under this new era: Justice League No. 1, out Aug. 31, a series by writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee that reunites the famous lineup of Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman and Aquaman.

Johns promises a focus on the interpersonal relationships within DC's trademark superteam. "What's the human aspect behind all these costumes?" he says. "That's what I wanted to explore."

In September, another 51 first issues will debut, introducing stories that are grounded in each character's specific legend but also reflect today's real-world themes and events. Lee spearheaded the costumes' redesign to make characters more identifiable and accessible to comic fans new and old.

"We really want to inject new life in our characters and line," says Dan DiDio, co-publisher of DC with Lee. "This was a chance to start, not at the beginning, but at a point where our characters are younger and the stories are being told for today's audience."

In an even more important move in the competitive comics industry, DC is making all of the re-numbered titles available digitally via apps and a DC website the same day they arrive in comic shops. It marks the first time a major comics publisher has done so with its popular superhero titles.

The company has come in second to Marvel every year since 2002 in market share, according to Diamond Comic Distributors.

While the two companies are making millions off movie adaptations of their comic books, print sales for both have dropped in recent years, as new technology gives readers many more options.

"We're allowing people who have never bought a comic book in their lives to download them on portable media devices and take a look," Lee says.

"Having the ability to give people access to these comics with one button click means we're going to get a lot of new readers."

Source #2

This is indeed an historic time for us as, come this September, we are relaunching the entire DC Universe line of comic books with all new first issues. 52 of them to be exact.

In addition, the new #1s will introduce readers to a more modern, diverse DC Universe, with some character variations in appearance, origin and age. All stories will be grounded in each character's legend - but will relate to real world situations, interactions, tragedy and triumph.

This epic event will kick off on Wednesday, August 31st with the debut of a brand new JUSTICE LEAGUE #1, which pairs Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, together for the first time. (Yes, this is the same week as FLASHPOINT #5.)

We think our current fans will be excited by this evolution, and that it will make jumping into the story extremely accessible to first-time readers - giving them a chance to discover DC's characters and stories.

We are positioning ourselves to tell the most innovative stories with our characters to allow fans to see them from a new angle. We have taken great care in maintaining continuity where most important, but fans will see a new approach to our storytelling.

Some of the characters will have new origins, while others will undergo minor changes. Our characters are always being updated; however, this is the first time all of our characters will be presented in a new way all at once.

I'm cautiously optimistic about this. As a not-quite-fan of DC's, this will certainly make getting into certain things easier. But, at the same time, it causes the headache of wondering what past stories still matter (as past DC reboots have) and which characters still exist.

I kinda like that Superman costume, though the lack of Batman in the image above is bothersome (I figure it means they're either completely revamping him, or they're not changing a thing about him. Both of which have issues. Also raises the Robin question).

Thoughts? Hate it? Like it? Confused by it?

 

[Falconwing]

I do hope Batman is still Batman... Fans would be pissed if Bats changed.

Anyways, this sounds petty cool. Every now and then, you just have to do a reboot. Let's hope it's ACTUALLY a reboot and doesn't rely on past plot points.

 

[SamPilgrim]

I feel sorry for Johns and Morrison, they've been doing some great things with Green Lantern and Batman... and if this reboot is indeed that, a total reboot, it'd be for nothing (at least we'll always have those stories).
Well, I hope this works out for DC, and I hope they keep Damian Wayne and Stephanie Brown in the continuity.

 

[Barb]

DAMMIT, I JUST FIGURED OUT INFINITE CRISIS AND NOW YOU DO THIS!!?

Um, yay? All these retcons are hurting my head, and I've only finished Brightest Day Volume 2. Still, I have some of the old late 90s Grant Morrison JLA stories (which are loud, colorful, and very silly at times) and I like those, but I like the realism Johns brings to his stories.

 

[Jello]

I feel the same way. (Blackest Night was awesome, read Infinite Crisis on Earths too) I was just starting to get into this and then bam. I guess it's good that I won't have to worry about 75 years worth if history...exactly. Looking forward to the costume changes. Just don't break off Lois and Superman and pair him off with Wonder Woman. I will seriously rage.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

More details have come to light:

Source w/full version of image above including Batman.

After speaking with multiple sources throughout the industry on the condition of anonymity, CBR News has learned some of the salient details of DC's September roster, starting with the perhaps telling news that the publisher plans to launch a full 52 monthly titles with #1 issues across the month with 13 new titles shipping each week. The number holds some significance for longtime DC readers as 52 is the number of parallel earths making up DC's multiverse, and CBR has confirmed that the #1 launches will be accompanied by a major reboot of continuity with many pieces of DC's current status quo being rewritten and undone including character relationships and even the existence of some cast members.

Included in the 52 series will be:

A new title starring Superman written by Grant Morrison.

Birds of Prey #1 - This new ongoing series will not feature the work of longtime "BoP" writer Gail Simone. In fact, many tried and true approaches to books will be getting a second look at DC in September.

Teen Titans #1 - The new start for the teen team will be written by "Red Robin" scribe Fabian Nicieza. UPDATE: Nicieza has come out publicly saying he is not writing the Titans, however the other consistent word CBR News has heard is that writer Scott Lobdell will be involved with the franchise. Either way, expect to see many old friends from DC Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras' Marvel days working on DC's new books.

Justice Society of America #1 - Only one of a number of current titles that will welcome a creative team shift, the future of the original superhero team will apparently not involve current writer Marc Guggenheim.

Wonder Woman #1 - Don't expect the recent changes from writer J. Michael Straczynski to stick when the Amazing Amazon sees another new #1 hit.

Green Lantern #1 - Even with a new #1, Green Lantern remains in Johns' hands, and readers can expect the effects of major crossovers like "Blackest Night" to stay in place moving forward.

Hawkman #1 - While fans have known a "Hawkman" series by James Robinson has been in the works since the writer mentioned it on a panel at New York Comic Con, Bleeding Cool's Rich Johnston has been reporting the rumor that the book will be drawn by "Batman & Robin" and "Outsiders" artist Philip Tan.

Aquaman #1 - No surprises here. The already announced series featuring the sea king by Johns and Ivan Reis will be part of the relaunch wave.

The other seismic shakeup that remains unconfirmed is whether long-standing titles "Action Comics" and "Detective Comics" would also renumber with brand new first issues. However, at this time, CBR has found no confirmation one way or the other on the fate of those titles. DC Comics offered no comment on the above information.

What has been said by many sources is that a number of the new titles will feature new characters or characters now serving in non-traditional roles. However, the total number of titles changed or launched new shouldn't shift the overall output of DC's line too much as CBR sales analyst John Mayo explained, "By my count, there were 59 DC Universe titles in the June solicitations, not counting the DC Retroactive titles, 'DC Universe Online Legends' or 'Doc Savage' and 'The Spirit.' Subtracting out titles with more than one issue in June reduces the number by three leaving 56 titles in the DC Universe.

"52 new #1s is close enough to not make a huge difference. To me, this is the normal fluctuation of the number of titles from month to month."

Scott Lobdell on Teen Titans? Gotta grab that. And Geoff Johns on Green Lantern isn't surprising, and I'm sure it'll keep recent Lantern lore intact. Whether any of the other Lanterns survive the reboot, though...well...we'll see.

Also looks like they'll be folding some of the Wildstorm titles into the DCU proper...which is going to be odd. Though I'd love to see a Gen13/Teen Titans crossover. Also a rumor of a Batgirl #1 and Nightwing #1...with Barbara Gordon as Batgirl.

More related rumors for those interested.

 

[Barb]

Birds of Prey #1 - This new ongoing series will not feature the work of longtime "BoP" writer Gail Simone. In fact, many tried and true approaches to books will be getting a second look at DC in September.

I should take a look at this series; Gail Simone wrote some good Wonder Woman stories. Somehow, though, I miss George Perez' artwork.

Wonder Woman #1 - Don't expect the recent changes from writer J. Michael Straczynski to stick when the Amazing Amazon sees another new #1 hit.

He just wrote a great story that predates "The Killing Joke" that I really liked. WW is one of the greatest superheroes ever, and she needs a decent writer.

Green Lantern #1 - Even with a new #1, Green Lantern remains in Johns' hands, and readers can expect the effects of major crossovers like "Blackest Night" to stay in place moving forward.

I bought most of the GL series from my local Borders when it was going out of business. It'll be interesting to see what he does with the 'rainbow rodeo.'

Hawkman #1 - While fans have known a "Hawkman" series by James Robinson has been in the works since the writer mentioned it on a panel at New York Comic Con, Bleeding Cool's Rich Johnston has been reporting the rumor that the book will be drawn by "Batman & Robin" and "Outsiders" artist Philip Tan.

Wait...is this Carter Hall? The one who just got resurrected? This should be good.

 

[Masatoshi]

Oh boy, this is surely exciting news. I get mixed feelings after reading Blackest Night and Crisis on Infinite Earths a few weeks ago, and getting inside the DC Universe, only to find out the "Anti-matter is engulfing everything and there's nothing we can do, it's our (Current DC Universe) doom". Sure, I'd like to know the entire DC history from here to 70 years ago, but it's too much to read, so I think this fresh start will be great for me to catch up, and I wonder what we'll see in the 21st Century origins of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Teen Titans... a re-telling with present-day features. What I'm more thrilled about is the Batman franchise, especially the fact that Barbara Gordon would (if these rumours are confirmed) reprise her role as the original Batgirl.

Also, it's gonna take me some time to get accustomed that new S from Superman. Yeah, only for a word. So simple. So iconic.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

He just wrote a great story that predates "The Killing Joke" that I really liked. WW is one of the greatest superheroes ever, and she needs a decent writer.

JMS is really a consistently good writer...when he finishes things (I believe I'm on year 5 of my wait for the conclusion to Marvel's "Twelve" series).

I bought most of the GL series from my local Borders when it was going out of business. It'll be interesting to see what he does with the 'rainbow rodeo.'

Always been a big Green Lantern fan. And I don't mind the different colors, but I've recently heard a lot of Care Bear references shot that way...and it's hard to argue with it.

Wait...is this Carter Hall? The one who just got resurrected? This should be good.

Barring the identity changing due to the reboot, it should be, given how Brightest Day ended (not to spoil much). Really, if this series DOESN'T deal with the fallout from Brightest Day, they're doing a great disservice to the character.

Also, it's gonna take me some time to get accustomed that new S from Superman. Yeah, only for a word. So simple. So iconic.

I actually like ANY redesign of Superman's costume. It just gets so dull seeing the same costume over and over again. A little change makes the character seem fresh.

 

[PyroDaFox]

DC revealed some of the series they are releasing for the reboot:

DC Universe: The Source

Personally, the only one I have a strong interest in is "Fury of Firestorm" because I'm a huge fan of the character and Gail Simone is a favorite of mine (though I admit that I fell off the wagon with Secret Six and failed to pick up Birds of Prey). Francis Manapul taking the reins of "Flash" with colorist Brian Buccellato has my interest, as does "the Savage Hawkman" though I hear less than flattering things about Tony Daniels' writing. Despite Geoff Johns writing it, I have zero interest in Aquaman.

 

[SamPilgrim]

I have zero interest in Aquaman.

Same here, the one time I found Aquaman interesting, was in Flaspoint #2. And that was yesterday.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

DC revealed some of the series they are releasing for the reboot:

DC Universe: The Source

Personally, the only one I have a strong interest in is "Fury of Firestorm" because I'm a huge fan of the character and Gail Simone is a favorite of mine (though I admit that I fell off the wagon with Secret Six and failed to pick up Birds of Prey). Francis Manapul taking the reins of "Flash" with colorist Brian Buccellato has my interest, as does "the Savage Hawkman" though I hear less than flattering things about Tony Daniels' writing. Despite Geoff Johns writing it, I have zero interest in Aquaman.

Looking forward to Firestorm, myself. Love Justice League International, but I'm a bit worried about Dan Jurgens doing the writing (he's a great writer, but I was hoping for Judd Winnick or Giffen/DeMatteis) and the absence of Blue Beetle (is that buggy-looking guy the Canterbury Cricket? And, if so, is he somehow replacing Blue Beetle in the DCU?).

 

[Jello]

Somebody took a hint from Smallville for that new Green Arrow costume WW's costume looks alright but I'm not really a fan of the artwork. Also, this is totally relevant.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

So, we have 52 new titles coming, and apparently four of them are Lantern titles. Green Lantern, Red Lanterns, Green Lantern Corps, and the multi-colored title Green Lantern: The New Guardians (with Kyle Rayner leading the team. Yay, Rayner makes it through another reboot!).

 

[yourlilemogirl]

THAT'S IT!!!! >:[ i give up. Once i figure out a few things they go and make it all for not ;---;
this is a sad day for me......ah well.

 

[~Sir Haruko~]

I knew you guys would be discussing this. Anyways I saw this coming at the end of Flashpoint. I think this is good for new readers who don't have to worry about years of stories to follow now that they can start from the new beginning. Can't wait~

 

[GrnMarvl14]

THAT'S IT!!!! >:[ i give up. Once i figure out a few things they go and make it all for not ;---;
this is a sad day for me......ah well.

But now you don't have to figure it all out. You can start fresh with everyone else. Know what everyone else knows. No more back-reading, just forward looking.

 

[yourlilemogirl]

But now you don't have to figure it all out. You can start fresh with everyone else. Know what everyone else knows. No more back-reading, just forward looking.

you mean...we can all be noobs...together?! 8'D
this might be a good day after all :3
though it's going to be a shame seeing some of my favs tampered with 3:>

 

[GrnMarvl14]

you mean...we can all be noobs...together?! 8'D
this might be a good day after all :3

Great way to think of it.

though it's going to be a shame seeing some of my favs tampered with 3:>

But, who knows? Maybe they'll be tampered with in a way you like. Some flaw you never saw is now eliminated and suddenly they're better.

 

[yourlilemogirl]

But, who knows? Maybe they'll be tampered with in a way you like. Some flaw you never saw is now eliminated and suddenly they're better.

that's quite the risk though i guess we'll just have to trust them not to take what was awesome about them and ignite it with 50 barrels of TNT <.<'
-crosses fingers-