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A Look At DC Comics' Rebooted Universe
On August 31, all of DC Comics' superhero books are resetting to issue #1. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the entire universe they inhabit are rebooting to create a more modern direction for DC's universe. DC Entertainment's Bob Wayne says all of these stories will be "grounded in each character's legend, but will relate to real world situations, interactions, tragedy and triumph."
I'm equally excited and nervous for DC's new direction. I've been reading Batman and Green Lantern since the age of eight, and haven't missed an issue along the way. I'd hate to think that the stories I read won't mean anything.
The rebooted universe kicks off with Justice League #1, and expands in the month of September to 51 other #1 books. Below is a quick look at the books I found to be the most interesting.
JUSTICE LEAGUE
Our first look at DC's new universe is brought to us by the all-star creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee. DC is keeping a tight lid on this book's story, but has revealed that Batman stumbles upon a new evil threat.
ACTION COMICS
The cover concerns me. Superman in jeans? Why are they hiding his face? Need reason for more concern? It's penned by Grant Morrison. More troubling yet according to DC, this "extra-sized debut issue is the cornerstone of the entire DC Universe." I have a bad feeling about this.
BATWING
Along with new books for Batman, Detective Comics, Batwoman, Batgirl, Batman and Robin, Catwoman, and Batman: Dark Knight, DC Universe is giving Batwing his own book. His story stretches back to Batman Incorporated, which seems to point in the direction of DC not undoing every development over the years. Batwing, as DC puts it, is the "Batman of Africa."
GREEN LANTERN
Geoff John's second book isn't a shocker, as he's led the Green Lantern charge for years. This first issue of Green Lantern won't bring back Hal Jordan or Kyle Rayner. Johns is introducing yet another new Lantern to the Corps. The blood on the glove makes me think that we may see a villain or person of questionable judgment in the Lantern role.
GRIFTER
DC has teased the incorporation of Wildstorm into its super hero universe, but outside of alternate dimension cameos, these worlds haven't been truly intertwined. The first issue of Grifter will change that. I enjoyed Grifter's character in Wildstorm's Wildcats, and can see him fitting nicely into the DCU.
GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS
In this new series, Kyle Rayner assembles the most powerful team the universe has ever seen. As you can see, all of the rings are in play. Perhaps more telling is the name of the book "New Guardians." Are the little, blue guys gone?
RED LANTERNS
The Red Lanterns have their own book right out of the gate. Very interesting.
JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL
Batman in another Justice League book? And Booster Gold seems to be front and center for a reason.
DEATHSTROKE
I'm a huge fan of Deathstroke, and in the previous DC universe, he never really got his shot. I hope he's big player in this new world.
STORMWATCH
Stormwatch was my favorite Wildstorm book, but I don't know if it's a good for the DCU. We'll have to see. Adding Martian Manhunter to the mix seems like weird choice.
RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS
DC's description for this comic sounds crazy. "No sooner has Batman's former sidekick, Jason Todd, put his past as the Red Hood behind him than he finds himself cornered by a pair of modern day outlaws: Green Arrow's rejected sidekick Arsenal, the damaged soldier of fortune, and the alien Starfire, a former prisoner of intergalactic war who won't be chained again. As a loner, Jason has absolutely no interest in this motley crew of outlaws. So what's he going to do when they choose the Red Hood as their leader" SOLD.
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK
When a mystical threat occurs, the world calls upon the Justice League Dark, a team consisting of John Constantine, Shade the Changing Man, Deadman, Madame Xanadu, and Zatanna. I love all of these characters. As you can see in the artwork, it would appear their first assignment is stopping The Enchantress.
NIGHTWING
As much as I loved seeing Dick Grayson taking up the mantle of the bat, his best role has been Nightwing. I dig the new costume, and love the story idea of him joining Haley's Circus again.
Here are the other #1's planned.
Animal Man
Aquaman
Batgirl
Batman
Batman: The Dark Knight
Batman and Robin
Birds of Prey
Blackhawks
Blue Beetle
Captain Atom
Catwoman
DC Universe Presents
Detective Comics
The Flash
The Fury of Firestorm
Green Arrow
Green Lantern Corps
Hawk and Dove
I, Vampire
Legion Lost
Legion of Super Heroes
Men of War
Mister Terrific
O.M.A.C.
Resurrection Man
The Savage Hawkman
Static Shock
Suicide Squad
Superboy
Supergirl
Superman
Swamp Thing
Teen Titans
Voodoo
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