DC's New 52: Day One

On most Wednesdays my comic book store is as as quiet as a library. If more than five people are browsing the comic racks at any given time, it usually means that a large family was dragged in by a son or daughter.

The atmosphere was completely different today. The sound of excited chatter danced from the new release shelves all the way over to the darkened corners where back issues of Valiant and Malibu comics dwell. I didn't get an exact headcount, but I'd say 30 people were in the store. I haven't seen this many people buying comics at once since Superman died. Everyone was here to read and discuss this week's biggest release, DC Comics' Justice League #1. If you haven't been following your comic book news as of late (for shame!), this comic is the first issue in DC's relaunched universe. The relaunch wipes away decades worth of character histories and renumbers all books to number one.

Since I was here to buy the book, I tried to ignore as much of the conversation as I could. We all know how that goes. It's impossible to block out heated discussions about something you have a vested interest in. My ears wandered and investigated the scene. One sentiment that echoed loud and clear through most of the talk was general excitement. Most people seemed to enjoy the issue, but wanted more from it. Everyone seemed to have a different idea as to where DC is taking this new universe.

Once my credit card was swiped, I bolted out of the store and read the comic in my car. Once finished, I bounded back into the store to chat with my fellow comic book nerds.

Long story short, I loved it! As soon as I read the last page, I wanted to dive into the next issue, as well as all of the other  51 first issues DC is releasing in September. Yes, I am going to read all 52 first issues. How often does an opportunity like this come along? NEVER. Until Marvel follows suit...and then DC does it again.

I'm not going to tell you anything specific about this comic's story. You're about to dive into a new (albeit familiar universe) for the first time. It would be unfair of me to give anything way. All you really have to know is that scribe Geoff John's goes well out of his way to reintroduce fans to their favorite characters and shows that they are in good hands. He also does a fantastic job of teasing several universe-wide plot threads. One of them is going to make life rough for every character who puts on a costume. This isn't the same comic universe, not by a long shot.

I hope the tone from this book echoes across all 52 books. The rebooted universe gives DC the chance to maintain clean plot threads, as well allow characters to age (something I've always wanted to see). Here's hoping this new universe's biggest moments aren't tied to history changing items like the cosmic treadmill or cosmic gun. Let's just hope the word "cosmic" never comes up again, DC.

A month from now, I'll follow this blog up with a look at the entire universe, and how it is developing. Between now and then, get off your butt and pick up this first issue.