DC One Million
Encyclopedia
"DC One Million" was a crossover
storyline that ran through a self titled, weekly limited series
and through special issues of almost all "DCU" titles published by DC Comics
in November 1998
. It featured a vision of the DC Universe
in the 853rd century (chosen because that is the century in which, assuming they maintain a regular publishing schedule, DC Comics will first publish an issue #1,000,000 of Action Comics
, one of their current monthly titles). The mini-series was written by Grant Morrison
and drawn by Val Semeiks
.
, in which the 20th-century Justice League of America
and the 853rd-century Justice Legion Alpha
co-operate to defeat a plot by the supervillain Vandal Savage
(who, being practically immortal, exists in both centuries as well as all the ones in between) and future Superman
nemesis Solaris
, the Living Sun. Thirty-four other series then being published by DC also put out a single issue numbered #1,000,000, which either showed its characters' involvement in the central plot or gave a glimpse of what its characters' descendants/successors would be doing in the 853rd century. Hitman
#1,000,000 was essentially a parody
of the entire storyline. A trade paperback collection was subsequently published, consisting of the four-issue mini-series, and tie-in issues necessary to follow the main plot. The series was then followed by a one-shot titled DC One Million 80-Page Giant #1,000,000 (1999), which was a collection of further adventures in the life of the future heroes.
("Superman Prime") still lives, but has spent over fifteen thousand years in a self-imposed exile in his Fortress of Solitude
in the heart of the Sun, although he has left descendants, including "Kal Kent", the Superman of the 853rd century.
The galaxy
is protected by the Justice Legions, which were inspired by the 20th-century Justice League
and the 31st-century Legion of Super-Heroes
, among others. Justice Legion Alpha, which protects the solar system
, includes future analogues of Superman, Wonder Woman
, Hourman
, Starman
, Aquaman
, The Flash and Batman
. Advanced terraforming
processes made all the Solar System's planets habitable, with the ones most distant from the Sun being warmed by Solaris, a "star computer" which was once a villain but was reprogrammed by one of Superman's descendants.
Superman Prime announces that he will soon return to humanity and, to celebrate, Justice Legion Alpha travels back in time to the late 20th century to meet Superman's original teammates in the JLA, and bring them and Superman to the future to participate in games and displays of power as part of the celebration.
Meanwhile, in Russia
, Vandal Savage
defeats the Titans- consisting of Arsenal
, Tempest
, Jesse Quick and Supergirl
- single handedly when they attempt to stop him purchasing nuclear powered Rocket Red
suits. He then launches one of the Rocket Reds (with a Titan trapped inside each of the four) in a nuclear strike on Washington D.C.
Unfortunately one member of the Justice Legion (the future Starman) has been bribed into betraying his teammates by Solaris, who has returned to his old habits. Before the original heroes can be returned to their own time the future Hourman
, an android, collapses and releases a virus
programmed by Solaris to attack machines
and humans.
The virus affects the guidance systems of the Rocket Red suits and causes one of them to instead detonate over Montevideo
killing over a million people. Tempest - the Titan inside - had escaped long before the suit exploded by using the ice on the suit at high altitude, although he subsequently blacked out and fell into the sea. The virus also drives humans insane, causing an increase in anger and paranoia worldwide. Believing this was deliberately planned by the JLA to stop him, Savage launches an all out war on superhumans using "blitz engines" he had created and hidden while allied with Hitler
during World War II
. The paranoia caused by the virus also leads the Justice Legion Alpha and the contemporary heroes to attack each other, although the Justice Legion Alpha manage to coordinate themselves enough to stop the other Rocket Red suits from hitting Metropolis
, Brussels
and Singapore
.
The remnants of the JLA that stayed in the present and the Justice Legion Alpha overcome their paranoia when the future Superman and Steel
realize the significance of the symbol they both wear; as Huntress
had pointed out to Steel earlier, wearing the 'S' means that he has to make the hard choices. The two JLAs are eventually able to stop the virus when it is discovered that it is a complex computer program
looking for appropriate hardware
. To provide this hardware the heroes are forced to build the body of Solaris (including in it a DNA
sample of Superman's wife Lois Lane
) and the virus flees from the Earth to this body, bringing Solaris to life. In a final act of repentance the future Starman sacrifices himself to banish Solaris from the solar system. The future Superman forces himself through time using confiscated time-travel technology he finds in the Watchtower
, almost dying in the process due to the drain on his powers.
Meanwhile, in the 853rd century, the original JLA are fighting an alliance between Solaris and Vandal Savage. Savage has found a sample of kryptonite
on Mars (where it was left by the future Starman in the 20th century), which he gives to Solaris. Savage has also hired Walker Gabriel to steal the time-travel gauntlets of the 853rd century Flash (John Fox) to ensure the Justice Legion remains trapped in the past. However, he ultimately doublecrosses Gabriel.
Solaris, in a final attack, slaughters thousands of superhuman
s so he can fire the kryptonite into the sun and kill Superman before he emerges. The JLA's Green Lantern
— a hero who uses a power that Solaris has never encountered before — causes Solaris to go supernova
and he and the 853rd century Superman contain the resulting blast — but not before the kryptonite is released.
The future Vandal Savage teleports from Mars
to Earth
using the stolen Time-Gauntlets. It turns out, however, that Walker Gabriel and Mitch Shelley, the Resurrection Man
(an immortal who had become Savage's greatest foe through the millennia), had sabotaged the Gauntlets and Savage, instead of travelling only in space, also travels through time, arriving in Montevideo moments before the nuclear blast he caused centuries earlier, finally bringing his life to an end.
It is then revealed that a secret conspiracy — forewarned by the trouble in the 20th century, mainly in that Huntress, inspired by the time capsules which students in her class were currently making, realized they had centuries to foil the plot — has spent the intervening centuries coming up with a foolproof plan for stopping Solaris. Their actions included replacing the hidden kryptonite with a disguised Green Lantern ring
, with which the original Superman emerges from the sun and finishes Solaris.
In the aftermath, the original Superman and the future Hourman use the DNA sample to recreate Lois Lane, complete with superpowers. Superman then also recreates Krypton
, along with all its deceased inhabitants in Earth's Sol system. Lois and Superman apparently live happily ever after.
by DC Comics. This comic introduced Peter Platinum, the Booster Gold of the 853rd century.
Grant Morrison
's All-Star Superman limited series made several references to the DC One Million mini-series. The Superman from One Million makes an appearance and the series ends with Superman becoming an energy being who resides in the Sun after his body has been supercharged with yellow solar energy (similar in appearance to Superman Prime), and Solaris makes an appearance as well.
Morrison's Batman #700 also briefly shows the One Million-era Batman and his sidekick—Robin, the Toy Wonder—alongside a number of future iterations of Batman.
The One Million Batman, Robin and Superman play a significant role in Superman/Batman #79–80, in which Epoch
battles Batmen and Supermen from various time periods.
Fan Award for Favorite Limited Series for 1999. The storyline was a top vote-getter for the Comics Buyer's Guide Award for Favorite Story for 1999.
Fictional crossover
A fictional crossover is the placement of two or more otherwise discrete fictional characters, settings, or universes into the context of a single story. They can arise from legal agreements between the relevant copyright holders, or because of unauthorized efforts by fans, or even amid common...
storyline that ran through a self titled, weekly limited series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
and through special issues of almost all "DCU" titles published by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
in November 1998
1998 in comics
-Spring:* Gay Comix , with issue #25, publishes its final issue -October:* Toy Biz buys Marvel Comics* Excalibur is canceled by Marvel with issue #125.-November:...
. It featured a vision of the DC Universe
DC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
in the 853rd century (chosen because that is the century in which, assuming they maintain a regular publishing schedule, DC Comics will first publish an issue #1,000,000 of Action Comics
Action Comics
Action Comics is an American comic book series that introduced Superman, the first major superhero character as the term is popularly defined...
, one of their current monthly titles). The mini-series was written by Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
and drawn by Val Semeiks
Val Semeiks
Valdis "Val" Semeiks is an American comic book artist who has mostly worked for DC Comics and Marvel Comics.-Biography:Val Semeiks was born in the USA on February 5, 1955 to Latvian parents....
.
Setup
The core of the event was a four-issue mini-seriesLimited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
, in which the 20th-century Justice League of America
Justice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
and the 853rd-century Justice Legion Alpha
Justice Legion Alpha
The Justice Legion Alpha is a DC Comics superhero team, who exist in the far future of the DC Universe. Created by Grant Morrison, they first appeared in DC One Million .In the 853rd century the institutions of the Justice League of America and the Legion of...
co-operate to defeat a plot by the supervillain Vandal Savage
Vandal Savage
Vandal Savage is a fictional character, a supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Green Lantern vol. 1 #10 , and was created by Alfred Bester and Martin Nodell....
(who, being practically immortal, exists in both centuries as well as all the ones in between) and future Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
nemesis Solaris
Solaris (comics)
Solaris is a DC Comics supervillain, who exists in the distant future of the DC Universe. Solaris was created by Grant Morrison, and first appeared in the DC One Million crossover, although it also subsequently appeared in Grant Morrison's All-Star Superman series, set outside DC continuity.-DC...
, the Living Sun. Thirty-four other series then being published by DC also put out a single issue numbered #1,000,000, which either showed its characters' involvement in the central plot or gave a glimpse of what its characters' descendants/successors would be doing in the 853rd century. Hitman
Hitman (comics)
Hitman is a fictional character, a superpowered hitman in the DC Comics Universe. The character was created by Garth Ennis and John McCrea and first appeared in The Demon Annual #2 and then received his own series by Ennis and McCrea lasting 61 issues.-Background:Hitman chronicles the exploits of...
#1,000,000 was essentially a parody
Parody
A parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...
of the entire storyline. A trade paperback collection was subsequently published, consisting of the four-issue mini-series, and tie-in issues necessary to follow the main plot. The series was then followed by a one-shot titled DC One Million 80-Page Giant #1,000,000 (1999), which was a collection of further adventures in the life of the future heroes.
Plot details
In the 853rd century the original SupermanSuperman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
("Superman Prime") still lives, but has spent over fifteen thousand years in a self-imposed exile in his Fortress of Solitude
Fortress of Solitude
The Fortress of Solitude is the occasional headquarters of Superman in DC Comics. Its predecessor, Superman's "Secret Citadel", first appeared in Superman #17, where it was said to be built into a mountain on the outskirts of Metropolis...
in the heart of the Sun, although he has left descendants, including "Kal Kent", the Superman of the 853rd century.
The galaxy
Galaxy
A galaxy is a massive, gravitationally bound system that consists of stars and stellar remnants, an interstellar medium of gas and dust, and an important but poorly understood component tentatively dubbed dark matter. The word galaxy is derived from the Greek galaxias , literally "milky", a...
is protected by the Justice Legions, which were inspired by the 20th-century Justice League
Justice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
and the 31st-century Legion of Super-Heroes
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
, among others. Justice Legion Alpha, which protects the solar system
Solar System
The Solar System consists of the Sun and the astronomical objects gravitationally bound in orbit around it, all of which formed from the collapse of a giant molecular cloud approximately 4.6 billion years ago. The vast majority of the system's mass is in the Sun...
, includes future analogues of Superman, Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
, Hourman
Hourman
Hourman is the name of three different fictional DC Comics superheroes, the first of whom was created by Ken Fitch and Bernard Baily in Adventure Comics #48 , during the Golden Age of Comic Books.-Rex Tyler:Scientist Rex Tyler, raised in upstate...
, Starman
Starman (comics)
Starman is a name used by several different fictional DC Comics superheroes, most prominently Ted Knight and his sons David and Jack.Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Jack Burnley, the original Starman, Ted Knight, first appeared in Adventure Comics #61...
, Aquaman
Aquaman
Aquaman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 . Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo title...
, The Flash and Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
. Advanced terraforming
Terraforming
Terraforming of a planet, moon, or other body is the hypothetical process of deliberately modifying its atmosphere, temperature, surface topography or ecology to be similar to those of Earth, in order to make it habitable by terrestrial organisms.The term is sometimes used more generally as a...
processes made all the Solar System's planets habitable, with the ones most distant from the Sun being warmed by Solaris, a "star computer" which was once a villain but was reprogrammed by one of Superman's descendants.
Superman Prime announces that he will soon return to humanity and, to celebrate, Justice Legion Alpha travels back in time to the late 20th century to meet Superman's original teammates in the JLA, and bring them and Superman to the future to participate in games and displays of power as part of the celebration.
Meanwhile, in Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, Vandal Savage
Vandal Savage
Vandal Savage is a fictional character, a supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Green Lantern vol. 1 #10 , and was created by Alfred Bester and Martin Nodell....
defeats the Titans- consisting of Arsenal
Roy Harper (comics)
Roy Harper is a fictional superhero in the DC Comics Universe. He was known for over fifty years as Green Arrow's teenage sidekick Speedy. He first appeared alongside his mentor in More Fun Comics #73...
, Tempest
Garth (comics)
Garth is a fictional character, a superhero in publications from DC Comics, originally known as Aqualad, and later known by the codename Tempest. As Aqualad, he is the teen sidekick and protege to his guardian, the super-hero known as Aquaman, bearing the same super-abilities as his mentor that...
, Jesse Quick and Supergirl
Supergirl
Supergirl is a female counterpart to the DC Comics Superman. As his cousin, she shares his super powers and vulnerability to Kryptonite. She was created by writer Otto Binder and designed by artist Al Plastino in 1959. She first appeared in the Action Comics comic book series and later branched out...
- single handedly when they attempt to stop him purchasing nuclear powered Rocket Red
Rocket Red
The Rocket Red Brigade is a DC Comics superhero team. They first appeared in Green Lantern Corps #208 , and were created by Steve Englehart and Joe Staton.-History:...
suits. He then launches one of the Rocket Reds (with a Titan trapped inside each of the four) in a nuclear strike on Washington D.C.
Unfortunately one member of the Justice Legion (the future Starman) has been bribed into betraying his teammates by Solaris, who has returned to his old habits. Before the original heroes can be returned to their own time the future Hourman
Hourman (android)
Hourman is a fictional character and superhero who was created by Grant Morrison and Howard Porter. Based upon the Golden Age character Rex Tyler, he first appeared in JLA #12 .-Creation in the 853rd century:...
, an android, collapses and releases a virus
Virus
A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
programmed by Solaris to attack machines
Computer virus
A computer virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability...
and humans.
The virus affects the guidance systems of the Rocket Red suits and causes one of them to instead detonate over Montevideo
Montevideo
Montevideo is the largest city, the capital, and the chief port of Uruguay. The settlement was established in 1726 by Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, as a strategic move amidst a Spanish-Portuguese dispute over the platine region, and as a counter to the Portuguese colony at Colonia del Sacramento...
killing over a million people. Tempest - the Titan inside - had escaped long before the suit exploded by using the ice on the suit at high altitude, although he subsequently blacked out and fell into the sea. The virus also drives humans insane, causing an increase in anger and paranoia worldwide. Believing this was deliberately planned by the JLA to stop him, Savage launches an all out war on superhumans using "blitz engines" he had created and hidden while allied with Hitler
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party , commonly referred to as the Nazi Party). He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and head of state from 1934 to 1945...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. The paranoia caused by the virus also leads the Justice Legion Alpha and the contemporary heroes to attack each other, although the Justice Legion Alpha manage to coordinate themselves enough to stop the other Rocket Red suits from hitting Metropolis
Metropolis (comics)
Metropolis is a fictional city that appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. Metropolis first appeared by name in Action Comics #16 ....
, Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
and Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
.
The remnants of the JLA that stayed in the present and the Justice Legion Alpha overcome their paranoia when the future Superman and Steel
John Henry Irons
Steel , also known as the Man of Steel, is a fictional character, a superhero in the DC Universe. First appearing in The Adventures of Superman #500 , he is the third character known as Steel and was created by Louise Simonson and artist Jon Bogdanove...
realize the significance of the symbol they both wear; as Huntress
Huntress (Helena Bertinelli)
Huntress is a fictional character in the DC Universe. Based upon the Earth-Two character Helena Wayne, she is one of several DC characters to bear the Huntress name...
had pointed out to Steel earlier, wearing the 'S' means that he has to make the hard choices. The two JLAs are eventually able to stop the virus when it is discovered that it is a complex computer program
Computer program
A computer program is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task with a computer. A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute...
looking for appropriate hardware
Hardware
Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....
. To provide this hardware the heroes are forced to build the body of Solaris (including in it a DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
sample of Superman's wife Lois Lane
Lois Lane
Lois Lane is a fictional character, the primary love interest of Superman in the comic books of DC Comics. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, she first appeared in Action Comics #1 ....
) and the virus flees from the Earth to this body, bringing Solaris to life. In a final act of repentance the future Starman sacrifices himself to banish Solaris from the solar system. The future Superman forces himself through time using confiscated time-travel technology he finds in the Watchtower
Justice League Watchtower
The Watchtower is the name of various bases used by the Justice League of America in DC Comics and various other media. It has been portrayed in DC comics as a building on Earth's moon, and as a space-station in orbit in the Justice League Unlimited cartoon.The Watchtower debuted in JLA #4 during...
, almost dying in the process due to the drain on his powers.
Meanwhile, in the 853rd century, the original JLA are fighting an alliance between Solaris and Vandal Savage. Savage has found a sample of kryptonite
Kryptonite
Kryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
on Mars (where it was left by the future Starman in the 20th century), which he gives to Solaris. Savage has also hired Walker Gabriel to steal the time-travel gauntlets of the 853rd century Flash (John Fox) to ensure the Justice Legion remains trapped in the past. However, he ultimately doublecrosses Gabriel.
Solaris, in a final attack, slaughters thousands of superhuman
Superhuman
Superhuman can mean an improved human, for example, by genetic modification, cybernetic implants, or as what humans might evolve into, in the near or distant future...
s so he can fire the kryptonite into the sun and kill Superman before he emerges. The JLA's Green Lantern
Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by DC Comics, usually in those starring the Green Lantern Corps, an extraterrestrial police force of which Rayner is a member. Created by writer Ron Marz and artist Darryl Banks, Rayner first appeared in Green Lantern vol...
— a hero who uses a power that Solaris has never encountered before — causes Solaris to go supernova
Supernova
A supernova is a stellar explosion that is more energetic than a nova. It is pronounced with the plural supernovae or supernovas. Supernovae are extremely luminous and cause a burst of radiation that often briefly outshines an entire galaxy, before fading from view over several weeks or months...
and he and the 853rd century Superman contain the resulting blast — but not before the kryptonite is released.
The future Vandal Savage teleports from Mars
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System. The planet is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It is often described as the "Red Planet", as the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance...
to Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
using the stolen Time-Gauntlets. It turns out, however, that Walker Gabriel and Mitch Shelley, the Resurrection Man
Resurrection Man
The Resurrection Man is a fictional character, a superhero whose adventures were published by DC Comics from 1997 to 1999 in a serialized comic book of the same name, created by Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett and Jackson Guice...
(an immortal who had become Savage's greatest foe through the millennia), had sabotaged the Gauntlets and Savage, instead of travelling only in space, also travels through time, arriving in Montevideo moments before the nuclear blast he caused centuries earlier, finally bringing his life to an end.
It is then revealed that a secret conspiracy — forewarned by the trouble in the 20th century, mainly in that Huntress, inspired by the time capsules which students in her class were currently making, realized they had centuries to foil the plot — has spent the intervening centuries coming up with a foolproof plan for stopping Solaris. Their actions included replacing the hidden kryptonite with a disguised Green Lantern ring
Power ring (weapon)
A power ring is a fictional object featured in comic book titles published by DC Comics. It first appeared in All-American Comics #16 .-Origin:...
, with which the original Superman emerges from the sun and finishes Solaris.
In the aftermath, the original Superman and the future Hourman use the DNA sample to recreate Lois Lane, complete with superpowers. Superman then also recreates Krypton
Krypton (comics)
Krypton is a fictional planet in the DC Comics universe, and the native world of the super-heroes Superman and, in some tellings, Supergirl and Krypto the Superdog. Krypton has been portrayed consistently as having been destroyed just after Superman's flight from the planet, with exact details of...
, along with all its deceased inhabitants in Earth's Sol system. Lois and Superman apparently live happily ever after.
The Justice Legions
There are twenty-four Justice Legions. each based on 20th and 30th Century superhero teams. Those featured include:- Justice Legion A is based on the Justice LeagueJustice LeagueThe Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
. See main article Justice Legion AlphaJustice Legion AlphaThe Justice Legion Alpha is a DC Comics superhero team, who exist in the far future of the DC Universe. Created by Grant Morrison, they first appeared in DC One Million .In the 853rd century the institutions of the Justice League of America and the Legion of...
. - Justice Legion B is based on the Titans. Members include NightwingNightwingNightwing is a name that has been used by several fictional characters in the DC Comics Universe. It was conceived as a Kryptonian analogue to the character of Batman, with Nightwing's frequent partner Flamebird based on Robin...
(a batlike humanoid), AqualadAqualadAqualad is the name of two fictional comic book superheroes appearing in books published by DC Comics. The first Aqualad, Garth, debuted in Adventure Comics #269 , and was created by writer Robert Bernstein and artist Ramona Fradon...
(a humanoid made from water), TroyDonna TroyDonna Troy is a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics. She first appeared in The Brave and the Bold vol. 1 #60 , and was created by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani...
(a younger version of the 853rd century Wonder Woman), ArsenalRoy Harper (comics)Roy Harper is a fictional superhero in the DC Comics Universe. He was known for over fifty years as Green Arrow's teenage sidekick Speedy. He first appeared alongside his mentor in More Fun Comics #73...
(a robot) and JotoJoto (comics)Isaiah Crockett is a fictional character in publications from DC Comics...
(killed in teleporter accident). - Justice Legion L is based on the Legion of Super-HeroesLegion of Super-HeroesThe Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
and protects an artificially created planetary system (all that remains of the 30th Century United Planets). Members include Cosmicbot (a cyborg based on magnetism, modelled on Cosmic BoyCosmic BoyCosmic Boy is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Adventure Comics #247 . He is a founding member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, and was the original leader in all incarnations of the Legion...
), TitangirlTitan GirlTitan Girl is a name associated with two characters who have appeared in the Legion of Superheroes. They both have been telepaths from the moon of Saturn, Titan.-Titangirl of the 853rd century:...
(the combined psychic energy of all TitanTitan (moon)Titan , or Saturn VI, is the largest moon of Saturn, the only natural satellite known to have a dense atmosphere, and the only object other than Earth for which clear evidence of stable bodies of surface liquid has been found....
ians, based on Saturn GirlSaturn GirlSaturn Girl is a fictional character appearing in DC comic books. A talented telepath from the 30th century, Imra first appeared in Adventure Comics #247 as a founding member of the Legion of Super-Heroes...
), Implicate Girl (who contains the abilities of all three trillion Carggites in her "third eye", very loosely based on Triplicate Girl), Brainiac 417 (a disembodied intelligence, based on Brainiac 5Brainiac 5Brainiac 5 is a fictional character who exists in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Universe. He is a long standing member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Brainiac 5 is from the planet Colu...
and Apparition), the M'onelves (who combine the powers of M'onelLar GandLar Gand, known primarily as Mon-El , is a fictional character in DC Comics' universe who is associated with the Legion of Super-Heroes, Superboy, and Superman...
and Shrinking Violet) and barely humanoid versions of Umbra and Chameleon. - Justice Legion S consists of numerous Superboy clones, all with different powers. Members include Superboy 820 (with aquatic powers), Superboy 3541 (who can increase his size) and Superboy One Million (who can channel any of their powers through "the Eye"). They all (most notably One Million) resemble OMACOne-Man Army CorpsOMAC is a superhero comic book created in 1974 by Jack Kirby and published by DC Comics. The character was created towards the end of Kirby's contract with the publisher, following the cancellation of Kirby's New Gods, and was reportedly developed strictly due to Kirby needing to fill his...
as much as Superboy. This was an intentional pun, as the title of the story was "One Million And Counting", which referred to the million clones and formed the OMAC acronym. - Justice Legion T is based on Young JusticeYoung JusticeYoung Justice is a fictional DC Comics superhero team consisting of teenaged heroes. The team first appeared in Young Justice: The Secret , before graduating to their ongoing monthly series...
. Members include Superboy One Million (as referred to above), RobinRobin (comics)Robin is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson, as a junior counterpart to DC Comics superhero Batman...
the Toy Wonder (optimistic robot sidekick to the 853rd century Batman) and ImpulseImpulse (comics)Impulse, in comics, may refer to:* Impulse , one of three comic book superheroes published by DC Comics* Impulse , the former name of the character Pulsar* Impulse , a member of Marvel Comics' Psionex...
(the living embodiment of random thoughts lost in the Speed Force). - Justice Legion Z (for Zoomorphs) is based on the Legion of Super-PetsLegion of Super-PetsThe Legion of Super-Pets is a fictional team of super-powered pets in the pre-Crisis DC Universe. Members include Krypto the Super-Dog and Streaky the Supercat...
. Members include ProtyProtyProty is the name of two fictional extraterrestrials in the DC Comics universe. The original Proty first appeared in Adventure Comics #308 , while the second Proty debuted in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #72 ....
One Million and Master Mind. A version of Comet the Super-Horse is also a member.
Other characters
Several other futuristic versions appeared in the crossover, including:- AtomAtom (comics)The Atom is a name shared by several fictional comic book superheroes from the DC Comics universe.There have been five characters who have shared the Atom codename. The original Golden Age Atom, Al Pratt, was created by Ben Flinton and Bill O'Connor and first appeared in All-American Publications'...
- AzraelAzrael (comics)Azrael is the name of several fictional characters in the DC Comics universe. They are a group of assassins who were created by The Order of St. Dumas to "enforce god's will"...
- Booster GoldBooster GoldBooster Gold is a fictional DC Comics superhero. Created by Dan Jurgens, he first appeared in Booster Gold #1 and has been a member of the Justice League, DC Comics' all-star team of heroes. The character is initially depicted as a glory-seeking showboat from the future, using knowledge of...
- CatwomanCatwomanCatwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics' Batman franchise. Historically a supervillain, the character was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, partially inspired by Kane's cousin, Ruth Steel...
- Charade City
- GunfireGunfire (comics)Gunfire is a fictional DC Comics superhero and freelance anti-terrorist operative. He first appeared in Deathstroke Annual #3 October 1993, he was created by Len Wein and Steve Erwin.-Fictional character biography:...
- Lex LuthorLex LuthorLex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
- Supergirl
- Captain MarvelCaptain Marvel (DC Comics)Captain Marvel is a fictional comic book superhero, originally published by Fawcett Comics and later by DC Comics. Created in 1939 by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, the character first appeared in Whiz Comics #2...
Collected editions
- DC One Million, later reprinted with the title JLA: One Million (208 pages, DC Comics, June 1999, ISBN 1563895250, Titan BooksTitan BooksTitan Publishing Group is an independently owned publishing company, established in 1981. It is based at offices in London, England's Bankside area. The Books Division has two main areas of publishing: film & TV tie-ins/cinema reference books; and graphic novels and comics reference/art titles. The...
, June 1999, ISBN 1840230940, DC Comics, June 2004, ISBN 1401203205) collects:- DC One Million (by Grant MorrisonGrant MorrisonGrant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
, with pencils by Val SemeiksVal SemeiksValdis "Val" Semeiks is an American comic book artist who has mostly worked for DC Comics and Marvel Comics.-Biography:Val Semeiks was born in the USA on February 5, 1955 to Latvian parents....
and inks by Prentis Rollins/Jeff Albrecht/Del Barras, 4-issue mini-series) - "Green LanternGreen LanternThe Green Lantern is the shared primary alias of several fictional characters, superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The first Green Lantern was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell in All-American Comics #16 .Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and...
#1,000,000" (by Ron MarzRon MarzRon Marz is an American comic book writer, known for his work on titles such as Silver Surfer, Green Lantern, Marvel vs DC, Batman/Aliens and Witchblade.-Career:...
, with pencils by Bryan HitchBryan HitchBryan Hitch is a British comic book artist. Hitch began his career in the United Kingdom for Marvel UK, working on titles such as Action Force and Death's Head, before gaining prominence on American titles such as Wildstorm's Stormwatch and The Authority, DC Comics titles such as JLA, and Marvel...
and inks by Andy LanningAndy LanningAndy Lanning is a British comic book writer and inker, known for his work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, and for his collaboration with Dan Abnett.-Career:Lanning works primarily at Marvel Comics and DC Comics as an inker...
/Paul NearyPaul NearyPaul Neary is a British comic book artist, writer and editor.His first work was for Warren Publishing in the 1970s before working with Dez Skinn at Marvel UK as well as work for 2000 AD...
, one-shot) - "Resurrection ManResurrection ManThe Resurrection Man is a fictional character, a superhero whose adventures were published by DC Comics from 1997 to 1999 in a serialized comic book of the same name, created by Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett and Jackson Guice...
#1,000,000" (by Dan AbnettDan AbnettDan Abnett is a British comic book writer and novelist. He is a frequent collaborator with fellow writer Andy Lanning, and is known for his work on books for both Marvel Comics, and their UK imprint, Marvel UK, since the 1990s, including 2000 AD...
/Andy LanningAndy LanningAndy Lanning is a British comic book writer and inker, known for his work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, and for his collaboration with Dan Abnett.-Career:Lanning works primarily at Marvel Comics and DC Comics as an inker...
, with art by Jackson GuiceJackson GuiceJackson "Butch" Guice , is an American comic book artist who has worked steadily in the mainstream comics industry since the early 1980s.-Biography:...
, one-shot) - "StarmanStarman (Jack Knight)Starman is fictional character, a comic book superhero in the , and a member of the Justice Society of America. He is the son of the original Starman, Ted Knight...
#1,000,000" (by James Robinson, with pencils by Peter SnejbjergPeter SnejbjergPeter Snejbjerg Nielsen is a Danish comic book artist. He was educated at the Kolding Kunsthåndværkerskole from 1983 to 1987. Some of his major works include the epic science-fiction/fantasy series Hypernauten, the adventure story The Hidden Protocol , the DC Comics title Starman, and various...
and inks by Wade Von GrawbadgerWade Von GrawbadgerWade von Grawbadger is a comic book artist who is known mostly for his inking work for Marvel and DC comics.-DC Comics:* Alpha Centurion Special #1* Birds of Prey: Manhunt #1, 3, 4* Showcase '95 #1, 2...
, one-shot) - "Superman: The Man of TomorrowSuperman: The Man of TomorrowSuperman: The Man of Tomorrow is the title of a comic book series published by DC Comics that ran for 16 issues from 1995 to 1999, featuring the adventures of Superman. At the time, the four Superman titles were released weekly with an intertwining story...
#1,000,000" (by Mark SchultzMark Schultz (comics)Mark Schultz is an American writer and illustrator of books and comics. His most widely-recognized work is his self-created and owned comic book series, Xenozoic Tales, about a post-apocalyptic world where dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures coexist with humans...
, with pencils by Georges JeantyGeorges JeantyGeorges Jeanty is an American comic book penciler best known for his work on The American Way, an eight-issue American comic book limited series produced under DC Comics' Wildstorm imprint, and the Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics.-Early...
and inks by Dennis Janke/Denis RodierDenis RodierDenis Rodier is a comic book illustrator; he has worked for multiple companies including DC Comics, Milestone Media, and Marvel Comics.In 1986, Denis Rodier began a career as an illustrator which would transform him, a mere three years later, into a comic book artist. In his new guise, he worked on...
, one-shot)
- DC One Million (by Grant Morrison
Later references
In 2008, ten years after the crossover, an issue of Booster Gold (vol. 2) was published as "Booster Gold #1,000,000", and was announced as an official DC One Million tie-inTie-in
A tie-in is an authorized product based on a media property a company is releasing, such as a movie or video/DVD, computer game, video game, television program/television series, board game, web site, role-playing game or literary property...
by DC Comics. This comic introduced Peter Platinum, the Booster Gold of the 853rd century.
Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
's All-Star Superman limited series made several references to the DC One Million mini-series. The Superman from One Million makes an appearance and the series ends with Superman becoming an energy being who resides in the Sun after his body has been supercharged with yellow solar energy (similar in appearance to Superman Prime), and Solaris makes an appearance as well.
Morrison's Batman #700 also briefly shows the One Million-era Batman and his sidekick—Robin, the Toy Wonder—alongside a number of future iterations of Batman.
The One Million Batman, Robin and Superman play a significant role in Superman/Batman #79–80, in which Epoch
Epoch (DC Comics)
Epoch, also known as The Lord of Time, is a comic book fictional character published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Justice League of America #10 and was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Mike Sekowsky....
battles Batmen and Supermen from various time periods.
Awards
The original mini-series was a top vote-getter for the Comics Buyer's GuideComics Buyer's Guide
Comics Buyer's Guide , established in 1971, is the longest-running English-language periodical reporting on the American comic book industry...
Fan Award for Favorite Limited Series for 1999. The storyline was a top vote-getter for the Comics Buyer's Guide Award for Favorite Story for 1999.