The New 52
Encyclopedia
The New 52 is a 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics
of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero books, in which all of its existing titles were cancelled, and 52 new series debuted in September 2011 with new #1 issues. Among the series being renumbered are Action Comics
and Detective Comics
, which had previously retained their original numbering since the 1930s. Touted as a large publishing event following the conclusion of the "Flashpoint
" crossover
storyline, DC's relaunch entails changes to both the publishing format and fictional universe to entice new readers. Publishing changes include same day release of physical comics with digital platforms, all DC Universe titles such as being cancelled or restarted at a new issue 1, the former Wildstorm
imprint being absorbed into the DC Universe, and new titles being released to bring the number of ongoing series being published on a monthly basis up to 52. A number of in-universe changes are intended to make characters more modern and accessible, though the scope of the changes varies from character to character.
" storyline, all DC titles were renumbered and relaunched with new #1 issues. The new continuity features new outfits and backstories for many of DC's long established heroes and villains. An interview with DC Comics executive editor Eddie Berganza
and editor-in-chief Bob Harras
reveals that the new continuity does not constitute a full reboot of the DC Universe but rather a "soft reboot". While many characters underwent a reboot or revamp, much of DC Universe history will remain intact. Many major storylines such as "Blackest Night", "Brightest Day
", Identity Crisis, "Batman: A Death in the Family
" and Batman: The Killing Joke
are still part of the continuity. DC editorial has also constructed a timeline that details the new history and which storylines to keep or ignore.
Each first issue included interviews with select New 52 writers, discussing what they hope to bring to the new comics.
On August 31, 2011, Midtown Comics Times Square held a midnight event in which they began selling Justice League #1 and Flashpoint #5. On hand to sign the books were DC Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns
, who is the writer on both titles, and Co-Publisher and writer/artist Jim Lee
, who is the illustrator on Justice League.
. Other notable changes shown include Superman
's two new looks, one wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt with the iconic 'S' logo and another in battle armor, and the introduction of the Wildstorm
universe characters as part of the DC Universe, confirming that Martian Manhunter
will be recruiting the new Stormwatch
in the opening origin story of the title Stormwatch.
The initial run of first issues show a universe in which superheroes have appeared only in the past few years, and are viewed with at best, suspicion, and at worst, outright hostility, with Batman
pursued by the Gotham police while on the trail of an alien, revealed to be an agent of Darkseid
. While running from the police, he teams with Green Lantern
. Superman
is being hounded by General Sam Lane and Lex Luthor
. Others seek to exploit the new superheroes, such as with a weak and easily swayed, Canadian Booster Gold
being put in charge of Justice League International
.
Various other changes have occurred: Jason Todd
has had training with a whole new sect of warriors, before he became Red Hood. Roy Harper
never had a daughter or lost his arm. The Tamaran
ean view of Earth has been changed, while Starfire has had an altered origin and a personality change. In Batgirl
, Barbara Gordon
has recovered from the paralysis inflicted upon her by the Joker's bullet in The Killing Joke
, and has returned to fighting crime as Batgirl.
, Miles Morales launching the same month.
Justice League #1 is currently the top-selling DC comic of 2011.
Writer Warren Ellis
was unimpressed with the relaunch's sales, stating that it garnered DC a half-point lead in dollar share and a five-point lead in units sold over Marvel Comics. Ellis also pointed out that the units DC sold are returnable.
Columnist Heidi MacDonald stated that while the market share comparisons are correct, the sales figures for single issue books do not take into account the fact that returnable comics are downgraded by approximately 10%, and that DC's sales are about that amount lower than the actual sales, in order to allow for potential returns. MacDonald opined that while the sellouts and reprintings make returns unlikely, the sales will remain 10% lower throughout the books' returnability period, which will last through December, and that actual sales will be adjusted for this factor in Diamond Comic Distributors
' end of year figures.
Writer and ComicMix columnist Glenn Hauman
wrote that relying solely on Diamond's numbers, to the exclusion of newsstand, overseas and digital sales, does not provide a complete measure of the relaunch's success. Hauman emphasized that the long-term availability of infinite digital editions will mean that sales will continue on the books for weeks and months afterwards, and that the market share for that market is uncertain.
s Rich Clabaugh has cited the relaunched Action Comics and Detective Comics as the strongest of the first week's releases. Forbes, The New York Times
and the A.V. Club have seen the New 52 as a good editorial move from DC.
In terms of the books themselves, Keith Phipps and Oliver Sava of The A.V. Club praised the art in Justice League #1, but thought its writing and structure was a weak point. In all, Sava named O.M.A.C. and Captain Atom his favorite books of the relaunch, while Phipps singled out Animal Man and Wonder Woman. They also singled out Batman for high praise, and also both enjoyed Action Comics, Animal Man, Swamp Thing, Batwoman, Frankenstein Agent Of S.H.A.D.E., Demon Knights, Batman and Robin,, Captain Atom, Nightwing, Aquaman, The Flash, All Star Western and Voodoo. However, they both disliked Detective Comics, Hawk & Dove, Legion Lost, Red Lanterns, Legion Of Super-Heroes, DC Universe Presents: Deadman, Superman, Batman: The Dark Knight, The Fury Of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men and The Savage Hawkman. On the remaining titles, the reviewers were either split, or exhibited mixed reactions ranging from lukewarm or indifferent to cautiously optimistic or intrigued.
was asked by a fan about the drop of female creators on DC titles from 12% to 1%. Didio responded:
In an editorial responding to Didio, ComicsAlliance
editor-in-chief Laura Hudson wrote, "Women are half of the world, and a significant percentage of the DC Comics character stable, and yet only 1% of their creators. And the way that you treat and represent half of the people in your world—and by extension, half of the people in the real world who might potentially buy your books—should be more than a marginal concern."
On July 29, 2011, DC released a letter addressing the lack of female creators on their official blog, highlighting notable female creators currently being published by them and promising more in the future. Hudson called the letter "an enormous and very positive departure from how DC Comics has dealt with controversies about gender and race in the past, which was almost uniformly not to comment", adding "While it remains to be seen what sort of meaningful changes in either attitudes or hiring practices will follow, it certainly leaves me feeling more optimistic than I have in some time, or maybe ever."
#1 and Red Hood and the Outlaws #1. Laura Hudson of Comics Alliance and Andrew Wheeler of Bleeding Cool criticized the relaunch for oversexualized characterization of its female characters, such as Catwoman, Starfire
and Voodoo
, and for cancelling books with female leads like Power Girl
, and relegating the star of that series to the status of Mister Terrific
's girlfriend.
Keith Phipps and Oliver Sava agreed with the observations of Catwoman and Red Hood and the Outlaws, but opined that Voodoo was a positive example how to incorporate a female character's sexuality as a relevant aspect of the story without appearing exploitative. Wheeler also complained that retcon
ning Barbara Gordon's
paralysis
as a temporary injury from which she recovered, and restoring her as Batgirl
, to the exclusion of Cassandra Cain
and Stephanie Brown, made the DC Universe less diverse and inclusive.
Justice League was the first book of the relaunch. Geoff Johns and Dan Didio indicate that the first story arc takes place five years prior to the present, during the dawn of superheroes, and details the first meeting of the Justice League members.
have been accounted for and Barbara Gordon
has spent time as Oracle, recently returning as Batgirl
. The stories build on recent developments, and Bruce Wayne is again the only Batman.
Grant Morrison's
short-lived Batman Incorporated is absent from the Batman relaunch. According to Morrison, the title will relaunch sometime in 2012 to complete the "Leviathan
" storyline.
has never happened, he is a bachelor, and his adoptive parents Jonathan and Martha Kent have died. Storylines will emphasize his alien nature and how it isolates him from humanity.
Action Comics first story arc details Superman's rebooted history, while Superman features his present adventures. Superman's new costume is explained as a ceremonial battle armor that pays tribute to his Kryptonian
past.
". Sinestro
again becomes a Green Lantern taking Hal Jordan
's ring, Abin Sur
's connection to the Indigo Tribe
will be explained, and Kyle Rayner
will headline a new team whose members represent each light of the emotional spectrum.
, science fiction
, western
, or crime
comics, including titles formerly belonging to the WildStorm
imprint.
in December 2011, to be called DC Comics: The New 52 (ISBN 1401234518).
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...
of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero books, in which all of its existing titles were cancelled, and 52 new series debuted in September 2011 with new #1 issues. Among the series being renumbered are 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...
and Detective Comics
Detective Comics
Detective Comics is an American comic book series published monthly by DC Comics since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero Batman in Detective Comics #27 . It is, along with Action Comics, the book that launched with the debut of Superman, one of the medium's signature series, and...
, which had previously retained their original numbering since the 1930s. Touted as a large publishing event following the conclusion of the "Flashpoint
Flashpoint (comics)
Flashpoint is an American comic book crossover story arc published by DC Comics. Consisting of an eponymous core limited series and a number of tie-in titles, the storyline premiered in May 2011...
" crossover
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, DC's relaunch entails changes to both the publishing format and fictional universe to entice new readers. Publishing changes include same day release of physical comics with digital platforms, all DC Universe titles such as being cancelled or restarted at a new issue 1, the former Wildstorm
Wildstorm Universe
The Wildstorm Universe is a fictional shared universe where the comic books published by Wildstorm take place. It represents an alternate history of the real world where ideas such as interstellar travel and superhuman abilities are commonplace...
imprint being absorbed into the DC Universe, and new titles being released to bring the number of ongoing series being published on a monthly basis up to 52. A number of in-universe changes are intended to make characters more modern and accessible, though the scope of the changes varies from character to character.
Publication history
Following the "FlashpointFlashpoint (comics)
Flashpoint is an American comic book crossover story arc published by DC Comics. Consisting of an eponymous core limited series and a number of tie-in titles, the storyline premiered in May 2011...
" storyline, all DC titles were renumbered and relaunched with new #1 issues. The new continuity features new outfits and backstories for many of DC's long established heroes and villains. An interview with DC Comics executive editor Eddie Berganza
Eddie Berganza
Eddie Berganza is the Executive Editor for DC Comics.Berganza was born in Guatemala and moved to New York City at seven years old. He learned to speak English by watching reruns of the Adventures of Superman television series starring George Reeves, often shouting 'Look, up in the sky!' without...
and editor-in-chief Bob Harras
Bob Harras
Robert "Bob" Harras is an American comics writer and editor, who was editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics from 1995 to 2000 and currently serves as editor-in-chief of DC Comics.-Career:...
reveals that the new continuity does not constitute a full reboot of the DC Universe but rather a "soft reboot". While many characters underwent a reboot or revamp, much of DC Universe history will remain intact. Many major storylines such as "Blackest Night", "Brightest Day
Brightest Day
Brightest Day is a year-long comic book maxi-series that began in April 2010. The story follows the ending of the series Blackest Night and how the aftermath of these events affect the entire DC Universe.-Plot:...
", Identity Crisis, "Batman: A Death in the Family
Batman: A Death in the Family
"A Death in the Family" is a Batman comic book story arc first published in the late 1980s which gave fans the ability to influence the story through voting with a 900 number. "A Death in the Family" ran in Batman #426-429, published in 1988-1989...
" and Batman: The Killing Joke
Batman: The Killing Joke
Batman: The Killing Joke is an influential one-shot superhero graphic novel written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland. First published by DC Comics in 1988, it has remained in print since then, and has also been reprinted as part of the trade paperback DC Universe: The Stories of Alan...
are still part of the continuity. DC editorial has also constructed a timeline that details the new history and which storylines to keep or ignore.
Each first issue included interviews with select New 52 writers, discussing what they hope to bring to the new comics.
On August 31, 2011, Midtown Comics Times Square held a midnight event in which they began selling Justice League #1 and Flashpoint #5. On hand to sign the books were DC Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics, where he has been Chief Creative Officer since February 2010, in particular for characters such as Green Lantern, The Flash and Superman...
, who is the writer on both titles, and Co-Publisher and writer/artist Jim Lee
Jim Lee
Jim Lee is a Korean-American comic book artist, writer, editor and publisher. He first broke into the industry in 1987 as an artist for Marvel Comics, illustrating titles such as Alpha Flight and Punisher War Journal, before gaining a great deal of popularity on The Uncanny X-Men...
, who is the illustrator on Justice League.
Changes to the DC universe
In late July, DC released The New 52, a free preview book giving solicitations and previews of all of the new titles launching from August 31. A preview of the new Justice League of America origin story shows Batman being hunted down by Gotham police and being saved by Green LanternHal Jordan
Harold "Hal" Jordan is a DC Comics superhero known as Green Lantern, the first human shown to join the Green Lantern Corps and a founding member of the Justice League of America. Jordan is the second DC Comics character to adopt the Green Lantern moniker...
. Other notable changes shown include 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...
's two new looks, one wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt with the iconic 'S' logo and another in battle armor, and the introduction of the Wildstorm
Wildstorm
WildStorm Productions, or simply WildStorm, published American comic books. Originally an independent company established by Jim Lee and further expanded upon in subsequent years by other creators, WildStorm became a publishing imprint of DC Comics in 1999...
universe characters as part of the DC Universe, confirming that Martian Manhunter
Martian Manhunter
The Martian Manhunter is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in publications published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #225...
will be recruiting the new Stormwatch
Stormwatch (comics)
Stormwatch is a fictional United Nations-sponsored superhero team that originated in the Wildstorm Universe and has since been revived as part of the DC Universe. The original version of Stormwatch first appeared in Stormwatch Stormwatch is a fictional United Nations-sponsored superhero team that...
in the opening origin story of the title Stormwatch.
The initial run of first issues show a universe in which superheroes have appeared only in the past few years, and are viewed with at best, suspicion, and at worst, outright hostility, with 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...
pursued by the Gotham police while on the trail of an alien, revealed to be an agent of Darkseid
Darkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
. While running from the police, he teams with Green Lantern
Green Lantern
The 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...
. 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...
is being hounded by General Sam Lane and Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor
Lex 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...
. Others seek to exploit the new superheroes, such as with a weak and easily swayed, Canadian Booster Gold
Booster Gold
Booster 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...
being put in charge of Justice League International
Justice League International
Justice League International is a DC Comics superhero team written by Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis, with art by Kevin Maguire, created in 1987.-Publication history:...
.
Various other changes have occurred: Jason Todd
Jason Todd
Jason Peter Todd is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Jason first appeared in Batman #357 and became the second Robin, sidekick to the superhero Batman, when the previous Robin went on to star in The New Teen Titans under the moniker of Nightwing.Though...
has had training with a whole new sect of warriors, before he became Red Hood. Roy Harper
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...
never had a daughter or lost his arm. The Tamaran
Tamaran
Tamaran is a fictional planet in DC Comics, inhabited by Tamaraneans, an extraterrestrial race. The first Tamaranean introduced was Koriand'r, better known as Starfire. The only other named Tamaraneans are Komand'r, Starfire's sister , her younger brother Ryand'r and her parents, Myand'r and Luand'r...
ean view of Earth has been changed, while Starfire has had an altered origin and a personality change. In Batgirl
Batgirl
Batgirl is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, frequently depicted as female counterparts to the superhero Batman...
, Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino...
has recovered from the paralysis inflicted upon her by the Joker's bullet in The Killing Joke
The Killing Joke
The Killing Joke may refer to:In books:*Batman: The Killing Joke, a Batman graphic novel published in 1988*The Killing Joke , a novel by Anthony Horowitz first published in 2004In music:...
, and has returned to fighting crime as Batgirl.
Sales
Pre-orders for Justice League #1 exceeded 200,000 copies. Justice League #1 has been sent back to press at least four times and all of the New 52's first issue titles sold out by September 24, 2011. For the month of September 2011, DC had 8 of the top 10 comic books for the month, in spite of Marvel's heavily publicised replacement Ultimate Spider-ManUltimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man was a superhero comic book series that was published by Marvel Comics from 2000 to 2009. The series is a modernized re-imagining of Marvel's long-running Spider-Man comic book franchise as part of its Ultimate Marvel imprint...
, Miles Morales launching the same month.
Justice League #1 is currently the top-selling DC comic of 2011.
Writer Warren Ellis
Warren Ellis
Warren Girard Ellis is an English author of comics, novels, and television, who is well-known for sociocultural commentary, both through his online presence and through his writing, which covers transhumanist themes...
was unimpressed with the relaunch's sales, stating that it garnered DC a half-point lead in dollar share and a five-point lead in units sold over Marvel Comics. Ellis also pointed out that the units DC sold are returnable.
Columnist Heidi MacDonald stated that while the market share comparisons are correct, the sales figures for single issue books do not take into account the fact that returnable comics are downgraded by approximately 10%, and that DC's sales are about that amount lower than the actual sales, in order to allow for potential returns. MacDonald opined that while the sellouts and reprintings make returns unlikely, the sales will remain 10% lower throughout the books' returnability period, which will last through December, and that actual sales will be adjusted for this factor in Diamond Comic Distributors
Diamond Comic Distributors
Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. is the largest comic book distributor serving North America. They transport comic books from both big and small comic book publishers, or suppliers, to the retailers. Diamond dominates the direct market in the United States, and has exclusive arrangements with most...
' end of year figures.
Writer and ComicMix columnist Glenn Hauman
Glenn Hauman
Glenn Hauman is an American writer, editor, publisher and comic book colorist. He has worked in a variety of roles in print and electronic publishing, including software and website development, as well as for his TV and novel work within the Star Trek and X-Men franchises.-Career:Hauman worked was...
wrote that relying solely on Diamond's numbers, to the exclusion of newsstand, overseas and digital sales, does not provide a complete measure of the relaunch's success. Hauman emphasized that the long-term availability of infinite digital editions will mean that sales will continue on the books for weeks and months afterwards, and that the market share for that market is uncertain.
Critical reception
The Christian Science MonitorThe Christian Science Monitor
The Christian Science Monitor is an international newspaper published daily online, Monday to Friday, and weekly in print. It was started in 1908 by Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist. As of 2009, the print circulation was 67,703.The CSM is a newspaper that covers...
s Rich Clabaugh has cited the relaunched Action Comics and Detective Comics as the strongest of the first week's releases. Forbes, The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
and the A.V. Club have seen the New 52 as a good editorial move from DC.
In terms of the books themselves, Keith Phipps and Oliver Sava of The A.V. Club praised the art in Justice League #1, but thought its writing and structure was a weak point. In all, Sava named O.M.A.C. and Captain Atom his favorite books of the relaunch, while Phipps singled out Animal Man and Wonder Woman. They also singled out Batman for high praise, and also both enjoyed Action Comics, Animal Man, Swamp Thing, Batwoman, Frankenstein Agent Of S.H.A.D.E., Demon Knights, Batman and Robin,, Captain Atom, Nightwing, Aquaman, The Flash, All Star Western and Voodoo. However, they both disliked Detective Comics, Hawk & Dove, Legion Lost, Red Lanterns, Legion Of Super-Heroes, DC Universe Presents: Deadman, Superman, Batman: The Dark Knight, The Fury Of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men and The Savage Hawkman. On the remaining titles, the reviewers were either split, or exhibited mixed reactions ranging from lukewarm or indifferent to cautiously optimistic or intrigued.
Lack of female creators
During a panel at San Diego Comic Con 2011, DC Comics co-publisher Dan DidioDan DiDio
Dan DiDio is an American writer, editor and publisher who has worked in the television and comic book industries. He is currently the Co-Publisher of DC Comics, along with Jim Lee...
was asked by a fan about the drop of female creators on DC titles from 12% to 1%. Didio responded:
"What do those numbers mean to you? What do they mean to you? Who should we be hiring? Tell me right now. Who should we be hiring right now? Tell me."
In an editorial responding to Didio, ComicsAlliance
ComicsAlliance
ComicsAlliance is an American website centering around the subject of American comic books. The editor-in-chief of the site is Laura Hudson. One of its frequent contributors and Senior Writer is Chris Sims, who appeared in a segment on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart to provide commentary as the...
editor-in-chief Laura Hudson wrote, "Women are half of the world, and a significant percentage of the DC Comics character stable, and yet only 1% of their creators. And the way that you treat and represent half of the people in your world—and by extension, half of the people in the real world who might potentially buy your books—should be more than a marginal concern."
On July 29, 2011, DC released a letter addressing the lack of female creators on their official blog, highlighting notable female creators currently being published by them and promising more in the future. Hudson called the letter "an enormous and very positive departure from how DC Comics has dealt with controversies about gender and race in the past, which was almost uniformly not to comment", adding "While it remains to be seen what sort of meaningful changes in either attitudes or hiring practices will follow, it certainly leaves me feeling more optimistic than I have in some time, or maybe ever."
Portrayal of female characters
DC has also received criticism for its handling of certain female characters during the relaunch, sparking discussion of exploitative overtones in titles such as CatwomanCatwoman
Catwoman 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...
#1 and Red Hood and the Outlaws #1. Laura Hudson of Comics Alliance and Andrew Wheeler of Bleeding Cool criticized the relaunch for oversexualized characterization of its female characters, such as Catwoman, Starfire
Starfire (comics)
Starfire is the name of several fictional comic book characters published by DC Comics. The most prominent Starfire is Koriand'r, the fourth character to use that name...
and Voodoo
Voodoo (Wildstorm)
Voodoo is a comic book character from the Wildstorm Universe and has since been revived as part of the DC Universe.-Wildstorm:The first Voodoo series was a four-issue limited series, published in 1997 and written by Alan Moore.-DC Comics:...
, and for cancelling books with female leads like Power Girl
Power Girl
Power Girl is a DC Comics superheroine, making her first appearance in All Star Comics #58 ....
, and relegating the star of that series to the status of Mister Terrific
Mister Terrific (Michael Holt)
Michael Holt is a fictional character, a comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics. First appearing in Spectre #54 , he is the second character to take up the Mister Terrific mantle....
's girlfriend.
Keith Phipps and Oliver Sava agreed with the observations of Catwoman and Red Hood and the Outlaws, but opined that Voodoo was a positive example how to incorporate a female character's sexuality as a relevant aspect of the story without appearing exploitative. Wheeler also complained that retcon
Retcon
Retroactive continuity is the alteration of previously established facts in a fictional work. Retcons are done for many reasons, including the accommodation of sequels or further derivative works in a series, wherein newer authors or creators want to revise the in-story history to allow a course...
ning Barbara Gordon's
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino...
paralysis
Batman: The Killing Joke
Batman: The Killing Joke is an influential one-shot superhero graphic novel written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland. First published by DC Comics in 1988, it has remained in print since then, and has also been reprinted as part of the trade paperback DC Universe: The Stories of Alan...
as a temporary injury from which she recovered, and restoring her as Batgirl
Batgirl
Batgirl is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, frequently depicted as female counterparts to the superhero Batman...
, to the exclusion of Cassandra Cain
Cassandra Cain
Cassandra Cain is a fictional character in the , one of several who has served as Batgirl, an important character in the Batman comic book franchise. Cassandra's backstory presents her as the daughter of assassins David Cain and Lady Shiva, she was deprived of speech and human contact during her...
and Stephanie Brown, made the DC Universe less diverse and inclusive.
Justice League
These are titles featuring characters related to the Justice League- 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....
, written by Geoff JohnsGeoff JohnsGeoff Johns is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics, where he has been Chief Creative Officer since February 2010, in particular for characters such as Green Lantern, The Flash and Superman...
and drawn by Jim LeeJim LeeJim Lee is a Korean-American comic book artist, writer, editor and publisher. He first broke into the industry in 1987 as an artist for Marvel Comics, illustrating titles such as Alpha Flight and Punisher War Journal, before gaining a great deal of popularity on The Uncanny X-Men...
. - Justice League InternationalJustice League InternationalJustice League International is a DC Comics superhero team written by Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis, with art by Kevin Maguire, created in 1987.-Publication history:...
, written by Dan JurgensDan JurgensDan Jurgens is an American comic book writer and artist. He is best known for creating the superhero Booster Gold, and for his lengthy runs on the Superman titles Adventures of Superman and Superman , particularly during The Death of Superman storyline...
and drawn by Aaron LoprestiAaron LoprestiAaron Lopresti is an American comic book artist who has worked for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Image Comics.-Career:Lopresti first published work of note was the Malibu Comics title Sludge, in 1993...
. - Aquaman, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Ivan ReisIvan ReisIvan Reis , born 1976 in São Paulo, is a Brazilian comic book artist. He is known for his work on books such as Marvel Comics' Captain Marvel, and DC Comics' Green Lantern books...
and Joe Prado. - Wonder Woman, written by Brian AzzarelloBrian AzzarelloBrian Azzarello is an American comic book writer. He came to prominence with the hardboiled crime series 100 Bullets, published by DC Comics' mature-audience imprint Vertigo.-Career:...
and drawn by Cliff ChiangCliff ChiangCliff Chiang is an American comic book artist. Formerly an assistant editor at DC Comics, he is now an illustrator, best known for his work on Human Target, Beware the Creeper and Crisis Aftermath: The Spectre. A recent project has been the Dr...
. - The FlashThe Flash (comic book)The Flash is an ongoing comic book series featuring the DC Comics superhero of the same name. The character's first incarnation, Jay Garrick, first appeared in Flash Comics #1...
, written and drawn by Francis ManapulFrancis Manapul-Career:Manapul is known for his work on Witchblade and The Necromancer for Top Cow, working on the former for three years, off and on, returning for the tenth anniversary issue in 2005.He provided covers for various titles, most notably for some G.I...
. - Captain AtomCaptain AtomCaptain Atom is a fictional comic book superhero that has existed in three basic incarnations. Created by writer Joe Gill and artist/co-writer Steve Ditko, he first appeared in Space Adventures #33 . Captain Atom was created for Charlton Comics but was later acquired by DC Comics and revised for...
, written by J. T. KrulJ. T. KrulJ. T. Krul is a comic book writer, best known for his work on Aspen MLT's Fathom comic series.-Early life:J.T. Krul was born and raised in Michigan...
and drawn by Freddie Williams IIFreddie Williams IIFreddie E. Williams II is an American comic book writer and artist. Best known for his work on DC Comics' Robin, and for working almost entirely in Digital format.-Early life:...
. - The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear MenFirestorm (comics)Firestorm is the name of several comic book superheroes published by DC Comics. Ronnie Raymond and Martin Stein, the first Firestorm, debuted in Firestorm, the Nuclear Man #1 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Al Milgrom. Martin Stein, by himself as Firestorm, debuted in Firestorm the Nuclear...
, written by Gail SimoneGail SimoneGail Simone is an American writer of comic books. Best known for penning DC's Birds of Prey, her other notable works include Secret Six, Welcome to Tranquility, The All-New Atom, and Deadpool. In 2007, she took over Wonder Woman...
and Ethan Van SciverEthan Van SciverEthan Daniel Van Sciver is an American comic book artist, best known for illustrating a number of titles including Green Lantern, Superman/Batman, New X-Men, and The Flash: Rebirth...
and drawn by Yildiray CinarYildiray ÇinarYıldıray Çınar is a comic book artist known for his work on the American comic book Noble Causes.-Early life:Çınar was born in Turkey. In 1994 he graduated from Anadolu Fine Arts High School in Ankara, where he studied fine arts and graphics...
. - Green Arrow, written by J. T. Krul and drawn by Dan JurgensDan JurgensDan Jurgens is an American comic book writer and artist. He is best known for creating the superhero Booster Gold, and for his lengthy runs on the Superman titles Adventures of Superman and Superman , particularly during The Death of Superman storyline...
. After Issue #3 Keith GiffenKeith GiffenKeith Ian Giffen is an American comic book illustrator and writer.-Biography:Giffen was born in Queens, New York City....
becomes the writer. - The Savage Hawkman, written by Tony DanielTony DanielAntonio Salvador Daniel AKA Tony S. Daniel is an American comic book writer and artist, known for his work on various books for DC Comics, including Teen Titans, Flash: The Fastest Man Alive and Batman.-Career:...
and drawn by Philip Tan. - Mister TerrificMister Terrific (Michael Holt)Michael Holt is a fictional character, a comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics. First appearing in Spectre #54 , he is the second character to take up the Mister Terrific mantle....
, written by Eric Wallace and drawn by Roger Robinson. - DC Universe Presents, written by Paul JenkinsPaul Jenkins (writer)Paul Jenkins is a British comic book writer and Gary Gygax's stepson. He has had much success crossing over into the American comic book market. Primarily working for Marvel Comics, he has had a big part shaping the characters of the company over the past decade.-Life and career:Paul Jenkins...
and drawn by Bernard ChangBernard ChangBernard Chang is an Asian American artist/designer best known for his work in the comic book industry and entertainment design.-Career:...
.
Justice League was the first book of the relaunch. Geoff Johns and Dan Didio indicate that the first story arc takes place five years prior to the present, during the dawn of superheroes, and details the first meeting of the Justice League members.
Batman
Much of Batman's history and timeline remains intact. With the exception of Stephanie Brown all of the RobinsRobin (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...
have been accounted for and Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino...
has spent time as Oracle, recently returning as Batgirl
Batgirl
Batgirl is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, frequently depicted as female counterparts to the superhero Batman...
. The stories build on recent developments, and Bruce Wayne is again the only Batman.
- BatmanBatman (comic book)Batman is an ongoing comic book series featuring the DC Comics hero of the same name. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27, published in May 1939. Batman proved to be so popular that a self-titled ongoing comic book series began publication in the spring of 1940...
, written by Scott SnyderScott SnyderScott Snyder is an American writer best known for his 2006 short story collection Voodoo Heart, and his work in comic books, including American Vampire, Detective Comics, Batman, Batman: Gates of Gotham and Swamp Thing.-Career:...
and drawn by Greg CapulloGreg CapulloGregory “Greg” Capullo is an American comic book artist and penciller, best known for his work on Quasar , X-Force , Angela and Spawn ....
. - Detective ComicsDetective ComicsDetective Comics is an American comic book series published monthly by DC Comics since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero Batman in Detective Comics #27 . It is, along with Action Comics, the book that launched with the debut of Superman, one of the medium's signature series, and...
, written and drawn by Tony DanielTony DanielAntonio Salvador Daniel AKA Tony S. Daniel is an American comic book writer and artist, known for his work on various books for DC Comics, including Teen Titans, Flash: The Fastest Man Alive and Batman.-Career:...
. - BatwingBatwing (DC Comics)Batwing is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics. Batwing, whose real name is David Zamvimbi, was created by writer Grant Morrison within the pages of Batman Incorporated, before getting his own eponymous series....
, written by Judd WinickJudd WinickJudd Winick is an American comic book, comic strip and television writer/artist and former reality television personality...
and drawn by Ben OliverBen OliverBen Oliver is a British comics artist who has worked for 2000 AD on Judge Dredd as well as providing art for The Authority, The Losers, and Ultimate X-Men-Biography:...
. - Batman: The Dark KnightBatman: The Dark KnightBatman: The Dark Knight is an American comic book ongoing series, written and penciled by David Finch and featuring Batman. One of two new ongoing titles to feature Bruce Wayne after the "Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne" storyline, The Dark Knight will depict Bruce Wayne's life in Gotham City...
, written by David Finch and Paul JenkinsPaul JenkinsPaul Jenkins may refer to:*Paul Jenkins , Welsh Mixed Martial Artist*Paul Jenkins , British comic-book writer*Paul Jenkins , professor of poetry, Hampshire College*Paul Jenkins , U.S...
and drawn by David Finch. - Batman and RobinBatman and Robin (comic book)Batman and Robin is an American comic book ongoing series, created by Grant Morrison and featuring Batman and Robin. The debut of the series followed the events of "Batman R.I.P.", Final Crisis, and "Battle for the Cowl" in which the original Batman, Bruce Wayne, apparently died at the hands of DC...
, written by Peter TomasiPeter TomasiPeter J. Tomasi is an American comic book editor and writer, best known for his work for DC Comics. As an editor, he oversaw numerous books featuring the Justice League, including books starring various members of that team, such as Batman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern and the Flash...
and drawn by Pat GleasonPatrick Gleason (artist)Patrick Gleason is a comic book artist. He has worked for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Image Comics.- DC :*Green Lantern Corps: Recharge*Green Lantern Corps*Aquaman*JLA: Welcome to the Working Week*JSA*H-E-R-O*Robin...
. - BatgirlBarbara GordonBarbara Gordon is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino...
, written by Gail Simone and drawn by Ardian Syaf. - Batwoman, written by J. H. Williams IIIJ. H. Williams IIIJames "Jim" H. Williams III, usually credited as J. H. Williams III, is a comic book artist and penciller. He is known for his work on titles such as Chase, Promethea, Desolation Jones and most recently Batwoman.-Career:...
and W. Haden Blackman and drawn by J. H. Williams III and Amy ReederAmy Reeder HadleyAmy Reeder Hadley is an American comic artist, known for her work on books such as Fool's Gold and Madame Xanadu.-Early life:Amy Reeder was born August 25, 1980. She is originally from Denver, Colorado...
. - Nightwing, written by Kyle HigginsKyle HigginsKyle Higgins is an American comic book writer and film director. He is best known for his work on the Batman franchise at DC Comics.-Career:...
and drawn by Eddy BarrowsEddy BarrowsEduardo Barros is a Brazilian comic book artist, better known by his pen name of Eddy Barrows. He is best known for his work at DC Comics on such titles as Birds of Prey, Countdown to Adventure, Action Comics, Superman, Teen Titans, and 52.-Early life:Barrows was born in Belém do Pará, Brazil...
. - Catwoman, written by Judd Winick and drawn by Guillem March.
- Birds of Prey, written by Duane SwierczynskiDuane SwierczynskiDuane Louis Swierczynski is an American crime writer who has written a number of non-fiction books, novels and also writes for comic books.-Early life:...
and drawn by Jesus Saiz. - Red Hood and the Outlaws, written by Scott LobdellScott LobdellScott Lobdell is an American comic book writer.-Early Career:Scott didn't begin to read comics until he was 17 years old, while lying in bed after lung surgery....
and drawn by Kenneth Rocafort.
Grant Morrison's
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...
short-lived Batman Incorporated is absent from the Batman relaunch. According to Morrison, the title will relaunch sometime in 2012 to complete the "Leviathan
Leviathan
Leviathan , is a sea monster referred to in the Bible. In Demonology, Leviathan is one of the seven princes of Hell and its gatekeeper . The word has become synonymous with any large sea monster or creature...
" storyline.
Superman
These titles feature the "Superman Family" of characters. Superman's marriage with Lois LaneLois 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 ....
has never happened, he is a bachelor, and his adoptive parents Jonathan and Martha Kent have died. Storylines will emphasize his alien nature and how it isolates him from humanity.
- Action ComicsAction ComicsAction Comics is an American comic book series that introduced Superman, the first major superhero character as the term is popularly defined...
, written 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...
and drawn by Rags MoralesRags MoralesRalph "Rags" Morales is an American comic book artist known for his work on DC Comics' Identity Crisis, Countdown to Infinite Crisis, Batman Confidential, and Hawkman, Turok Dinosaur Hunter for Valiant Comics and Magic the Gathering: Dakkon Blackblade #1 from Armada/Acclaim Comics.Morales is the...
. - SupermanSuperman (comic book)Superman is an ongoing comic book series featuring the DC Comics hero of the same name. The character Superman began as one of several anthology features in the National Periodical Publications comic book Action Comics #1 in June 1938...
, written by George PérezGeorge PérezGeorge Pérez is a Puerto Rican-American writer and illustrator of comic books, known for his work on various titles, including Avengers, Teen Titans and Wonder Woman.-Biography:...
and drawn by Jesus MerinoJesus MerinoJesús Merino is a Spanish comic book artist, best known in the American comic industry for his collaborations with penciller Carlos Pacheco.Merino himself raised from the Línea Laberinto of Planeta-DeAgostini Spanish publisher, where he drew three mini-series: Aníbal Gris , Jaque Mate and Triada...
. - Superboy, written by Scott Lobdell and drawn by R. B. Silva.
- SupergirlSupergirl (comic book)Supergirl is the name of six comic book series published by DC Comics, featuring various characters of the same name. The majority of the titles feature Superman's cousin Kara Zor-El.-Volume 1 :...
, written by Michael GreenMichael Green (writer)Michael Green is an American television and film writer, as well as a comic book scripter. He grew up in Mamaroneck, New York.-Comic Books:Green has been a contributor for Superman/Batman. He also co-wrote the Green Lantern movie with Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim, which was released in 2011...
and Mike Johnson and drawn by Mahmud Asrar.
Action Comics first story arc details Superman's rebooted history, while Superman features his present adventures. Superman's new costume is explained as a ceremonial battle armor that pays tribute to his Kryptonian
Kryptonian
Kryptonians are a fictional extraterrestrial race of the DC Comics universe who hail from the planet Krypton. The term originated from the stories of DC Comics superhero, Superman...
past.
Green Lantern
The Green Lantern line is not undergoing a reboot. The new storyline instead builds on the aftermath of "War of the Green LanternsWar of the Green Lanterns
"War of the Green Lanterns" is a ten-issue American comic book crossover storyline published by DC Comics that spans across the Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps, and Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors series...
". Sinestro
Sinestro
Thaal Sinestro is a fictional character, an alien supervillain in the DC Comics Universe. Created by John Broome and Gil Kane, Sinestro is the former mentor of Hal Jordan and the arch-nemesis of the entire Green Lantern Corps. Sinestro first appears in Green Lantern #7 . In 2009, Sinestro was...
again becomes a Green Lantern taking Hal Jordan
Hal Jordan
Harold "Hal" Jordan is a DC Comics superhero known as Green Lantern, the first human shown to join the Green Lantern Corps and a founding member of the Justice League of America. Jordan is the second DC Comics character to adopt the Green Lantern moniker...
's ring, Abin Sur
Abin Sur
Abin Sur is a fictional character and a superhero from the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Showcase #22 : "SOS Green Lantern". He was a member of the Green Lantern Corps and is best known as the predecessor of Green Lantern Hal Jordan, whom Abin Sur's power ring chose as his replacement...
's connection to the Indigo Tribe
Indigo Tribe
The Indigo Tribe is a fictional organization appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They debuted in Green Lantern vol. 4 #25 and were created by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver.-Fictional group history:...
will be explained, and Kyle Rayner
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...
will headline a new team whose members represent each light of the emotional spectrum.
- Green LanternGreen Lantern (comic book)Green Lantern is an ongoing comic book series featuring the DC Comics heroes of the same name. The character's first incarnation, Alan Scott, appeared in All-American Comics #16, and was later spun off into the first volume of Green Lantern in 1941. That series was canceled in 1949 after 39 issues...
, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Doug MahnkeDoug MahnkeDouglas "Doug" Mahnke is an American comic book artist and penciller.-Biography:Mahnke's first prominent work was for The Mask, and he has since worked for DC Comics on JLA, Batman with writer Judd Winick, and Seven Soldiers: Frankenstein with Grant Morrison...
. - Green Lantern CorpsGreen Lantern CorpsThe Green Lantern Corps is the name of a fictional intergalactic military/police force appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They patrol the farthest reaches of the DC Universe at the behest of the Guardians, a race of immortals residing on the planet Oa...
, written by Peter TomasiPeter TomasiPeter J. Tomasi is an American comic book editor and writer, best known for his work for DC Comics. As an editor, he oversaw numerous books featuring the Justice League, including books starring various members of that team, such as Batman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern and the Flash...
and drawn by Fernando PasarinFernando Pasarin-Biography:Pasarin got his start in the Franco-Belgian comics market. He pencilled such series as Strangers and Phenix for Semic Comics, as well as Les Fils de la Louve for Le Lombard...
. - Green Lantern: New GuardiansGreen Lantern: New GuardiansGreen Lantern: New Guardians is an American comic book series written by Tony Bedard with art by Tyler Kirkham and Batt and published by DC Comics....
, written by Tony BedardTony BedardAntony "Tony" J. L. Bedard is a writer and editor who has worked in the comic book industry from the early '90s through the present. He is best known for his work at CrossGen Comics, where he was under exclusive contract, and for his run writing Marvel Comics X-Men spin-off Exiles.-Career:Tony...
and drawn by Tyler Kirkham. - Red Lanterns, written by Peter MilliganPeter MilliganPeter Milligan born in London, a British writer, best known for his comic book, film and television work.-Early career:Milligan started his comic career with short stories for 2000 AD in the early 1980s. By 1986, Milligan had his first ongoing strip in 2000AD called Bad Company, with artists Brett...
and drawn by Ed BenesEd BenesJosé Edilbenes Bezerra is a Brazilian comic book artist, better known by his pen name of Ed Benes...
.
Young Justice
These titles feature teenaged characters whose books do not fall into the other groups of titles.- Teen Titans, written by Scott LobdellScott LobdellScott Lobdell is an American comic book writer.-Early Career:Scott didn't begin to read comics until he was 17 years old, while lying in bed after lung surgery....
and drawn by Brett BoothBrett BoothBrett Booth is an American comic book artist. He is best known for his work on Backlash, a character he co-created with Jim Lee at the Wildstorm Studios.-Biography:...
. - Static Shock, written by John RozumJohn RozumJohn Rozum is an American writer of comic books who is best known for his work for Milestone Comics, where he wrote Xombi and Kobalt. He has also worked for Topps Comics and Marvel Comics...
and drawn by Scott McDanielScott McDanielScott McDaniel is an American comics artist who has drawn numerous books, including Marvel Comics' "Fall from Grace" storyline for the Daredevil series...
. - Hawk and DoveHawk and DoveHawk and Dove is the moniker given to two superheroes when they team up to fight crime. Hawk and Dove describes each character's attitude or approach to fighting crime. The hawk represents aggression, and the dove representing pacifism.-Hank and Don Hall:...
, written by Sterling GatesSterling GatesSterling Gates is an American comic book writer currently working for DC Comics.-Early life:Sterling Gates was a comic fan from a young age...
and drawn by Rob LiefeldRob LiefeldRob Liefeld is an American comic book writer, illustrator, and publisher. A prominent artist in the 1990s, he has since become a controversial figure in the medium....
. - Blue Beetle, written by Tony BedardTony BedardAntony "Tony" J. L. Bedard is a writer and editor who has worked in the comic book industry from the early '90s through the present. He is best known for his work at CrossGen Comics, where he was under exclusive contract, and for his run writing Marvel Comics X-Men spin-off Exiles.-Career:Tony...
and drawn by Ig Guara. - 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....
, written by Paul LevitzPaul LevitzPaul Levitz is an American comic book writer, editor and executive. The president of DC Comics from 2002–2009, he has worked for the company for over 35 years in a wide variety of roles...
and drawn by Francis Portela. - Legion LostLegion LostLegion Lost is a superhero team published by DC Comics.It was originally published as a 12-issue comic book limited series starring the Legion of Super-Heroes...
, written by Fabian NiciezaFabian NiciezaFabian Nicieza is an American comic book writer and editor who is best known for his work on Marvel titles such as X-Men, X-Force, New Warriors, Cable and Deadpool, and Thunderbolts, for all of which he helped create numerous characters.-Early life:The son of Omar and Irma Riguetti Nicieza, Fabian...
and drawn by Pete WoodsPete WoodsPeter "Pete" Woods is a comic book artist, illustrator and penciller. He is best known for his work on titles such as Backlash, Deadpool, Robin, Catwoman, Amazons Attack and Action Comics.-Biography:...
.
The Edge
These are warWar comics
War comics is a genre of comic books that gained popularity in English-speaking countries following World War II.-American war comics:Shortly after the birth of the modern comic book in the mid- to late 1930s, comics publishers began including stories of wartime adventures in the multi-genre...
, science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
, western
Western comics
Western comics is a comics genre usually depicting the American Old West frontier and typically set during the late nineteenth century...
, or crime
Crime comics
Crime comics is a genre of American comic books and format of crime fiction. The genre was originally popular in the 1940s and 1950s and is marked by a moralistic editorial tone and graphic depictions of violence and criminal activity. Crime comics began in 1942 with the publication of Crime Does...
comics, including titles formerly belonging to the WildStorm
WildStorm
WildStorm Productions, or simply WildStorm, published American comic books. Originally an independent company established by Jim Lee and further expanded upon in subsequent years by other creators, WildStorm became a publishing imprint of DC Comics in 1999...
imprint.
- StormwatchStormwatch (comics)Stormwatch is a fictional United Nations-sponsored superhero team that originated in the Wildstorm Universe and has since been revived as part of the DC Universe. The original version of Stormwatch first appeared in Stormwatch Stormwatch is a fictional United Nations-sponsored superhero team that...
, written by Paul CornellPaul CornellPaul Cornell is a British writer best known for his work in television drama as well as Doctor Who fiction, and as the creator of one of the Doctor's spin-off companions, Bernice Summerfield....
and drawn by Miguel Sepulveda. - Grifter, written by Nathan EdmondsonNathan EdmondsonNathan Edmondson is an American writer, best known for the comic series Olympus.-Career:Nathan Edmondson is an American fiction author whose work includes the titles Olympus, The Light and Who Is Jake Ellis?, all three of which are published by Image Comics. He also contributed to the Image Comics...
and drawn by CAFU. - Deathstroke, written by Kyle Higgins and drawn by Joe Bennett.
- Suicide SquadSuicide SquadThe Suicide Squad, also known as Task Force X , is a name for two fictional organizations in the DC Comics Universe. The first version debuted in The Brave and the Bold #25 , and the second in Legends #3...
, written by Adam Glass and drawn by Marco Rudy. - OMAC, written by Dan DidioDan DiDioDan DiDio is an American writer, editor and publisher who has worked in the television and comic book industries. He is currently the Co-Publisher of DC Comics, along with Jim Lee...
and drawn by Keith GiffenKeith GiffenKeith Ian Giffen is an American comic book illustrator and writer.-Biography:Giffen was born in Queens, New York City....
. - BlackhawksBlackhawk (comics)Blackhawk, a long-running comic book series, was also a film serial, a radio series and a novel. The comic book was published first by Quality Comics and later by DC Comics. The series was created by Will Eisner, Chuck Cuidera, and Bob Powell, but the artist most associated with the feature is Reed...
, written by Mike Costa and drawn by Ken Lashley. - Men of War, written by Ivan BrandonIvan BrandonIvan Brandon is a writer/editor known for his work on titles such as DC Comics' Final Crisis Aftermath: Escape and Kobra and Marvel Comics' Secret Invasion...
and drawn by Tom Derrenick. - VoodooVoodoo (Wildstorm)Voodoo is a comic book character from the Wildstorm Universe and has since been revived as part of the DC Universe.-Wildstorm:The first Voodoo series was a four-issue limited series, published in 1997 and written by Alan Moore.-DC Comics:...
, written 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:...
and drawn by Sami Basri. - All-Star WesternAll-Star WesternAll-Star Western was the name of three American comic book series published by DC Comics, each a Western fiction omnibus featuring both continuing characters and anthological stories. The first ran from 1951 to 1961, the second from 1970 to 1972 and the third is part of the DC New 52 released in...
Vol. 3, written by Jimmy PalmiottiJimmy PalmiottiJames "Jimmy" Palmiotti is an American writer and inker of comic books, who also does writing for games, television and film.-Early life:Palmiotti is a graduate of the High School of Art and Design in New York City.-Career:...
and Justin GrayJustin GrayJustin Gray is an American comic book writer published by DC Comics.-Biography:Gray has often collaborated with fellow writer Jimmy Palmiotti on series such as Hawkman, Jonah Hex, Power Girl, 21 Down, Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters and The Resistance...
and drawn by Moritat.
The Dark
This is the billing given to the more supernatural comics, an area that in recent years had been covered more by the Vertigo imprint.- Justice League DarkJustice League DarkJustice League Dark is an ongoing DC Comics series, announced as part of the universe wide overhaul, announced on May 31, 2011. The title will follow the adventures of a more supernatural team than traditional Justice League titles, and is written by Peter Milligan, with art by Mikel Janin...
, written by Peter Milligan and drawn by Mikel Janin. - Swamp Thing, written by Scott Snyder and drawn by Yanick PaquetteYanick PaquetteYanick Paquette is a Canadian penciller in North American comics. He has worked for Antarctic Press, Topps, Marvel and DC Comics and since 1994.-Career:...
. - Animal ManAnimal Man (comic book)Animal Man was a comic book ongoing series published by DC Comics and starring the superhero Animal Man. The series is best known for the run by writer Grant Morrison from issue #1 to #26 with penciller Chas Truog who stayed on the series until #32...
, written by Jeff LemireJeff LemireJeff Lemire is a Canadian comics artist and writer. He is the author of the Essex County Trilogy, Sweet Tooth and The Nobody. Lemire is known for a his moody, humanistic stories and sketchy, cinematic, black-and-white art....
and drawn by Travel ForemanTravel Foreman-Biography:Travel Foreman gained attention with his work on Com.x’s Cla$$war, where he replaced original series artist Trevor Hairsine. He quickly moved on to work at Marvel Comics, illustrating the Supreme Power spin-off mini-series, Doctor Spectrum, and a Juggernaut story written by Lee Barnett...
and Dan Green. - Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E., written by Jeff Lemire and drawn by Alberto Ponticelli.
- I, Vampire, written by Joshua Hale FialkovJoshua Hale FialkovJoshua Hale Fialkov is an American comic book writer who primarily works in the horror genre. He is best known for Echoes, Elk's Run, I, Vampire, and the 2008 film Infected. He has been nominated for multiple Harvey Awards....
and drawn by Andrea Sorrentino. - 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...
, written 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...
and 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...
and drawn by Fernando Dagnino. - Demon KnightsDemon KnightsDemon Knights is a DC Comics title launched as part of its New 52 event in 2011. It is a team title featuring Etrigan, Enchantress, Shining Knight and others. It's main difference to other team titles, such as the Justice League, is that this team is based in the Medieval period of the DC Universe...
, written by Paul Cornell and drawn by Diogenes Neves.
Collected editions
DC is collecting all 52 #1s into a 1216 page hardcover collectionTrade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
in December 2011, to be called DC Comics: The New 52 (ISBN 1401234518).
See also
- DC ImplosionDC ImplosionThe DC Implosion is the popular label for the sudden cancellation of more than two dozen ongoing and planned series by the American comics publisher DC Comics in 1978.-History:...
, a 1978 event in which, just as in 2011, DC cancelled or reformatted many of its titles, although not for the purposes of rebooting the fictional universe.
External links
- DC Comics The New 52. DC ComicsDC ComicsDC 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...