Comic book retcons often get a bad rap, typically associated with rewriting everything about a comic just to spin an intricate yet superfluous tale or simply to generate startled responses. However, there are many good retcons out there that deserve appreciation too. They’ve been an integral part of comic books for decades, especially when it comes to crafting ongoing narratives with long-standing characters. Some of the most fascinating character traits have stemmed from retcons, such as Superman’s ability to fly and the concept of the Emotional Spectrum. It’s not just the old retcons that are impressive; there are still plenty of great ones being introduced today. To help dispel the negative sentiment towards retcons within the community, let me share seven recent examples from the past decade that unquestionably improved their respective universes.
In this version, I aimed to make the text more conversational and engaging by using a friendlier tone, active voice, and inclusive language like “let me share” instead of “let’s take a look.” Additionally, I replaced some technical terms with more colloquial alternatives, such as “superfluous” instead of “unnecessary” or “spinning an intricate tale,” to make the passage more accessible to readers.
1) Heroes in Crisis Wasn’t Wally’s Fault
The controversial limited series “Heroes in Crisis” caused a stir, as the central plot revealed that the Flash, a beloved character, accidentally killed multiple innocent heroes (including Roy Harper, his close friend) and framed Booster Gold and Harley Quinn for the crime. When this was released, fans were enraged and demanded a rewrite of the story due to discomfort with the Flash being responsible for the deaths of several heroes. In 2021’s “Flash Annual,” it was revealed that the lethal Speed Force burst wasn’t caused by Wally losing control, but rather a tragic accident that occurred while Savitar, the Speed God, attempted to break free from his prison. Fans were relieved to see Wally cleared of any wrongdoing, although some might still question his actions. In “Flash’s ‘Finish Line’ story,” Wally’s out-of-character choices were retconned as a result of Reverse-Flash manipulating him with dark thoughts, and it was Eobard who instigated the plan. Overall, Wally is innocent of any wrongdoing.
2) Resurrection of the Kents
In the New 52, when reality was redefined, unfortunate circumstances took the lives of Superman’s parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, leaving him without them when he turned eighteen. This shift in storyline mirrored the tone and style of the classic era that the New 52’s version of Superman and Action Comics aimed for, but it left a void as their wise guidance was missed from subsequent stories.
With the introduction of Doomsday Clock, history was altered to reinstate Superman’s history as Superboy, allowing him to save his parents from the accident that was initially fatal. Martha and Jonathan Kent are integral characters in the Superman mythos, often symbolizing a nurturing home and unwavering support. I believe they work best as representations of a warm household and individuals who will always have your back, rather than being mere remnants of a past loss.
Moreover, the thought of Ma and Pa Kent not being able to interact with Jon Kent and the Super Twins is simply unjust. They deserve the opportunity to be loving grandparents, as their presence would enrich the family dynamic.
3) Hawkman’s Consolidated Origin
In simpler terms, the story of Hawkman and Hawkgirl has been notoriously complex in the comic book world, with many writers attempting to clarify their conflicting past lives, especially when more than one version of them existed simultaneously. However, these explanations often fell short or created additional confusion. The 2018 series of Hawkman, though, offered a fantastic reinterpretation (retcon) that simplified the complexities in their origins. In his first life, he was a brutal warlord named Ktar Deathbringer who led an army of winged warriors called the Deathbringers. At the end of his life, he was cursed to be reincarnated throughout time and space to places where he could do the most good. He would then fight relentlessly until he had saved as many lives as he had taken, with Hawkgirl’s soul always bound to him. This not only resolved the inconsistencies in their reincarnations but also explained why multiple versions of them might exist at the same time. It’s a clever solution that resolved one of comics’ most persistent problems and deserves recognition.
4) Kite Man, Hell Yeah!
As a passionate movie-goer of the DC universe, I can’t help but appreciate the masterful stroke Tom King made with Kite Man. Originally, he was an insignificant Batman villain that easily slipped one’s mind. But in a remarkable twist, King transformed him into a tragic figure and former criminal, entangled in the deadly feud between the Riddler and the Joker. His son, tragically murdered for his involvement, shared Kite Man’s love of kites, even uttering “hell” during their last moments together.
Devastated by his son’s death, Kite Man donned his own Kite Man costume and took up arms in the name of what connected him to his child – flying kites. His catchphrase, a defiant “Hell yeah!”, is not only ridiculously entertaining but strikes an emotional chord with audiences everywhere. The heart-wrenching tale of Kite Man has made him unforgettable, so much so that he even stars in his own TV series, aptly titled “Kite Man: Hell Yeah!“. Even the legendary Wonder Woman doesn’t have her own TV show yet – talk about a retcon that exponentially and monumentally elevated Kite Man. Indeed, it’s a “Hell yeah!” moment for comic book fans everywhere.
5) Hippolyta – Wonder Woman of WWII
The concept of Hippolyta temporarily taking on the role of Wonder Woman during World War II isn’t entirely novel, as it was initially introduced in “Wonder Woman” #130 from 1987, when modern-day Hippolyta traveled back in time and joined the Justice Society of America. However, in DC’s current continuity, as presented in “The New History of The DC Universe” #1, it’s established that Hippolyta was the true Wonder Woman during WWII, with no mention of time travel. This change offers numerous storytelling possibilities, allowing for tales both about and responding to this revised history.
Firstly, it maintains Wonder Woman’s strong connection to WWII, a link she shares with the Justice Society, without the oddity of her main cast being tied to the war. Keeping this connection feels essential since Wonder Woman has always been closely associated with the war. This change doesn’t require any confusing explanations about why Steve Trevor remains young.
Secondly, this means that Hippolyta served as Wonder Woman, a role that had been uncertain since the New 52. This opens up the opportunity to explore her perspective on the mantle her daughter has made famous. Overall, it’s a well-executed retcon that presents many storytelling opportunities and links Hippolyta more deeply to the larger hero community in an interesting way.
6) The Metaverse
it proposes that the entire DC universe is built around Superman’s history, with him serving as the central figure and source of hope for everyone. Since Superman first appeared in 1938, the DC timeline adjusts according to Superman, keeping him relevant and able to guide the multiverse. This not only provides a clever justification for the sliding timescale but also pays homage to Superman, the first superhero, highlighting his enduring importance in the world of comics. Essentially, the Metaverse underscores Superman’s lasting significance in comic book history, making him the most important superhero ever and ensuring that he will remain so for years to come. It’s an exciting and satisfying development to see!
7) The Return of Wally West
During the New 52 reboot, many classic DC characters underwent significant changes or were even eliminated altogether. One such notable character was Wally West, whose new incarnation was admirable but distinctly different from the beloved version fans were accustomed to. For a period, Ace was promoted as the new Wally West, but this all changed following the publication of the DC Universe: Rebirth special issue, which marked the beginning of the Rebirth era and disclosed that the original Wally West had been trapped within the Speed Force. This unexpected revelation not only brought together two of DC’s most cherished characters emotionally, but it also heralded the restoration of much of DC’s old mythology that had been erased by the New 52. The return of Wally West represented a powerful, heartwarming moment and is undoubtedly among DC’s finest retcons.
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2025-08-14 15:32