7 Reasons DC All In Has Been a Success

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As a passionate cinephile, I’ve got to say that this year has been an incredible comeback for DC Comics. For decades, Marvel has held the crown as the leading superhero comic publisher, but this year, it seems like the tables have turned.

Now, don’t get me wrong. DC has had its challenges. With a complex continuity that can be overwhelming for new readers and a tendency to lean heavily on Batman stories, they’ve faced their fair share of criticism. Some of their most iconic franchises have taken a backseat in the 21st century, and over-reliance on Batman’s sales dominance has driven away many readers. To top it off, the New 52 and DC Rebirth didn’t exactly set the world on fire.

Meanwhile, Marvel was able to captivate audiences and keep them engaged, thanks in part to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s success. This brought in a whole new wave of fans from outside the comic book world. While Marvel was consistently rebooting on a smaller scale and publishing top-selling number one comics, DC’s Batman miniseries felt like they were just that—mini.

But things have changed significantly in recent years, and DC All In is making waves among both readers and critics. It seems that DC has finally found its footing again, and I, for one, am excited to see what the future holds!

The story began with Dawn of DC, an initiative in publishing that kickstarted a fresh take on the DC Multiverse using the series “Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths” as a foundation. This new multiverse drew from the finest aspects of all DC’s timelines. Dawn of DC revitalized many DC franchises that had fallen into disuse, particularly Batman, and generated such excitement among fans that when DC All-In #1 was released, it ignited the comic industry, with Absolute books dethroning Marvel’s top sellers for the first time in years. The success of DC All-In can be attributed to these seven key factors.

7) The Return of Justice

Since the 2000s, the Justice League has been a challenge for DC Comics. However, the JLA revival in the mid-90s reestablished the team’s significance, with Grant Morrison returning the team to their roots and offering captivating narratives. Subsequent runs by Mark Waid and Joe Kelly maintained this level of quality, but the book lost favor among fans. Despite some compelling tales and the successful Brad Meltzer run in 2007, it seemed that the era of the Justice League had come to an end. The New 52 attempted to center itself around Justice League, but failed to retain readers’ interest. DC Rebirth’s Justice League faltered, although Scott Snyder’s tenure represented a step towards recovery. The Bendis run was contentious, and the conclusion of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths marked the end of the League. Absolute Power and DC All-In #1 reintroduced the Justice League, drawing inspiration from the animated series Justice League Unlimited and transforming the team into a collective of every DC hero. The new Justice League Unlimited comic beautifully encapsulates the team’s wild nature. DC All In is revitalizing the Justice League, with the potential for the Absolute Justice League in the future. The Justice League is back in vogue.

6) Superman Has Retaken His Place Atop the Mountain

In a more casual and engaging tone:

Superman was the original superhero, but for a while, DC Comics seemed to overshadow him due to Batman’s popularity. However, in the 21st century, Superman has had some fantastic and mediocre storylines, but his importance wasn’t fully realized. That changed starting from 2021 when Superman comics gained a lot of attention again.

DC All In is now focusing more on Superman, giving him a third title – “Superman Unlimited” – written by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque. Both “Superman” and “Action Comics” have some amazing creative teams, including Josh Williamson, Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Clayton Henry, Eddie Barrows, and Skylar Patridge. Their work each month leaves readers in awe.

In the main plot of DC All In, Superman plays a crucial role, while “Action Comics” offers an exciting Superboy storyline. “Superman Unlimited” is also revamping the role of Kryptonite within the DC Universe. Plus, books like “Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All” #1 have helped bring Superman back to his rightful place as a prominent figure in the DC Universe.

5) JSA‘s Shows Why DC’s Golden Age Legacy Is the Best

If you’re a fan of superhero ensembles, credit goes to the Justice Society of America for pioneering this concept. The Justice Society has experienced its share of triumphs and setbacks through the years; they were at their peak during the Silver and Bronze Age, but their popularity waned following the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” and didn’t regain traction until the ’90s, thanks to series like “Starman” and “JSA”, the latter being one of the best team books ever published. The New 52 attempted to return the Justice Society to Earth-2, but the comic fell short of fan expectations. After the conclusion of the New 52, it took DC a while to reintroduce the team, starting with “Doomsday Clock”. The new Golden Age publishing initiative has since resurrected the legendary team in comics such as “Justice Society of America”, “Wesley Dodd: The Sandman”, “Jay Garrick: The Flash”, and “Alan Scott: Green Lantern”. DC All-In continued this trend, featuring “JSA” from comic prodigy Jeff Lemire and “Jay Garrick: The Flash” by artist Diego Olortegui. This book seamlessly blends the classic Justice Society with their successors from Infinity Inc., delivering a compelling character drama that is crucial for audience connection, along with thrilling action sequences and surprising twists. In truth, this comic ranks among the best team books available today, making it one of the standout titles in DC All-In.

4) The Return of the Best B-List In Comics

In simpler terms, the revival of lesser-known characters from DC Comics has been a welcome change. The New 52 initiative, aimed at showcasing the vastness of the DC Multiverse, was fraught with issues due to character modernization that disappointed many fans, including newcomers. Although DC Rebirth started strong, it too fell short. The Infinite Frontier and Dawn of DC phases have been significant steps in reviving these characters, with miniseries for characters like Fire and Ice, the Challengers of the Unknown, the Question, and Mister Terrific. Notably, The New Gods have a new series after a long time, created by a talented team. Supergirl now has her own book, combining elements from different eras of the character, while the Green Lantern Corps also returned to their own title. The Justice League Unlimited series is incorporating B and C-list characters in every issue, with significant roles for characters like Terrific, Black Lightning, and others. This direction towards lesser-known characters is what longtime fans are eagerly anticipating.

3) It’s Giving Readers the Most Unique Darkseid Story Ever

In issue #1 of DC All In, Darkseid makes a long-awaited return following his appearance in Justice League Incarnate and Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths. He orchestrates a cunning plan to seize the power of the Spectre by sacrificcing his elites, launching an attack on the Justice League’s Watchtower with hidden intentions. The battle appears to claim Darkseid’s life, but this was part of his master scheme. Instead, he takes control over the Alpha Earth, born during Dark Knights: Death Metal, and establishes the Absolute Earth. Although his presence has been absent since then (save for what sounds like his voice in the ongoing “Darkseid Legion” series), his influence is evident across the DC universe. Over time, various stories have revolved around Darkseid, but one persistent issue has been excessive exposure as his popularity grew. However, DC All In adopts a ‘less is more’ strategy with Darkseid, keeping his plans shrouded in mystery while hinting at an impending apocalyptic strike. This approach works effectively because of the uncertainty surrounding his intentions and the intrigue generated by his new scheme. The absence of the Anti-Life Equation adds a fresh twist to the narrative, making it more engaging. If DC manages to execute this storyline skillfully, it could become one of the best Darkseid tales ever told.

2) Absolute Martian Manhunter Is the Best Thing the Big Two Has Done in Years

As a fervent admirer, I’m thrilled to delve into the extraordinary realm of “The Absolute Martian Manhunter.” Frankly, I never imagined this book would be as phenomenal as it has proven to be, even with the stellar creative trio of Deniz Camp, Javier Rodriguez, and Hassan Otsame-Elhaou at its helm. The initial issue was nothing short of breathtaking, and each subsequent issue has maintained that level of excellence. This comic is reminiscent of what you’d expect from Image Comics, surpassing every other mainstream superhero book in terms of quality. It’s a harmonious blend of artistry and storytelling, a narrative that rewards multiple readings due to its rich layers of meaning.

The main plot revolving around John Jones and the Martian’s struggle to thwart the White Martian’s destructive intent towards Middleton and the world is engagingly executed. Simultaneously, it delves into the profound familial turmoil this endeavor is causing the Jones family. This book is a trailblazer, pushing boundaries and evoking emotion in ways rarely seen in superhero comics. While “perfect” is a term critics toss around lightly, in this case, it’s an accurate description. Everything about it is extraordinary, demonstrating that with the right team, any comic can ascend to the realm of high art.

Upon its release, the demand for this comic was so immense that DC expanded its initial six-issue run to twelve issues. Alas, securing a copy isn’t always easy as it sells out at every store each time it hits the shelves. However, I implore you to seek out the collected edition when it becomes available (also, don’t forget to check out the Black Label book “Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma,” from Ram V and Anand Rk, which is nearly as remarkable as “Absolute Martian Manhunter” and deserves a spot on your reading list).

1) The Absolute Universe Is the Most Exciting DC Has Been in Years

In a nutshell, the “Absolute Universe” by DC Comics has revolutionized the DC world in ways unmatched over several decades. Initially, fans feared it would be a pale imitation of Marvel’s “Ultimate Universe,” given its villain-created backdrop. However, the “Absolute Universe” quickly proved its worth with standout titles like “Absolute Batman,” “Absolute Superman,” and especially “Absolute Wonder Woman.” These books were an instant hit due to their fresh take on classic characters.

Darkseid’s creation of a new Earth has sparked significant changes within DC’s Trinity (Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman), making them more popular than ever by offering readers something rare – brand-new stories featuring characters who are nearly a century old instead of just over half a century. Other titles such as “Absolute Flash” and “Absolute Martian Manhunter” further expanded the “Absolute DC Universe.”

What sets the “Absolute DC” books apart is their intricate storyline, which promises longevity even after the main plot concludes – unlike Marvel’s “Ultimate Universe.” These six titles are considered the pinnacle of DC Comics, with fans eagerly awaiting more, as evidenced by upcoming releases like “Absolute Green Arrow.” All in all, “Absolute DC” delivers everything you could desire from superhero comics and beyond.

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2025-08-03 20:14