DC All In Special #1 Review: The Epic Birth of a New Era

DC All In Special #1 Review: The Epic Birth of a New Era

As a seasoned comic book enthusiast who’s been following DC’s universe since the days of Superman v2 #75 (yes, I still have my copy), I must say that the DC All In Special is a remarkable addition to the DC pantheon. This flipbook-style issue, with its ambitious narrative, manages to set the stage for the main universe while delving into the origins of the Absolute Universe in a way that’s both engaging and intriguing.


DC embarks on a daring new phase with the eagerly awaited DC All-In Special – an innovative comic book style issue that aims to establish the present state of the main universe as well as unveil the beginnings of the Absolute Universe. It’s a challenging endeavor, and although there’s plenty to cover, the team is ready for the challenge, producing a unique special issue that fulfills its purpose while allowing each hero and villain in this vast world to stand out individually. This is merely the start, but with All-In, DC has taken the first step forward, and the future looks exceptionally promising.

Two Sides of the Story

In the All In Special, events transpire 52 days following Absolute Power, and we witness two contrasting viewpoints. One side predominantly follows Superman and Booster Gold, portraying their perspective as heroes, while the other reveals Amanda Waller’s plan, giving those who missed Absolute Power a brief overview of the situation. The focus on Waller’s scheme serves to quickly bring newcomers up-to-date with key elements of her grand design.

DC All In Special #1 Review: The Epic Birth of a New Era

As a devoted reader, I can’t help but zero in on a crucial insight from Absolute Power: the devastating impact of poor communication among heroes when facing Waller’s relentless assault. Unlike the Justice League serving as their coordinating center, they were each operating independently, which proved to be a major vulnerability that needs immediate attention post-event.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my excitement over the outstanding portrayal of Booster Gold in this issue! The narrative is truly his spotlight, as it skillfully weaves together events that resonate deeply with both Booster’s story and those that intersect with it. For ardent Booster fans like myself, this tale will undoubtedly strike a chord.

Alpha and Omega

In this comic book special, the narrative switches perspectives and delves into Darkseid’s personal story, offering a unique insight that we may not have seen before. The talented team of Scott Snyder, Wes Craig, Mike Spicer, and Steve Wands have crafted a more determined portrayal of Darkseid than we’re used to, and his choices in this special might seem bolder than usual, but they remain consistent with his ultimate objective, which is something grander than any past endeavor.

DC All In Special #1 Review: The Epic Birth of a New Era

In other words, if The Spectre is part of the scenario, it’s expected but surprising (in a positive sense) to witness Darkseid testing boundaries like this. Craig, Spicer, and Wands skillfully portray each interaction, making them grim yet captivating. When these two tales eventually converge, the central page is breathtaking, offering a visual and contextual shock that hints at an epic confrontation in the future.

To fully appreciate this story, especially if you’re new or haven’t been following “Absolute Power” closely, there may be moments that seem confusing. This is because the narrative delves deeply into the dynamics of Darkseid’s supporting cast and family, which some readers might find less engaging and could slow down the initial pace. However, the broad strokes of how the new universe was created and where the main storyline is heading should still be clear. For a more comprehensive understanding, you might need to read it again to catch all the intricate details.

Indeed, All In left me quite captivated with its wide-ranging themes and the skillful manner in which the creators wove these larger aspects into a single, fulfilling narrative. The innovative flipbook style added an extra layer of creativity, while simultaneously presenting two unique tales that merge into a captivating whole. Each part of this grand story offered stunning and indelible moments. It’s clear that a fresh, impressive era has dawned, and it’s off to a remarkable beginning.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published By: DC Comics

Written By: Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder

Art By: Daniel Sampere, Wes Craig, and Dan Mora

Colored By: Alejandro Sanchez, Mike Spicer, and Tamra Bonvillain

Lettered By: Steve Wands

DC All In Special #1 is in comic stores now.

What did you think of All In? You can talk all things comics with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

Read More

2024-10-02 20:09