One of Doomsday Clock’s Most Controversial Ideas is Actually Canon

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DC Comics is simplifying its storylines for new readers by redefining its universe’s history with the engrossing “New History of the DC Universe” #1. The history of DC can be perplexing, but this comic series reintroduces lesser-known characters from the DC universe. Longtime DC fans will find surprises, such as both Shining Knights now being part of the canon, the return of Demon Knights from the New 52 series to continuity, and Icon from the Milestone Universe now integrated into the mainline Earth’s history. Writer Mark Waid delves into the non-superhero tales of DC Comics, with most of the first issue focusing on the origins of superheroes during World War II. However, a significant twist at the end of the book introduces an idea from “Doomsday Clock” into continuity, which has been a topic of debate among fans.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always found myself defending “Doomsday Clock,” penned by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, despite its fair share of criticism over the years. Many readers take issue with the fusion of the DC Multiverse and “Watchmen,” and it certainly isn’t a flawless tale. Nevertheless, this comic series has some truly intriguing elements that often get overlooked, such as the Superman Theory. The recent release, “New History of the DC Universe” #1, cleverly expands on this concept while simultaneously contributing to the construction of Earth’s superhero society.

The Superman Theory Provided a Reason for the Proliferation of Superheroes

The Doomsday Clock isn’t just a blend of the DC Multiverse and Watchmen; it was intended to serve as a pivotal moment in the DC Universe. The comic book introduced a theory called the Superman Conspiracy, suggesting that following Superman’s public debut, the U.S. government started creating metahumans through science. The agency responsible for this was the Department of Metahuman Affairs, and they even fabricated supervillains to challenge their newly-created superheroes, giving them credibility. These heroes were unaware that their powers originated from the government, instead believing they stemmed from accidents. In the narrative, Firestorm served as the poster child for the Superman Conspiracy. The storyline revealed that Professor Martin Stein intentionally created the Firestorm matrix to produce a superhero.

The Doomsday Clock established this concept within the story and then used the information pages at the end of the book to elaborate on it. The Superman Conspiracy significantly influenced the public’s mistrust of superheroes throughout the narrative, with severe repercussions when Firestorm, upset about his origins being questioned, caused an international crisis in Moscow. This theory seems more suited to the Marvel Universe and was expected to become a significant part of DC continuity following Doomsday Clock.

However, the majority of changes the story introduced were not incorporated into the mainline DC Universe due to delays that made it impossible for the narrative to have as profound an impact on DC lore as initially intended.

The Doomsday Clock stands as a notable missed potential in DC Comics lore. Originally conceived as the pinnacle of the Rebirth publishing project, this narrative failed to live up to expectations for many fans due to its crossover with the acclaimed graphic novel Watchmen. Some critics disapproved of this fusion, viewing it as illogical since Watchmen, a story widely recognized as the greatest superhero tale, had already achieved mainstream status through its comic book form and film adaptation.

However, dismissing the entire narrative was disheartening for fans who appreciated the story. One of the most captivating concepts in DC history was the Superman Theory. In the DC Universe, government agencies like Checkmate, the Department of Extranormal Operations, and Amanda Waller’s Task Force X often engage in clandestine activities with the metahuman community. Yet, their manipulation of superheroes had not been portrayed as all-encompassing. The Superman Theory, if realized, would have transformed this dynamic significantly.

Moreover, the theory’s depiction as a conspiracy theory that gained traction due to the Internet mirrors real-world events of the past decade. By straining the bond between the general public and metahumans—a relationship where ordinary citizens on DC Earth admire their superpowered protectors unlike in the Marvel Universe—the narrative could have led to intriguing developments.

The Supermen Project Is a Rethinking of the Superman Theory

A Fresh Look at DC Universe History” #1 primarily explores the non-superhero era of the DC Universe, with the final pages delving into the initial appearances of Golden Age superheroes. In the 50s, superheroes were essentially outlawed following the Justice Society of America’s refusal to reveal their identities to the House Un-American Activities Committee. Yet, the government wasn’t ready to entirely eliminate all metahuman guardians. Instead, they sought control and recruited scientists like Niles Caulder (known for Doom Patrol) and financiers such as Will Magnus (Metal Men creator), half of Firestorm Professor Martin Stein, and industrialist Simon Stagg to usher in a new era of superheroes through the Supermen Project Phase One.

In contrast to the Superman Theory presented in Doomsday Clock, this scenario appears different because Superman hadn’t made his debut yet. Consequently, the government wasn’t attempting to replicate him. Moreover, it seems that the information regarding this new narrative is more openly acknowledged than the Superman Theory, as Barry Allen narrates it, indicating that superheroes are aware of its existence. Unlike Doomsday Clock, this fresh take on DC Universe history doesn’t carry the same ominous tone; instead, it aligns with the reimagined DC Universe since Dawn of DC started in 2023. Compared to Marvel, this revised tale feels more like classic DC, and we’re intrigued by its development, especially since New History of the DC Universe #1 sets up that it was just Phase One. So, what follows as Phase Two, and will there be more revelations to come?

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2025-06-26 17:10