DC All In Explained: Where to Start Reading the New DC Universe

As a seasoned comic book enthusiast with over two decades of reading under my belt, let me tell you, these new titles from DC Comics are truly something to behold! The Absolute line-up promises to breathe fresh life into our beloved heroes, and I am beyond excited to see what each creative team brings to the table.

4 decades ago, the DC Universe faced a major predicament. To address this, the creators launched “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” a 12-part comic book series written by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. This epic crossover event aimed to streamline the complex continuity of multiple universes in DC Comics, making it more appealing to new readers who might have found the DC Universe’s history confusing.

If you’re unfamiliar with the differences between periods such as pre-“Crisis”, post-“Crisis”, post-“Flashpoint”, or post-“Rebirth”, DC Comics’ upcoming line-wide publishing initiative, DC All In (launching in October), is described by Scott Snyder (writer of 2011’s Batman and 2024’s Absolute Batman) as “an excellent starting point for many years”.

In his years at DC, Snyder said, he was fortunate to contribute to a couple of fantastic projects designed to honor all types of superhero narratives. As he explained to ComicBook, the New 52 aimed to introduce fresh concepts and reimagine heroes from their origins, attracting readers seeking innovative perspectives. On the other hand, Rebirth focused on acknowledging and cherishing the rich, continuous storytelling that DC has been weaving for potentially centuries.

Every one was a massive triumph, yet they had distinctly unique styles. At times while I was in DC, it seemed like these styles clashed,” Snyder noted. “However, the conviction shared by creators, editors, and likely everyone there, was that if we could blend those contrasting styles simultaneously, we’d create a monumental shift and a venture that catered to a wide array of readers. This included those yearning for bold, innovative approaches, fans of traditional storytelling, and people seeking grand, epic narratives.

Instead of a complete overhaul, All In represents a fresh take on the DC universe, introducing what’s known as the DC Absolute Universe. While the main series continue with new plots or creative minds, this initiative follows the events of the crossover story “Absolute Power” by Mark Waid and Dan Mora. The journey begins with DC All In Special #1 written by Snyder, Joshua Williamson (Superman), Daniel Sampere (Wonder Woman), and Wes Craig (Deadly Class).

The 64-page standalone comic book, focusing on a single major event, is likened to a flipbook. As Williamson hinted, it features two narratives that while separate, progress concurrently and influence each other. One storyline revolves around DC Universe superheroes engaging in battle against Darkseid, and the second introduces various iterations of the trinity within the Absolute Universe (beneath).

Starting October 2nd, the first issue of the “DC All in Special” series becomes available for purchase. This will be followed by Scott Snyder’s new “Batman” book, with its first issue, titled “Absolute Batman” #1 (co-written by Snyder and Nick Dragotta), hitting shelves on October 9th. On October 23rd, the first issue of the “Absolute Wonder Woman” series written by Kelly Thompson and illustrated by Hayden Sherman will be released. Lastly, Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval’s “Absolute Superman” #1 will be available from November 6th.

According to Snyder, for any major project to take off, it needs to start with a compelling narrative. This tale should encompass both complexity and simplicity, appealing to newcomers while resonating with the rich history of storytelling cherished by long-term fans.

As I dive into this unfamiliar gaming world, here comes Darkseid, the ruthless ruler of Apokolips, whose turbulent and treacherous forces birth the latest Absolute Universe. Unlike my usual encounters, this Dark Knight finds himself stripped of the resources he’s accustomed to in his primary timeline. The fierce Amazon warrior no longer has her sisterhood at her back, and even Superman is a solitary figure, devoid of family or the Fortress of Solitude.

Initially, we conceived a narrative centered around the malevolent character of Darkseid. For both me and Josh, Darkseid has consistently embodied the main adversary within the DC Universe. As Snyder stated, “We’ve been mulling over this story that would elevate him.” Over the past few years, he’s been involved in some remarkable tales such as “Final Crisis” and “Justice League: The Darkseid War“, but we felt it was time to delve deeper. Williamson hinted that instead of upholding order and ruling with the Anti-Life Equation, Darkseid is “slowly adopting chaos”, a transformation you’ll witness in this upcoming special issue.

The core collection labeled with All In branding is designed to cater to both novice and returning comic book enthusiasts. This lineup in the main DC Universe features fresh story arcs and creative teams, such as Williamson’s continuous work on Superman, Chip Zdarsky’s uninterrupted run on Batman, and Tom King’s ongoing stint on Wonder Woman. Starting from issue #1090 on October 23rd, Tom Taylor (from Nightwing) and Mikel Jan?n (from Grayson) will lead the new creative team on Detective Comics, introducing a new storyline with significant changes for Batman.

Starting from October 9th, I’ll be diving headfirst into a weekly adventure with “Death of the Phantom Zone” in Action Comics #1070, penned by Waid and illustrated by Clayton Henry, who previously worked on Superman: Son of Kal-El. This thrilling storyline is a continuation of Waid and Mora’s Absolute Power and Batman/Superman: World’s Finest. On October 23rd, I’ll be bidding adieu to my current Green Arrow journey with issue #350 as the baton gets passed to the new creative duo, writer Chris Condon (That Texas Blood) and artist Montos (Green Lantern: War Journal).

DC All In Special #1

After the occurrences depicted in Absolute Power, the main characters from the heart of the DC Universe banded together to overcome deep-seated conflicts worldwide, paving the way for a fresh era characterized by harmony.

Just as it’s needed most, Darkseid has resurfaced! Superman summons every DC Super Hero on Earth to fortify our defenses against a reformed Darkseid from Apokolips. As we brace for battle, the initial impacts will send tremors through DC’s main titles, potentially altering the essence of their worlds at their core!

However, in the vast expanse of the Absolute Universe, a more significant peril lurks on the edge. Here, DC’s most iconic characters grow up with fewer privileges and encounter harder challenges than ever before, yet they maintain the unchanging heroism that captivates and amuses fans. Yet, will they truly safeguard the light within them when the world they inhabit seems to be spiraling towards an impending doom?

Batman

In the latest story arc, “The Dying City,” Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jimenez, and Carmine Di Giandomenico bring a thrilling comeback with Batman issues #153-154 (October 2nd and 16th). The Riddler takes an unexpected twist, a new enigmatic Super Hero named Commander Star emerges, and the gruesome murder of one of Gotham City’s most prominent citizens leaves Batman in shock. This electrifying tale unfolds bi-monthly throughout October.

Detective Comics

In issue #1090 of Detective Comics (October 23), a fresh creative team comprising Tom Taylor and Mikel Janín take over, launching a new storyline titled “Mercy of the Father.” The ghost of Gotham City’s past, who’s been patiently waiting since the night when Thomas and Martha Wayne were brutally killed, is set to make a dramatic return, targeting Batman. This narrative will bring significant alterations to the Dark Knight, potentially transforming his world forever.

Action Comics

For one week starting October 9th, the classic DC title “Action Comics” will be published weekly. The storyline “Death of the Phantom Zone,” following from “Absolute Power” and “Batman/Superman: World’s Finest,” sees Superman venturing into the Phantom Zone to avert an alien terror threatening Metropolis, penned by Mark Waid with artwork by Clayton Henry. In another tale, titled “Supergirl: Universe End,” Eisner Award winner Mariko Tamaki and artist Skylar Patridge take Supergirl on a cosmic journey to combat a perilous menace that she alone can neutralize.

Superman

In issue #19 of Superman (October 23), renowned artist Dan Mora teams up with Joshua Williamson for a fresh storyline following “Absolute Power”. The Man of Steel and Superwoman, Lois Lane, confront the resurgence of Doomsday, but the longevity of Lois’s new abilities is uncertain. To make matters worse, another formidable adversary of Superman, the Time Trapper, lies in wait.

Wonder Woman

In issue #14 of Wonder Woman (released on October 16), masterfully penned by Tom King and Daniel Sampere, Wonder Woman’s conflict with the Sovereign intensifies as Steve Trevor decides to take action, leading to potentially lethal outcomes. However, Steve’s fate could mark the start of Diana’s most extraordinary journey yet – motherhood!

Green Arrow

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled about Green Arrow #350! This special jubilee issue marks the end of Joshua Williamson’s remarkable tenure as writer, spotlighting DC’s Emerald Archer. Oliver Queen grapples with the consequences of his actions in Absolute Power, a choice he made to safeguard his dear ones, but the repercussions might have pushed his family and friends beyond forgiveness. This unmissable issue also introduces the initial chapter of Green Arrow’s upcoming journey, penned by Chris Condon (The Enfield Gang Massacre, That Texas Blood) and illustrated by Montos (Green Lantern: War Journal).

Absolute Batman

As a die-hard Batman fan, I’m excited to share that I’ll be diving into a fresh take on the Dark Knight with the arrival of Absolute Batman #1. Unlike my regular Batman, this version isn’t backed by a fortune, a mansion, or Alfred. Instead, the creators, Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, have something truly unique in store for us.

Absolute Wonder Woman

In the new universe, Diana, the Amazon warrior, doesn’t have an island paradise, a supportive sisterhood, or a peace mission to guide her. So, what is the role of an Amazon warrior in this fresh universe? This question is addressed in the first issue of ‘Absolute Wonder Woman’, written by Eisner Award-winning writer Kelly Thompson and illustrated by Hayden Sherman. The comic will be available for purchase on October 23, with colors by Jordie Bellaire and lettering by Becca Carey. The debut issue will feature a main cover by Sherman and Bellaire, as well as variant covers by several other artists such as Wes Craig and Mike Spicer, Jim Lee, Scott Williams and Alex Sinclair, Jeff Dekal, and Dan Panosian (1:25).

Absolute Superman

In a collaborative effort, author Jason Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval introduce a fresh take on the Man of Steel through the release of Absolute Superman #1. This Superman is solo, without family, a Fortress of Solitude, or a home. Will he continue to uphold truth and justice in this new world? Discover his journey when Absolute Superman #1, colored by Ulises Arreola and lettered by Becca Carey, arrives at participating comic book stores on November 6th. The first issue will be available with a primary cover by Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola, as well as variant covers by Wes Craig and Mike Spicer, Jim Lee, Scott Williams and Alex Sinclair, Clayton Crain, and Matteo Scalera (1:25).

2024-09-27 02:41