New History of the DC Universe #1 Perfectly Lives Up to Its Name

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In a departure from its traditionally complex continuity, DC Comics is shaking things up with New History of the DC Universe #1. This marks the second time in half a century that DC has endeavored to present a comprehensive account of its universe’s history for readers – the first instance being The History of the DC Universe, published post-Crisis on Infinite Earths. The task was entrusted to none other than Mark Waid, a highly acclaimed DC historian and writer currently at the pinnacle of his craft. This book is an ideal read for DC enthusiasts, offering a chronicle of the DC Universe’s history from the dawn of time to the demise of Krypton. It’s long been desired by fans as it seamlessly integrates lesser-known DC characters and concepts into the DC Multiverse once more.

The narrative within this book is penned by Barry Allen, who has become powerless, as he chronicles the known timeline of the DC Multiverse, beginning with its inception. It’s a captivating read for several reasons: firstly, because Barry hasn’t been actively involved since losing his powers (apart from admonishing Wally West in recent The Flash issues over his actions against Eclipso); secondly, due to Barry Allen’s significant role in DC history. He was instrumental in ushering in the new DC Universe of the Silver Age, making him an ideal candidate for chronicling DC history. Mark Waid, renowned for his affinity towards the Flash (writing Wally West contributed to his fame), has crafted this story with Barry Allen as the storyteller, which seems fitting. This book offers a unique perspective on the history of DC, featuring characters you may recognize but seldom encounter in stories, such as Anthro, Viking Prince, Arak, Son of Thunder, and various Western heroes beyond Jonah Hex, Enemy Ace, and the World War II war story heroes. For those who have owned a DC Encyclopedia, this book is like encountering familiar faces with fresh tales.

For longtime aficionados of DC comics, this graphic novel promises a delightful read. Waid cleverly integrates a wealth of DC lore into the captions, providing readers with essential insights about each character. I find myself chuckling and exclaiming in joy whenever an obscure DC character pops up – characters that haven’t graced the pages of a comic for quite some time. Some might assume a book like this, essentially a chronicle of a fictional multiverse, could be monotonous, but there’s a palpable fun factor throughout. Waid’s passion for DC comics shines on every page, and it’s refreshing to have a clear understanding of the DC universe’s history. There have been moments when such information would bring great joy to fans – one of the main criticisms of the New 52, for instance, was the uncertainty about what was and wasn’t canon – and this is just such a moment. For those less acquainted with DC comics, this could serve as an ideal introduction. I sincerely hope that DC considers reissuing many of the classic comics that this book references, as I suspect it will spark even greater curiosity among readers.

The artwork in this book is truly exceptional. Renowned artist Jerry Ordway, a distinguished figure in DC’s history as both writer and artist, and Todd Nauck, whose contemporary animation style has always been visually stunning, present readers with full-page displays of key moments from DC history. Despite their distinctly different artistic approaches – Ordway’s style harkening back to the old school era and Nauck’s influenced by ’90s anime-inspired art – this contrast adds to the comic’s appeal. The unique splash page layout of the book suits the storyline perfectly, even though it lacks traditional panels. Each page seamlessly blends heroes from various eras, and despite the absence of traditional panel divisions, nothing becomes confusing.

This piece skillfully combines the written text with captivating artwork to create an engaging reading experience. While it lacks a traditional narrative structure, instead focusing on historical accounts, each brief excerpt offers vivid portrayals of the characters’ exceptional abilities. Ordway and Nauck were undeniably the ideal pair for this book, as they both harbor a profound affection for DC Comics, which is evident in their work. It’s often challenging when two artists collaborate on a single book, but here, both artists excel at providing stunning visuals that I found myself admiring, with Ordway being my personal favorite, yet finding delight in Nauck’s pages as well. The blend of classical and contemporary art styles significantly enhances the overall appeal of this book.

I strongly suggest reading this book for those eager to grasp the intricacies of DC Comics. The final chapter offers additional insights, featuring a wealth of information about the first appearances of numerous DC characters, meticulously compiled by David Wielgosz from research with Waid. This book reflects the passion and enthusiasm of its creators who want you to appreciate the rich history of DC just as much as they do. With its release, this is an ideal moment for such a book, serving as an indispensable reference tool for both new and long-time DC enthusiasts.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Colors by Matt Herms and John Kalisz

Letters by Todd Klein

The New History of the DC Universe #1 is on sale now.

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2025-06-25 14:39