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Coming this September the DC Universe we know is going to change. Now, while we've had our revisions in the past, this is different than the ones before. In the past we've had history revisions and edits while titles continued. This time, we're getting the whole universe overhauled, and all titles are starting back at #1.
I'll admit that when I first heard about this I thought that DC had lost their minds. In the past few years I have easily read more DC than I did Marvel. Heck, I read more IDW stuff than I did Marvel…but you get my point. I care about more DC characters than I do Marvel characters, to be blunt. And while I've abandoned many a title from DC lately I felt bad for those that were reading them. Then I realized that I was assuming people were still reading them.
I've been reading a lot of stuff online about the relaunch. I usually tend to avoid a lot of sites because I don't want spoilers, but I wanted to see what other people were thinking. Initially there was resistance. To say there was a large amount would be an understatement. But, as time has gone on I've seen people being more open to it, as I've also become. Largely it was due to an article I read that compared the current relaunch to the original "Crisis". The writer talked about how at that time there were DC readers that felt the same way, that "their" characters were being taken away. But, the torch was passed to new readers and for some of them the post-Crisis versions of the characters were "their" characters.
I then started considering how Marvel and DC deal with real-world time. Marvel pretty much disregards it. A decade in our world is a few years in Marvel. People don't really age. Sometimes young kids do (Power Pack), but they don't always age to full adulthood. And even if they do that gets messed with. DC on the other hand tends to do a "reset" of sorts with some kind of universal event. Well, if I were to compare it to a computer I would say that up until now DC has been doing "warm boots", and this new relaunch is definitely a "cold boot" (or "hard boot" if you prefer). I could go with OS jokes/comparisons, but it's likely I'd get distracted.
Anyway, I've been looking at things more and more regarding the new DC Universe. I've talked to the owners of the new comic shop a lot. Believe me, you want to talk about concern? Talk to the owner of a new comic shop, and I'm talking a few months old. Some shop owners are really concerned. Increase that by a factor of at least five, and you're probably getting into the ballpark. So, with that in mind I started to look at how this relaunch will not only affect me as a reader, but the comic community as a whole. I really try to consider the latter often. I don't think we comic readers do that enough.
I came to some interesting realizations once I did that. Of course, to get that I have to give you some information first. That information would be what I am reading. If you honestly don't care, just scroll down until you start seeing paragraphs again. If you're interested, I'm going to list all 52 new titles and if I plan on getting them or not.
So, here is the list of titles I will be getting, some I might pick up the day they come out, and those I won't be getting. I'll give reasons for the first two categories. The ones I'm not picking up I pretty much don't care about the character or concept, though in a few cases there are other factors.
What I am getting (21 titles):
- Justice League - Plain and simple this is the Justice League. Admittedly there is no Martian Manhunter, and that does concern me. But, with Geoff Johns writing that's enough of an additional factor for me to check out the book. It's been too long since I've read a decent Justice League story and I'm hopeful this title will start strong.
- Justice League International - It's the return of the JLI and Booster Gold and Guy Gardner are on the team. That's all I need to check it out.
- Aquaman - I'm interested in seeing what Geoff Johns does with the character, nothing more than that.
- The Flash - I enjoy the Flash. Next to Green Lantern he's a close as I get to following a "major" character in the DC Universe.
- Captain Atom - I was there when Captain Atom had his own title after the original "Crisis" and really enjoyed the character. I have been really frustrated with how he's been treated at times and I want to see what they're going to do this time. I'm cautious, but hopeful.
- The Fury of Firestorm - I enjoy the concept of Firestorm and I'm interested in seeing what Ethan Van Sciver and Gail Simone do with him. I have a lot of faith in Gail Simone. I also enjoy the characters of Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond and want to see the new take on their interaction.
- Mister Terrific - I've liked this character since I first came across him in JSA years ago. They are changing him some from what I've read, but I still want to see what they do with the character having his own title.
- Action Comics - I was originally going to pass on this one but it has been referred to as a "cornerstone" of the new DC Universe a few times, so I'll be checking it out. That's my only reason. Grant Morrison concerns me, but I loved his JLA run.
- Superman - I'm interested in seeing the changes to the character and how it's handled by George Perez. Plus, it leads into Stormwatch, which I did plan on getting.
- Green Lantern - It's Green Lantern and Geoff Johns. That's a no-brainer for me.
- Green Lantern Corps - It's the Green Lantern Corps and I've come to trust Peter J. Tomasi's writing of them. Another no-brainer.
- Green Lantern: New Guardians - It's Green Lantern mythos and a focus on Kyle Rayner. That's enough for me, but I also have a decent level of faith in Tony Bedard.
- Red Lanterns - I'm looking forward to the expansion of the Green Lantern mythos from view of the Red Lanterns and seeing their brand of justice.
- Animal Man - This is one of those characters I've always had an interest in, but never investigated it (I dig the concept of an anthropomorphic field). Now, I can check out the character.
- Resurrection Man - The character's original title was great. Now we're getting the character back and once again he's written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning? I'm there. I hope to see some Body Doubles.
- Stormwatch - Jack Hawksmoor, Midnighter and Apollo in the DC Universe? With Martian Manhunter alongside them? How can I not check this out?
- Teen Titans - I'm interested in seeing what the new team is about. I'm very worried about Scott Lobdell's writing, but I'm checking out the title anyway.
- Hawk and Dove - I've always liked the concept since I read the mini when I was younger. And who is that doing the art? Liefeld, the artist of that mini. I'm not big on his art, but I can do the nostalgia thing.
- Blue Beetle - I'm a fan of this incarnation of Blue Beetle, and I have faith in Tony Bedard.
- Legion of Super-Heroes - I have become numb to LSH reboots now. I'm pushing through it and I have faith in Paul Levitz.
- Legion Lost - It's got the LSH connection, I'm interested in seeing what they do with the characters of the title and I have faith in Fabian Nicieza.
What I might pick up (3 titles):
- DC Universe Presents - A rotating focus may keep things fresh.
- Justice League Dark - Sure, it sounds like a beer, but I'm intrigued. Right now the only character I care about is Deadman. If I find out there will be some Blue Devil at some point soon, then I'll pick it up for sure.
- Suicide Squad - Deadshot and nostalgia, nothing more.
What I'm not getting (28 titles):
- Wonder Woman
- Green Arrow
- The Savage Hawkman - I've given up on this character. Nobody knows what the hell they're doing with him anymore.
- Superboy - The Lobdell factor overrides the Teen Titan connection.
- Supergirl
- Batman
- Detective Comics
>Batwing - I like Winick, but it's not enough to make me care about a Batman character.
- Batman: The Dark Knight
- Batman and Robin
- Batgirl
- Batwoman
- Nightwing
- Catwoman
- Birds of Prey
- Red Hood and the Outlaws
- Swamp Thing
- Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
- I, Vampire
- Demon Knights
- Voo Doo
- Grifter
- Deathstroke - I like the character, but not enough.
- O.M.A.C.
- Blackhawks
- Men of War
- All-Star Western - I like Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, but I don't care for westerns.
- Static Shock
So, when it comes to me DC is going to be getting my money on just a bit less than half the relaunch titles. Some would say that's not a good thing. Well, they would be wrong. At least in my case. You see, I've looked at my previous two months orders and if I look at the actual "regular" titles I was getting (I factored in a title for the Flash), then I was getting 10 titles. That means that the reboot is good for DC when it comes to my money. They will be getting more than double what they would have been getting from me, and that's likely to go for nearly six months for every title. My way of reading is that for me to really get a feel for a title (or new writer) I need to give it six months. I will occasionally bail before then, but it's rare and the title has to be really bad in my eyes. Overall though, DC is definitely winning out from a business standpoint when it comes to me.
There is of course the non-business side. Will I "recognize" these characters? Will I still feel connected to the characters and concepts I care about? Will I lose sleep wondering why everyone is obsessed with collars? If I were to go the way of many I'd already be answering these questions. The problem with that though is that we don't have the finished product in our hands, and that means we're working off assumptions. Now, while the people who are feeling concerned or wronged about this new reboot are allowed their feelings about it, it doesn't mean they're right. If there is one thing I have learned in my life is that what I tend to believe, is what I tend to get. It's not really impacting me here except in regards to Hawkman's title, and I am aware of that. If I hear it's good, I'll check it out. It's the fair thing to do.
I think a few people are treating this relaunch like a game of 52 pickup (yes, I am aware of the number coincidence). DC did ask us if we wanted to play, but come September the titles fly like cards. The difference though is that we have to pay to pick up a card. The major factor people seem to be forgetting beyond that is the fact that we don't have to pick up anything DC throws out. If you're that set on fighting the relaunch, then don't participate. Maybe it will be like "Heroes Reborn" and it will all go back. Or maybe it will work and those who participate will be there for a new beginning for DC Comics. Either way, I think it should prove to be an interesting experience.
As time goes on I will of course be giving my impressions of the titles and the relaunch in general.
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