In case you’ve had your head in the sand – or you’re simply not that into comics, back in May DC Comics announced a complete re-launch of its entire universe of stories and characters.
USA Today broke the original story on May 31, citing an urge to update and reinvigorate the decades old lineup of DC classics like Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman.
Co-publisher and longtime comics artist at DC Comics Jim Lee was given the task of redesigning the big three and others as new titles are in the works.
Along with the renumbering, DC is greatly tweaking the continuity of its classics. The goal is to make titles easier for unseasoned readers to understand and to give them incentive to keep reading.
Like in so many other realms of fandom, the reception has been mixed. The dissent among fans – against DC and each other – has been palpable. Not only on DC’s corporate Facebook fanpage, but across the many varied websites catering to comic book fans.
But, as The New York Times recently reported, this move is about sales. With DC trailing Marvel in sales for years, they appear to be banking on their shiny new No. 1’s to reel in new readers.
If early reports are correct, it seems to be a success. Reports of sell
out success have been pouring in from all over the country.
Several fan sites are citing official reports from DC and their distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors, which state that Action Comics, Justice League International, and Batman & Robin are among those sold out and on their way to second printings.
News continues to pour in from fan reviews and reactions to official convention panels in regards to just how deep some of these continuity changes are going.
Even if these major changes leave a sour taste in the mouths of old fans, it might be cleansed by the string of fan-favorite writers and artists that DC has brought in for the relaunch.
Among the big-time names are George Perez, well-known for his work with “The New Teen Titans,” and writer Marv Wolfman, who are developing the revamped Superman.
Iconic 90’s artist and writer Robert Liefeld will be drawing Hawk and Dove. Grant Morrison, the writer behind critically acclaimed All-Star Superman, is penning the new Action Comics.
Those looking for fresh talent might be disappointed in the lineup of writers and artists for this big push.
“Awesome writers like Brian Clevinger and Kelly Sue DeConnick were asked to come in and pitch, but neither of them ended up being a part of the relaunch,” says blogger and filmmaker Patrick Willems.
“Instead, DC gave a huge amount of its books to utterly mediocre writers like J.T. Krull and Eric Wallace, 90s Marvel mainstays like Scott Lobdell, and artists who are virtually unproven as writers.”
The relaunch officially began on August 31, starting off with the new and “improved” Justice League. As September progresses, 12-13 new stories will arrive in stores each week, with the brand-new “Superman” landing with the remaining titles on Sept. 28.
Whether or not the wave of excitement and curiosity surrounding a slew of fresh No. 1’s will prove as successful and enduring as their original incarnations remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that regardless of fan skepticism, comics are flying off the shelves.
Once all 52 have reached stores, look for more coverage from The Eastern Echo on the DC relaunch.
