From JLA #1
The DC Universe rebooted?
I wasn't gonna blog about this, since I'm not one to fall into "viral marketing" or such pointless hype-fuelling systems.
But after seeing so much divided opinions on the web since this announcement, I guess I'll have to join in the fun as well and give you my side of things to come.
This teaser picture was released a bit earlier. It's a teaser showcasing the "changes" that will occur after the current event FLASHPOINT. (which is about the Earth being all wrong, thanks to the Reverse Flash, the Flash is lost in a completely different planet that the one he's used to, Booster Gold drops in this anomlay after a time travel, the Flashpoint-heroes are trying to deal with these "invaders" or anomalies if you want, etc..)
It seems our heroes won't be able to correct completely the universe..or is it?
What we do know so far:
- Co-editor in chief Jim Lee is currently redesigning the entire DC library of characters (for some reason?)
- Other co-EIC Dan Didio said it's a great time for DC Comics, what with all the fanbase, people reading comics currently, the synergies between comics, games, movies/tv shows and movies... A perfect starting point to deep in the DCU
- A lot of major comics (their entire lineup?) are starting all over their numbering, amongst them will be: Batman #1, Superman #1, Wonder Woman #1, Birds of Prey #1, Green Lantern #1 and upcoming new titles Aquaman #1, Hawkman #1...
- This teaser above seems to be spawning from Flashpoint' changes... (Cyborg included in a JLA lineup?)
What we do not know and can only speculate upon:
- DC will reboot their universe along the current popularity of the Batman/Dark Knight and upcoming Green Lantern movie
- Geoff Johns did say an Aquaman title and Hawkman would be launched after Brightest Day (but this Aquaman #1 doesn't seem to be penned under his writing)
- This could as easily be a Flashpoint spinoff/Aftermath similar to how Marvel had "Decimation" after "House of M"
- This is a partial reboot like WW had on her own title recently (remember the Jim Lee redesigned leather jacket-ed WW?) or Zero Hour
- This is just another event following Flashpoint and not definitive
- This might be the launch of an "Ultimate" line for younger readers, to help out fresh years of continuity?
- It's not just a change in costume designs.. They all look sorta younger
- Superman looks strangely Earth One-ysh, like JMS' take in that graphic novel taking place in a younger alternate universe
- lots of V shaped necklines
- They didn't use other (better) artists such as Alex Ross or George Pérez to redesign groups or different kind of characters...just 100% Jim Lee
What contradicts a reboot:
- It would detract from Grant Morrison's multi years long storyline currently taking form in Batman & Robin, Batman Inc., etc.. You wouldn't go against a famed renowned well liked good writer.
- Geoff Johns wouldn't reboot all his years of writing Green Lantern, even if he's the one assigned to Green Lantern #1 (bye bye Blackest Night & co?)
- Risk to alienate tons of fans all around the world by losing years of characters development & etc.. (Barbara Gordon back to Batgirl and not Oracle? what about new announced Birds of Prey #1? no more Red Robin, Damian Wayne, etc..)
- contradicts already announced publishing series (new JLI title, Etrigan on-going, etc..) and marketing plans (Retrospective one-shots - stories taking place in the past of the DCU such as a Justice League 90s in the JLI days, Batman 70s/80s, etc..)
- what about the current on-going storylines? Like Gail Simone's Birds of Prey or Dan Jurgens' Booster Gold? Or Doomsday in Superman books? Wonder Woman on-going "fake" reboot?
What might prove it's a reboot:
- Didio sort of said it.
- Looks like the actual DCU, spinning off Flashpoint rather than an actual Ultimate line
- lots of year passed since Crisis on Infinite Earths in '85
- lots of different interpretations of the current DCU around (with the cartoon Young Justice, the movies, the 52 alternate universe,..), too much?
Anyway, it's too early to be sure what this is really about. Real reboot? Fake reboot?
I used to think the current DC universe was quite easily understandable and accessible...More so than ever.
(with comics like DCU Legacies even clearly up certain facts..)
Jim Lee already redesigned everybody for the MMORPG DCOnline...did he got bored and redo everyone? Are those leftovers? Did he just doodle more designs, Didio passed around, exclaimed "Hey! Nice redesigns! We should use those, let's reboot!" ???
I guess we'll have to wait and see...
(this might just prove to be simply costume redesigns for no reason...or for a Flashpoint Aftermath with Barry Allen/The Flash trying to correct what's left over..or an alternate Ultimate line...will we end up with 2 Birds of Prey book, one by Simone in-continuity and a #1 in an Ultimate universe - since she isn't writing that BoP #1??)
(that's what I hope at least...don't reboot just yet! the current DCU is well established and loved and most adaptations are even based around it *crosses fingers for the best*)
