Geoff Johns and Jim Lee’s “Justice League” is one of the best titles since the DC Comics relaunch one year ago. (Artwork by Jim Lee and property of DC Comics).
By: Jacob Elyachar
One year ago, the DC Universe was forever changed as the DC Comics Universe, the Wildstorm Universe and the Vertigo Universe all merged to one single universe.
This was one of the most shocking and talked about reboots in comic book history.
DC’s The New 52 saw major characters including Wally West, Donna Troy and the entire Justice Society of America disappeared from existence, important character developments such as Barbara Gordon becoming DC’s information broker Oracle, the marriages between Clark Kent and Lois Lane and Barry Allen and Iris West dissolved and a majority of its nearly nine decades in comics almost came close to extinction.
In this article, I will go over some of the greatest moments from the New 52 and what’s to come in the second year….
Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire astonish the fans
If there were two creators who have benefited from the New 52, it would be Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire. These two Vertigo writers took over several key DC titles including Batman, Swamp Thing, Animal Man and Justice League Dark and through their incredible scripts and assistance from fellow creators including Greg Capullo, Yanick Paquette, Travel Foreman and Mikel Janin, they have made breathed new life into several of their characters and gained more fans along the way.
Joke characters become serious contenders
Aquaman. Mera. Sinestro. Cyborg. Dr. Sivana. A couple of years ago, all of them would have been labeled useless characters but thanks to one of DC Comics’ top creators: Geoff Johns, they have been developed into either A-list heroes or A-list threats. Fans have enjoyed reading about their adventures and all three of Johns’ titles: Aquaman, Green Lantern and Justice League that feature these characters have made into the Top 20 in almost every one of Diamond Comic Distributors reports.
Team dynamics
Before DC’s New 52, there had only been a handful of team books including Justice League of America, JSA, Green Lantern Corps, Birds of Prey and Teen Titans. Now there are multiple teams running around the NuDCU. From the misadventures of the Justice League International and the Suicide Squad to the giant challenges that both Stormwatch and the Justice League face, the New 52 has provided lots of opportunity to see the strengths and weaknesses in having superheroes work together.
Fans were shocked when Tony S. Daniel cut off the Joker’s face at the end of the first issue of the relaunched “Detective Comics.” (Art by Tony S. Daniel and property of DC Comics)
Surprises galore
From seeing Dollmaker cut Joker’s face off at the end of Detective Comics, Vol.2 #1 to the Guardians of the Universe “killing” both Hal Jordan and Sinestro in the pages of the latest Green Lantern Annual, creators have continued to stun fans throughout the first year of The New 52. In the next year, this writer hopes that DC Comics continues to stun fans with the twists and turns that will make fans wanting more.
Coming Soon…. In the NuDCU
- The Joker comes back to the Batman books for the first time since Dollmaker cut off his face a year ago. How will Gotham and the Batman Family prepare for the Clown Prince of Crime’s revenge?
- Following Hal Jordan and Sinestro’s “demise” at the end of the Green Lantern Annual, Baz, the first Arab-American to join the Corps, will be introduced in the zero issue of Green Lantern. However, there will be no time for introductions as the Guardians of the Universe’s plan to wipe out the Green Lantern Corps begins during the Rise of the Third Army crossover. Who will survive the Guardians’ crazy plot?
- Superstar creators Geoff Johns and David Finch will relaunch Justice League of America with a roster containing fan-favorite characters including Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, Stargirl and Catwoman. What brings these individuals together and will these individuals function together as a team?
- Jeff Lemire and Scott Snyder have been setting up for their books: Animal Man and Swamp Thing to crossover. How will Animal Man and Swamp Thing collaborate to stop the forces of evil that want to take over and destroy the Red and the Green?
In 2013, the Justice League will be going to war! What will drive these heroes apart? Find out in “The Trinity War.” (Artwork by Jim Lee and property of DC Comics)
- The Trinity War is slowly coming together as more clues emerge including Pandora’s involvement with the new DCU, a League traitor being revealed and the expansion of the league. How will these stories come together for the first big universal crossover event?
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