A long-lost fan-favorite returned in the “DC Universe: Rebirth” one-shot. (Artwork property of DC Comics)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Warning! Spoilers are ahead.
The DC Comics Universe has had numerous eras in its over 82-year publishing history.
Throughout the Golden Age, the Silver Age, Post-Crisis, One Year Later and The New 52, DC Comics’ finest writers and artists created iconic characters such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Marian Manhunter, Black Canary, Green Arrow and a cast of thousands. From Gotham City and Metropolis to Oa and Thanagar, fans were briefly able to escape their problems in the real world and joined their heroes on incredible adventures.
Earlier this year at WonderCon, DC Comics announced its latest chapter in its fabled history: DC Rebirth. Fans were excited to learn that DC Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer and longtime scribe Geoff Johns will write the 80-page one shot: DC Universe Rebirth.
Over his 17-year career at DC, Mr. Johns has helped revive numerous franchises such as Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, the Justice Society of America, Superman and the Teen Titans through great colossal line-wide storylines such as Infinite Crisis, Blackest Night and Flashpoint. Thanks to Johns’ penmanship, these characters continue to stand front-and-center in the DC Universe.
DC Universe Rebirth reunited Johns with four of his most well-known collaborators: Gary Frank (Superman: Brainiac; Shazam), Phil Jimenez (Infinite Crisis), Ivan Reis (Blackest Night, Brightest Day, Infinite Crisis & Justice League) and Ethan Van Sciver (Flash: Rebirth & Green Lantern: Rebirth). This quintet was responsible for the massive task of setting up the future of DC Entertainment.
As I read through the pages, my heart burst into joy when I saw some long-forgotten characters such as the two Atoms (Ray Palmer and Ryan Choi), Ted Kord, Jackson Hyde, Linda Park, Doctor Fate and for the first time in nearly half of a decade: pre-Flashpoint Wally West (my generation’s Fastest Man Alive). Wally was the primary focus of the tale as he returned from the Speed Force and began to integrate himself back into the DC Universe.
Only Wally knows the actual danger that is coming and threatens to wipe out the DC Comics Universe from existence. As he raced throughout the DC Universe, he tried to convince Batman, Johnny Thunder and his former wife, Linda Park, to remember him. Unfortunately, it was not the case. Luckily, he was able to reunite with his mentor, Barry Allen, and the two shared a tender reunion that was six years in the making.
While Barry and Wally talked about the upcoming threat, readers learned that THREE Jokers were running around the DC Universe, Aquaman proposed to his longtime love: Mera and a mysterious being known as Mr. Oz confronted the Pre-52 Superman. Fans also acquired other story elements such as an infant Darkseid, Wonder Woman’s twin brother, Jessica Cruz’s new assignment: Sinestro and a mysterious force that wiped out Pandora, the being that played a crucial role in the early days of The New 52.
The future of DC Comics is brighter than ever! (Artwork courtesy of DC Entertainment)
After reading this massive one-shot, I firmly believe that both veteran and new fans will flock to the House that Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Bob Kane and Bill Finger built. The DC Universe is stronger than ever and for the first time in years…there is hope for everyone.
For all things “DC Rebirth,” visit DC Comics’ website!
