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But as what exactly?
To the uninitiated, in fanboy-speak, a reboot of the DC Comics family of titles, (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, etc.) essentially means over 50 established titles will undergo a revamp of their oft-rewritten 76 year-plus history of shared continuity.
In other words, the names and faces will stay the same, but when it comes to just about everything else after August 31st, all bets are off.
With over 50 new #1 issues, a Geoff Johns-Jim Lee (they’re HUGELY popular comic writers/artists) Justice League, and a plan to fully embrace “same-day” digital distribution (The first major publisher to do so) the Warner Bros. owned company is taking a MAJOR gamble with their market share.
Or are they?
DC is one of the “Big Two”, (Disney-owned Marvel Comics being the other, ‘natch!) and their fans are nothing if not loyal. Not to mention they’re backed by a monster company who won’t let their Golden Goose fail.
I use the term because in addition to monthly comic book titles, DC’s characters appear in novels, video games, clothing and literally thousands of other products.
Warner Bros can’t afford let the DCU reboot fail. Even the timing of the announcement has been calculated to coincide with the release of the second issue of Flashpoint, the DC mini-series focussing on a world on the brink of destruction, the result of a timeline-altering villain.
The biggest change so far? Dr. Thomas Wayne survives the famour robbery and becomes Batman to avenge the murder of his wife and son!
Now that readers know just what the final outcome of Flashpoint will be, sales should fly higher than you-know-who! Of course, if readers decide to resent DC for tinkering with established continuity once again, this reboot will become the comic book equivalent of New Coke!
Related articles
- DC Comics to relaunch most titles at No. 1 (seattlepi.com)
- DC Comics to Relaunch Entire Line, Including Day-and-Date Digital (techland.time.com)
- This fall, DC Comics will restart every big superhero comic at issue #1 [Comics] (io9.com)
I must learn more about the comic world. That settles it.
Get yourself to a comic book store, Woman!
I personally prefer the DC Animated Universe, although they’ve been doing movies more so than series lately ever since Justice League Unlimited finished. those were some good cartoons.
Those cartoons did rock!
I used to love comics and while Marvel was my favorite, the DC line was equally important in my childhood.
I like comics now like you like sports***meh***.
BUT! I do have an appreciation for things that are classic. This sounds like an epic fail on the part of DC. Some things should be left alone.
I’m a DC boy through and through, but I’m afraid I agree with you!
I saw this announcement this morning and wondered when you would chime in. I’m not against a reboot if it’s done right. They could be in a world of hurt if they mess with too much though.
My point exactly!
Man, I just don’t know. Call me old fashioned, but I like my comics the way they are. These could have been side arcs without rebooting the whole story. Not sure if I like this.
I’m sure millions of fans feel the same apprehension and confusion right now, Eric.
This just seems so wrong to me. Do you think they are going to stick with this crazy new timeline, or will it just be a strange and temporary aberration?
I hope they stick with it – and do it well!