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What we know so far:
A few days ago, higher ups at DC Comics revealed that the DCU is in for some pretty major changes. The company's entire line of comics is going to be revamped at the end of August. More than 50 new and relaunched titles, brand new creative teams, new creative directions, some revamped origins, and a more diverse cast of characters are just a few of the changes that seem to be in store. Of course, that was only half of the announcement. DC also revealed that, starting with the release of the relaunched JLA #1, all of their books would be released simultaneously in stores and digitally.
Both of these revelations are big news. The fact that one of the big two comic book companies is making a major play for the digital market is a huge deal. Many observers, myself included, will be fascinated to see how things play out. However, as interesting as the day-and-date angle is, its implications wont be felt for several months.
In the meantime, DC is taking advantage of the spotlight brought on by their announcement to reveal some of the details of the company-wide relaunch-fest. Since there are more than 50 new books for them to reveal details on, expect more news very soon, but here is what they have confirmed so far:
Aquaman, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Ivan Reis. Can the writer who has revamped two of DC's other Silver Age heroes restore Aquaman to his rightful place in the DC Pantheon?
Captain Atom, written by JT Krul and drawn by Freddie Williams II. Captain Atom is the inspiration for Dr. Manhattan in Alan Moore's comic book opus Watchmen. Can DC revive one of the original atomic powered heroes?
DC Universe Presents, written and drawn by various creators. An ongoing anthology that introduces (and reintroduces) characters to old and new readers alike makes a ton of sense in a revamped universe.
The Fury of Firestorm, written by Ethan Van Sciver and Gail Simone and drawn by Yildiray Cinar. Ethan Van Sciver is one of several artists to trade in his pencil for a...laptop? I'm assuming most writers use laptops these days. Well, regardless, he's best known as an artists, but now he is writing Firestorm alongside Secret Six's Simone.
The Flash, written and drawn by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato. Two artists sharing the load of both art and script. Surely, following the fanfare of Flashpoint, if the Green Lantern movie goes well, DC has to be eyeing the Flash as their next live-action property. Watch for DC to try and keep this book high profile.
Green Arrow, written by JT Krul and drawn by Dan Jurgens. Krul retains the writing duties on Green Arrow. Let's just hope Roy Harper stays hidden in the new DCU for a while.
Green Lantern Books:
DC seems to be determined to turn Green Lantern into a full fledged comic book franchise akin to Batman and Superman. I can't really blame them considering the upcoming movie and the momentum created by Geoff Johns epic run on the main title. To that end, they have announced four books that deal with the Green Lantern cast of characters.
Green Lantern, written by Geoff Johns and drawn Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy.
The announcement does not explicitly say that the Hal Jordan is the main character. Either this is something that can be assumed or it is a hint.
Green Lantern Corp, written by Peter J. Tomasi and drawn by Fernando Pasarin and Scott Hanna.
This is Guy Garderner and John Stewart's book.
Green Lantern: The New Guardians, by Tony Bedard, Tyler Kirkham and Batt.
Kyle Rayner and representatives from the other emotion based corps.
Red Lanterns, written by Peter Milligan and drawn by Ed Benes and Rob Hunter.
Rampaging Red Lanterns, Atrocitus!
Hawkman, by Tony Daniel and Philip Tan. Tony Daniel is the third artist to be given writing duties, so far. Will a Hawkman finally survive a universe reboot without becoming incredibly confusing?
Justice League of America, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Jim Lee. No real surprise here. This has been whispered about for months. The real question is: With two of the three vice presidents working on the same book, will any editor dare give them constructive criticism?
Justice League International, written by Dan Jurgens and drawn by Aaron Lopresti. Dan Jurgens returns to the Justice League. Also, Booster Gold, Guy Gardener, and August General in Iron on the same team!?
Mr. Terrific, written by Eric Wallace and drawn by Roger Robinson. Michael Holt finally gets a much deserved solo series. Lets hope it does not make it onto
Worst Comic Book of the Year lists like Wallace's last book.
Wonder Woman by Brian Azzerello and Cliff Chiang. I saved the most exciting for last (actually, it was a fortuitous occurrence of alphabetization). I'm not a huge fan of Azzerello, but I am pretty excited about this book. This creative team has real potential.
Trends (so far):
Lots of artists being tapped as writers. This is nothing new at DC, Tony Daniels has been writing Batman for a while now. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to see artists get a chance to stretch their creative legs, but I find the timing kind of interesting. DC has 52(!) new books to fill. While guys like Geoff Johns and a few others can handle multiple monthly writing duties, artists can only generally handle one book a month. So, I find it interesting that two of DC's most well known and consistent artists (Ethan Van Sciver and Tony Daniels) are not being tasked with drawing two of the relaunched titles. I guess, we are still waiting for announcements concerning the other 40-something new books. It is entirely possible that these artists are writing one book and drawing another. After all, we already know that Dan Jurgens is doing it!
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