DC Comics is revamping and rebooting its entire superhero universe, effective 1 September 2011. As reported in USA Today and Publishers Weekly, the current DC universe hits the reset button following the 31 August release of the mini-series Flashpoint finale.
The first issue of a rebooted Justice League of America, written by DC Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and illustrated by Co-Publisher Jim Lee, will feature an updated secret origin giving the group a reason for coming together that it lacked when the league first appeared in 1960. And while it will ultimately boast 14 members, its core membership will still include Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman. Johns said “The approach is very much about who they are behind the masks and how they interact together and how these personalities mix. With the world’s greatest superheroes, how does that team actually work? Do they all get along? Being able to pull together and see how that relationship is forged and continues to grow has to be at the heart of that book.”
Following the Justice League launch, all 52 superhero titles will reset their issue numbers to 1. Those relaunches will also feature new costumes, new origins, and even entirely new characters. For instance, Superman is trading in his red trunks for solid blue pants.
Co-Publisher Dan DiDio admits business plays at least as big a role in the changes as art. “If we can convince the people here we’re doing something brand-new and fresh, we have a good chance to really get the people outside on board.” Lee added “You’re trying to have your cake and eat it, too. You’re trying to keep the iconic elements there, but at the same time freshen up the look so that people are intrigued by what they’re seeing and hopefully come and sample the wares.”
In addition to the artistic changes, DC will be making all of their superhero comics available digitally at the same time as the print editions, a practice known in comics circles as “day and date.” Senior Vice President of Sales Bob Wayne announced the news in a letter, which ComicsBeat has posted here.