The New DC Launch Thread [News, Titles, etc.]

[Adam O. Pruett]

At this point, I don't think numbering should matter as long as the stories are good.

Of course -- but the issue I'm having is with them claiming that they won't return to legacy numbering on any of their books. The claim is bull.

Yes they will and it will confound me once again.

The vast majority of plot points in the decades worth of DC books have never been mentioned, used, or even known. Continuity is willfully ignored constantly.

It. is. all. made. up.

I'd just like to go on record as saying that I'm fine with whatever they do to their continuities as long as they do a good job of it. I'm excited at the prospect of new ideas and new characters, and I hope they handle it well.

My complaints are with the company making ridiculous claims like the renumbering thing (if it IS indeed DC making this claim, and it's not just the way BC has phrased it) and with the readers who think a reboot will magically & automatically herald some significant quality shift (up or down) in the comics themselves.

[Perseus]

Maybe I can see a Sea Devils #1 come out of this.  Or a Rip Hunter #1.  I have been waiting on collections of the old stuff for ages.

[tomkaters]

Of course -- but the issue I'm having is with them claiming that they won't return to legacy numbering on any of their books. The claim is bull.


I'd just like to go on record as saying that I'm fine with whatever they do to their continuities as long as they do a good job of it. I'm excited at the prospect of new ideas and new characters, and I hope they handle it well.

My complaints are with the company making ridiculous claims like the renumbering thing (if it IS indeed DC making this claim, and it's not just the way BC has phrased it) and with the readers who think a reboot will magically & automatically herald some significant quality shift (up or down) in the comics themselves.

With apologies to Charles Revson...In the bullpens they make comics, in previews they sell hope.

[hunter gathers]

Of course -- but the issue I'm having is with them claiming that they won't return to legacy numbering on any of their books. The claim is bull.

My mistake! I was too busy on my soapbox.

Even as you noted, I'm sure it's more of an issue of who is reporting this information rather than it coming directly from DC.

[Chris Campbell]

I'm just gonna play this shit by ear.  What else can I do.  I buy what I love.  I pass on the rest.  

Damn its hot out in Washington DC.  

The industry talk is so depressing, I think I'll talk to Vince and Julian about One Piece to cheer myself up    But for real, I heard that the Comic Vault stores in Chicago are closing.  Those looked like great shops.  Bummer.

[Doug!]

Sounds like Zero Hour 2.0 basically.

Can't wait for the Armageddon 2001 update.

Hawk is back now. 

[Marvin Moore]

This is exciting, man.  I hope it doesn't mean the end of Xombi, but it's all upside otherwise.  I'm really anxious to see what they're going to do.  Sounds like Geoff Johns and Jim Lee on Justice League is pretty likely.  People seem really fixated on the idea that Jim Lee won't last past issue 6 or so.  That's fine with me.  The real win here is Johns finally writing JL and putting the team back at the center of the DCU.  Rotate another big artist in for each arc and I'll be happy.  Or just put Doug Mahnke on when Lee jumps off.  That would be amazing.  He's come a long way since he last drew JLA.

[MarioMuscar]

I hope this is true. I'm looking forward to it.

[RedMoses]

Sounds like Zero Hour 2.0 basically.

Can't wait for the Armageddon 2001 update.

I was always a Marvel Zombie growing up and nothing had me as excited for DC comics (which I hardly ever read) as finding out they were all going to start at number 0.  And recently, my interest in DC has been waning again, since about early Blackest Night or Final Crisis.  DC can recapture my excitement by doing the following:

1. Toss out the burden of continuity (Just tell good stories, don't worry about the last 70 years)
2. Lock me in with great stories and creative teams AND
3. Keep the stories I'm reading from continuing into books I don't read or care about (this makes me drop a book faster than a speeding bullet)

I'm excited to come back to DC.

[Julian Lytle]

I'm just gonna play this shit by ear.  What else can I do.  I buy what I love.  I pass on the rest.  

Damn its hot out in Washington DC.  

The industry talk is so depressing, I think I'll talk to Vince and Julian about One Piece to cheer myself up    But for real, I heard that the Comic Vault stores in Chicago are closing.  Those looked like great shops.  Bummer.

One Piece is SSOOOOOOOOO DAAAAYUUUM GOOOOOOOOOOOD!
the mermen and fishmen will RISE UP!

[Perseus]

One Piece is SSOOOOOOOOO DAAAAYUUUM GOOOOOOOOOOOD!
the mermen and fishmen will RISE UP!

Glad to see people like manga on here!  Also, the current anime season in Japan is going really well in my opinion.

[Adam O. Pruett]

With apologies to Charles Revson...In the bullpens they make comics, in previews they sell hope.

 

[JoeyN]

From USA Today

Starting this summer, the publisher will re-number its entire DC Universe of titles, revamping famous characters such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and others from its 76-year history for a more modern and diverse 21st century.
The first book to be released under this new era: Justice League No. 1, out Aug. 31, a series by writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee that reunites the famous lineup of Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman and Aquaman.
Johns promises a focus on the interpersonal relationships within DC's trademark superteam. "What's the human aspect behind all these costumes?" he says. "That's what I wanted to explore."
In September, more than 50 more first issues will debut, introducing readers to stories that are grounded in each character's specific legend but also reflect today's real-world themes and events. Lee spearheaded the redesign of more than 50 costumes to make characters more identifiable and accessible to comic fans new and old.
"We looked at what was going on in the marketplace and felt we really want to inject new life in our characters and line," says Dan DiDio, who co-publishes DC with Lee. "This was a chance to start, not at the beginning, but at a point where our characters are younger and the stories are being told for today's audience."
In an even more important move in the competitive comics industry, DC is making issues of all the renumbered titles available digitally via apps and a DC website the same day they arrive in comic shops. It marks the first time a major comics publisher has done so with its popular superhero titles.
The company has come in second to Marvel every year since 2002 in market share, according to Diamond Comic Distributors.
While the two companies are making millions off movie adaptations of their comic books, print sales for both have dropped in recent years, as new technology gives readers many more options.
"We're allowing people who have never bought a comic book in their lives to download them on portable media devices and take a look," Lee says. "Having the ability to give people access to these comics with one button click means we're going to get a lot of new readers."
He says what makes this plan so ambitious is that it's not just about changes in characters or costumes but setting the stage for how comic books will be consumed in the future.
"We're trying to set the table for the DC Universe's future success and health."

[hunter gathers]

Aaaand the internet just blew up!

Smart of them to crop the picture on USA Today so you can't see Batman or The Flash, but I couldn't imagine it being anyone other than Bruce Wayne and Barry Allen.

[RedMoses]

Lee spearheaded the redesign of more than 50 costumes to make characters more identifiable and accessible to comic fans new and old.

Half Jackets for everyone!

Also,

reflect today's real-world themes and events

Eh, first reaction... no thanks. 

[BobBretall]

AND, they have a day & date digital announcement in there too...

[RedMoses]

AND, they have a day & date digital announcement in there too...

Good on them! Is there an Android app for DC?  Other than a third party that just gets scraps here and there?  I want to support decisions such as these.

Also, I enjoy bold, radical changes.  If they don't work, Finite Crisis will just set everything back.

[BobBretall]

Hopefully this will get them new readers (I think mostly from Digital if they don't do something stupid like make the digital comics $2.99)

In September, more than 50 more first issues will debut, introducing readers to stories that are grounded in each character's specific legend but also reflect today's real-world themes and events. Lee spearheaded the redesign of more than 50 costumes to make characters more identifiable and accessible to comic fans new and old.

For me, it will help me manage my comics list.  I'll pick the 20 or so most interesting looking things of the 50+, get those, and not bother with the rest.

[hunter gathers]

AND, they have a day & date digital announcement in there too...

I didn't even see that at first. That is amazing news!

A little more info up on The Source

This year, change is in the air at DC Comics.

On Wednesday, August 31st, DC Comics will launch a historic renumbering of the entire DC Universe line of comic books with 52 first issues, including the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE by NEW YORK TIMES bestselling writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and bestselling artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The publication of JUSTICE LEAGUE issue 1 will launch day-and-date digital publishing for all these ongoing titles, making DC Comics the first of the two major American publishers to release all of its superhero comic book titles digitally the same day as in print.

DC Comics will only publish two comic books on August 31st: the final issue of this summer’s comic book mini-series FLASHPOINT and the first issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE by Johns and Lee, two of the most distinguished and popular contemporary comic book creators, who will be collaborating for the first time. Together they will offer a contemporary take on the origin of the comic book industry’s premier superhero team.

In the hours, days and weeks to come, we’ll have more news about the other titles. Tomorrow, we’ll hear from Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee about this momentous occasion. Keep checking THE SOURCE for updates about the other first issues.

This year, make history with us.

[JoeyN]

I'll pick the 20 or so most interesting looking things of the 50+, get those, and not bother with the rest.

I'll buy the stuff I have been buying (I have a bad feeling some titles I like will go away like Power Girl and Zatanna), and depending on the writing teams, a few others.