October marks the start of a new initiative at DC. The All-In movement begins.
I wrote a little about it last week. Now the official solicits for that month's comics are out. Here is a link to the complete list:
https://www.gamesradar.com/comics/dc-comics/dc-comics-october-2024-solicitations-covers/
The solicits go a little more into the plots and directions of the titles. I'm not sold on the All-In world. I hope to be proven wrong. This can go two ways. In one, a darker DCU unfolds, making their heroes grimmer or cynical. Or you can go the 'Five Years Later' Legion route, where the universe is darker making the heroes shine that much brighter. Given the comics of the last 20 years, I suspect the former.
https://www.gamesradar.com/comics/dc-comics/dc-comics-october-2024-solicitations-covers/
The solicits go a little more into the plots and directions of the titles. I'm not sold on the All-In world. I hope to be proven wrong. This can go two ways. In one, a darker DCU unfolds, making their heroes grimmer or cynical. Or you can go the 'Five Years Later' Legion route, where the universe is darker making the heroes shine that much brighter. Given the comics of the last 20 years, I suspect the former.
On to the books.
DC All In Special #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by DANIEL SAMPERE and WES CRAIG
Cover by DANIEL SAMPERE
Variant covers by WES CRAIG and RAFA SANDOVAL
Following the events of DC’s blockbuster storyline Absolute Power, the heroes of the core DC Universe have fought against the deep divisions in the world around them to usher in a new era of unity. And it’s just in time, too—because Darkseid has returned. Superman must gather every hero on Earth to hold the line against a very different version of the Lord of Apokolips, as they raise our cosmic defenses and prepare for war…and when the first blows land, the shock waves will ripple into every series in the DCU and shake the nature of their reality to its core!
But little do they know…the greater threat is still to come. For there is another Earth: the Absolute Universe. Here, DC’s biggest icons are coming of age with fewer advantages and facing greater opposition than ever before…while miraculously retaining the immutable heroism that has inspired fans for decades. But can they really protect the light that shines inside them when the world in which they live is hurtling toward a terrible destiny?
Can Snyder pull off a 'very different Lord of Apokolips'? Part of my problem with DC recently has been characters with established traits and characteristics being written completely different. I don't know if I need a 'new' Darkseid. But we'll see.
DC All In Special #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by DANIEL SAMPERE and WES CRAIG
Cover by DANIEL SAMPERE
Variant covers by WES CRAIG and RAFA SANDOVAL
Following the events of DC’s blockbuster storyline Absolute Power, the heroes of the core DC Universe have fought against the deep divisions in the world around them to usher in a new era of unity. And it’s just in time, too—because Darkseid has returned. Superman must gather every hero on Earth to hold the line against a very different version of the Lord of Apokolips, as they raise our cosmic defenses and prepare for war…and when the first blows land, the shock waves will ripple into every series in the DCU and shake the nature of their reality to its core!
But little do they know…the greater threat is still to come. For there is another Earth: the Absolute Universe. Here, DC’s biggest icons are coming of age with fewer advantages and facing greater opposition than ever before…while miraculously retaining the immutable heroism that has inspired fans for decades. But can they really protect the light that shines inside them when the world in which they live is hurtling toward a terrible destiny?
Can Snyder pull off a 'very different Lord of Apokolips'? Part of my problem with DC recently has been characters with established traits and characteristics being written completely different. I don't know if I need a 'new' Darkseid. But we'll see.
I'll probably buy this issue. Seeing Superman lead heroes against Apokolips is always a decent draw. After that ... we'll see.
Absolute Superman #1
Written By JASON AARON
Art and cover by RAFA SANDOVAL
Variant covers by WES CRAIG, JIM LEE, and CLAYTON CRAIN
Without the fortress…without the family…without a home…what’s left is the Absolute Man of Steel!
So let's strip Superman of his humanity and his legacy and see what shakes.
Written By JASON AARON
Art and cover by RAFA SANDOVAL
Variant covers by WES CRAIG, JIM LEE, and CLAYTON CRAIN
Without the fortress…without the family…without a home…what’s left is the Absolute Man of Steel!
So let's strip Superman of his humanity and his legacy and see what shakes.
I'm thinking of covers of classic first issues of Superman, I don't remember many with his fists clenched and a brooding face cloaked in shadow.
I haven't read much Jason Aaron. I love Rafa Sandoval. We'll see how long I stick around here.
Action Comics #1070
Written by MARK WAID and MARIKO TAMAKI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY and SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Variant covers by WES CRAIG, EDDY BARROWS, and DANNY MIKI
An otherworldly horror, tearing its way through Metropolis, has emerged from the Phantom Zone. Something’s wrong in the Zone—something terrible—and Superman must enter alone to find out what! From the pages of Absolute Power and Batman/Superman: World’s Finest comes a new Action epic unlike any you’ve seen before from the visionary creative team of Mark Waid and Clayton Henry!
Plus, the Woman of Tomorrow is here today! Supergirl Special’s Mariko Tamaki and Skylar Patridge return to bring Kara to the farthest reaches of space in pursuit of a mysterious threat only she can handle.
Action Comics goes weekly. Mark Waid writing Superman should be a treat. I like Clayton Henry's art. But a story by Waid involving the Phantom Zone is going to be a treat. Let's all remember, I think he was talking about Aethyr already in World's Finest #25.
Action Comics #1070
Written by MARK WAID and MARIKO TAMAKI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY and SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Variant covers by WES CRAIG, EDDY BARROWS, and DANNY MIKI
An otherworldly horror, tearing its way through Metropolis, has emerged from the Phantom Zone. Something’s wrong in the Zone—something terrible—and Superman must enter alone to find out what! From the pages of Absolute Power and Batman/Superman: World’s Finest comes a new Action epic unlike any you’ve seen before from the visionary creative team of Mark Waid and Clayton Henry!
Plus, the Woman of Tomorrow is here today! Supergirl Special’s Mariko Tamaki and Skylar Patridge return to bring Kara to the farthest reaches of space in pursuit of a mysterious threat only she can handle.
Action Comics goes weekly. Mark Waid writing Superman should be a treat. I like Clayton Henry's art. But a story by Waid involving the Phantom Zone is going to be a treat. Let's all remember, I think he was talking about Aethyr already in World's Finest #25.
As for the Supergirl back-up, I am going to hope that the right Mariko Tamaki shows up. Supergirl Being Super was interesting. The Supergirl Special was a boring story with a Kara I didn't recognize. Delighted to see Patridge back on art.
Action Comics #1071
Written by MARK WAID and MARIKO TAMAKI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY, MICHAEL SHELFER, and SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Variant covers by WES CRAIG and STEVAN SUBIC
Trapped in the Phantom Zone!
Investigating the ethereal prison created by his father, Superman finds himself helpless before the dreaded Phantom King. But what surprise reveal is in store for him? A clue lies in Superman’s teenage years!
Plus, Supergirl finds herself on trial as she comes face-to-face with the judge of the United Planets’ highest court!
I haven't thought of the Phantom King in a while. I'll have to revisit his big story in Morrison's Action Comics.
Action Comics #1071
Written by MARK WAID and MARIKO TAMAKI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY, MICHAEL SHELFER, and SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Variant covers by WES CRAIG and STEVAN SUBIC
Trapped in the Phantom Zone!
Investigating the ethereal prison created by his father, Superman finds himself helpless before the dreaded Phantom King. But what surprise reveal is in store for him? A clue lies in Superman’s teenage years!
Plus, Supergirl finds herself on trial as she comes face-to-face with the judge of the United Planets’ highest court!
I haven't thought of the Phantom King in a while. I'll have to revisit his big story in Morrison's Action Comics.
I was hoping that we'd get to see some Supergirl written by Waid. But with her solo story taking place out in space, I doubt it.
Action Comics #1072
Written by MARK WAID and MARIKO TAMAKI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY, MICHAEL SHELFER, and SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Variant covers by WES CRAIG and IBRAHIM MOUSTAFA
The secret history of one of Superman’s oldest friends, Mon-El, is revealed…and his deadly connection to Xa-Du, the Phantom King, leaves Superman speechless! The Man of Steel’s mission into the corrupt heart of the Zone continues in the most shocking installment yet of the Action Comics weekly as the grand villain behind its peril stands poised to strike!
Plus, Supergirl finds herself in pursuit of an assassin seeking justice of their own!
I am thrilled to see old school Mon-El back in continuity. Waid tangentially bringing Legion lore back to DCU? Even better. I do wonder about this connection with Xa-Du.
Action Comics #1072
Written by MARK WAID and MARIKO TAMAKI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY, MICHAEL SHELFER, and SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Variant covers by WES CRAIG and IBRAHIM MOUSTAFA
The secret history of one of Superman’s oldest friends, Mon-El, is revealed…and his deadly connection to Xa-Du, the Phantom King, leaves Superman speechless! The Man of Steel’s mission into the corrupt heart of the Zone continues in the most shocking installment yet of the Action Comics weekly as the grand villain behind its peril stands poised to strike!
Plus, Supergirl finds herself in pursuit of an assassin seeking justice of their own!
I am thrilled to see old school Mon-El back in continuity. Waid tangentially bringing Legion lore back to DCU? Even better. I do wonder about this connection with Xa-Du.
Not much to ponder with the Supergirl line.
Action Comics #1073
Written by MARK WAID and MARIKO TAMAKI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY, MICHAEL SHELFER, and SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Variant covers by WES CRAIG and IBRAHIM MOUSTAFA
1:25 variant cover by MARK SPEARS
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 10/30/24
It’s a race against time for Superman and Mon-El to prevent the lethal forces of Xa-Du and Aethyr from converging! But to save the present, the Man of Steel is forced to face the past! It’s the dramatic return of Krypton’s last son to his homeworld as the Man of Tomorrow voyages to the City of Yesterday!
Action Comics #1073
Written by MARK WAID and MARIKO TAMAKI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY, MICHAEL SHELFER, and SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Variant covers by WES CRAIG and IBRAHIM MOUSTAFA
1:25 variant cover by MARK SPEARS
$4.99 US | 40 pages | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 10/30/24
It’s a race against time for Superman and Mon-El to prevent the lethal forces of Xa-Du and Aethyr from converging! But to save the present, the Man of Steel is forced to face the past! It’s the dramatic return of Krypton’s last son to his homeworld as the Man of Tomorrow voyages to the City of Yesterday!
Plus, Kara meets the being at the center of her quest! What could they have done to cause the whole universe to unite against them? Find out in the next thrilling chapter of Supergirl!
Ah well, the Aethyr reveal in the last solicit. I'm not complaining! I'm a big fan! Superman heading back to Krypton? How Silver Age! Can Waid pull it all off? I believe so.
The Supergirl details sound intriguing. Is Supergirl teaming up with this person? Is the universe against her? I just hope she's a hero in this.
Superman #19
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art and cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by SIMONE DI MEO, CARLA COHEN, and CHRIS SAMNEE
THE MANY DEATHS OF DOOMSDAY!
Superman and Superwoman must deal with the return of the rampaging Doomsday and…wait…Superwoman?! After the events of Absolute Power, Lois Lane has new powers…but how long can they last?! And waiting in the shadows is one of Superman’s greatest enemies…the Time Trapper.
Jump on to a new exciting story arc that will shape the future of Superman!
Dan Mora coming onto a Superman book is an early Christmas gift for me. Incredible.
Superman #19
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art and cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by SIMONE DI MEO, CARLA COHEN, and CHRIS SAMNEE
THE MANY DEATHS OF DOOMSDAY!
Superman and Superwoman must deal with the return of the rampaging Doomsday and…wait…Superwoman?! After the events of Absolute Power, Lois Lane has new powers…but how long can they last?! And waiting in the shadows is one of Superman’s greatest enemies…the Time Trapper.
Jump on to a new exciting story arc that will shape the future of Superman!
Dan Mora coming onto a Superman book is an early Christmas gift for me. Incredible.
We have Mon-El in Action and now we have the Time Trapper in Superman? Can a Legion reboot be around the corner? Will the Bendis version of the team be swept away?
As for Lois having powers, I love the look. But I think she's just fine without powers. She is powerful enough.
World’s Finest #32
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by STEPHEN SEGOVIA and DANNY EARLS
Even the combined might of the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight Detective cannot overcome the reincarnation of the literal wrath of God…sounds like our heroes are going to need some reinforcements. It’s the World’s Finest debut of the Justice League as night falls on the DCU!
I suppose it was only a matter of time before Mora left the book.
One thing I have loved about this book has been Waid covering all corners of the DCU. This sounds like he is bringing the Spectre into the book. Having just reread the seminal Fleisher/Aparo stuff from the 70s, I can't wait to see Waid writing him.
Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #5
Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Art and cover by LEANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
Variant covers by MARCO SANTUCCI and ALEX MALEEV
With Luthor’s schemes revealed, he dispatches his Suicide Squad to Smallville, Kansas to further secure the secrets of the ancient Kryptonian Age. But when the ruthless task force challenges the town’s seemingly bumbling sheriff to a deadly duel, they’ll quickly discover that this lawman is far more super than they ever realized!
I have been reading this book waiting for something truly Kryptonian to show up. This cover of a smiling old West Sheriff looking like Superman makes me happy. I don't know what I think about this series so far.
My Adventures With Superman #5
Written by JOSIE CAMPBELL
Art by PABLO M. COLLAR
Cover by LI CREE
Variant cover by RICARDO LÓPEZ ORTIZ
Amazo is free—but not for long if Bloodshot and Deathstroke get their way! Superman, the Kents, and Amazo are caught in the crosshairs of both men as they try to fend off an all-out invasion of Cadmus…all while learning dark secrets about Krypton’s past and Amazo’s true purpose.
I am wondering if Josie Campbell will link this series to the happenings of Season 2. The 'dark secrets about Krypton' makes me wonder.
World’s Finest #32
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by STEPHEN SEGOVIA and DANNY EARLS
Even the combined might of the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight Detective cannot overcome the reincarnation of the literal wrath of God…sounds like our heroes are going to need some reinforcements. It’s the World’s Finest debut of the Justice League as night falls on the DCU!
I suppose it was only a matter of time before Mora left the book.
One thing I have loved about this book has been Waid covering all corners of the DCU. This sounds like he is bringing the Spectre into the book. Having just reread the seminal Fleisher/Aparo stuff from the 70s, I can't wait to see Waid writing him.
Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #5
Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Art and cover by LEANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
Variant covers by MARCO SANTUCCI and ALEX MALEEV
With Luthor’s schemes revealed, he dispatches his Suicide Squad to Smallville, Kansas to further secure the secrets of the ancient Kryptonian Age. But when the ruthless task force challenges the town’s seemingly bumbling sheriff to a deadly duel, they’ll quickly discover that this lawman is far more super than they ever realized!
I have been reading this book waiting for something truly Kryptonian to show up. This cover of a smiling old West Sheriff looking like Superman makes me happy. I don't know what I think about this series so far.
Written by JOSIE CAMPBELL
Art by PABLO M. COLLAR
Cover by LI CREE
Variant cover by RICARDO LÓPEZ ORTIZ
Amazo is free—but not for long if Bloodshot and Deathstroke get their way! Superman, the Kents, and Amazo are caught in the crosshairs of both men as they try to fend off an all-out invasion of Cadmus…all while learning dark secrets about Krypton’s past and Amazo’s true purpose.
I am wondering if Josie Campbell will link this series to the happenings of Season 2. The 'dark secrets about Krypton' makes me wonder.
I am seeing a pattern thought. Will Amazo be a traumatized being turned hero like so many others in this universe?
Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 Facsimile Edition
Written by MARV WOLFMAN
Art by GEORGE PÉREZ, JERRY ORDWAY, and DICK GIORDANO
Cover by GEORGE PÉREZ
Foil variant cover by GEORGE PÉREZ ($6.99 US)
Blank sketch cover ($5.99 US)
The double-size shocker that broke the hearts of the DC Universe is fully reprinted in this facsimile edition. The bravest and strongest heroes remaining from our Multiverse close in on the stronghold of the antimatter universe but suffer a tragic loss.
I like that the comic companies are printing these facsimile versions of big issues. I haven't bought any but it is a neat concept.
Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 Facsimile Edition
Written by MARV WOLFMAN
Art by GEORGE PÉREZ, JERRY ORDWAY, and DICK GIORDANO
Cover by GEORGE PÉREZ
Foil variant cover by GEORGE PÉREZ ($6.99 US)
Blank sketch cover ($5.99 US)
The double-size shocker that broke the hearts of the DC Universe is fully reprinted in this facsimile edition. The bravest and strongest heroes remaining from our Multiverse close in on the stronghold of the antimatter universe but suffer a tragic loss.
I like that the comic companies are printing these facsimile versions of big issues. I haven't bought any but it is a neat concept.
I might make an exception here. A foil version of COIE #7? A blank sketch cover version? I am tempted.
These are the books that grabbed me. What did I miss? And what do you think of the All-In idea?
I don't know if I'm all in for "All-In". I may be "All Out". I will buy the Waid Action Comics.
ReplyDeleteI have the original Crisis #7, so I don't need the facsimile though I'll probably get it. What I would really like to see is a facsimile edition of Action Comics # 252, if DC ever gets around to it.