A few weeks ago, I was reading the fifth issue of Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine, and there was a scene with this sort of meta-discussion of what was happening and how it was time for hero to do this, that and the other thing, and I realized, "Oh, right–it's the fifth issue out of six, things need to wrap up soon, this story needs to end in as least a disruptive way as possible as to not impact other Spider-Man and Wolverine stories." Of course, that particular series did end up having a much more nuanced and rather touching ending, but it got me thinking, not for the first time, that beginnings are a lot more fun than endings, especially in ongoing comics.
I mean, this can't come as a surprise. The beginning of a comic book, whether it be a full series or an event, a miniseries or an arc, just has this wonderful glow of potential emanating from it. Again, Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine comes to mind, because it had a bang up inciting incident and set up a very intriguing situation that our heroes had to manage through. Of course, the problem is that, most of time, in a regular ongoing series, the ending has to put the character in basically the same place as he or she was at the beginning of the story. Oh, sure you might have a few callbacks to a certain scene or character, but, as a whole, the character's needs, hopes, fears and dreams are basically the same.
Comic book characters are cursed. They have these fantastic abilities and challenges, but they rarely progress emotionally, you know? Oh, yeah, I know this is a blanket statement–Gwen Stacy's death happened and the impact of her death has been a permanent change for Peter Parker, as are the ramifications of the passing of Jonathan Kent or the transformation of Jean Grey. But, for the most part, the character is in a bit of emotional and psychological stasis—a necessary stasis so the character can be consistent across storylines and other books. Continuity requires a certain stability, which does much to for instilling a certain experience for readers, especially infrequent ones, but can prove to be a tad frustrating for weekly comic book readers.
So, here I was a few weeks ago, thinking about the concept of "beginnings", and then, suddenly, we get the news about DC reworking their entire universe–re-beginning their characters in a completely new way. Like some of you might have done when you heard the news, I found myself reacting rather negatively, almost defensively, at the announcement, worried about what was being lost, that is, actually worried about some of the core elements that create that narrative stasis. As I read more about the impending changes, I find myself…well, let's just say that DC definitely has my attention–if not my dollars.
While I have my own sort of normal "fear of change" worries that I can lay on top of this reboot, I cannot help but think that, overall, I am really excited about it. I know that these kinds of things have happened before, but this is the first time that I am really at least trying to pay attention to what is going on. From what I am gathering from the (admittedly few) Flashpoint tie-ins I have purchased, this does seem to have a lot more directly noticeable implications–I mean, having Thomas Wayne be Batman is a much more obvious change than not having 51 other universes in existence, you know? I read the Deadman and the Flying Graysons the other day and I must say—I really enjoyed the book. At its heart, it really is just a very nice setting of the status quo for the main characters, but I found the mention of what is going on in other parts of this new world to be very intriguing—even just the discussion of what parts of Europe were not flooded because of the various battles piqued my interest.
The best beginnings invite you to imagine and explore. Reading Flashpoint so far, I am reminded, a bit, of what it was like to read Wolverine: Old Man Logan for the first time. Here was a world that was both familiar and totally different at the same time, and it was just a blast to imagine how the world got that way while appreciating the opportunity to ride shotgun with the characters as they made their way across the countryside. The world of Flashpoint (I don't know what else to call it) was like when I went to Europe for the first time — the longer I was there, the more exploring I wanted to do.
While I am onboard with this new beginning conceptually, I am very confused as to how this whole transition is being delivered. From what I can gather, we are basically straddling two different universes each time we browse through the new comic book section on Wednesdays — each universe pretty much equally "valid". We have the "regular" books (Batman, Superman, Jonah Hex, etc), and then we have these Flashpoint miniseries, and then, a month or two after Comic-Con, everything switches over to a new, possibly hybrid universe–which just becomes the current DCU.
I imagine that when DC Editorial was working with marketing, sales and licensing, this sounded like a good idea, to give hints of the new universe with these miniseries, to set the stage, while allowing the other books to finish up their arcs (or their runs, as is the case for the aforementioned Jonah Hex). What I am hearing at the comic book shop, however, is that this is kind of backfiring, because readers are asking, "What's the point in picking up the book if it's all going to change in a few months anyway?" Of course, the books can always change in a few months, but in this particular situation, where we have a specific outcome that we know is coming, I think there is a certain validity to the question. I picked up Superman/Batman this weekend, and I actually thought to myself, "Why am I picking this up? The book is going away anyway." I picked it up for two reasons: 1) I like the characters and 2) Who knows when the next time I will be able to read a new Clark and Bruce story? I look at some of the books that I have been enjoying: Detective Comics (with Jock doing the art? It's perfect right now!) and Batman and Robin and think, "Not now, things are good, now!" and then I look at books I have not been enjoying, like Action Comics and Superman, and think, "Maybe they're right..?" Even now, as I am writing this, I look at the issue of Batman and wonder…does it matter? Is this just the Bat-dregs? Silly, I know, but this is what's going on in my head.
This kind of "might be the last one for long time, if not forever" thought might have been a clever marketing tool, but it does not seem like DC wants to "go there" with the readers, which I think is confusing too–I think DC needs to talk straight with us. This blog post about "hating secrets" does not help anything–we just know that everything is going to be new in September. But it does precious little to give any context as to what is happening right now.
As evil as it might sound, I think these last few issues should have some kind of banner proclaiming, "End of an Era" or something like that, to both highlight these issues as "special" and to let casual readers understand that something big is happening.
A beginning that is as profound and epic as the one we are imagining should occur, I think, after an ending that is similarly memorable. I hope that the creators that are working on the current books were given a long lead time to sum up their stories — and their characters — in a way that will lessen the sting of loss that so many readers will feel. There is a certain power in just "pulling the plug," yes, but I think it would be cheap if the stories just ended, like when a network just cancels a show out of the blue. We've all experienced this before—you like a show that you know has a small viewership, and then, suddenly, wham! Done.
Sadly, I have a feeling that many of the books we are reading now are going to end not with a bang, but with the feeble whimper. I'd like to be wrong, but–well, we'll just have to see.
We all know that DC is risking a lot right now. They've made such a big deal with the 52 #1 issues coming out, with everything changing in a Flash, that they have to commit to whatever is being planned. This is jumping out of the plane kind of commitment, and I think for that reason alone, I am finding myself ready to jump into the unknown with them. It's like quitting a job you are bored with. Yes, it paid okay and it wasn't all that bad, but it was just time to make a change. Yes, DC runs the risk of alienating pretty much all of their readers if this is disaster, readers who, once burned, could very well never come back.
I seem to remember a rumor that, right after the Skrull invasion, there was originally a year of stories planned that took place with Skrulls running everything, but Marvel dropped it to get things back to "normal" again as quickly as they possibly could. No idea if it was true, and the only reason I bring it up is because this is far bigger than that. This is literally maps being redrawn on the planet. This is an Elseworld tale without the "Else."
Right now, with Comic-Con roughly a month away (ohmanreally?!), we are definitely in the calm before the storm. Oh, things are starting up, there are wheels turning, but we are in this dizzy state of literally not really knowing what's going to happen. Personally, I think this is fantastic. If handled correctly, the next 6-8 months of buying comics are going to be straight up confusing, confounding and, well, different. If DC commits to this new line for at least a few years, we'll be in this really interesting place of discovering this new mythos together, completely free from the binds of legacy, the shackles of continuity. Each new issue will be a new issue, where our expectations can be left at the door.
I know the guys were worried about this changeover because the cast of creators was basically the same, that most of the great talents were over at Marvel, so it could just be like arranging recently painted deck chairs on the Titanic. Could be. But I am hoping that these creators take this opportunity to reinvent themselves alongside their characters.
This time next year–we'll talk. But right now, I am enjoying the notion that we're all discussing something pretty different compared to "epic changes" in the past. I like hearing people discuss Thomas Wayne; I like reading about how arrogant Deadman is. I like that I am worried that I may be entering a world without a Superman. DC fans are slowly beginning to realize that it might be quite possible that they need to say goodbye to some characters without any real knowledge when they'll see them again.
This…this is fun. This is like being a kid going to the comic book store with 35¢ for that one issue you'll read over and over again.
What do you think? Does this whole Flashpoint thing excite? Irritate? What are you most excited about–and what are you most worried about? Or are you already tired of talking about it?
Mike Romo is an actor in LA. He's thinking about growing a Jason Aaron-style beard, but he'll wimp out. Contact him via email, follow him on twitter, "like" him on facebook!
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Why are there so many glowing red eyes in the flashpoint universe- is there some kind of nutiritonal problem?
It’s gonna be exciting for sure, it’s really quite scary to think of the risk DC is taking here, but that just makes me feel like supporting them even more, i’m rooting for them all the way. I’m not 100% sure if the new DCU will be the one being shown now in Flashpoint, DC have announced that it will be Bruce and not Thomas under the cowl for example, but Flashpoint is how we get to the new DCU.
@ericmci what other glowing red eyes are there? I’ve only seen the Batman ones…
That Deadman artwork is awesome btw.
DCU is not changing into the Flashpoint universe. It seems as if the ending of Flashpoint is going to alter the current DCU. Although, wouldn’t it be great if it did? I’m still waiting for an Age of Apocalypse ongoing from Marvel.
I don’t understand the argument that DC’s shooting themselves in the foot by rebooting their entire universe because they are ruining the last few months of sales on all the current titles that already sell abysmally. So what, they have to keep on with the status quo or god forbid, we lose another 2000 units of Batgirl or Powergirl. I think the upside carries a little bit more weight than the downside.
I’m personally buying more comics leading up to Flashpoint than I probably would’ve been. I’m on board for all of the Flashpoint mini’s as the first few were decent and I’m curious to see how everything plays out. I hopped on Powergirl for the recent two-part Superman appearance, and have decided to ride out the rest of her series to the end, instead of jumping back off. All the titles I was reading previously, I’m still going to read because I want to see how they end.
This to me just sounds like fair-weather fans exploding in a blaze of glory, rather than just fizzling out in a couple of month’s time.
I am of the opinion of “What is the point of reading the remaining issues before the reboot”. I feel like I’ve been wasting my time investing in the current plotlines. To me this smacks of 1996-1997 after Marvel rebooted after the Onslaught Plotline. (How long did that last 1 year + 1 issue) Prediction = Same situation?
@Pokimac The point is to enjoy the stories.
Do we know for sure if any of this Flashpoint stuff will have an effect on the DCnU?
@Conor True that! I guess I came off as a little jaded, but I would rather have better stories with the characters I know and love.
P.S. – Love the show!
I am very excited to see how Detective wraps up. I am loving that story and art.
Im not 100% about the new DC Reboot, I doubt ill like it all but the stuff thats got my attention well wow!
I hope at the end of Flashpoint that it does change the DC universe and not just close the book without finishing the story kind of thing. Maybe something like Barry getting back to the real universe but it being altered in some slight ways.
I’m with Mike. I haven’t been this hazard about comics in a long while. I’m excited to see what the new world is like, where my favorite characters are and, yes, what they’re wearing.
Between this and the X-Men relaunch (can we agree that a deck-clearing over there is long overdue?) it’s a good time to be a comic fan!
I’m just going to sit patiently and wait for the true DCU to return after this experiment is concluded.
@AquaPimp82 I wouldn’t hold your breath!
Come on…what does “the true DCU” even mean? Pre-Infninite Crisis? Pre-Zero Hour? Pre-Crisis? Pre-Showcase #4? None of it is true, it’s constantly changing.
@AquaPimp82 This isn’t an experiment, this is the real deal. The “true DCU” is what has caused them to steadily lose readership over the past decade. They need to move on, and it is exciting at this stage of unknown context. But, contrary to what some people believe, DC Comics doesn’t owe anybody anything. They’ve provided entertainment that we’ve all paid for, but sadly “we” weren’t enough. And I give them kudos for moving on.
This new direction is going to be as permanent as Age of Apocalypse or Heroes Reborn were. I seem to remember them saying those were going to stick around for a while too. For the record, the real DCU is the one where Supes wears his undies on the outside.
I have committed (to my LCS) to try all 52 titles. DC has the chance to wow me, in a manner that has never occurred prior and will never occur again. Make it good…Hell make it great.
I lived through both Heroes Reborn and Age of Apocalypse.
At no point in time was AoA ever meant to be anything other than a massive four month long storyline. Anyone who believes that Marvel intended that universe to be the new, permanent universe was just buying into the Marvel hype at the time.
As for Heroes Reborn? I’ll give you the fact that they originally were hoping this would last longer than the thirteen issues that it did.
All that being said, the new DCU is neither of those things and trying to pigeon-hole this initiative with what Marvel did in the last century is being a bit short-sighted and pessimistic.
But because it IS unprecedented begs the question — is 70 years of (more or less) continuing stories a good thing or a bad thing? I’d argue that it’s some of both, but more of a bad thing. Stories (like life) need endings.
That said, a lot of these books ARE NOT ACTUALLY ENDING. Sure, there’s the renumbering, and somebooks are getting cancelled, and some characters will be played a bit younger, and we know some aspects of the continuity are being removed/altered.
Scott Snyder in particular has been doing a fantastic job of getting out there and explaining how the bat-books are basically staying the same. And DC has said the Green Lantern books are pretty much the same.
But some fans are acting like they can’t handle another relaunch because it makes things too COMPLICATED?! I don’t get it. The same people who can follow decades worth of interconnected characters and storylines and Elseworlds and universes from other companies have decided that this, right now, is the bridge too far.
What makes this particularly disappointing is that no one truly knows how Flashpoint’s narrative relates to the relaunch.
Sometimes I think DC is totally justified in seeking a new audience.
I’m trying to keep it real. You guys seem to think this reboot is going to save comics. Newsflash: it isn’t. There aren’t a million potential comic book readers that have been waiting for something like this to come along so they can start reading. DC is just out to make a quick buck.
If DC was just trying to make a quick buck, I’m sure there’s a hell of a quicker and easier way to keep juicing the same 100k audience out of their money.
The fact that their putting a seven figure advertising campaign behind this tells me otherwise.
Are they looking to make money? Sure, what company isn’t.
But to be so cynical that all their doing is trying to empty out your wallet as fast as possible? I don’t see it.
This stunt will provide a temporary spike in sales, tops. After that it’ll be back to the same abysmal numbers as before. What then? Reboot again? Let’s just reboot every year from here on out. What I don’t get is why people seem to think continuity is the enemy here. The price of comics is what keeps people away. Lower prices and you’ll get more people into the stores. It’s simple economics.
@AquaPimp82
What makes you think that at least some percentage people that put up the $585 BILLION The Dark Knight made (US theatrical gross) couldn’t possibly be interested in reading a comic book about the same character?
If an average movie ticket is $15 (it’s not, but that helps balance for IMAX and repeat viewings), roughly 39 MILLION Americans saw the Dark Knight.
Do you mean to say that out of that 39 million people, you really believe that the few hundred thousand (at best) that already read Batman comics are the ONLY ONES who are willing do so?
@AquaPimp82
I totally agree that price is a problem. But with sales as low as they are, it’s a chicken/egg problem. You need more volume to support lower prices, so which has to come first?
With the day-and-date digital and the impending mainstream marketing push for the relaunch, I think DC is trying to increase volume first. I’m truly hoping a price cut (at least on digital) will follow.
If DC kept doing what they were doing, then it was going to be a slow inevitable death. They’re are better ways to make a quick buck (Johnny Storm death) than to invest this across the entire line. I just feel like some fans are reacting too much like a spurned lover over this, as if DC is breaking up with them. Guess what guys, they’re still going to make comic books. If those comics happen to be bad, then yes this was not a good direction. BUT, they might be good! We just have no idea yet. This is a Hail Mary pass that at some point, someone was going to have to do. The current fan base, awesome loyal comic buyers (of which I include myself) cannot sustain the industry as it is now, so something had to happen. Maybe this is the wrong way to do it, but we don’t know that yet. Again, the good news is that comic books will still be published by DC and they might be awesome, but they will be different. All the things we currently enjoy by DC will not be burned and lost forever, they’ll still be on your shelf.
@KenOchalek the knowledge you bring to this conversation is awesome.
@pokimac I wonder that too, then I start to hope that the current run of issues will all end with a bang. Think about it: every writer in every comic could kill of their characters, and it would all be erased a month later. What a great opportunity. In particular, I’m hoping that Gail Simone turns the last two issues of Secret Six into a giant bloodbath. Because, at this point, why not? The reboot gives creators an opportunity that they almost never get in mainstream comics: the opportunity to end their story. No cliffhanger. No hook for the next writer. An end. Superman and Lois fly off into the sunset. Batman goes down in flames, taking all of his rogues with him. Fit and proper endings for everyone. How awesome would that be?
@mikeromo: I had a thought about the paucity of new talent: they had to rely on people that they knew were available (ie: currently writing for them), and who could be on the inside of something this major without spilling the beans too early while also maintaining the initial vision. Keeping the first group tight keeps the creative vision tight, as well. I imagine that there was a ton of administrative juggling, and the more freelancers they included, the more complicated that juggling would be. I wouldn’t be at all surprised of people who weren’t in the initial offering, like Kelly Sue Deconnic and Chris Roberson, turned out to have books, as well. The initial talks about this, and the initial assignments, probably happened six months ago, so they had to go with writers and artists that they knew would be around (and not suddenly enter into exclusive contracts with Marvel, for example Nick Spencer). I realize that this is giving them a lot of benefit of the doubt, but this seems more likely (from a business perspective) than freezing out the freelancers who are the creative capital of the future.
i don’t have many concerns for the reboot. For me comics are just mythology…embellished stories told around a campfire kinda thing. Stuff always changes…just have fun with it.
@AquaPimp82 –what should they do? keep on the same path? Kill a character every 4 months and hype a polybagged issue? I”ll give you the price thing, but even then it snot enough. Like it or not, comic books as a media form are barely relevant in pop culture right now. How long does mommy and daddy corporate allow an underperforming division to keep trending downwards before they just shut it all down?
Every business in every single industry has to constantly reinvent and innovate to survive. I’m excited to see new things and new ideas. The digital strategy is what is exciting me the most about this reboot.
“ If DC commits to this new line for at least a few years, we’ll be in this really interesting place of discovering this new mythos together, completely free from the binds of legacy, the shackles of continuity. Each new issue will be a new issue, where our expectations can be left at the door.“
I think you’re exactly right, and this is just what I’m feeling with each new issue of the Flashpoint line. I haven’t really read superheroes for years, largely because I’ve lost touch with the continuity and have no knowledge of the current background story for every character. But with Flashpoint, I don’t need it! And I’m really enjoying the thrill of discovery with each new issue.
The bottom line is DC had to do something. They already cut their prices back, and this is their way of getting more readers so they can stick to that current price scheme.
This time is what it was like while Crisis on Infinite Earths was coming out, we didn’t know what was going to be changed at the time (with no internet access), I wonder how well the last few issues of Superman sold prior to the John Byrne reboot? Could have been a similar effect of “who cares about these last few issues if everything is being rebooted anyway”?
A fair part of this article focuses on endings. That’s something that, too often, comics don’t do well. You get a great idea, a great build-up, then an unsatisfying (even hokey) ending. Maybe it’s a problem with the execution of the idea, or maybe some editorial edict has changed the course of the story. I’m sure we can all cite examples of each of these; I know I have some, but I’m not naming names or pointing fingers.
A number of people have posed the question, “Why even pick the non-Flashpoint books up anymore, if it all won’t matter come September?” I’ve thought this myself, but I intend to finish the titles I am enjoying. But what if, in light of the impending changes, DC told the creative teams of these titles, “For the next two months, do whatever you want. Go crazy. Nothing is off limits.” What kind of stories might we get?
Better yet, with some more advance warning, what kind of stories could the teams have come up with? It would make more sense to build up to some shocking revelation or event, instead of doing it over two months.
Let me drop a “for instance” and see what you think. It was pointed out that the JLI cover originally had a woman assumed to be Donna Troy on the cover. Then, she was removed. Jump over to this month’s teaser for Justice League #48 – “Prepare for “Eclipso vs. Donna Troy” – with an ending that will shock you!” What if, in this case, the ending really WILL be shocking? What if Robinson kills off Donna Troy? What if that explains her removal from the cover?
I’m not advocating that creators take cheap shots to exploit the situation. I don’t want Superman to finally kill Lex Luthor, nothing out of character. But they really could do some Kirkman-esque things that they’ve not been allowed to do so far, things that have lasting implications?
Just an idea…
@IroncladMerc The last Statement of Circulation for the pre-Crisis Superman was in issue # 418 (cover date Apr 1986). Average Press Run last 12 months: 270,577. Press Run at filling date: 238,630. Average Sales through Vendors last 12 months: 96,686. Sales through Vendors at filling date: 98,536.
Interesting, it seemed like DC was printing less copies and selling through more copies. I’ll have to investigate the rest of the line at the time and see if that was the trend.
@blulew23 :My thoughts exactly, the DCU isn’t gonna become the Flashpoint world, but the end of Flashpoint from what I’m gathering and hope is climatic, will alter “everything you know in a flash” and while other titles in the DCU are still going forward apart from Flashpoint, these two universes must coexist as one is impossible without the other, besides, we’ve had the Superman/Batman run running alongside and outside of the DCU’s continuity this whole time and its a good book. It would appear to me that the culmination of events from Blackest Night to Brightest Day and The Return of Bruce Wayne into Batman Inc transition and Flashpoint’s ending are all whats gonna effect the actual Flashpoint for all DCU readers. I just hope the end of an era doesn’t fizzle but explode into new territory knowing the past happened. I for one love the legacy but am all for elseworld stories and change in continuity when its written clever. We’re talking about comix, its a sci-fi world where anything can happen and that what we love about it, give me good stories with good characters (good art too!) and all is forgiven.
BTW, when I said all is forgiven, I don’t think DC owes me or anyone an explanation as to they’re creative decisions as long as they deliver good material and the 2.99 mark is cool. I love Marvel and for years have always read more Marvel than DC but Marvel puts out plenty of forgettable books every month at 3.99, I would love to see (who wouldn’t) both of them putting out great stories at 2.99 exclusively but they both have they’re own math to figure out what works best for them and its up to us readers to support what we think is worth our dollars. If its getting stale,drop it, they’ll put out five to take its place.
@IronCladMerc considering that literally the last pre-Crisis story was one of the BEST Superman stories ever told (Alan Moore’s “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow” of course), I think that this current “ending” has a lot to live up to. Somehow, I don’t think Superman hitting Seattle at the conclusion of “Grounded” will be anywhere close.
@SteenAR There are new characters being introduced in Flashpoint who will continue over, also many things are setting up an altering of the status quo according to Jeff Lemire’s word balloon interview.
They are not going to change anything, nor end anything with a bang because they need to have a save point to come back to in case the reboot doesn’t work. In the DC site they always have a couple of months of story listed and from what I have seen stories end as story arcs, for instance red robin just talks about how he just finish his headquarters. People talk a lot about how the continuity afects but from what i’ve seen the reboot won’t be year one stories so they have to have an origin Wich for me means another continuity maybe not confusing to new readers but I doubt it anyway we will know in September.
a gimmick is a gimmick is a gimmick
I love all the positive thinking that is going on in here! I am long past the point in feeling I have to be paid off for all the comics knowledge and history I have, and in my ideal situation there would be no real continuity except to each character’s basic concepts. So for me, the chance to start over with each character, to explore what I really enjoy about each one (along with learning about some new ones) is something I am truly excited to do. It’s possible that it will just be more of the same after the relaunch, some names changed, some rosters shuffled. But this is an opportunity absolutely bursting with potential, and I can’t wait to see what DC makes of it!
As for the price issue some have mentioned: I think the concept that many people should be talking about is VALUE. Should your comic take you 10-15 minutes to read? Not for $3-4. It simply takes longer to read more text than it does to look at a picture with 2 word balloons. I really hope this is a concept that DC will start tackling in the future now that people will expect a lot of change anyhow.
@Toshimoko29 : VALUE! Exactly and @Apotheosize : If DC is in a creative slump with a lot of their books and want to bridge the ever growing larger sales gap on they’re 2nd and 3rd tier and so on books, I don’t think its a gimmick as much as it is a much needed overall revision. I’m sure some of the stories will carry over with little change and some of the new costumes aren’t necessary but most of it is new direction that may open many doors to not only DC but some of the ideas that work well might translate into other publishers house of ideas. At the same time, sometimes you need a gimmick to jumpstart the wagon.
Sadly I think Mike has hit upon my big problem with this reboot. The vast majority of top tier talent is at Marvel and DC (with the obvious exceptions) is trying to make people buy rejigged books by the same sub-par writers that have had readers levaing their books in droves.
I think the reboots interesting and strange at the same time. it makes sense to start over and get new money and readers in with new continuity and what have you. you got to do it, even if you have to brand new day supes or retgone some of those super double ups for the time being. i think the new digital thing sounds pretty cool and might get some casual fans to get into it. hopefully some kids too. i thought it was a bit strange coming from johns and morrison considering all they’ve done to get everything back to the silver age, but then again now they can start it back over with that story still intact. and morrison would probably just do whatever he wants anyway storywise, so no dramas. but come on, jim lee’s JLA #2 out in February 2012, #3 in July. Trade out by 2014.
Flashpoint just feels like a weird way to send the universe out. Earth-F is just too angry. I wouldn’t prefer another Crisis but maybe something smaller and more introspective. The best i can think of is something like justice in how the players are all the same, the pieces are just rearranged on the board. advertised for a year that could have been epic.
SPOILER
Holy crap, I was right. And it was TERRIBLE. Read my review.
well, I totally blew it and missed a fantastic conversation–which was the whole point of this piece! i will admit, I did think that the Reboot would take place in the Flashpoint universe–if this is truly not the case, then I apologize, I should have done more research. I guess it makes sense, if DC is going to use Flashpoint to impact “our” universe, but I can’t help but think how cool it would be if the new DCU was in this totally different world–that would be incredibly bold.
Great questions, great points, great comments–very much looking forward to a year from now (well, not really) to see where we’re at.
BTW, if you haven’t done so already, the guys do a really great job discussing this on this week’s video show.
see ya next week!
mike