In what will probably be the biggest comic book news this year, DC Comics announced today (via USA Today article) that beginning August 31st over 50 of their biggest titles will be renumbered back to #1.
Although renumbering a title isn’t new, or even that uncommon, each title will also be getting a fresh reboot. DC Co-Publisher Jim Lee has been involved with many character costume redesigns, all in an attempt to make characters in the DCU (DC Universe) more recognizable and more appealing to a contemporary audience.
The DCU reboot will begin Aug. 31st with Justice League #1, written by DC’s Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns with long time comic book legend (and previously mentioned Co-Publisher for DC Comics) Jim Lee. Justice League #1 will include the classic cast : Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Aquaman.
The two comic book industry heavyweights will lead the charge on DC’s Flagship book as the following rebooted / renumbered books will come out in September. While rebooting a huge portion of the 76 year old comic universe is big news by itself, DC also announced a move that may finally put the company ahead of it’s long time rival Marvel Comics in the comic book industry.
In what may become the turning point of the comic industry, DC comics will be releasing every renumbered title digitally on the same day it hits the shelves in comic shops. Up until now shoppers could only shop in the back issue bins for their digital comics, but as of Aug. 31st with Justice League #1 each book will be available via one of many different apps. DC is hopeful that this move to rule the digital comic book sales will help to attract new readers as well as those who have given up on DC titles. Jim Lee said inUSA Today’s article:
“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.”
Even though same day digital release of these new titles is an momentous event, many long time readers are sure to be already reeling at the thought of a reboot of this size. Fans of the current DC titles may not be looking for change in the books that they’ve been purchasing over the years. The reboot will invite new readers to give DC Comics a try, but it may alienate existing readers.
“We looked at what was going on in the marketplace and felt we really want to inject new life in our characters and line,” co-publisher Dan Dido said in the same article.
DC has stated on their website (DCcomics.com) that more news will be revealed in the following days, but today what do you think of their bold move?
If you’ve been a long time reader of DC’s comics will you be giving the rebooted titles a fair shot? Or if you’re not currently reading any DC titles, does this move draw your attention to give them a try? And with the same day release of the digital versions of these new books will you be buying these issues in print or online?
Give us your thoughts on this in the comment section below, and stay tuned as we’ll bring you all the up to date news as DC releases it in the following days.