DCU In 2010: Welcome To Earth One *SPOILERS*

[Karl O'Neill]

Here is the link.

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/12/07/dcu-in-2010-welcome-to-earth-one/


http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2009/12/batman_fnl3.jpg

Sounds awesome.

[Dick/babs]

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/12/07/dcu-in-2010-welcome-to-earth-one/

[Karl O'Neill]

This is gonna kill guys.

Shane Davis.

http://i.livescience.com/images/superman_leveledlores.jpg

[The Chief5425]

Most excited I've been about any new project(s) in a long time.

[Ilash]

This looks pretty damn cool actually. I do question if Geoff will be able to write Batman properly but being free of continuity can only be a good thing in his case. The format sounds very interesting as well.

[SpideyZERO]

I would prefer Batman without the eyes pupils. But this sounds really cool

[Karl O'Neill]

Very excited to see what Johns will do with the twisted Bat Rogues.

Oh yeah.

[ChairthrowerLad]

Great creative teams!

It all seems pretty familiar, though.

"Starting next year, DC Comics will unveil SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE and BATMAN: EARTH ONE, two graphic novels spotlighting the most powerful heroes of the DC Universe, with their first years and earliest moments retold in a standalone, original graphic novel format, on a new earth with an all-new continuity."

So it's kind of the beginning of DC Ultimate continuity?

Also, the "Earth One" title cracks me up. 10-15 years from now I predict a huge event called something like Battle on Multiple Worlds. It will synthesize the multiverse down to one "new" Earth with a "new" continuity. Then the cycle can repeat itself all over again! :tongue:

[protege]

I'm not sure what to make of the "graphic novel format" tag. Are these going to be series, mini series, or one shots?

[SpideyZERO]

Ongoing graphic novel series. They are planning to do 2 novels per year. Refer to this interview

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43302

[Karl O'Neill]

10-15 years from now I predict a huge event called something like Battle on Multiple Worlds. It will synthesize the multiverse down to one "new" Earth with a "new" continuity. Then the cycle can repeat itself all over again! :tongue:

It may or may not.

But in the meantime we can still enjoy the stuff they are doing now :-)

[dumbstruck]

So it's basically a reworked, relaunched All-Star concept. Here's hoping it's better than All-Star was.

[Karl O'Neill]

So it's basically a reworked, relaunched All-Star concept. Here's hoping it's better than All-Star was.

The line? Or the quality of the titles?

All star Superman won some eisners.

All Star Batman was alot of fun. But hardly award winning.

[gwangung]

So it's basically a reworked, relaunched All-Star concept. Here's hoping it's better than All-Star was.

If it's only a tenth as good as All Star Superman, it'll be pretty damn good.

[Karl O'Neill]

Ongoing graphic novel series. They are planning to do 2 novels per year. Refer to this interview

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43302

I have no problem with this idea. I can't afford 2 new titles without dropping some others first. So this way I might be able to have my cake and eat it too.

Yum Yum.:biggrin: :cool:

[KET]

So basically, it's yet more DC recycling of origins with their two biggest franchises. Since they're in "graphic novel" format, I'm assuming that they're hoping to appeal to folks OUTSIDE the insular comics audience they've been pampering for ages? Well, lots of luck with that. Frankly, I'd be more interested in knowing HOW they're going to market these differently, since Johns isn't really a 'brand name' outside of comics yet (as JMS obviously is).

[dumbstruck]

The line? Or the quality of the titles?

All star Superman won some eisners.

All Star Batman was alot of fun. But hardly award winning.


Both. Wasn't a fan of either All-Star book. Dropped them both by issue 3.

Perhaps this line of books is where the Johns/Lee JLA will show up. Just a thought.

[Hullababy]

WOW! This sounds absolutely awesome. :biggrin:

Did I read that right ? Ongoing graphic novels ? :eek:

[Karl O'Neill]

So basically, it's yet more DC recycling of origins with their two biggest franchises. Since they're in "graphic novel" format, I'm assuming that they're hoping to appeal to folks OUTSIDE the insular comics audience they've been pampering for ages? Well, lots of luck with that. Frankly, I'd be more interested in knowing HOW they're going to market these differently, since Johns isn't really a 'brand name' outside of comics yet (as JMS obviously is).

They are not origins as such.

Early adventures and a new spin on the hero, his city and his villains. Supporting cast might get a make-over as well.

[eggie]

OMG!!! This sounds awesome! I love the creative teams on these books! At first I was like "aw man! I want Geoff Johns & Gary Frank on Superman!", then when I saw the Superman creative team of JMS & Shane Davis and I felt much, much better. I loved Shane's Superman from the Superman/Batman arc he drew...he is a fave of mine! I will definitely be getting both of these ogn's! This whole idea has me excited!

P.S. Is it just me or does the Batman design pretty closely resemble the Batman design Wizard magazine did for an article back in the day about "Ultimate DC"? Using the yellow oval, and the way the front part of the cowl over Bruce's eyes, nose, and forehead is attached...idk maybe its just me. I do like the design tho! And I dig Gary Frank's Alfred too!

[Karl O'Neill]

Perhaps this line of books is where the Johns/Lee JLA will show up. Just a thought.

The potential is there,dude.

We could get takes on the flash and green lantern as well.

Hol;y shit. This could be huge.

[Thok]

This looks pretty damn cool actually. I do question if Geoff will be able to write Batman properly but being free of continuity can only be a good thing in his case. The format sounds very interesting as well.

A lot of the problems I would have with a Johns Batman run would go away in this format.

Similarly, if there is going to be a Grant Morrison Wonder Woman project, this is the format to do it in. (Both the freedom from continuity and the ability to publish it as one big graphic novel would be beneficial for him.)

[Bevbos]

If this is really an "Ultimate Universe" for the DCU, I'm pumped.

If it's more like "Superman: Secret Origin" than I'm not so pumped.

[ChairthrowerLad]

It may or may not.

But in the meantime we can still enjoy the stuff they are doing now :-)

Haha, yeah, I am excited about it, but the concept still cracks me up.

[NickFury90]

...So its like All-Star Imprint, but might actually come out in a timely fashion? Cool.

For one, I've really been waiting on JMS' Superman project. I know thats the one project he's been waiting to write, and I was hoping they didn't turn him down like they did with Mark Waid. I don't know who Shane Davis is, but this should be awesome. And with two books a year, JMS BETTER not screw this up with delays :mad:

So I guess this is the "big announcement" that Geoff Johns was talking about. Johns/Frank is a pretty damn awesome team, although I don't know about Johns take on Batman. And I was actually hoping that Gary Frank would get with JMS on his big Superman work. They've worked together on Midnight Nation and Supreme Power, and Gary Frank draws a great Reeves-looking Superman as we all know. Oh well, lets see what happens. I think this is the one time I like seeing Batman's pupils.

[KYLeo71]

This really does seem like it's going to be DC's answer to Marvel's Ulitmate Universe. However, the difference being that it's going to be published as OGNs as opposed to singles. I think that if the initial Superman/Batman books are as successful as I think they will be, we'll eventually see WW, GL, Flash, JLA, etc. all popping up with their own OGNs in this new continuity. Some might be a 1 time OGN, others might be ongoing series (surely all depending on sales). My only qualm is that it's being given Earth One to occupy. In my head, I was hoping that Earth 1 was going to end up being where all the Silver/Bronze Age DCU characters and continuities pre-COIE still lived, much like Earth Two parallels the original.

[Karl O'Neill]

I think the ONG's concept of it is a way of explaining delays.:biggrin:

[DKR]

Looks like DC's trying an Ultimate approach again. Hopefully they have better luck this time.

[Karl O'Neill]

Both. Wasn't a fan of either All-Star book. Dropped them both by issue 3.


Morrison's superman is genius. I don't say that lightly.

You seem to have made your mind up after 3 issues on both titles so I won't try change that notion.

:smile:

[DKR]

I'm looking forward to this. Especially Batman. Please let this work out better than All Star!

[spark627]

This is cool but they need to do more then just Superman and Batman, how many times do we have to have their stories retold?

[theXfactor]

This is a really cool idea and I love the creative teams. I couldn't be more exited. :smile:

[Will.S]

JMS and Shane Davis being on Superman I'm excited about but Geoff on Batman doesn't really give me a whole lot of excitement but since this is Earth One Batman I suppose he has a lot more leeway to characterize him in the way that he wants.

Gary Frank's art looks great but I would almost prefer him to be paired with JMS rather than Geoff.

[Kiryu]

Can't say I'm interested in Geoff's Batman. His writing and my tastes haven't crossed paths recently, but it's not getting in the way of Morrison's Batman story so it doesn't bother me.

As for Superman, indifferent. Won't be as good as All Star Superman, not interested in an origin(the best one was done in one page and drawn by Frank Quitely). And I haven't really dug JMS' work in awhile.

[Sean Walsh]

This is cool but they need to do more then just Superman and Batman, how many times do we have to have their stories retold?

Yeah, this is my one problem with this announcement too. I think this broke the limit of how many retoolings/retellings/reduxings I can deal with. I can see this isn't necessarily "aimed towards us," but..........come on, it is, and those who are outside the comic world may not clamor to it much at all.

I hope this sells gangbusters and is good for DC, but this isn't really my cup of tea. My budget can only be stretched so far...

[spark627]

Yeah, this is my one problem with this announcement too. I think this broke the limit of how many retoolings/retellings/reduxings I can deal with. I can see this isn't necessarily "aimed towards us," but..........come on, it is, and those who are outside the comic world may not clamor to it much at all.

I hope this sells gangbusters and is good for DC, but this isn't really my cup of tea. My budget can only be stretched so far...

Yea, I wouldn't mind new stories... but another origin? This will be the second Superman origin this year!

Why can't we get regular stories for Superman and Batman and new origins for Wonder Woman and some others who haven't had the treatment Superman and Batman have had.

[Uxas]

Could this mark a slow transition to a more OGN/trade oriented way of publishing comics? I certainly wouldn't mind, considering that I only follow a few series in the standard issue format. Not to mention the benefits that come with publishing stories in this way, for instance the artist probaly doesn't have to worry about scheduling too much.

New Gods: Earth One by Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones anyone?

[artiepants]

my first thought was LOL@DC for finally getting around to flat-out copying the Ultimate concept (but i think you might be 5 years too late)

My 2nd thought was, if you ARE going this route, why wouldn't you have Batman at least superficially resemble the SPECTACULARLY SUCCESFUL movie version... Im not saying copy it verbatim, just use it a template since it's what non-readers are familiar with... Really not impressed by the Batman costume redesign or EXTREME!!! Alfred...

My last though though is, the format (semi-regular GNs set in their own co-continuity ~ assuming JMS can play nicer with Johns than he did with anyone at Marvel) is a really great idea and i'd totally get behind it if it loked a little better...

[starman]

Posted some Earth One Avatars
here (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=10130638&postcount=3325)
and
here (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=10130643&postcount=3326)

[Utility Belt]

This looks promising. I love how the yellow oval is back for Batman's chest emblem.
The objective here is, I believe, to simplify things and not get bogged down by the ever more complex DCU. But, won't this add YET ANOTHER universe to further complicate things for new readers?

[Bevbos]

New Gods: Earth One by Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones anyone?

As long as Jones at least references the original Kirby designs, I'd sure be down with this.

Hopefully this whole DC: Earth One will do what has been done fairly successfully in the Ultimate universe, and tie all these properties together in a cogent way from the get-go. For instance, the way Peter Parker's parents, the Hulk, and the origin of mutants were all kind of tied in... that seems to be one of the main possible benefits of this whole Earth One line.

Also not excited by the new* origins for these two characters, but I do love the possibility of a new "ultimatized" line for them.

* since they'll be, you know, basically the same stories we all know so well.

[galactica]

This looks promising. I love how the yellow oval is back for Batman's chest emblem.
The objective here is, I believe, to simplify things and not get bogged down by the ever more complex DCU. But, won't this add YET ANOTHER universe to further complicate things for new readers?

I don't see why a new reader reader would worry about what is happening on other Earths.

[Dick/babs]

Do you think there will be a Dick Grayson, Robin in this Earth :biggrin:

[True Herald]

This looks promising. I love how the yellow oval is back for Batman's chest emblem.
The objective here is, I believe, to simplify things and not get bogged down by the ever more complex DCU. But, won't this add YET ANOTHER universe to further complicate things for new readers?

Yup. Just like Marvel's Ultimate universe Ultimately did.

[galactica]

I hope they don't tie-in with one another too much. At least not for the first few years.

Anyone think there is more coming?

[SpideyZERO]

If the two titles sell well

[Desaad]

Grant Morrison and EVS on Green Lantern: Earth 1

Warren Ellis and Ivan Reis on Flash: Earth 1

Greg Rucka and JG Jones on Wonder Woman: Earth 1

Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch on Aquaman: Earth 1

Neil Gaiman and Olivier Coipel on Captain Marvel: Earth 1


Make it so!

[Green Griffin]

I have a feeling this will be alot better then the Ultimate Universe. The creative teams here are already better then the ones that started the Ultimate line.

[Uxas]

I think that some people are reading too much to the origin aspect of these stories. After all, all the announcements said was that the characters would have "revised origins". That does not equate to "these are origin stories". I'd suspect that the origins of the characters will only play a minimal role, unlike Superman: Secret Origin for instance, which is all about refitting S's origins in the DCU continuity.

[Green Griffin]

Grant Morrison and EVS on Green Lantern: Earth 1

Warren Ellis and Ivan Reis on Flash: Earth 1

Greg Rucka and JG Jones on Wonder Woman: Earth 1

Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch on Aquaman: Earth 1

Neil Gaiman and Olivier Coipel on Captain Marvel: Earth 1


Make it so!

no to Millar, he a hack that should go away already.

[True Herald]

And I'm with those who say that the last thing THIS universe needs is YET ANOTHER presentation of the Superman and Batman origins. Especially since Superman: Secret Origins, written by -- *dramatic pause* -- Geoff Johns, hasn't even ended yet.

http://www.vsa-ag.ch/public/omg.jpg

[eggie]

Grant Morrison and EVS on Green Lantern: Earth 1

Warren Ellis and Ivan Reis on Flash: Earth 1

Greg Rucka and JG Jones on Wonder Woman: Earth 1

Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch on Aquaman: Earth 1

Neil Gaiman and Olivier Coipel on Captain Marvel: Earth 1


Make it so!

I like all these except for Millar & Hitch...I want them to stay in the Marvel Universe for a little while longer...sorry. I'ld prefer to see:

Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheco on Aquaman: Earth 1

All the others I would totally be behind tho. And don't forget:

Geoff Johns and Jim Lee on JLA: Earth 1 (crosses fingers)

Peter Tomasi and Mark Bagley on Martian Manhunter: Earth 1

[Winghead]

I don't think that Geoff's JLA project will be for Earth One as it was pretty much confirmed that there will be 2 JLA books with different rosters in the mainstream DCU, and it was very much hinted that Geoff would be writing one of them. The Jim Lee thing...who knows?

[Mulbard]

Do you think there will be a Dick Grayson, Robin in this Earth :biggrin:

I kind of hope so, but not immediately. However, PLEASE don't use the golden/silver age Robin costume.

Given this is Earth One, do you think these could be set in the 1960s? It'd be interesting to kind of period drama type things ('Nam perhaps? JFK's asassination? Or at least references to them). In all honesty I don't think they'd try this, as Earth One sounds more like a bid to get new readers, who'd be more interested in modern stuff.

EDIT: Just reread and realised Earth One is definitely going to be modern :tongue:

As these are in graphic novel format, how many pages are they aiming for? Hopefully that will mean they won't be rushed either. As I'm European and it is by far easier for me to buy TPBs and HCs, this doesn't really make much difference to me :tongue:

[Desaad]

Yeah, I was mostly bringing in Millar and Hitch due to the name ability more than anything. Also, Hitch had a dynamite Namor. But yeah, Busiek would be even better.

Pete Tomasi would be a good Martian Manhunter writer, but I'd rather have another artist. Bagely hasn't been doing it for me lately. I'd rather have the ephemeral style of the guy who did Klarion and Azrael...

[Winghead]

Busiek has been MIA in the DCU since Trinity (by choice I'm sure) so I would really love to see him on a book.

[mortari]

and why call it Earth One when they aren't using Earth One

won't that make it More confusing?

is that last line possible?

[Jaded Devil]

I don't see a need for yet ANOTHER Superman or Batman book. So many untapped, unused characters and they keep coming back to the same two. YES, they're icons, YES they're recognizable, but if all DC is going to do is generate new Superman and Batman stories, why not sell off their other characters to companies who might actually, I don't know, DO something with them?

Uber-fail, uber-pass for me.

[NickFury90]

The thing I don't think people understand, is that this is basically the DC Ultimate line. And what did those Marvel Ultimate books start off with? Thats right, an ORIGIN STORY. Because the origin story in Earth One isn't going to look like the one in the main DCU. This isn't just some origin story so new readers can get the basics of the characters; this is an ENTIRE NEW UNIVERSE. If Superman: Earth One and Batman: Earth One succeed, we can probably look forward to an Earth One Wonder Woman, Earth One Flash, Earth One Green Lantern, Earth One Lex Luthor, Earth One Deathstroke, Earth One Darkseid, etc etc. Marvel started the Ultimate line-up with their most popular characters: X-men, Spider-man, Fantastic Four, and the Avengers. Batman and Superman are by far the most popular, well-known characters from DC, why WOULDN'T they start off the new universe with them? What, you want them to risk this big new project with an Earth One Martian Manhunter, we can aint keep an on-going in the regular DCU?

[Ikonic]

Any chance of a Black Lightning: Earth One? This guy could use a fresh start!

[Gabe De Los Muertos]

So it's basically a reworked, relaunched All-Star concept. Here's hoping it's better than All-Star was.

All-Star was great.:wink:

[Gabe De Los Muertos]

Any chance of a Black Lightning: Earth One? This guy could use a fresh start!

I'd like that, but I imagine WW, Hal, Arthur, and Barry would come before him.

[Seven_Ride]

Posted some Earth One Avatars
here (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=10130638&postcount=3325)
and
here (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=10130643&postcount=3326)Thanks man, just uploaded one of your Gary Frank Batmans.

[Armadillo]

I'd like that, but I imagine WW, Hal, Arthur, and Barry would come before him.

I really hope anyone other the Supes and Bats will get an 'Earth One' book, I wouldn't be suprise if not. Just disappointed.

I think all GL, WW, Flash, JLA, JSA, Aquaman and Titans deserve it,
They're supposed to be DC's big names, you know.

[NickFury90]

I think if these books are a big success, you can definitely look forward to an Earth One JLA, an Earth One Wonder Woman, etc.

[Seven_Ride]

Sold. Man I LOVE this concept. Seems like this will avoid all the trappings of the in-continuity books: The soap opera, the multitude of variant editions of every character, the decades of continuity, etc. And yet at the same time it's still sequential, just via the OGN format. It's a perfect way to entice bookstore customers that aren't invested in the last 30 years of monthlies.

I could see books like:

Wonder Woman by Ethan Van Sciver
Flash by Mark Waid and Barry Kitson
Green Lantern by Darwyn Cooke
JLA by Kurt Busiek and George Perez
Hawkman by Kyle Baker
Green Arrow by Mike Grell
etc.

[Gitaroo_Dude]

Great news. Been waiting for JMS on Supes.

At first I was like "meh" about Johns on Batman, but Franks's designs look awesome. And I'm pretty sure that, since it's a new continuity, Johns can build his own stuff from scratch. Should be exciting.

[Seven_Ride]

But, won't this add YET ANOTHER universe to further complicate things for new readers?Each Earth One OGN series will likely stand on its own. Especially since each book will take approximately 6 months or so to create.

For example, let's say Johns' first Batman OGN is published around July 2010, and JMS' second Superman OGN comes out in January 2011. Is JMS going to reference Johns' book? No way. There's no value in that, since DC isn't aiming this at the comic shop crowd that NEEDS interconnected stories.

I'd bet they won't reference each other any more than Batman TAS referenced Superman TAS. Which is to say, rarely. And if they wanted to team them up, they'll publish a stand-alone Superman/Batman OGN.

[bongoes]

and why call it Earth One when they aren't using Earth One

won't that make it More confusing?

is that last line possible?

I think this IS the Earth One DC hasn't been using.

From this
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43302

"BUG: I know you're a multiverse freak. How does BATMAN: EARTH ONE fit in with current continuity? Is it another universe, an Ultimate/All Star style take, or something completely different?

GJ: All of the above."

[Bodhi M.]

I love this idea. Having the multiple Earths return opens up so much in the way of storytelling. I definitely think that they need to begin this operation with Superman and Batman, and then hopefully move on to other things, such as Justice League, Wonder Woman, and so forth.

[revolver86]

Is it just me, or does it seem like those rumored Morrison Wonderwoman and Johns/Lee JLA projects seem perfect for this format? Bet you all a million bucks that's the case.

[Mr Wesley]

1)I think they're naming it "Earth-One" so they can keep it as separately as they can from the whole multiverse concept, but reserve the right to have a crossover at somepoint in the future.

2) You know who I always thought would work well as the sole protector of Earth? Guy Gardner as the sole Green Lantern on Earth. Being the #3 or #4 guy on Earth, there have always been other GLs to keep him in check. But Guy as the only GL when he goes bananas on someone--that would be EPIC.

[Brian Grindrod]

Johns explained "'Batman: Earth One' is more in line with the European idea of releasing chapters of an ongoing series in graphic novel form. We’re planning on doing two novels a year and set in this new universe, we’re getting unlimited creative freedom that we couldn’t have in current continuity."

Well, well, well.... this is what I've been suggesting and predicting for the past eight years as to what the North American comic book landscape will have to do to assure the feasibility of the companies' publishing rights of their properties. Floppies will always be around (just like disco) but this is the future.

Mark this day down for you have now witnessed the beginning of a new era of how the main publishers will assure themselves a new audience, reach out to the buying public on a grandeur scale and take the 'comic book' out of an outdated format that was strangling the medium for far too long.

Welcome to the 21st Century guys and gals!

[uebersoldat]

I understood this as the direction DC is taking, for example this guys' blog talks about how they (DC) think the monthly single issue model will fail in the near future and are 'testing' the waters with these OGNs...I didn't think the bi-monthly model/monthly releases were doing all that bad these days. Doom and gloom doom and gloom...

http://www.examiner.com/x-19312-Columbus-Comic-Books-Examiner~y2009m12d7-Batman-and-Superman-to-be-rebooted-by-Johns-and-Straczynski-in-2010

[Green Griffin]

no matter what, Superman costume stays the same.

[n8twing]

Aw, I was hoping at some point we'd see "Earth One" again, and it would be the Pre-Crisis DC Universe about 5 years later. I think that coulda been a pretty cool project. So Babs would still be Batgirl, Jason Todd would be Robin (and Tim Drake wouldn't), Lois still wouldnt know Supes' secret, Firestorm would still be Ronnie, etc.

This project? Nice creative teams, but I dont see the need for the whole-cloth origin revisionism. Why not just tell really good standalone Batman and Superman stories? Bruce Timm did it for years.

And if it's for "the masses", why call it "Earth One"? Isnt that confusing to them?

[Brian Grindrod]

Could this mark a slow transition to a more OGN/trade oriented way of publishing comics? I certainly wouldn't mind, considering that I only follow a few series in the standard issue format. Not to mention the benefits that come with publishing stories in this way, for instance the artist probaly doesn't have to worry about scheduling too much.

New Gods: Earth One by Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones anyone?

I completely agree with you about your assessment. The independent North American publishers have been doing this for quite some time and have added the collectibility factor by also offering signed or limited editions.

Even the times have caught up with the old mindset.

[Choppa]

Are these going to share continuity a la the Ultimate Universe?

Also, I really like the idea, but I hate the name Earth-1. Isn't E1 the earth pre-IC? So why muddy things up for no reason. Just make them their on line if they share continuity, or non-canon miniseries if they're not.

[stillanerd]

Okay, I've got to admit that the idea of having a straight to graphic novel series does have it's appeal given the nature of the comic book market these days and how there is already a "writing for the trade" mentality that's existed for years. At the same time, however, it does seem as though this sounds as if DC is, just like with their All-Star line, is coming up with an "Ultimate" line which, given how things have been going with Ultimate Marvel, is coming a decade too late. Also, it's interesting to note that the Earth One: Batman costume design really reminds me of an article from Wizard years ago in which they came up with their own "Ultimate DC" versions:

http://hallofheroes.free.fr/Images/UltimateDC/batman.jpg

[J. Robb]

And I'm with those who say that the last thing THIS universe needs is YET ANOTHER presentation of the Superman and Batman origins. Especially since Superman: Secret Origins, written by -- *dramatic pause* -- Geoff Johns, hasn't even ended yet.
"Birthright" was pretty much dead in the water before it finished, as well.

The last ten years of Superman comics have been mostly fan-fiction, every new writer wanting to do their own take with no interest in building on what has come before. Now it looks like that's going to continue...

[Free-Man]

I understood this as the direction DC is taking, for example this guys' blog talks about how they (DC) think the monthly single issue model will fail in the near future and are 'testing' the waters with these OGNs...I didn't think the bi-monthly model/monthly releases were doing all that bad these days. Doom and gloom doom and gloom...

http://www.examiner.com/x-19312-Columbus-Comic-Books-Examiner~y2009m12d7-Batman-and-Superman-to-be-rebooted-by-Johns-and-Straczynski-in-2010

Doom and gloom, but also true. The industry is selling a fraction of what it was in the 90's.

[KYLeo71]

I thought most everything was doing a fraction of what it was in the 1990s from television ratings to music sales. Comics really aren't alone in the dwindling audience category.

[Kiryu]

Here were my thoughts from another forum,


I think I'll pass on Batman, for sure. I'm just not keen to see Geoff's take on the character, let alone in a Year One/Secret Origin/Ultimate or what-have you retelling.

Superman, maybe. But JMS hasn't impressed me in some time. Why not just have Morrison do some All-Star Superman one-shots? I really can't see JMS topping that book. And really, the one page origin story drawn by Quitely leading to the two-page Superman splash is the best Superman origin ever written, easy.

But hey, at least it's outside of the regular continuity and isn't getting in the way of my Batman fix.


Batman I really don't have an iota of interest in, Superman is a possibility. But I'm not keen on Origin stories and I'm a little less keen on the idea of JMS doing Lost-Style flashbacks to Smallville during the present day ideas. But if he does it with a little less heavy-handedness and reverence that Geoff is approaching Secret Origins with, it could be interesting.

What is really exciting are the possibilities beyond these two books, the same as it was with the All-Star line which never progressed beyond Superman and Batman. Grant Morrison doing a continuity free Flash or Wonder Woman book or even Green Lantern? Gail Simone doing Batgirl or Justice League? These are the things that really exciteme me, so I do hope the line succeeds in a manner that lets it expand beyond just Superman and Batman

[NickFury90]

Are these going to share continuity a la the Ultimate Universe?


Yep, that seems to be the plan.

[DubipR]

I'm going to pass on this one.

Nice concept but I don't need yet another "All Star/Ultimates/Earth 1" attempt again. DC blew it with ASBat and got bitten for it. While the concept will sell, I just don't care anymore

I'll stick with First Wave when that hits.

But everyone else, please enjoy.

[HaroldAllnut]

Very excited to see what Johns will do with the twisted Bat Rogues.

Oh yeah.

I can't imagine the first story won't involve Johns' take on the Joker. I wonder if it'll be influenced by TDK at all?


So basically, it's yet more DC recycling of origins with their two biggest franchises. Since they're in "graphic novel" format, I'm assuming that they're hoping to appeal to folks OUTSIDE the insular comics audience they've been pampering for ages? Well, lots of luck with that. Frankly, I'd be more interested in knowing HOW they're going to market these differently, since Johns isn't really a 'brand name' outside of comics yet (as JMS obviously is).

I think the marketing will work in that, by making them OGNs, they'll show up in Borders, Barnes & Nobles, and other such places.

[Freakzeek]

Its books for books shops so normal people can read and enjoy them. This is a step forward for DC to try and reach out to normal people and get them to read their stuff.

Its not for you continuity buffs.
There will very VERY few appearences of a character outside their book ("hey, I bought I bought this Superman book, why the **** is Batman a co-star ?")
With 2 books coming out a year, it'll be almost impossible to have a big crossover.
With 2 books coming out a year, there will be less of a character having to be in two stories at the same time (apparently 'Batman' and 'Batman and Robin' are happening at the same time).
Family books will also look equally silly.
Finally a Book that isn't a puzzle!
Its stories, for normal people, sold in book shops

Batman & Geoff Johns= no, god no!
Superman= JMS with no Delays, me gusta!

Thank you Dc!

[HaroldAllnut]

I can't imagine the first story won't involve Johns' take on the Joker. I wonder if it'll be influenced by TDK at all?

Looks like I'm eating my words, since Geoff John mentioned that:


The first graphic novel features an entirely new villain.

[gwangung]

The last ten years of Superman comics have been mostly fan-fiction, every new writer wanting to do their own take with no interest in building on what has come before. Now it looks like that's going to continue...

In a lot of ways, this was how Superman was in the 50s and 60s: limited continuity with plenty of inconsistencies.

Shrug. This is not a death knell.

[Reptisaurus!]

"Birthright" was pretty much dead in the water before it finished, as well.

The last ten years of Superman comics have been mostly fan-fiction, every new writer wanting to do their own take with no interest in building on what has come before. Now it looks like that's going to continue...

I'd say it goes back a lot further than that. At the very least you have John Byrne's total reboot, the total reboot when Julie Shwartz' took over editing, and a slow, soft reboot during the Maggin/Bates years where Superman switched out supporting casts and slowly returned to Godhood.

[PympMyQuinjet]

I honestly am in love with this idea. I've always wanted one of the big two to have some sort of graphic novels released, seperate from their monthlies, that the best of the best writers and artists team up to just tell f*cking awesome stories. This seems to be that. If this does well, I'd love to see Grant Morrison do Green Lantern, but with John Stewart as the main guy. That would gain an audience, I'm telling you. Then have someone do Wally West as the Flash and grab another team for a Wonder Woman OGN, and then have all the teams collaberate for an awesome JLA book!


I can dream...

[kalorama]

Another retelling of Batman and Superman's origins? Jesus, they haven't even finished the current retelling of Superman's origin. It seems to me that this constant strip mining of its past (while still hanging on for dear life to its current status quo) is what hampers comics from moving forward and attracting a new audience with new concepts.

[prescribeddrone]

It sounds cool but I'm not gonna commit fully just yet, maybe I'll buy a few of these depending on what story they redo. But yeah, I'll check it out. If anything I can wait to get them cheaper on amazon, there's no real rush in reading these if they're already trades.

[J. Robb]

I'd say it goes back a lot further than that. At the very least you have John Byrne's total reboot, the total reboot when Julie Shwartz' took over editing, and a slow, soft reboot during the Maggin/Bates years where Superman switched out supporting casts and slowly returned to Godhood.
I don't agree. While there were some changes between '59 to '85, for the most part the Superman of the sixties was the Superman of the early eighties. Even the "Sand Superman" story was an attempt to make changes while respecting previous history. Then '86 to '99 stuck to a consistent history, for the most part.

But this decade has been a mess of re-introducing elements only months after their last re-introduction, and wildly inconsistent personalities for Superman and his supporting cast from writer to writer. I do give them credit that "New Krypton" is a new idea- but the problem is, given past editorial history, I have no confidence the next creative team won't just ignore it.

[True Herald]

"Birthright" was pretty much dead in the water before it finished, as well.

The last ten years of Superman comics have been mostly fan-fiction, every new writer wanting to do their own take with no interest in building on what has come before. Now it looks like that's going to continue...

The last 6 years of the entire DCU has been mostly fanfiction... (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RunningTheAsylum)

[Freakzeek]

I honestly am in love with this idea. I've always wanted one of the big two to have some sort of graphic novels released, seperate from their monthlies, that the best of the best writers and artists team up to just tell f*cking awesome stories. This seems to be that. If this does well, I'd love to see Grant Morrison do Green Lantern, but with John Stewart as the main guy. That would gain an audience, I'm telling you. Then have someone do Wally West as the Flash and grab another team for a Wonder Woman OGN, and then have all the teams collaberate for an awesome JLA book!


I can dream...

Awesome Screen Name, I think I love you! you're reading my mind, I would love to see Grant Morrison on A Green Lantern Title, John Stewart would just be a Super Bonus!

[another_version]

I am very cautious about these. First, I want to know the page count, and price: to see how much story we are going to get, for how much, and how often.
Second, I would like to know if there are going to be other books, WW, JLA, GL, Flash etc...
I would be happy with a DC ultimate universe all in OGN, because then my friends do not have as many excuses to not read comics. Not sure at this point, if they announce that Johns JLA is in E-1, and Morrisons WW, I will be completely sold on anything in this line, as long as the creative teams stay as strong as they currently are.

[Karl O'Neill]

The last 6 years of the entire DCU has been mostly fanfiction... (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RunningTheAsylum)

You don't half pimp that link do you?:biggrin:

[Calvin Government]

1: Unless you're going to do something drastically new with it, DO NOT RETELL THE ORIGIN. Both are simple enough that they can be done in a page. Don't waste more time than that.

2: Let's see something new out of this. The idea behind the whole project is rock-solid, but it would be wasted if it was just another mundane Batman story and another mundane Superman story that may as well be told in normal continuity. Here's a good guideline: if the villain(s) you pick for the first volumes are guys everyone on the planet will recognize, you've probably failed.

You have an opportunity to do something new. I am begging you: do not waste it with more of the same.

[True Herald]

You don't half pimp that link do you?:biggrin:

I'm an Entry Pimp (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/EntryPimp), but only for entries relevant to what I'm discussing. :wink:

[True Herald]

1: Unless you're going to do something drastically new with it, DO NOT RETELL THE ORIGIN. Both are simple enough that they can be done in a page. Don't waste more time than that.

2: Let's see something new out of this. The idea behind the whole project is rock-solid, but it would be wasted if it was just another mundane Batman story and another mundane Superman story that may as well be told in normal continuity. Here's a good guideline: if the villain(s) you pick for the first volumes are guys everyone on the planet will recognize, you've probably failed.

You have an opportunity to do something new. I am begging you: do not waste it with more of the same.

But-- but these are vanity projects created not to foster creativity, but so that the writers don't have to work with continuity and do research. "More of the same" is the whole point!

[Choppa]

Yep, that seems to be the plan.

Then I'm down...assuming the writers collaborate and don't just do their own thing.

I still don't like the name Earth-One though, it seems needlessly confusing.

[Calvin Government]

But-- but these are vanity projects created not to foster creativity, but so that the writers don't have to work with continuity and do research. "More of the same" is the whole point!

The day I give up hope is the day I stop reading comics.

Thankfully, there are always a few projects going to keep those last tatters of hope alive.

It will be easy enough to avoid this project completely if Johns and JMS do their normal thing. That was merely an open display of a grown man begging for something better on the horizon.

[n8twing]

Announced on Newsarama: “How to cast aside the continuity-heavy past of their major characters and offer an easily accessible version of Batman, Superman, and others to new readers has been a question that plagues not just DC but other companies with established universes as well. DC's solution comes in the form of Earth One, a series of ongoing graphic novels. “

“These are all-new stories presented as book-size tales, rather than single-issue magazine length stories. They feature a continuity that will be shared amongst the line, and is all-new to DC's comic books as a whole. The first two announced books are the natural starting points, Superman: Earth One and Batman: Earth One. Both books will focus on a revised origin and "early years" story featuring the titular characters, with updates being made for today's time period and audience. Superman: Earth One will be written by J. Michael Straczynski and drawn by artist Shane Davis. Batman: Earth One comes from scribe Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank, the team whom are currently in the midst of re-establishing Superman's origin in the core DC Universe, the one that acknowledges the past 70 years of story to varying degrees.”

I’m of several minds about this. First, the positives. There’s some good talent behind these books. Talent that is capable of telling good stories. And anything that may capture a wider comics-reading audience is a good thing indeed. And I have no doubts that everyone is well-intentioned in bringing forth some excellent Superman and Batman adventures.

This is obviously the next extension of DC’s All-Star line, which was launched with similar intentions (stand-alone “iconic” stories by DC’s top talent, unencumbered by DC’s current comic book continuity). That line produced ALL-STAR SUPERMAN and ALL-STAR BATMAN (which still hasn’t been completed and has been criminally late). ALL-STAR WONDER WOMAN and ALL-STAR BATGIRL were both announced months and months ago, only for ALL-STAR BATGIRL to be canceled, while ALL-STAR WONDER WOMAN is “being worked on by Adam Hughes” (forgive me if I don’t hold my breath).

The All-Star line seemed like DC’s answer to Marvel’s once-red-hot Ultimate line of comics. That line established modern takes on Spider-Man, the X-Men and the Avengers (among others) with varying degrees of commercial and creative success. Once a flourishing ancillary universe, sales waned over the years. And 10 years later, I think Marvel is wondering what to do with the line, which now has its own accumulated continuity. So, what was the point of this line again? To bring in new readers with fresh jumping-on points? With 10 years of continuity, the books stand with the same accessibility as your average Marvel Comic (which, by the way, have recap pages every issue).

Geoff Johns explains at AICN: “BATMAN: EARTH ONE is more in line with the European idea of releasing chapters of an ongoing series in graphic novel form. We’re planning on doing two novels a year and set in this new universe, we’re getting unlimited creative freedom that we couldn’t have in current continuity.”

So now, DC’s latest venture is another restart. Another new “version.” The difference is that they will be a series of graphic novels. I suppose the logic is to tap into the HARRY POTTER and TWILIGHT audiences, who have followed the serial adventures of its characters through several novels. It’s not a new idea, but something that has caught the world’s attention through the popularity of movies and media. I’d wager that’s DC’s intention here- to create a series of novels that have the same sort of appeal.

DO WE NEED ANOTHER UNIVERSE?

I’m still not sold on why we NEED yet another umpteenth retelling of the origins of Batman and Superman. And not just retellings, but revamped “new continuity” retellings. Everyone knows these heroes and their origins. I’m not sure we need a more “kick-ass” Alfred to make him cool. Alfred already is cool. I’d even wager to guess that such jarring variations would only confuse a new audience, who are familiar with the Alfred of the Batman movies or animated television series, all of which have been fairly consistent. And it seems that other characters will vary quite a bit, going by Geoff Johns’ comment on AICN: “Some of it the characters will more closely resemble the classic interpretations while others will be wildly different. We’re introducing a lot of new characters and elements to this Batman.”

This is where I get a little confused. Why do we need these completely new universes?

Just tell good stories. That’s it. You don't have to reference Knightfall or Death of Superman or what happened in Superman #214 to do that. The “classic” graphic novels were built on this idea. “The Death of Captain Marvel” stood as its own powerful tale of heroism and loss. “The Killing Joke” is a stand-alone tale that gives insight into the Joker’s twisted mind. Even the “New Mutants” and “She-Hulk” and “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” graphic novels were stand-alone adventures. They just told good stories that were unencumbered by continuity. I honestly think today’s comic book companies make more out of continuity than is needed. Like all it does is weigh down every story.

Consider, in the 70s and 80s, each comic had little origin blurbs on the splash page that recounted the character origin. And BAM, you’re off and running. You don’t need anything more than that, and you surely don’t need an entirely new continuity/universe.

Geoff Johns mentions that this venture offers “unlimited creative freedom that we couldn’t have in current continuity.” This is another idea I don’t quite understand. It seems like Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Julie Schwartz, John Byrne, Chris Claremont, Marv Wolfman, George Perez and Grant Morrison (among countless, countless others) produced many creative stories within the confines of a shared universe. Heck, Geoff Johns and JMS both have as well. I think it’s a shame that DC feels its own continuity has become such a burden, such an albatross... that it actually limits creative freedom. That it somehow prevents stories from being better.". And it forever will be as long as editorial sees it that way.

DO WE NEED ANOTHER ORIGIN?

Creators often talk about how cool the characters are, and how they cant wait to write their adventures. But the newest trend is to ignore previous stories, and build these ground-up versions of the characters, picking and choosing which continuity bits to use/toss. Whereas Marvel plays fast-and-loose with continuity, DC actually goes through cosmic convolusions to reset, reboot, revamp their characters with time paradoxes and brand-new whole-cloth histories that even editorial can’t keep straight. Some would say that supports the need for these “brand new” continuity stories in graphic novel form... But I don’t agree with that assessment....

Consider, for over 60 years, DC was able to tell stories with its characters without each creator rebooting their entire histories or back-stories. Even in the Post-Crisis world, creators dealt with the cards they were given, and pushed characters in new directions through story. Now, everything is just tossed out (See recent Doom Patrol, Legion of Super-Heroes, Post-Infinite Crisis histories) and restarted. Superman’s revised history was just retold in SUPERMAN: BIRTHRIGHT, only to be negated and now told again in the still-running SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN mini-series by Geoff Johns. Only to be retold again, in a completely new continuity by J. Michael Straczynski (JMS) in the upcoming SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE. At what point do we stop picking at scabs? And trying to each make distinctive marks on the same stories? The origins of Batman and Superman have endured for so long because they are wonderful origin stories. We don’t need to keep telling them ad-nauseum.

[n8twing]

DO WE NEED GRAPHIC NOVELS TO MAKE THINGS “MODERN”?

A lot is made of also making these Earth One novels more “modern”... JMS says, “So to the point of your question, what I'm trying to do is to dig in to the character and look at him through modern eyes. If you were to create the Superman story today, for the first time, but keep intact all that works, what would it look like? As a fledgling writer I used to love going to see productions of Shakespeare because what would often be done would be to take that original play and move it forward in time.”

I support what JMS says about portraying the Daily Planet reporters and photographers. That’s cool. But again, just tell a modern Superman tale. Why all the continuity re-doing? You don't need new continuity to have modern sensibilities. Heck, you don't need a new series of graphic novels to have modern sensibilities.

I mean.... haven’t comic books been doing that all along? The X-Men metaphor of racism and alienation has spoken to the black movement, the gay movement and social evolution in general. The X-Men is currently a story point that includes “Prop X” (and obvious riff on Prop 8), which is trying to ban mutants from pro-creating. And Marvel’s recent “Super-Hero Registration Act” is a thinly veiled take on “The Patriot Act,” is it not? An ongoing plot in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN acknowledges the increasing irrelevance of the Daily Bugle newspaper. Punisher was once a disillusioned Vietnam vet (something that was relevant in the 80s, but has been conveniently forgotten as not to age Frank Castle too much). There are countless other examples....

The other “danger zone” about the “modern take” in graphic novels is how far you push that. Will Gordon put away the Bat Signal and poke Batman on facebook instead? Is Clark Kent going to work for the Daily Tweet instead of the Daily Planet? The problem with things like this (especially if you are courting a young audience) is that they become horribly dated within a year.

One last thought: modern takes on Superman and Batman... Shouldn’t that always be the goal? In their own, y’know, comic books?

WHY “EARTH ONE”?

This is one I have a hard time understanding. Why would DC name this project “Earth One”? At least “All Star” was a trade-dress that spoke to the fact that DC put its top talents on the books. “Earth One” has special meaning to DC fans – it was the original super-hero world before the events of the cosmic-time-shattering Crisis on Infinite Earths. Now composed of 52 earths, it seems that DC is announcing to fans that this is ‘Earth One.” So that means the Pre-Crisis Earth One is gone forever, only to be revisited in our long box archives?

JMS says, “At this juncture, the book operates outside DC continuity. At some point way, way down the road, some of that may be folded in, but again that's a long ways away.” So, why call these “Earth One”? It’s a confusing way to launch a brand new line that is screaming about accessibility.

And to the casual/new fans it hopes to attract: “Earth One” not only has zero meaning, it raises strange questions. Is this a different earth? Are there other earths? They may even wonder if it’s a storyline, as it sits next to other collected trade paperbacks like “Civil War” and “Blackest Night.”

I think it’s a huge mistake calling this line “Earth One.” I can’t imagine why DC would do that. It’s an amusing irony that DC’s purported easy-access new venture is saddled with a title that carries continuity baggage! Only DC could manage that one!

WILL IT ATTRACT NEW READERS?

I’m a little unclear on what the overall goal of this project is. Newsarama’s blurb says, the Earth One graphic novels will “cast aside the continuity-heavy past of their major characters and offer an easily accessible version of Batman, Superman, and others to new readers has been a question that plagues not just DC but other companies with established universes as well. “

So, how will this be communicated and marketed to these theoretical new readers? These Earth One graphic novels will be sitting beside the latest trade paperback collections of comic books, correct? What makes them different in the eyes of John Q Public? And once a few novels are underway, it will have its own accumulated continuity, will it not?

For old mainstay readers, it’s an Elseworlds series in graphic novel form. Or, it’s an alternate-earth story in the old DC tradition, but with modern trappings. Or, it’s DC doing an Ultimate line in graphic novel form. In other words, it's nothing new, really.

So I’m not sure if any of these things will re-energize the industry or bring in any new readers.

Because all you have to do for that to happen... is to tell good, accessible stories. Bruce Timm has been doing it for over 15 years now. Take a page from his playbook. And please, DC, stop demonizing continuity and just tell good stories with your wonderful characters that have endured for over 60 years. You shouldn’t have to reinvent the entire universe of your core characters to accomplish that.

[superchick]

Aw, I was hoping at some point we'd see "Earth One" again, and it would be the Pre-Crisis DC Universe about 5 years later. I think that coulda been a pretty cool project. So Babs would still be Batgirl, Jason Todd would be Robin (and Tim Drake wouldn't), Lois still wouldnt know Supes' secret, Firestorm would still be Ronnie, etc.

This project? Nice creative teams, but I dont see the need for the whole-cloth origin revisionism. Why not just tell really good standalone Batman and Superman stories? Bruce Timm did it for years.

And if it's for "the masses", why call it "Earth One"? Isnt that confusing to them?

This is what I wanted. All your icons are already set up

[NYGiants167]

I am looking forward to this Earth One concept because it is trying to establish a new format for comic book readers and attempting to recruit new comic book readers. I don't care they are going to do origin tales again because every good writer can come up with an interesting take on the quintessential origins of comic books and that is Superman and Batman. I can't wait for JMS on Superman and Geoff Johns and Gary Frank on Batman