THE DC UNIVERSE HAS CHANGED! In the wake of “Absolute Power”, The Justice League has returned. With it comes a new initiative fitting of the legendary team. As its’ new members fill the ranks, the danger hasn’t halted. Evil has returned in a big and a familiar way. DARKSEID has crashed the party.
Is the new league ready for a completely different Lord of Apokolips than they’ve ever faced?
DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1 by Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Wes Craig, Daniel Sampere, Dan Mora, Mike Spicer, Alejandro Sánchez, Tamra Bonvillain, and Steve Wands (DC COMICS) ushers in a new era for DC Comics!
Let’s take a closer look as we go ALL IN for the debut!
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williamson and Snyder swing BIG in this opening chapter. Splitting the book into two parts (one on heroes, the other on Darkseid’s view), readers get a vivid and bold picture of the new stat quo.
Time jumping one year after “Absolute Power”, the foundation of the new league plays into the concept of superhero evolving. Making Booster Gold the lead character is a perfect choice to usher in this portion. Gold’s legacy is a mixed one that has taken many turns. Seeing his reactions as he is optimistic for the chances given make a strong impression. As the conflict arises, the pace speeds up with each page. The resolution provides a shocking discovery. Once the close comes into focus, the writing leaves readers with a mic drop moment for what lies ahead.
It matches up perfectly to the eerie feel of the Darkseid portion. The tone dictates a new path to acquiring power. Seeing the new approach leads into dark places, not only in the DCU, but his own mind. The conflicts cause a showdown with an unlikely foe. It leads into more revelations that solidify a change in destiny.
Once that is cleared up, the story starts coming together with the other portion to create something brand new. It also creates something very darker in nature as well. The new landscape shows promise of a sinister backdrop which bodes well for Darkseid. How events leave off prove to be a fantastic mic-drop moment for fans to savor.
Sampere (Heroes) and Craig (Darkseid) are the two main artists for this chapter. Each bring a distinct style to their stories.
The heroes welcome in the promise of tomorrow with a strong two page spread. There are many cameos mixed in to showcase the high level of importance of the new initiative. This is followed up by a strong two page image putting the plan in place. Seeing Booster’s facial reaction connects the sense of hope with readers. It is quickly dashed as Darkseid hits the scene.
The near full page loudly ushers the new threat perfectly. it carries a big fight feel as the chaos begins. Its’ conclusion is gifted another two-page spread ending in a peculiar spot. This leads into the closing pages where everything readers know has drastically changed.
It is directly in line with Craig’s art for Darksied’s new beginnings. The pages are brooding with a sober overtone. Each conflict is portrayed with a blunt and unapologetic feel. This is Darksied at his best. Once he comes across his “prize”, the art locks in the moment with bright coloring . This leads to a huge one page image declaring a new shift has happened. It is a perfect homage to a legendary artist (the late George Perez).
This builds towards the opposite close. The view through other eyes works to establish a disrupt from the normal tale. Both stories end with a gorgeous Dan mora two page image that is sure to send shockwaves throughout the DC Fandom. Brace yourself for impact.
FINAL POINT: 10
A bold new vision of the DC Universe is born! Through the writing of Williamson and Snyder, the daring shake-ups are an easy hit with readers. Sampere, Craig and their respected art teams unleash two unique and equally monumental starting points for an alterative take on the legendary comic universe.