Why DC's The New 52 Was A Great Move

Pfft, Marvel can suck it.

Two years after the introduction of all new (well, sort of) origins for most of DC's elite, the reboot is still paying off for DC Comics. It's not just the retcon of origins, the introduction of characters or the establishment of a new continuity that makes the move a brilliant strategy. The fact that more and more people are moving to digital comics these days must have had some weightage in the higher ups changing the last 50 years of comic book history. But the main benefit is—they beat Marvel to it!

Following DC's move, Marvel too has rebooted (again sort of) their titles to engage the younger markets. The reach with the newer fans has more than doubled with the reboot, and honestly, the characters are way better for it.

The modern take on Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and all the others creates a nice bridge between the older characters personalities and the fresh ones that the readers of today can better appreciate. The earlier mythos of the DCU was too vast and complicated for even an interested new fan. Many a time, while explaining comic books to new comers it becomes too complicated to include all the history and relationships that the characters have gone through in their 50+ years in the panels.

A reboot was required. But the real question is, did DC do it right? Sure, they beat Marvel to the punch, but the quality of stories and character development is what matters. And boy, did DC nail it.

DC also realised that they could not wipe out some of the iconic history just like that. There would need to be some sort of explanation. Mind you, not only are they trying to engage new readers, but they would obviously try to retain the older ones.

Apart from some tremendous events like Villains Month, Forever Evil, Batman - Death of the Family, Green Lantern - Rise of the Third Army, The Court of Owls and the upcoming Future's End, even the monthly titles came out strong right from the bat.

Although certain characters like Batman, Green Lantern and others retained their old continuity, Superman and Wonder Woman in particular had significant tweaks to their origins. Superman for instance never married Lois Lane, while Wonder Woman was born a Demi-God.

The artists behind the Batman titles in particular brought back the rough, gritty portrayal of the Dark Knight, cleverly intertwining his stories with series regulars like Nightwing, Red Robin and the Batgirl (who regains the use of her legs) to give us insight into their back stories as well. The writers and artists have held nothing back, exploring avenues that 20 years ago would have been thought to be too bold.

They've also nicely incorporated the B-List heroes, giving them a shot at the spotlight. In such a wide pool of characters that DC possesses, it's astonishing how they didn't utilise the smaller characters more. Whatever the outcome - good or bad, the new universe at least gives them a shot.

Another good point to make is the introduction of new and old characters taking on different roles. Although many readers were initially upset that fan favourite Wally West was not to be seen, his introduction in the latest issues of The Flash has peaked everyone's interest.

One of the biggest differences in the new universe is the fact that the Justice League were the first formal group of heroes, which retroactively takes the Justice Society out of normal continuity. But the writers had a smart play out of that corner. The prominent JS members made their way into the pages of Earth 2 (a parallel Earth), in younger avatars that too. Allowing readers to have a look at the ageless characters, in a modern light.

In essence the amalgamation of the titles, presents a cleaner, tighter universe allowing the characters to appear in their individual issues, while also contributing to the larger scheme of things.

Speaking of which, one of the biggest (and best) changes is the canon inclusion of Vertigo characters, primarily Constantine. Two years in, this move is still working for DC. Strong sales and fan reaction from titles like Batman, Detective Comics, Action Comics, Nightwing, Wonder Woman, Constantine, and many others prove that this time, the gambit worked for DC Comics.