Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder took to YouTube today to announce DC’s next big publishing initiative, the Absolute Universe, as well as DC All In, a one-shot coming in October that will introduce a new universe of DC characters as well as spotlight upcoming storylines in the regular DCU.
If that’s confusing, think of it like this: DC is launching their own version of the Ultimate Universe, which will run parallel to the regular DC Universe. It’s creation, though, is part of the story in DC All In.
Williamson and Snyder will co-write the DC All In one-shot flipbook, which will feature art by Daniel Sampere and Wes Craig. Sampere’s story will focus on the post-Absolute Power DC Universe, while Craig’s will introduce the Absolute Universe — which has an interesting origin.
“If the main universe is sort of predicated on Superman energy right … then this universe is kind of founded on Darkseid energy,” Snyder said, which he described as chaotic, dangerous and wild.
“They’re wild, and that’s the spirit of this universe. In this universe the heroes come up in ways that make them underdogs,” Snyder said. “They have a lot less of the comforts and things that they have in the main universe. Without spoiling things in each of the books, they have to be tougher, they have to be more resourceful, they’ve got to shine brighter, and it makes them more badass, and it’s fun.”
The duo revealed a few things about both universes and teased several more:
- Snyder will work with Nick Dragotta on Absolute Batman, and while preview artwork for Absolute Superman and Wonder Woman were shown, creative teams were not confirmed for them. Williamson described the new Batman as “primal.”
- Williamson will continue to write Superman in the main DC universe, joined by Dan Mora on art. They plan to introduce a new Superwoman and bring back Doomsday. “It’ll be one of the biggest things I’ve done in the DC universe,” Williamson said.
- On Twitter, Sampere confirmed he’s just drawing the DC All In special, with no plans to leave Wonder Woman.
- There’s a new Justice League comic coming.
- Snyder emphasized this is not retcon or reboot; it’s a “celebration and expansion of the great storytelling that’s been happening at DC,” calling it an “invitation to jump in.” Every current DC book that’s continuing will ahve a new arc in October, and he also mentioned retailer and fan incentives will be announced at SDCC.
More details on, well, everything having to do with the new initiative will be shared in San Diego, starting with the DC Absolute Power panel on Thursday. Watch the full discussion between the two creators below:
Update: Wes Craig has shared his variant cover for the DC All In special:
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