If you wanted The New 52 to come to an end, you’re getting your wish, only it’s not quite what you’re expecting. Starting on June 3, DC will launch 24 brand new series that will start at issue #1 with 25 ongoings returning, many with new creators on board. However, it doesn’t seem like they are scrapping New 52 continuity proper; you just won’t see “The New 52!” on the cover of your books this summer. I won’t rule out SOME characters getting a continuity cleanup or fresh start after Convergence, but those looking for another universe-wide reboot won’t get their wish.
Your first glimpse at the new story arcs for DC’s top dogs will come on May 2, Free Comic Book Day, in the form of Divergence. DC says this book will feature “three 8-page previews for the June releases of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s BATMAN, as well as Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok’s launch of the Darkseid War within JUSTICE LEAGUE featuring the biggest villains in the DCU – Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor, and Gene Luen Yang’s DC Comics debut with celebrated artist John Romita, Jr on SUPERMAN.”
DC claims they are going with a “back to basics” approach with core characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Black Canary, Bizarro, Cyborg, and Starfire will apparently be reinvented and will be of the many getting their own series. One new series that should excite fans is Robin, Son of Batman (pictured below).
“This heralds in a new era for the DC Universe which will allow us to publish something for everyone, be more expansive and modern in our approach and tell stories that better reflect the society around us,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio. “Whether you’ve been a DC fan your whole life, or whether you are new to comics – there will be a book for you beginning in June.”
Co-publisher Jim Lee adds: “More than ever before, DC Comics fans are being exposed to our rich portfolio of characters through multiple sources, including an unprecedented number of highly successful TV shows, video games and upcoming major motion pictures. We are looking to extend that experience within publishing to ensure there is a comic book for everyone. For example, fans of the ARROW television show may want more stories about BLACK CANARY. Now they can find modern, fresh takes on the character in the pages of her standalone series both in stores and digitally.”
Here’s the full list of new titles coming in June:
| Title | Creative Team |
|---|---|
| Batman Beyond | W: Dan Jurgens A: Bernard Chang |
| Bat-Mite | W: Dan Jurgens A: Corin Howell |
| Bizarro | W: Heath Corson A: Gustavo Duarte |
| Black Canary | W: Brenden Fletcher A: Annie Wu |
| Constantine: The Hellblazer | W: Ming Doyle A: Riley Rossmo |
| Cyborg | W: David Walker A: Ivan Reis |
| Dark Universe | W: James Tynion IV A: Ming Doyle |
| Green Lantern: Lost Army | W: Cullen Bunn A: Jesus Saiz & Javi Pina |
| Doomed | W: Scott Lobdell A: Javier Fernandez |
| Earth 2: Society | W: Daniel Wilson A: Jorge Jimenez |
| Dr. Fate | W: Paul Levitz A: Sonny Liew |
| Harley Quinn/Power Girl | W: Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner & Justin Gray A: Stephane Roux |
| Justice League of America | W: Bryan Hitch A: Bryan Hitch |
| Justice League 3001 | W: Keith Giffen A: Howard Porter |
| Martian Manhunter | W: Rob Williams A: Ben Oliver |
| Midnighter | W: Steve Orlando A: ACO |
| Mystic U | W: Alisa Kwitney A: Stay tuned for artist info! |
| Omega Men | W: Tom King A: Alec Morgan |
| Prez | W: Mark Russell A: Ben Caldwell |
| Red Hood/Arsenal | W: Scott Lobdell A: Denis Medri |
| Robin, Son of Batman | W: Patrick Gleason A: Patrick Gleason |
| Section Eight | W: Garth Ennis A: John McCrea |
| Starfire | W: Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner A: Emanuela Lupacchino |
| We Are Robin | W: Lee Bermejo A: Khary Randolph |
Here are the returning titles:
| Title | Creative Team |
|---|---|
| Action Comics | W: Greg Pak A: Aaron Kuder |
| Aquaman | W: Cullen Bunn A: Trevor McCarthy |
| Batgirl | W: Cameron Stewart & Brenden Fletcher A: Babs Tarr |
| Batman | W: Scott Snyder A: Greg Capullo |
| Detective Comics | W: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccelato A: Francis Manapul |
| Batman/Superman | W: Greg Pak A: Ardian Syaf |
| Catwoman | W: Genevieve Valentine A: David Messina |
| Deathstroke | W: Tony S. Daniel A: Tony S. Daniel |
| The Flash | W: Robert Venditti & Van Jensen A: Brett Booth |
| Gotham Academy | W: Becky Cloonan & Brenden Fletcher A: Karl Kerschl |
| Gotham By Midnight | W: Ray Fawkes A: Juan Ferreyra |
| Grayson | W: Tom King & Tim Seeley A: Mikel Janin |
| Green Arrow | W: Ben Percy A: Zircher |
| Green Lantern | W: Robert Venditti A: Billy Tan |
| Harley Quinn | W: Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner A: Chad Hardin |
| Justice League | W: Geoff Johns A: Jason Fabok |
| Justice League United | Stay tuned for creative team info! |
| Lobo | W: Cullen Bunn A: Cliff Richards |
| Secret Six | W: Gail Simone A: Dale Eaglesham |
| Sinestro | W: Cullen Bunn A: Bradley Walker |
| New Suicide Squad | W: Sean Ryan A: Carlos D’Anda |
| Superman | W: Gene Luen Yang A: John Romita, Jr. |
| Superman/Wonder Woman | W: Peter J. Tomasi A: Doug Mahnke |
| Teen Titans | W: Will Pfeifer A: Kenneth Rocafort |
| Wonder Woman | W: Meredith Finch A: David Finch |
For a look at more artwork, click here.
Source: DC Comics