With Marvel Comics preparing for yet another overhaul of their publishing line with Marvel's Fresh Start, it comes as no surprise to learn that DC is gearing up for a big announcement as well. Today, DC Entertainment has announced their plans for the Black Label initiative, which will pair some of the industry's best creators with several of DC's legacy characters. Dig your heels in, dear readers, because things over at DC are about to get considerably more epic!
In a statement released by DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee, earlier today, the overseer of DC's Multiverse said “Many of our perennially best-selling, critically acclaimed books were produced when we unleashed our top talent on standalone, often out-of-continuity projects featuring our most iconic characters, a prime example being Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns,” “Creating DC Black Label doubles down on our commitment to working with all-star talent and trusting them to tell epic, moving stories that only they can tell with the highest levels of creative freedom.”
So far, the lineup for DC Black Label is a who's who of the comics industry, with in-demand talent such as Frank Miller, John Romita Jr., Brian Azzarello, Lee Bermejo, Kelly Sue Deconnick, Phil Jiminez, Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo all set to share fresh stories featuring classic characters to the newly-minted brand.
When DC Black Label launches in August of this year, the initiative will bow with the following titles:
SUPERMAN: YEAR ONE created by Frank Miller (THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT: MASTER RACE) and John Romita Jr. (ALL-STAR BATMAN, SUPERMAN)
A groundbreaking, definitive treatment of Superman’s classic origin story in honor of his 80th anniversary. This story details new revelations that reframe the Man of Steel’s most famous milestones—from Kal-El’s frantic exile from Krypton, to Clark Kent’s childhood in Kansas, to his inevitable rise to become the most powerful and inspiring superhero of all time.
BATMAN: LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH created by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, the creative team behind DARK KNIGHTS: METAL
Batman wakes up in a desert. He doesn’t know what year it is or how The Joker’s head is alive in a jar beside him, but it’s the beginning of a quest unlike anything the Dark Knight has undertaken before. In this strange future, villains are triumphant and society has liberated itself from the burden of ethical codes. Fighting to survive while in search of answers, Bruce Wayne uncovers the truth about his role in this new world—and begins the last Batman story ever told.
BATMAN: DAMNED created by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo, the creative team behind JOKER
On a deserted Gotham City bridge, a body is found. Whispers spread the news: Joker is dead. But is this a dream come true or a nightmare being born? Now Batman and DC’s outlaw magician John Constantine must hunt the truth through a Gotham City hellscape. The city’s supernatural recesses are laced with hints about a killer's identity, but the Dark Knight’s descent into horror will test his sanity and the limits of rationality, as he must face a horror that doesn't wear a mask.
WONDER WOMAN HISTORIA: THE AMAZONS created by Kelly Sue DeConnick (Bitch Planet) and Phil Jimenez (INFINITE CRISIS)
A Homeric epic of the lost history of the Amazons and Queen Hippolyta’s rise to power. Featuring monsters and myths, this three-book saga spans history from the creation of the Amazons to the moment Steve Trevor washes up on the shores of Paradise Island, changing our world forever.
WONDER WOMAN: DIANA’S DAUGHTER (working title) created by Greg Rucka (WONDER WOMAN, BATWOMAN)
It's been 20 years since the world stopped looking to the skies for hope, help, and inspiration. Now the world keeps its eyes down, and the powers that have risen have every intention of keeping things that way. Amongst a scattered, broken resistance, a young woman seeks to reclaim what has been forgotten, and on the way will learn the truth about herself, her heritage, and her destiny.
THE OTHER HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE created by John Ridley (12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE AMERICAN WAY)
A compelling literary series analyzing iconic DC moments and charting sociopolitical gains through the perspectives of DC Super Heroes who come from traditionally disenfranchised groups, including John Stewart, Extraño, Vixen, Supergirl, Katana and Rene Montoya, among others. At its core, the story focuses on the lives of those behind the costumes, and their endeavors to overcome real-world issues. It isn’t about saving the world, it’s about having the strength to simply be who you are.
I hope your wallets are ready, my friends, because DC is sparing fans no quarter with this lineup and initiative. With their Rebirth line still selling quite well, the Young Animal imprint from My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way having just relaunched with Shade, The Changing Woman #1 this week, and DC Black Label on the way, things are looking bright for DC's future at your local or online comic book retailer.
All I can say is, "Take my money!"