In a move that's sure to draw the ire of many a fanboy (and girl), DC Comics is ending its New 52 imprint (which was a revamp and re-launch of the entire DC Comics line in September of 2011) this June, the company announced via press release today.
Beginning on June 3, the DC publishing line will feature 24 new comics and 25 ongoing comics. Despite the New 52 coming to an end, DC Comics says this is not another reboot, and it is not returning to a pre-New 52 universe.
"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 in the release. "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."
The re-launch will follow up the big "Convergence" crossover event this spring, which will see the varying DC universes brought together by Brainiac.
In the wake of the "Convergence" event, DC will also be offering a free book on Free Comic Book Day called "DC Comics: Divergence." It will be available at participating stores on May 2 and feature three eight-page previews for the upcoming June releases of "Batman" by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, "Justice League" by Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok and "Superman" by Gene Luen Yang and John Romita, Jr.
This is obviously a ploy to counter Marvel's "Secret Wars" and kind of a ridiculous one at that. I think I speak for the majority of the comic lovers out there when I say that I wish they (the corporate execs) would just leave well enough alone with these "events" and let the creative people who write and draw the books do their thing.
