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DCU IN 2010: CELEBRATE THE LEGACY AND HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

By Alex Segura

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The DC Universe is about legacies. The Golden Age. The Silver Age. The Bronze Age. Heroes passing on mantles to their protégés. Teachers and students. Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters. In the DCU, the sense of family and history is part of the very fiber of the universe.

One of my earliest comic book memories as a kid was when my dad took me to the comic shop for the first time and bought me a copy of THE GREATEST FLASH STORIES EVER TOLD. I remember huddling in my room (you’d think I’d be outside, enjoying the Miami sun – but that’s neither here nor there) with the bright yellow book, featuring three generations of speedsters hurtling toward me, and being drawn into a world of lightning speed, chemicals and science, secret gorilla nations, colorful villains who wielded mirrors and boomerangs and a stand-up guy named Barry Allen, who loved his wife Iris and his nephew Wally. Barry was also the Flash, the Fastest Man Alive. He didn’t have the same funny hat as the guy before him, nor was he as grim as the Batman or as strong as Superman, but something about him stuck. He was someone to look up to.

And then there was Wally – a kid relatively my age who had amazing powers and was learning from his idol. Reading Cary Bates’ heartbreaking “Death of the Flash” synopsis toward the end of the collection was both shocking and uplifting – Barry died saving the universe, but his sidekick took over. The student became the teacher.

This is what the DCU is built on – heroes trying to live up to the legacies their predecessors have created, and in the process, creating new ones of their own. Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. Green Lantern. The Flash. The Justice Society. The Justice League. The Legion of Super-Heroes. Hawkman. The Atom. I could go on, but you get what I’m saying here.

And, as we enter the next decade of the 21st century, the DCU is going to take a moment to celebrate its rich and legendary history.

dculcs-108100First up is LEGACIES, a 10-part mini-series kicking off in May from writer Len Wein and an all-star cast of artists. Each issue will spotlight a different era from the history of the DCU in two stories, with each issue moving us closer to the present. Who’s up first artistically, tackling the birth of the DCU and the beginnings of the mystery men and the Golden Age? None other than Andy Kubert and his father Joe Kubert, who’ve built their very own comic book legacy. It’s only fitting, right? I would think so. Plus, you get a story illustrated by none other than J.G. Jones, as each issue will feature backups with art by some of the biggest names in the industry. Here’s a clue as to Len’s perspective on the series, from his first interview:

“Legacies is the history of the DCU as told from the point of view of the man on the street. It starts at the dawn of the Golden Age and right now it runs right up to the moments before Countdown to Infinite Crisis begins.”

“Being asked to work on these historic and iconic characters is an honor,” said Andy Kubert. “Being asked to work with the creators involved — that I grew up reading…and got RAISED by — is not only an honor, but awe inspiring.”

dculcs-109100Well said, guys. Swing by COMIC BOOK RESOURCES in a bit to read more from Dan DiDio and Wein on LEGACIES.

But there’s more. Dan DiDio’s teased this here and there, but we can now officially confirm that in tandem with LEGACIES, we’ll also be publishing new editions of THE HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE and an all-new WHO’S WHO 15-issue series, profiling some of the best and lesser-known characters populating the DC Universe.

And while the DCU in 2010 will be very much about pushing our most beloved characters into new worlds and to face new challenges, there’s a lot to be said about tipping your hat to the past, and the legacy of those that came before.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 3:00 pm and is filed under News, Sneak Peeks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

34 Responses to “DCU IN 2010: CELEBRATE THE LEGACY AND HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE”

  1. Tweets that mention DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » DCU IN 2010: CELEBRATE THE LEGACY AND HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE -- Topsy.com says on December 10th, 2009 at 3:16 pm :

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by DC NATION, Conociendo el DCU. Conociendo el DCU said: Nota en breve: DCU IN 2010: CELEBRATE THE LEGACY AND HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE http://bit.ly/4z66ns [...]

  2. dusk83 says on December 10th, 2009 at 3:33 pm :

    Cool old school! Thanks for the info & pics!

  3. Lex says on December 10th, 2009 at 3:34 pm :

    The Legacies project sounds really cool. And I’m excited that they’re doing another History of the DCU and Who’s Who.

  4. droolingfanboy says on December 10th, 2009 at 3:39 pm :

    Are you guys crazy? I can’t afford all this! But I’m a huge golden age fan and DC history in general so… Third panel, the Crimson Avenger in action, dynamite.

  5. DC confirms new Who’s Who and History of the DC Universe | Robot 6 @ Comic Book Resources – Covering Comic Book News and Entertainment says on December 10th, 2009 at 3:55 pm :

    [...] Comics has confirmed that, in conjunction with the just-announced Legacies miniseries, it will release new editions of [...]

  6. vinniebartilucci says on December 10th, 2009 at 3:55 pm :

    Andy’s looking very “Joe” in this art. I see that as a good thing.

    Looking forward to more info.

  7. querldox says on December 10th, 2009 at 4:02 pm :

    this is what I want from DC. An all inclusive universe. The sense that no matter the creation date or issue count no one character is more important than the other. Lets face it, we all have favourites and they aren’t who the writers say are the most important. It doesn’t matter Liberty Bell wasn’t the inspiration for the monitors or that there aren’t prophecies about armies of multiversial Ravens because those guys are more important to my reading experience and I’m sure many others. Sure, some characters sell more or get big movies but that doesn’t make them more important or special. I hope this ‘Legacies’ series, the new ‘History’(resurrected harbinger or donna troy or both?) and the Who’s Who gives everyone their credit.

    Speaking of, I loved the holiday special. Angel and the Ape? Marvellous.

  8. thephylemon says on December 10th, 2009 at 4:07 pm :

    THIS IS WHAT I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!!!!!!!!! For the last ten editions of Dan Didio answering questions over at Newsarama I have been asking about the possibility of a new Who’s Who, and finally I have an answer. I’m a little bummed by it only being 12 issues (The first edition was 26 and that was 25 years ago), but this is great news. Hopefully it will draw from the best qualities of the first series and be really text heavy with the cool yellow polka-dot borders.

    Oh, and the Legacies mini-series looks good as well.

  9. ostrakos says on December 10th, 2009 at 4:12 pm :

    Actually, there was that fairly lengthy Who’s Who in looseleaf format back in the early 90s.

  10. meisterlegion says on December 10th, 2009 at 4:24 pm :

    After I picked my jaw up off my desk… I wrote this comment:

    WOW! AWESOMEness!! First, I love that JSA drawing by Andy - mmhmm very nice work there…just the sketch alone (new desktop background on that one).

    Second, a new History of the DCU - in this age of computers, when we all refer to Wikipedia or DC’s database of dc.wikia.com - it’s nice to get a hard-copy/floppy book (maybe a prestige format spine book - here’s hoping; if it can be under $10) is really nice.

    Legacies is what “we” (the fans) want and it’s nice that DC is hearing us. I’m going to have to not spend as much each month on my iPhone apps and music so I can get all this good stuff you guys are turning out!

  11. Legacies in the DCU « JSA Round Table says on December 10th, 2009 at 4:33 pm :

    [...] on both The Source and Comic Book Resources Dan Didio and Alex Segura unveiled that project. Well actually those [...]

  12. Kal-El says on December 10th, 2009 at 4:57 pm :

    Finally!!!!
    The answer to my question to Dan Didio on Newsarama is here!!!

    I’m sure that Legacies, History of the DC Universe and Who’s Who will be awesome!!!! Damn it, I’m very excited about this!

  13. Project COE » DC Remember The Past With Legacies says on December 10th, 2009 at 5:20 pm :

    [...] The Source also confirmed that both a 15 part Who’s Who series will be launched showcasing some of the more unknown heroes in the DC universe, and The History of the DC Universe will be re-released in a brand new edition.  If you’re thinking of coming onboard any DC titles, that book is a must. GD Star Ratingloading… Categories: Comics Tags: Comics, DC Comics, Legacies, The History of the DC Universe, Who’s Who Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) Leave a comment Trackback [...]

  14. jorel1983 says on December 10th, 2009 at 5:43 pm :

    I am so happy that this is what DC is doing for their 75th anniversary. Yes Marvel is the house of mystery but DC is the house of Legacy and to see them building upon that makes my day. Man lol as i tweeted to Alex Segura DC needs to stop with the awesomeness lol i don’t think i can take anymore lol 2010 is def gonna be dc’s year

  15. albatross says on December 10th, 2009 at 6:28 pm :

    CRIMSON AVENGER!!! This is… this is KUBERTACULAR! Joeriffic, even! Seriously, though, Legacies sounds AWESOME, and I’ll definitely pick up Who’s Who (and probably History of the DCU) even though I’m not such a monthly buyer anymore. That’s stuff that will keep for years!!

  16. theray says on December 10th, 2009 at 6:38 pm :

    This all sounds great! I’ve been anxiously awaiting new versions of Who’s Who and History of the DCU for years! Legacies sounds like something I’d definitely pick up as well… love just about anything involving Crimson Avenger and the Golden Age.

  17. DC Announces 'Legacies', a Ten-Part Miniseries Written by Len Wein | Hypergeek says on December 10th, 2009 at 8:44 pm :

    [...] have announced a new ten-part miniseries called Legacies, which will take readers on a trip through the history of [...]

  18. miken1138 says on December 10th, 2009 at 9:18 pm :

    Are they pushing Black Canary’s debut up by a decade? She didn’t show up until 1947. The New York World’s Fair was in 1939.

  19. jorel1983 says on December 10th, 2009 at 9:24 pm :

    querldox wow I didn’t think you were capable of having a complimentary thought and further reading seems i’m right. can’t just be happy that DC is doing something cool for their 75th anniversary? Nope had to bring down the trilogy in your compliment

  20. eldonte says on December 10th, 2009 at 10:07 pm :

    Who’s Who in the DC Universe (especially the first volume) made me a DC fan for life! I appreciated the attention to detail and to be honest, if it wasn’t for Who’s Who, I wouldn’t have ever heard of the Legion of Superheroes. Let’s be honest - LOSH is the greatest comic book superteam. Not the first, but the best.
    Never a fan of History of the DC Universe series though. I like speech ballons and thought bubbles. Not a fan of comic book prose

  21. Jessica Simpson Is Smitten With Billy Corgan. Wait, What … | Jessica Simpson Celebrity Monitor says on December 11th, 2009 at 1:31 am :

    [...] DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » DCU IN 2010: CELEBRATE … [...]

  22. querldox says on December 11th, 2009 at 6:29 am :

    jor-el I bring the trinity down to where they should be, on a par with everyone else.

  23. Kal-El says on December 11th, 2009 at 8:53 am :

    Now is a 10-part miniseries instead of 7-part? Great!!!!

  24. DC focuses on “Legacies,” “Histories,” and “Who’s Who” in 2010 | gaijINside says on December 11th, 2009 at 1:18 pm :

    [...] DC Comics has announced a trio of books to be published in 2010, focusing on their strengths by looking to the past. On top of new iterations of History Of The DC Universe and 15-issue Who’s Who, Len Wein and various artists will produce Legacies, a 10-part series, with each issue focusing on an era of the DC Universe in two stories, leading up to the moments for Countdown To Infinite Crisis. [...]

  25. jorel1983 says on December 11th, 2009 at 2:45 pm :

    but see queldox they are not on par with everyone else they are the orginators of the universe they kept DCU afloat while tons and I mean TONS of books came and went. thats why they are treated differently and with more regard then say green arrow. Why do you think most of the heroes in their own way try to resemble one of the trinity? cause they are the insperations for all heroes in one form or another

  26. zilch says on December 11th, 2009 at 3:43 pm :

    No Black Canary in ‘39/’40!

    Use Phantom Lady instead (unless this issue covers ALL the Golden Age stuff!)

    Pleeeze get this stuff right!

  27. DCU in 2010 – Reactions « Speed Force says on December 11th, 2009 at 7:35 pm :

    [...] Legacies, History of the DCU, and Who’s Who: If they had only announced one of these three, I’d definitely be getting it. With three, I’m not sure…especially since Legacies is going to be 10 issues (the initial post only said 7) and Who’s Who will be 15 (the initial post only said 12). Though it’s not clear whether The History of the DC Universe will be a new book or simply a “new edition” (i.e. reprint). Legacies looks like it could be very interesting, as long as it doesn’t get too hung up on explaining things. If I could only choose one, I’d probably get Who’s Who and pick up the issues of Legacies that cover the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths era. [...]

  28. jorel1983 says on December 11th, 2009 at 8:09 pm :

    wow an awesome announcement and comic geeks are already tearing it apart. I’m pretty sure it covers all of the golden age but here is a better idea WAIT TILL THE DAMN BOOK IS OUT

  29. querldox says on December 12th, 2009 at 9:37 am :

    They try to resemble the trinity because DC writes it that way. Why should they resemble the trinity? Why can’t they be unique? Why must Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Martian Manhunter, Zatanna and Aquaman be always in their shadow. Wonder Woman can barely sell one book these days, the concept is outdated.Just because they were popular in the 50s has no bearing on what is current but it seems to me DC doesn’t get that and pushes characters regardless. They try to create stories that show why the trinity are ’special’ when the truth is they are not. Out of 100,000 kryptonians superman is just one that happens to have kansas farmboy values. Yet we are meant to think he’s better and special because of it. We get a story about how only bruce wayne is batman which looks to be at the expense of Dick’s character. God forbid we prefer Dick. Why does Mon-El have an S on his chest after 50 years? Why do the justice league covers have superman, batman and wonder woman on the cover when they aren’t part of the team? Remember the one with Vixen, all her teammates are knocked out and she’s in front of that trinity portrait as if she’s measuring up to her ‘betters’. Its insulting to readers who like characters like Vixen that she can’t just be the best she can be and get praised for that she has to be measured against lesser characters (in my opinion. Why does the current justice league have Mon-El, Donna and Dick as the focal point? They are titans and a legionnaire but a tangental relationship gets them the spotlight in favour of other characters who don’t have that connection.

  30. eldonte says on December 13th, 2009 at 1:05 am :

    querldox: which three characters that dc created have had the most success on a pop culture level? What 3 characters have transcended their original, intended medium? thats right: superman, batman and wonder woman. all three had massive impacts and why would you leave your cash cows out in the pasture? supermans been on radio, tv and movies. batman - same. Wonder Woman - Linda Carter - hot! N Mon-el got his name because he landed on earth n was found by SUPERMAN on a monday and he was welcomed into the house of El. Just cuz you like Vixen doesn’t mean everyone does.

  31. meisterlegion says on December 14th, 2009 at 2:23 pm :

    For all those people saying Black Canary isn’t an anomaly or time paradox in being displayed in the picture, because this isn’t Earth-1 or Earth-2…we are now on New-Earth (Earth-0) and the original Black Canary may have appeared earlier.
    The same goes for Power Girl. She could have a completely different origin on New-Earth. She may have been adopted from another planet and brought to Krypton and kidnapped before Kara Zor-El was born…who knows. Anything goes!

  32. JL4GL says on December 14th, 2009 at 3:05 pm :

    Wow - I’m definitely excited about this news - that old History of the DCU no longer matched up well with the current reality, and I missed out on the old Who’s Who’s back then.

    Legacies sure seems to be a kick-ass series - always good to see the original Crimson Avenger in crime busting action, kinda wish the ‘Legacies’ series were even longer so they devote more time to each era.

    Should “Who’s Who” also be longer? I dunno….would be great in a way so they cover more characters, events, timelines, and places.

    Either way - 2010 will be an exciting time!!

  33. Dan DiDio annuncia la serie Legacies della DC Comics | Comics Eden says on December 15th, 2009 at 4:53 am :

    [...] Vi proponiamo alcune immagini apparse su The Source, il Blog della DC Comics: [...]

  34. So you grab a piece of something that you think is gonna last | Robot 6 @ Comic Book Resources – Covering Comic Book News and Entertainment says on December 17th, 2009 at 4:47 pm :

    [...] DC and Marvel’s ongoing game of compare-and-contrast comes the just-announced Legacies miniseries, ten issues starting in May 2010 which will guide the reader from the Depression to the mid-21st [...]

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