The Road to DC Universe Rebirth: The Death and Life of Superman

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

  DC Comics Rebirth began this past Summer, and it has taken the comics industry by storm. Top-selling titles are revitalizing Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman, and other heroes. An new and old readers are being treated to the storytelling of old, hearkening back to the Silver Age. But to get here, DC Comics needed to begin to sort out decades of stories and reboots to figure out how the Rebirth initiative would play out. In an unprecedented move by writers and artists, DC Comics began to weave a new and cohesive comics universe that acknowledged almost every story told in the past seventy-plus years. But first, an old friend needed to return.    

  Here are several storylines that paved the way to DC Universe Rebirth. Highlighted sections are linked to my reviews of these events. Enjoy. 

The Return of the Pre-Flashpoint Superman-

    The ill-received crossover event, Convergence, seemed to crash and burn during the Summer of 2015.  Many of the title's books were in dollar bins nation-wide that Fall season following. A flop? Not really. In fact Convergence laid the groundwork for the most surprising storyline of the year. During Convergence we were re-introduced to the Pre-Flashpoint Superman and his wife, Lois Lane, who about to give birth to their son, Jonathan. During Convergence their Earth was destroyed during the battle with Brainiac and Telos. But they were given a choice of what world they wished to live on. They chose the New 52 Earth where things were closer in respect to their lost world.  

 Superman: Lois and Clark

   The story of Lois and Clark continued in an eight issue mini-series written by long-time Superman writer, Dan Jurgens. Here, Jurgens was able to return to the character he made so popular in the 1990s. They couple, having been on the New 52 world for eight years, developed a secret life outside of their doppelgangers' sights. Lois Lane was now an anonymous author that was on the fast track of closing down countless criminal organizations, including Intergang. Clark donned his black suit he had worn in the past. He traveled the globe secretly saving lives and watching his own doppelganger carry on the El name. But when Lois was attacked by Intergang, a few things began to unfold. Clark was not a secret anymore and Jonathan, their eight year old son, had begun to deal with emerging superpowers. 

The Final Days of Superman  

    The New 52 Superman was facing death, and after many tests, Kal-El knew he was dying. In an attempt to save the El legacy, he went in search of his cousin, who had disappeared after her powers failed. Kara was now working at renewing her powers with the aid of the DEO to return as Supergirl. But little did they know that a strange transformation had begun in the body of a criminal on the run from the police. Slowly Denny Swan had begun to take on the characteristics of Clark Kent and Superman. Ultimately ending with him confronting the Justice League. When Superman saw that the man would kill to many innocent people, he flew the "Superman" above Earth. After defeating Swan, Kal returned to Earth with moments of life left. He began to transform as his body reached a supernova state, exploding in a wave of energy that hit Lana Lang and Lois Lane (But we will continue that story in the Superwoman ongoing  series) Afterward the other Superman revealed himself to the Justice League, promising to be there when he is needed. The New 52 Earth had gained a Superman with decades of experience that surpassed their Man of Steel. As these pieces fell into place, the Speed Force was beginning to pulsate with a surprise of its own.

  DC Universe Rebirth had a few roads paving the way. Follow me as I journey through the DC Universe's newest incarnation.

  Have fun reading this week. Let me know in the comments below what you are reading.

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  Because there is always time to read,

   Xepherus3 

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All written content (c) Copyright 2017 by Thomas Bahr II

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