What is it?
DC Comics is taking all 52 of its comic books titles — from "Superman" to "Captain Atom" — and renumbering all of them. Every issue, including "Action Comics" and "Detective Comics," which have issues numbering several hundred each, will start back at No. 1. Basically, this means every superhero gets a new perspective.
Why is it happening?
DC Comics has said that it wants to free characters from decades of backstories, allowing writers and artists to tell new and creative stories. Additionally, renowned comic artist and DC Comics co-publisher Jim Lee is designing new looks for each hero's classic costume. The relaunch is seen as an attempt to lure new and younger readers.
Characters also will undergo changes more cosmetic than their costumes. For example, Superman will no longer be married to Lois Lane, and Barbara Gordon (who had been paralyzed) will take up the role of Batgirl again.
"We really want to inject new life in our characters and line," Dan DiDio, co-publisher of DC with Lee, told USA Today. "This was a chance to start, not at the beginning, but at a point where our characters are younger and the stories are being told for today's audience."
What are people saying?
Reaction from longtime comics fans started out pretty negative but has since cooled off.
"A lot of comics fans aren't big on change. People didn't like the ideas of their stories starting at No. 1," said Kevin Hayner, manager at Krypton Comics. "But we've seen some excitement starting up."
Over at Legend Comics, they've seen the same.
"It has been a hot topic," said co-owner Dave DeMarco. "There's been some gripes about changing things, but curiosity is outweighing the negativity. I would say by every stretch of the word it's been good — positive buzz."
At both stores, where many customers reserve titles in advance, comics fans have stuck with their favorites and most have even added a few new DC titles.
DeMarco said Legend employees are going to read every issue so they can advise shoppers on what the best new titles are.
When is it happening?
Beginning Aug. 31 with the release of "Justice League" No. 1. DC will roll out the rest of the relaunched first issues through September.
On Dec. 7, DC will release a hardcover compilation of all 52 issue No. 1s. The 1,216-page book will go for $150.
— Kevin Coffey
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