I hope everybody feels rested and relaxed after their vacation break, as a result of 2023 goes to be a busy 12 months for DC. Last 12 months noticed the dying and return of the Justice League and the restoration of the multiverse, however this 12 months, the DC Universe has some greater surprises deliberate. What type of surprises? Well, it wouldn’t be enjoyable if we simply instructed you, however when you’ve been taking note of some of our largest titles, then you definitely would possibly discover some hints.
In brief, you’re going to need to ensure you’ve learn Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 and Batman vs. Robin #4 earlier than you dive into this week’s Lazarus Planet: Alpha. Whether you understand it or not, these two points planted some main seeds that can drive lots of the developments you’ll be seeing this 12 months. Just in case you want a refresher, listed below are some of the massive moments these two points gave us.
No More Justice League
The Justice League have recovered from their dying in 2022’s Justice League #75, however they’ve determined to take a timeout for some time. As Batman explains to Nightwing in the closing pages of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7, the League might be taking a break as they reexamine their mission.
“It needs to be more than just new members,” Batman says. “It needs to find a new mission. A new legacy.” The Dark Knight sees Nightwing as his legacy, and an necessary voice as he shapes the League’s subsequent iteration. It might be attention-grabbing to see what that appears like. In the meantime, it’s attention-grabbing to notice that “Death of the Justice League” lived as much as its title in additional methods than one.
Batman’s New Cowl
Batman not too long ago made an…um…attention-grabbing change to his costume. During Batman vs. Robin #4, the Dark Knight battled the Devil Nezha. Of course, there aren’t any instruments in his utility belt that may fight an enchanted demon, so Batman donned the Helmet of Fate. Yes, THAT Helmet of Fate. The identical one that offers Doctor Fate untold magical powers.
Batman shortly tailored to his new cowl, magically including bat ears, summoning familiars and utilizing magic powers to defeat the Devil Nezha. However, throughout the wrestle the Helmet of Fate was shattered and its items ended up in the Lazarus Pit.
Yikes, I hope no person was planning on utilizing that later.
Beware Amanda Waller
The heroes of the DC Universe have defeated the Great Darkness, however will they have the ability to deal with the Light? If you’ve ever watched HBO Max’s Young Justice then you definitely could be conversant in the secret society of movers and shakers. The mysterious group made their mainstream continuity debut in Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 and they’re working with Amanda Waller, which is rarely excellent news. The management council has their faces obscured on the video displays, in order of now the Light’s membership roster is unknown, however their plan is lethal. The Light has given Waller the freedom to hunt and kill all metahumans and it appears to be like like she already has a crew assembled. I don’t know, pals. It’s beginning to really feel like the Justice league picked the fallacious time to disband.
It’s Raining Lazarus
If you’ve learn Batman vs. Robin #4, then you recognize that Lazarus Island has been destroyed, inflicting an enormous volcanic eruption. But it’s not atypical eruption—this one is spreading items of the Lazarus Pit throughout the planet and the outcomes are going to be disastrous. The highly effective Lazarus Resin can do greater than elevate the useless, it may possibly additionally grant powers to atypical individuals. Do you belief the complete planet to have the ability to deal with superpowers responsibly? Neither do I. We’re going to see this play out in Lazarus Planet, the first DC occasion of 2023.
The Legacy of George Pérez
As we glance to the future, it’s necessary to rejoice our previous. Throughout Dark Crisis, the theme of legacy is visited many instances, and we will’t assist however take into consideration George Pérez. The legendary creator handed away final 12 months, however his fingerprints are throughout this e book, regardless that he by no means labored on it.
Dark Crisis is a non secular sequel to Crisis on Infinite Earths, which was one of Pérez’s largest contributions to the DC Universe. Characters and ideas from the unique Crisis have been utilized in Dark Crisis, and a number of scenes paid homage and have been illustrated in the fashion of Pérez himself. Deathstroke, who was one of the massive villains of Dark Crisis, is one other Pérez co-creation. In truth, throughout the battle inside the Great Darkness, Dick Grayson and Slade Wilson are illustrated to appear like they did when Pérez drew them in The New Teen Titans. Batman and Deathstroke each make it clear, Dark Crisis is all about legacy, and I believe it’s clear whose legacy it’s.
So, whilst you have been all celebrating at New Year’s events, Amanda Waller has been planning her subsequent transfer and Batman has been making an attempt to determine a technique to cease the Lazarus rainstorm. Buckle up DC readers, as a result of 2023 goes to be unforgettable.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 and Batman vs. Robin #4 are each obtainable now. Lazarus Planet: Alpha #1, which kicks off the Lazarus Planet occasion, hits comedian outlets and digital retailers tomorrow.
Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, films and comics for DC.com, is an everyday contributor to the Couch Club and writes our month-to-month Batman column, “Gotham Gazette.” Follow him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.
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