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. Final 12 months noticed the demise and return of the Justice League and the restoration of the multiverse, however this 12 months, the DC Universe has some larger surprises deliberate. What kind of surprises? Nicely, it wouldn’t be enjoyable if we simply advised you, however in case you’ve been taking note of a few of our largest titles, you then may discover some hints.
In brief, you’re going to wish to be sure you’ve learn Darkish Disaster on Infinite Earths #7 and Batman vs. Robin #4 earlier than you dive into this week’s Lazarus Planet: Alpha. Whether or not you understand it or not, these two points planted some main seeds that can drive quite a lot of the developments you’ll be seeing this 12 months. Simply in case you want a refresher, listed below are a few of the massive moments these two points gave us.
No Extra Justice League
The Justice League have recovered from their demise in 2022’s Justice League #75, however they’ve determined to take a timeout for some time. As Batman explains to Nightwing within the last pages of Darkish Disaster on Infinite Earths #7, the League can be taking a break as they reexamine their mission.
“It must be extra than simply new members,” Batman says. “It must discover a new mission. A brand new legacy.” The Darkish Knight sees Nightwing as his legacy, and an necessary voice as he shapes the League’s subsequent iteration. Will probably be fascinating to see what that appears like. Within the meantime, it’s fascinating to notice that “Dying of the Justice League” lived as much as its identify in additional methods than one.
Batman’s New Cowl
Batman just lately made an…um…fascinating change to his costume. Throughout Batman vs. Robin #4, the Darkish Knight battled the Satan Nezha. After all, there aren’t any instruments in his utility belt that may fight an enchanted demon, so Batman donned the Helmet of Destiny. Sure, THAT Helmet of Destiny. The identical one that offers Physician Destiny untold magical powers.
Batman rapidly tailored to his new cowl, magically including bat ears, summoning familiars and utilizing magic powers to defeat the Satan Nezha. Nonetheless, in the course of the battle the Helmet of Destiny was shattered and its items ended up within the Lazarus Pit.
Yikes, I hope no one was planning on utilizing that later.
Beware Amanda Waller
The heroes of the DC Universe have defeated the Nice Darkness, however will they have the ability to deal with the Gentle? In the event you’ve ever watched HBO Max’s Younger Justice you then is perhaps conversant in the key society of movers and shakers. The mysterious group made their mainstream continuity debut in Darkish Disaster on Infinite Earths #7 and so they’re working with Amanda Waller, which isn’t excellent news. The management council has their faces obscured on the video screens, in order of now the Gentle’s membership roster is unknown, however their plan is lethal. The Gentle has given Waller the liberty to hunt and kill all metahumans and it seems like she already has a staff assembled. I don’t know, associates. It’s beginning to really feel just like the Justice league picked the flawed time to disband.
It is Raining Lazarus
In the event you’ve learn Batman vs. Robin #4, then you realize that Lazarus Island has been destroyed, inflicting a large volcanic eruption. However it’s not bizarre eruption—this one is spreading items of the Lazarus Pit everywhere in the planet and the outcomes are going to be disastrous. The highly effective Lazarus Resin can do greater than elevate the useless, it could additionally grant powers to bizarre folks. Do you belief all the 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 primary DC occasion of 2023.
The Legacy of George Pérez
As we glance to the long run, it’s necessary to have a good time our previous. All through Darkish Disaster, the theme of legacy is visited many occasions, 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.
Darkish Disaster is a religious sequel to Disaster on Infinite Earths, which was considered one of Pérez’s largest contributions to the DC Universe. Characters and ideas from the unique Disaster had been utilized in Darkish Disaster, and a number of other scenes paid homage and had been illustrated within the type of Pérez himself. Deathstroke, who was one of many massive villains of Darkish Disaster, is one other Pérez co-creation. In actual fact, in the course of the battle throughout the Nice Darkness, Dick Grayson and Slade Wilson are illustrated to appear to be they did when Pérez drew them in The New Teen Titans. Batman and Deathstroke each make it clear, Darkish Disaster is all about legacy, and I feel it’s clear whose legacy it’s.
So, whilst you had been all celebrating at New Yr’s events, Amanda Waller has been planning her subsequent transfer and Batman has been making an attempt to determine a option to cease the Lazarus rainstorm. Buckle up DC readers, as a result of 2023 goes to be unforgettable.
Darkish Disaster 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, motion pictures and comics for DC.com, is an everyday contributor to the Sofa Membership and writes our month-to-month Batman column, “Gotham Gazette.” Comply with him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.
