It would be fair to say that DC Comics‘ history is complicated. Beyond the many events that retconned or rebooted the multiverse, there’s a whole host of individual issues. Many have gone mad trying to explain Hawkgirl‘s backstory or figuring out which Guy Gardner origin is currently canon. Thankfully, New History of the DC Universe #1 has arrived just in time for the cinematic DC Universe to send many new readers to the comic shop seeking such answers.
The story opens with Barry Allen contemplating history — his own and that of the multiverse. He has a lot of time to think, having lost his speed and retired as The Flash after the events of Absolute Power. This leads Barry to start writing down what he knows of how the DC Universe came to be. He serves as the series’ narrator, explaining everything from the Big Bang to the 1950’s in this first issue.
Mark Waid is perhaps the only author who could manage to unfold this myriad of events. Beyond having written much of this history himself, Waid is rightly recognized as one of comics’ most avid historians. He lays out the bare facts, with the events he describes depicted by Jerry Ordway and Todd Nauck. The text is rather dry, but the artwork is dynamic throughout. Another subtle touch is Ordway and Nauck mimicking the styles of other artists, like Jack Kirby.
New History of the DC Universe has a reader’s guide
Were the New History of the DC Universe #1 purely referential, it would be impressive. However, what makes it invaluable lies in the back of the book, after Waid’s history. Here, Dave Wielgosz, drawing upon Waid’s research and his own, compiles annotations of which comics correspond to which scenes.
The value of this to new readers should be apparent. Those who are curious about the history of Atlantis in the DC Universe can find out what comic series they should track down. Wonder Woman fans who wish to know what comics first showed the origins of the Amazons have a handy reference point. The detail of Wielgosz’s notes is astounding and could lead to months of further reading. All in all, New History of the DC Universe is an essential volume for any fan of DC Comics or comics history.
Grade: 8/10
New History of the DC Universe #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on June 26, 2025.
