Between repeated retcons and universe-wide reboots, the history of DC Comics is complicated. To rectify this, the miniseries New History of the DC Universe offers an adjusted timeline. It has confirmed which stories are no longer considered canon and which ones are in the DC All-In era. Perhaps the most notable of the minor changes concerns the hero Cyborg and the foundation of the Justice League.
Written by Mark Waid, with art by Brad Walker and Mike Allred, New History of the DC Universe #2 begins with the first appearance of Superman and Batman and the second superhero boom. This led to the formation of the first Justice League, following the invasion of Earth by the alien Appellaxians.
In this original story, the team was made up of Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter. Batman and Superman joined them shortly afterward. However, a later retcon substituted the second Black Canary, Dinah Lance, for Wonder Woman. This was due to a change in Wonder Woman’s history regarding when she first left Themyscira.
The inclusion of Cyborg further complicated matters. In the original timeline, Cyborg was part of a new generation of heroes recruited into the New Teen Titans. This history was changed in 2011, with the New 52 revamp.
In the revised timeline, Victor Stone’s empowerment came about during Darkseid‘s first invasion of Earth. He went on to become a founding member of the Justice League. This version of the founders included Superman and Batman, substituting Cyborg for Martian Manhunter. This caused problems later regarding the history of the Teen Titans in the New 52 era, and Cyborg suddenly being a stranger to his best friends.
New History Allows Cyborg to Found Justice League and Join Teen Titans
New History of the DC Universe #2 offers an explanation that allows all three histories to coexist. In the revised timeline, Darkseid invaded Earth before the Appellaxians. Cyborg played a role in Darkseid’s defeat, but was put into suspended animation afterward so he could heal. He was revived years later and joined the New Teen Titans.
Correspondingly, both Martian Manhunter and the second Black Canary joined in repelling the Appellaxian invasion. This affirmed a legacy link between the Justice Society of America and the next generation of superheroes. This also ultimately led to the establishment of the Justice League as an official team in the new timeline.
New History of the DC Universe #2 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
