DAN DIDIO: CANCELLATIONS, CHANGES, AND OTHER THINGS TO COME

[MattBrady]

You caught that update of some upcoming changes, cancellations and shake-ups that came from DC’s RRP meeting last weekend, right?

To run down the list, and get some confirmation, explanation, and more information, Newsarama sat down with DC Executive Editor Dan DiDio. If you didn’t read the first update, you may want to check it out now, so we’re all on the same page.

Newsarama: Let’s just touch base on the information that came out of the RRP meeting last weekend, and elaborate further if you can…

Dan DiDio: I can try, so let’s see what we can say.

NRAMA: First off, 52* - this was the first time it was announced that there will be a back-up story in that series.

DD: Right.

NRAMA: Issues #2-#11 will be a ten part “History of the DC Universe,” and then – there will be more?

DD: Right – there will be other back-up stories throughout the series. Wait – let me say that there will be other back-up material throughout the series.

NRAMA: And that history of the DCU – any particular story-related reason that will need a re-telling?

DD: Not necessarily. One of the things we’re trying to do with 52 is lay the groundwork for the DC Universe going forward, so I thought it would be a good idea to show how we’ve gotten to where we are now. “The History of the DC Universe” then, takes it from pre-Crisis events all the way through Infinite Crisis.

NRAMA: Moving to what got a lot of the buzz – the first wave of casualties of Infinite Crisis in regards to titles being cancelled. Just to confirm everything…Flash is ending with the January issue that has already been solicited?

DD: Correct. With issue #230.

NRAMA: And Wonder Woman is ending?

DD: Yes, with #226.

NRAMA: Gotham Central was covered when we spoke with Greg Rucka, and Gotham Knights as well?

DD: Right Gotham Knights ends with #74.

NRAMA: Any others?

DD: Let me pull out my full list: Plastic Man with #20, Flash with #230, Superman #226 is the last issue for that numbering, Wonder Woman #226 is the last issue of that run, Gotham Knights #74, Gotham Central #40, JLA #125, and Batgirl #73.

NRAMA: That’s a healthy list…

DD: Yeah, we’re feeling good about ourselves (laughs).

NRAMA: I couldn’t help but notice - Superman #226 is the “last issue of that numbering?”

DD: Right.

NRAMA: You want to explain?

DD: I turn this question back to the fans, because I’m not really sure what I’m canceling. We’re going from three Superman books to two: Superman and Action Comics. As of March, the numbering on Superman returns to its classic numbering which will be #650.

NRAMA: So it goes back to its pre-Byrne reboot numbering, since Superman prior to Man of Steel became Adventures of Superman.

DD: Absolutely. One of the things that I felt very strongly about was that our four premiere books, which I always feel set the style and tone for the DCU: Superman, Batman, Action Comics and Detective Comics should have their original numbering. They’re very special series, both given their characters and historically, and they should be treated as such.

NRAMA: So as a series then, Adventures of Superman will be wrapping up as well?

DD: Correct. But even in here, we can sometimes get confused as to what we cancelled – did we end Superman or Adventures? One of them is ending, that much I know (laughs).

NRAMA: With Wonder Woman, you said that would be the end of that run…

DD: The end of that series, correct.

NRAMA: No, you said, “that run.”

DD: Really?

NRAMA: Yes, you did.

DD: Well…we’re still waiting to see if she makes it out of Crisis alive?

NRAMA: If she gets returned to clay…again?

DD: Right (laughs) – though she probably won’t. There are several things happening coming out of “One Year Later…” and what series might be relauched as a result. The way I always look at it is that if you’re going to start something fresh, then you’ve got to have a dramatically different take than what existed beforehand. As a result of “One Year Later…” a lot of dramatic things have happened.

NRAMA: Are you trying…

DD: To be vague? You got it. Right now, I’m not even sure what I’m talking about.

NRAMA: So with the Superman and Batman titles – anything replacing the titles that are ending on the horizon?

DD: Not on the horizon. We really want to take things down to a more manageable number of titles and really focus on Superman and Batman again before we start to expand things again.

NRAMA: Since we’re looking at the “big seven” heroes of the DCU, what about Aquaman? Is he safe?

DD: He was treading water. We’re in the process of looking at Aquaman, and have discussed a new and exciting direction for the “One Year Later…” approach on the book. To be very frank about it, this new direction saved the book from cancellation.

NRAMA: One of the bigger things for the 30-something crowd – Walter Simonson and Howard Chaykin are working together on Hawkgirl. Given what you’ve said about your own fan days…this has to rank pretty high on your list of accomplishments, one would assume…

DD: For me, from a personal fanboy perspective, Walt Simonson and Howard Chaykin are the guys who kept comics exciting for me. Without them, I probably would have found reasons not to read them anymore – American Flagg and Walt’s Thor are still some of my favorite runs in my own collection. Any chance I had to work with either one of them; I’d jump at it in a heartbeat. But now, to be in a position to have both of them working for us, and working together – that’s a huge win for DC.

NRAMA: Something that came out as well as that May, June and July will see something major each week. Is that accurate?

DD: The way it might have been stated was that, in those months, we’re working to have a major event every week – every week will have a “must read” book from us. A lot of that will have to do with 52, and a lot of that will have to do with what’s happening in the DC Universe.

NRAMA: Series launching?

DD: A little bit of this, a little bit of that. It could be driven by the book, driven by the characters, driven by the talent. We’re trying to create a level of excitement and value for all of our books, so that once Crisis is over, we don’t want to have post-Crisis traumatic stress syndrome where everyone feels the need to relax from reading DC – quite the opposite. We’re turning the heat up even more, focusing back on the characters and the series, and really make everyone understand why DC has the must-read comics right now.

For me, personally, everything we’re doing here is to make every one of our characters interesting and compelling. It’s not just about finding a new take or new direction, but also about finding the best people possible to find that vision. We’ve been very lucky, and I can’t put enough emphasis on the editorial staff here to make sure the best people possible are coming in to work on our books both for “One Year Later…” and beyond.

[Stormbreaker]

Wow, they really are cleaning house over there at DC, not that I blame 'em. I thought there were way more than 3 Superman titles, but I could be confusing that with Batman. Either way, good to see that IC'll be cleaning things up a bit. As for that first bunch of issues of *52 giving a history of the DCU: excellent idea! I've wanted something like that since I came into the DCU, which was when Identity Crisis came out, and I look forward to seeing how the DCU evolved to where it is today.

[Bakema NL]

Ok, they are on a roll, but still.............HOLY ____ !!!! ......... damn that censure........once more... HOLY COWDUNG !!!!

[JeffD]

I am so happy Mr. Didio recognizes the history of the original SUPERMAN series. Some may argue that it's "trivial", but I think it's great that we'll see SUPERMAN # 650...SUPERMAN #700...even SUPERMAN #1,000 some day (hopefully!)

As for JLA ending...hmm. Interesting. There will certainly be a new book to replace JLA.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA # 1? Or #500?

Jeff

[JDooley]

Always a fan of going back to the original numbering, though for newer readers it might be a tad confusing, but looks to be good. I liked it when Marvel did. I like that DC did that. It does wreck havok on my checklist sheets where I keep track of stuff. Intersted to see that they are pairing it down to a more managble number of titles. History of the DC universe is cool. i always like that stuff. I just bought the 2 issue one that cam out after crisis '86

[GeorgeG]

Batgirl too????

Well, three titles will be taken off my list just like that (GK, GC & Batgirl).

I'm surprised that DC will only have two Superman titles on the shelves. With a movie coming out and all, one would think they'd want as much Superman product available on the shelves. IMO, instead of dropping a title, they should be adding one.

[Kevin T. Brown]

I really like reading that DC wants to pare down their Superman and Batman titles. It just stinks that Gotham Central is among them....

Overall, I definitely like the direction DC is heading. Even with all the cancellations and potential reboots.

[BrotherI]

JLA ENDING?! Why is it odd I did not know this? I'm actually quaking in my boots.

[Kody]

good info. Thanks Dan and Matt.

I'm really bummed about Gotham Central though. That was by far my favorite non-Vertigo DC book.

[Jason Seaver]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
I'm surprised that DC will only have two Superman titles on the shelves. With a movie coming out and all, one would think they'd want as much Superman product available on the shelves. IMO, instead of dropping a title, they should be adding one.

Well, there's All-Star, too. Don't know how often that'll be, but it's there.

EDIT: Oh, and Superman/Batman is basically a Superman book. Between that and All-Star, I imagine that'll be monthly.

[KyleCowstar]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
Batgirl too????

Well, three titles will be taken off my list just like that (GK, GC & Batgirl).

I'm surprised that DC will only have two Superman titles on the shelves. With a movie coming out and all, one would think they'd want as much Superman product available on the shelves. IMO, instead of dropping a title, they should be adding one.

Ever heard about All-Star Superman? And why are you still reading GK? You are silly.

Anyway, I think DC is gonna end up in very good shape after Crisis...unless they all go back to Earth-2. That would mess up sales and I don't think for the better...But if they take the route that I think they are then DC is looking nice.

[jedifish]

Batgirl ending. Not a surpise. I wonder if she'll become Batwoman. I never had much interest in Cassandra Cain, but Gabryich and Garza/Mahn have really been putting out some great stories post-War Games, and I've been hooked ever since.

Glad to see them taking a hard look at Aquaman. Probably the only title I still buy out of some misguided loyalty for the character, although the latest issue was pretty good, with a great ending.

[jedifish]

Originally posted by KyleCowstar
Ever heard about All-Star Superman? And why are you still reading GK? You are silly.

Anyway, I think DC is gonna end up in very good shape after Crisis...unless they all go back to Earth-2. That would mess up sales and I don't think for the better...But if they take the route that I think they are then DC is looking nice.

I like the adventures of Hush. It's been an enjoyable read.

[melperfect]

Well if JLA is ending, let's see it replaced by JLU.

Use a similar format as the great animated series, but always have at least 2 or 3 of the original big seven in the mix for good measure.

Dreading the eventual presence of the reboot/renumbering police in this thread, the ones that go right for Marvel's jugular when they do it.

[Blast-Off]

I am really excited for all this paring down and rebooting. However, I am greatly saddened by the loss of JLA. That series is what got me to read non-Vertigo DC in the first place. I had been a hardcore Marvelite before the JLA's relaunch by Morrison. Now I have an entire run of JLA. I went back into the history of the DCU and got all the CRISIS books and crossovers and INVASION crossovers and JLI and JLE. JLA really gave me a love for the DCU that has now ecllipsed my infatuation with the Marvel U. In my 20 years of reading comics JLA has been one of the few consistently great titles. It will be missed sorely. Yet, with DC's track record lately I expect only good things in the future. Long Live the JLA!

[Bricktop]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
Batgirl too????

Well, three titles will be taken off my list just like that (GK, GC & Batgirl).

I'm surprised that DC will only have two Superman titles on the shelves. With a movie coming out and all, one would think they'd want as much Superman product available on the shelves. IMO, instead of dropping a title, they should be adding one.

They are also supposed to be launching a new series call Superman Confidential (or something like that)... There will also be a Batman Confidential. Plus the decision to end Gotham Central was Rucka's not DC or Didio.

[Batty Pete]

I'm not quaking about any of these cancellations. I am pissed about Gotham Central ending, but other than that all of these books will be relaunched.

DC needs to publish a monthly WW book from my understanding or they lose the rights to her. I'm sure it is a bit more technical than that, but within a few months of WW #226 I am certain WW Series 3 #1 will launch, same with Flash. If Rich Johnston is to be believed (and he is more hit than miss), then we will also be getting Batman: Confidential and Superman: Confidential (I hope those are not the actual titles) by mid-next year as well. I am disturbed about Batgirl going, but hopefully the rumor that Batwoman will be coming up will mean Cassandra grows a year older and becomes Batwoman, not Babs. Oh, and you know DC won't go long without having a JLA book on the stands.

Sure, DC is clearing house at the moment, but it won't be long before we (well at least me for certain) will be back to buying all those books again.

Oh, and thanks Dan for confirming that Aquaman will be with us for a while longer, hopefully a long while.

[SpyGuy]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
I'm surprised that DC will only have two Superman titles on the shelves. With a movie coming out and all, one would think they'd want as much Superman product available on the shelves. IMO, instead of dropping a title, they should be adding one.

If you believe the rumors, they will -- SUPERMAN CONFIDENTIAL. (Although why it isn't being called SUPERMAN CLASSIFIED is beyond me.)

And I know it won't change anything but I really hate the idea of relaunching central titles with new #1 issues. Any sales increases brought about by renumbering with new #1s generally lasts only a few months before the title starts settling back down to the previous volume's levels and it also decreases interest in back issues for the previous volume. In my opinion, a solid new creative team that produces quality stories and art will add more long-term value to an existing series than a "Vol. 3 #1".

THE FLASH is the most frustrating of these reboots. Only twenty or so issues to go and Wally's series would have passed Barry Allen's.

[ghostly1]

Batgirl news isn't terribly surprising, but still sad.

I'll probably be down to just two DC books post-One Year Later.

[tralfaz]

dammit, cancelling JLA?

[luffy410]

I'm really dissapointed with 52. I thought it was going to be in real time like 24(which i love) I mean, I thought it was going to be 52 weeks = 1 year and every issue will show a week to fill in the one year after scenario but now they are showing the history of DC? If this is the case why named it 52 and do it weekly? Definitely off my pullist I gues this was only good in concept but impossible to write.

[holtom2000]

how funny. I just started getting WW. and I almost dropped flash. moot point now. I'll have to see what I think of these two books post IC.

geez, my pull list is shrinking. After those two get axed, that leaves me with Captain Atom (a limited), IC (limited), JSA (the best on the market), Green Arrow, Green Lantern (which has been boring me) and Teen Titans.
I expect my pull list will look completely different in six months, what with 52 and all the new titles DC is planning.

[MattBrady]

Originally posted by luffy410
I'm really dissapointed with 52. I thought it was going to be in real time like 24(which i love) I mean, I thought it was going to be 52 weeks = 1 year and every issue will show a week to fill in the one year after scenario but now they are showing the history of DC? If this is the case why named it 52 and do it weekly? Definitely off my pullist I gues this was only good in concept but impossible to write.

read it again - the history of the DCU is the back-up story. 52 will remain a weekly, both in shipping and in how the story is told. It was reiterated at the RRP that the series will reflect the times of the year, etc, so if it's winter, Gotham scenes will be in snow, etc.

MattB

[Bricktop]

Originally posted by luffy410
I'm really dissapointed with 52. I thought it was going to be in real time like 24(which i love) I mean, I thought it was going to be 52 weeks = 1 year and every issue will show a week to fill in the one year after scenario but now they are showing the history of DC? If this is the case why named it 52 and do it weekly? Definitely off my pullist I gues this was only good in concept but impossible to write.

The main story in 52 is what you thought it would be, each issue is a week in real time... the history will be a backup... there will also be other back up "material" as Didio put it... I suspect some of these will be like profiles and such... kind of like the suplimental material in Secret Wars

[ghostly1]

Originally posted by luffy410
I'm really dissapointed with 52. I thought it was going to be in real time like 24(which i love) I mean, I thought it was going to be 52 weeks = 1 year and every issue will show a week to fill in the one year after scenario but now they are showing the history of DC? If this is the case why named it 52 and do it weekly? Definitely off my pullist I gues this was only good in concept but impossible to write.

I think you misread - History of the DC is only a back-up feature. As I understand it, the main stories will still be 'one issue = one week'.