The New 52 is a 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics of its entire universe. The previous DC Universe, which had gone many time/space crises over the years, was entirely jettisoned for the fresher new universe. In it nearly all DC characters were given almost entirely new origins and adventures. Characters from Green Lantern and Batman stories were initially partially exempt, but now have their stories modified to fit the new continuity.
Characters in Figures[]
As part of its re-branding of the DC Universe Classics line into other lines, the New 52 incarnations characters became slated as the leading figures for the new labels All-Stars, DC Comics Unlimited and Batman Unlimited. Of the new branding system, only DC Universe Signature Collection hasn't featured any New 52 characters.
Metallic Variants[]
Production[]
The New 52 was a complete restructuring by DC Comics of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero books, in which all of its existing titles were cancelled, and fifty-two new series debuted in September 2011 with new first issues. Among the series being renumbered are Action Comics and Detective Comics, which had previously retained their original numbering since the 1930s. Touted as a large publishing event following the conclusion of the "Flashpoint" crossover storyline, DC's relaunch entails changes to both the publishing format and fictional universe to entice new readers.Publishing changes include same day release of physical comics with digital platforms, all DC Universe titles being cancelled and restarted at a new first issue,[3] characters from the former Wildstorm imprint being absorbed into the DC Universe, and new titles being released to bring the number of ongoing series being published on a monthly basis up to fifty-two. Changes made to DC's internal continuity are intended to make characters more modern and accessible.
Significance of the number "52"[]
After Infinite Crisis, DC Comics released One Year Later which jumped to events a year after the Crisis. Alongside the regular comics, DC released "52", a weekly series to run for one year (as there are 52 weeks in a year). Also, Infinite Crisis produced 52 new worlds as a result of the multiverse returning. 52 then became the number most closely associated with DC Comics. Thus, when the time came to restructure the brand, "The New 52" became the umbrella universe title, with 52 comics running concurrently in one month.
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