DC Announces ‘All In’ Company Wide Initiative

DC have announced a brand new company-wide initiative called ‘All In’, which is set to follow the fallout and the events of their current initiative, ‘Absolute Power’. This current initiative will result in seismic changes to DC’s comics this October and will lead to a reimagined universe of DC’s Superheroes, ongoing core titles and bold new directions to our beloved characters.

First up is ‘DC All In Special #1‘ which is set for release on 2nd October. This is a 64 page single-issue mega-event which will be presented in a startling, symmetrical flipbook. The issue is co-written by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, at features art by Daniel Sampere when read in one directly and Wes Craig in the other direction. The main cover is by Daniel Sampere, with variants by Rafa Sandoval, Wes Craig, and John Giang. 

Here’s the official synopsis from DC:

Following the events of Absolute Power, the heroes of the core DC Universe have fought against the deep divisions in the world around them to usher in a new era of unity. And it’s just in time, too—because Darkseid has returned! Superman gathers every DC Super Hero on Earth to hold the line against a vastly different version of the Lord of Apokolips as they raise our cosmic defenses and prepare for war. And when the first blows land, the shock waves will ripple across DC’s core series, shaking the nature of their realities to their very foundation! But a greater threat looms on the horizon in the Absolute Universe. Here, DC’s biggest icons come of age with fewer advantages while facing greater opposition than ever before and retaining the immutable heroism that continues to inspire and entertain fans. But can they really protect the light that shines inside them when the world in which they live is hurtling toward a terrible destiny?

This ‘DC All In Special’ sets the table for ‘DC’s AbsoluteUniverse’, which is led by Scott Snyder. Here’s what he had to say about the announcement: “The creation of the AbsoluteUniverse is how I always imagined coming back to DC, and DC All In will be a great jumping-on point for new readers as well as lapsed fans to discover new stories to love and the chance to explore the new directions in store for DC’s core series lineup.”

Snyder will then launch the new universe with the release of ‘Absolute Batman #1‘, which features art by Nick Dragotta. This series will feature a version of Batman which doesn’t have the money, bat-cave or an Alfred and readers will quickly find out what makes up this new version of batman. ‘Absolute Batman #1’ is set for release on 9th October.

Kelly Thompson will launch the new ‘Absolute Wonder Woman #1‘ series, where she has no paradise island, no sisterhood and no mission for peace. It’s safe to say this will be a very new take on Wonder Woman! Art will be done by breakout artist Hayden Sherman and the issue is on sale 23rd October.

Now, most importantly… ‘Absolute Superman #1‘ will be written by Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval. Their take on Superman leaves him with no home, no family and no Fortress, but the question is… will he still stand for truth, justice a better tomorrow? The issue is on sale 6th November.

That’s not all, this daring new direction gives readers the opportunity to discover and rediscover their love for DC’s characters with some very exciting stories to come.

Batman #153-154 (2nd & 16th October) – Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jiménez, and Carmine Di Giandomenico are back with a vengeance with a new story arc, “The Dying City,” featuring an unexpected turn from the Riddler, a mysterious new Super Hero named Commander Star, and the shocking murder of one of Gotham City’s greatest citizens as Batman ships twice monthly in October.

Detective Comics #1090 (23rd October) – Following “Gotham Nocturne,” another of DC’s most historic titles gets a new creative team in the form of superstars Tom Taylor and Mikel Janín, and a new story arc, “Mercy of the Father.” Years after the tragic murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, a ghost from Gotham City’s past has been lying in wait to strike at Batman ever since that fateful night in Crime Alley. This story will result in major changes for the Dark Knight, and things may never be the same again.

Action Comics #1070-1073 (0th, 16th, 23rd & 30th October) – Another one of DC’s foundational titles goes weekly beginning in October! “Death of the Phantom Zone” spins directly out of Absolute Power and Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, as writer Mark Waid and artist Clayton Henry plunge Superman into the Phantom Zone to prevent an otherworldly horror from laying waste to Metropolis. And in the second story, “Supergirl: Universe End,” Eisner Award winner and Zatanna: Bring Down the House writer Mariko Tamaki and artist Skylar Patridge take Supergirl to the farthest reaches of space in pursuit of a mysterious threat only she can handle.

Superman #19 (23rd October) – Superstar artist Dan Mora joins Joshua Williamson in a new story arc spinning out of Absolute Power. One of Superman’s most lethal enemies returns as the Man of Steel and Superwoman (Lois Lane) deal with the return of the rampaging Doomsday, but how long will Lois’s newfound powers last? And as if Doomsday isn’t trouble enough, another one of Superman’s greatest enemies lurks in the shadows: the Time Trapper.

Wonder Woman #14 (16th October) – Courtesy of Tom King and Daniel Sampere, the tide is turning in Wonder Woman’s battle against the Sovereign as Steve Trevor takes matters into his own hands, with deadly consequences. But Steve’s end could be the beginning of Diana’s greatest adventure yet—motherhood!

Green Arrow #350 (23rd October) – This oversize anniversary issue features legacy numbering as writer Joshua Williamson closes out his acclaimed run on DC’s Emerald Archer. Oliver Queen faces the aftermath of his actions in Absolute Power, having done the unthinkable to protect his loved ones, and the ramifications of his involvement may have gone too far for his family and friends to forgive. This can’t-miss issue also debuts the opening chapter of Green Arrow’s next adventure, from the new creative team of writer Chris Condon (The Enfield Gang Massacre, That Texas Blood) and artist Montos (Green Lantern: War Journal).

You can watch the official announcement from DC on YouTube here:

All titles featured in DC’s brand new ‘All In’ initiative are available to order now from your local comic shops and will officially release throughout October and November.