All In Special #1
Review
Writer: Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson
Artist: Daniel Sampere and Dan Mora
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Page Count: 64
Format: Single-issue
World collide in DC‘s All In Special #1, paving the way for the new Absolute Universe to kick off in thrilling fashion. This one-shot showcases both the heroics of the Justice League and the dark machinations of Darkseid in a dual narrative issue that sets the stage for an exciting new era in DC Comics.
All In Special #1
ReviewWriter: Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson
Artist: Daniel Sampere and Dan Mora
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Page Count: 64
Format: Single-issue
World collide in DC‘s All In Special #1, paving the way for the new Absolute Universe to kick off in thrilling fashion. This one-shot showcases both the heroics of the Justice League and the dark machinations of Darkseid in a dual narrative issue that sets the stage for an exciting new era in DC Comics.
Comic book crossovers are a staple in mainstream comics, but DC's new All In initiative promises to shake things up like never before. It’s not just a fancy name, but a battle cry to change everything we know about DC superheroes for a fresh, uncharted future. With All In comes the creation of the Absolute Universe, a reimagined world where DC's iconic heroes are stripped of key elements that make them "super." What remains is the absolute essence of these characters, laying the groundwork for new and exciting stories to unfold. Through the vision of comic book powerhouses like Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Jason Aaron, Kelly Thompson, and many more, the Absolute Universe is poised to usher in an age in DC comics where anything is possible.
Let's dive into my review of DC All In Special #1 and see how it sets the stage for this ambitious new era.
Overview
In the wake of Absolute Power, Superman takes charge of rebuilding the Justice League. He's convinced that every hero needs to be "all in" to usher in a new era of superheroism. However, as the team assembles in their new orbital Watchtower, Darkseid launches a devastating attack. This assault tears a rift in reality, sending shockwaves across the Multiverse and kickstarting the creation of the Absolute Universe–a realm shaped by Darkseid's dark designs.
Image: DC Comics
Review
In a dense, 64-page one-shot, DC’s All In Special #1 does everything it needs to get you primed for its new initiative and the Absolute Universe. The comic is split into two parts: the "Alpha" story, illustrated by Daniel Sampere, and the "Omega" story, drawn by Wes Craig. The Alpha story showcases the heroes' perspective, with Superman spearheading the formation of a new Justice League. The Omega story, on the other hand, offers a chilling glimpse into Darkseid's plans of reshaping the universe through immense cosmic power. Not only is the dual narrative approach a fun presentation of the comic, but it brilliantly encapsulates the concept of the Absolute Universe being a sort of inverse version of DC’s prime universe.
In many ways, the Alpha story feels like a celebration of classic DC Comics. There's a nostalgic quality to seeing the heroes unite, standing together as beacons of hope and justice within the Watchtower. Daniel Sampere's art in this section is nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the DC universe in a clean, traditional superhero style. In stark contrast, the Omega story flips the narrative on its head, delivering a much darker tone. Wes Craig's distinct art style brings a gritty quality to the iconic characters that are very different from what you typically see in superhero comics. The vast difference between the two art styles serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the drastic change that is shifting throughout DC’s Multiverse of comics. It reinforces the idea that we're witnessing the birth of something entirely new and exciting for many of our favorite superheroes.
Image: DC Comics
When taken as a whole, the All In one-shot makes the mission statement of the Absolute Universe crystal clear. It shows Darkseid's power and motivations in full force, giving a taste of how he plays a direct hand in the creation of the Absolute Universe. Writers Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson did a fantastic job setting a clear contrast between the two stories, emphasizing the strength of both sides. While I personally enjoyed the Omega story more, as a big fan of Craig’s work on Kaya, All In is a great package from cover to cover. With the nature of the Absolute Universe now clear because of this comic, the stage is perfectly set for readers to dive into a new age of DC comics that is set to roll out in the coming weeks.
Image: DC Comics
Final Thoughts
DC’s All In Special #1 is a masterclass in how to kick off a major comic book event. It’s both a celebration of the best DC Comics and an exciting glimpse into its bold future. The dual narrative structure, complemented by two distinct and equally impressive art styles, makes for a unique reading experience unlike anything I’ve seen done before from other superhero comics. Now that the pieces are all in place, I’m excited to see where the creative teams take the Absolute Universe from here. So much of this new initiative feels like a fresh start for DC, making it a great and accessible spot for all readers to jump in. The name "All In" isn't just for the heroes—it’s an invitation for everyone to join in on the excitement.
As we stand on the precipice of this new era for DC Comics, All In #1 makes it clear that we're in for something special. If this incredible one-shot is indicative of the quality we can expect from the Absolute Universe line, then comic book fans are in for a real treat for a long time.
Why You Should Read DC All In Special #1
- It officially kicks off DC's new Absolute Universe, making a bold statement that shakes the entire Multiverse.
- Both art styles are top-notch, with Daniel Sampere and Wes Craig delivering stunning visuals that perfectly capture the distinct tones of each story.
- It sets up numerous intriguing plot threads for future Absolute Universe titles, leaving readers eager for more.