Here we go.

“The Button” is a a four part story arc in issues #21 and #22 of BATMAN and THE FLASH, by the Batman team of  Tom King and Jason Fabok, and the Flash’s Joshua Williamson/ Howard Porter duo. The story line will unravel more of the mystery set up by Geoff Johns in DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1.

In case you are brand new to comics, that’s a Watchmen button that Batman is holding. Johns set it up that the Watchmen’s Dr. Manhattan, aka Dan DiDio, was behind all the changes in the DCU that arrived with The New 52, and his sinister influence has been felt throughout the line ever since. But now:

[T]he two greatest detectives in the DC Universe unite to unravel the mystery behind a certain blood stained smiley face button stuck in the Batcave wall. However, what begins as a simple investigation soon turns deadly when the secrets of the button prove irresistible to an unwelcome third party – and it’s not who anyone suspects! This is a mystery woven throughout time, and the countdown starts here!

In addition to the standard $2.99 covers on Batman and The Flash in late April and early May, each of the four issues will feature a special $3.99 lenticular cover, all drawn by Jason Fabok. Don’t miss the chance to find out more about the mysteries behind DC REBIRTH when these issues hit your local comics retailer beginning April 19!

“and it’s not who anyone suspects!”

Ma Hunkel?

Bizarro?

Bill Jemas?

Despite Johns’ vow to return with some Watchman comics, it’s open season in the DCU on the Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons creations.

And if you’re wondering what Alan Moore thinks of this, he probably won’t think anything until a writer brings it up in an interview and he goes into holy wrath mode.

Readers, however are free to sound off in the comments. BATMAN IMAGE FROM THE BATMAN #21 LENTICULAR COVER

11 COMMENTS

  1. I’m ok with this. Watchmen still exists. It doesn’t damage the original story.

    Why not use the characters? Seems silly not to.

  2. It is entirely possible that DC is pulling a fast one and the possible Watchmen connection is an elaborate ruse being played on the fans.

  3. “and it’s not who anyone suspects!”

    Granny Goodness!

    Captain Carrot!

    Grail!

    Who knows? But it should be fun to find out!

  4. Good to see comics are doing things to reach out to new audiences and not trying to make shocking moments based on 30 year old comics only the shrinking pool of 50-year old buyers would be interested in.

  5. I’m not sure that any of the characters from “Watchmen” will have much spark or life when divorced from that work. Standing outside the world that Moore and Gibbons created, Dr. Manhattan, the Comedian, Night Owl, etc. are really just generic Superhero types, and DC’s already got tons of those.

  6. I mean it when I say this: I honestly didn’t think comics could get any stupider. There’s not one writer or editor with a shred of imagination, seriously. I’m not even offended, this is just hilarious.

  7. Enjoying Rebirth but have zero interest in this – Watchmen in the DCU is DC’s Inhumans. Didio reckons he can make a truckload from it and as a mediocre writer who had to turn suit is green with envy at Alan Moore’s seemingly effortless talent and success, but Before Waychmen fizzled, so despite tepid interest from new or old readers and much online laughter is going to keep going back to that well until he shows us all!
    Probably going to skip the issues that this affects and may well end up ditching DC titles over it.

    Chris Hero – Well the film didn’t do great business so whoever the weirdos are that like superhero films but not comics won’t be coming in, but maybe toaster hobbyists are hungry for more?
    (Also, most of the fifty year olds are going to know the history behind the series and know that 1) DC only have these characters because of dishonest business practices andcause Moore doesn’t want to sit in court 2) There’s not much interesting about the characters outside that one story 3) Even if there was, John’s and Didio aren’t the guys you’d want to read it from)

  8. I’m certain this will make the profit that DC is looking for, especially if the numbers on the Rebirth one-shot itself are at all telling. Unlike Before Watchmen, this “matters”.

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