The Other History of the DC Universe, a book that feels like it was announced several lifetimes ago, is finally set to launch this November, the publisher has announced.
The book, which was first announced back in January 2018, will be written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Ridley, illustrated by Giuseppe “Cammo” Camuncoli and Andrea Cucchi, and colored by Jose Villarrubia, with covers by Camuncoli and Jamal Campbell. It will span five issues, with the first dropping on Nov. 24.
This series has a really interesting concept, with the publisher noting that it “reframes iconic moments from DC history, exploring them through the eyes of DC super heroes representing traditionally disenfranchised groups.” To do this, the series will feature stories centered on characters like Jefferson Pierce, a.k.a. Black Lightning, and his daughter. Other characters specifically noted in the book announcement include Mal Duncan (Herald) and Karen Beecher (Bumblebee); Renee Montoya (The Question), and Tatsu Yamashiro (Katana).
At one point, the book was announced to be retooled as “largely prose-driven,” but that seems to be (wisely) scrapped now. After launching, the book will continue to release on a bi-monthly schedule via the publisher’s Black Label imprint.
You can find the full press release from DC, as well as a pair of covers for the series, below…enjoy!
THE OTHER HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE
SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2020, LAUNCHGroundbreaking Five-Issue Bimonthly DC Black Label Miniseries by Academy Award-Winning Screenwriter John Ridley and Artists Giuseppe Camuncoli and Andrea Cucchi Examines the DC Universe through the Eyes of Heroes of Color
This November, fans who have been awaiting award-winning screenwriter John Ridley’s (12 Years a Slave, Guerrilla, American Crime) The Other History of the DC Universe haven’t much longer to wait, as DC announced today that the five-issue miniseries will debut on Tuesday, November 24. Joining Ridley on this series are artists Giuseppe “Cammo” Camuncoli, Andrea Cucchi, and colorist José Villarrubia, with covers by Camuncoli (with Marco Mastrazzo) and Jamal Campbell (Far Sector, Naomi).
Ridley is no stranger to comic book storytelling at DC, having written The Authority: Human on the Inside (with artist Ben Oliver) in 2004 in addition to an issue of the 2005 The Razor’s Edge: Warblade series. Ridley also collaborated with artist Georges Jeanty on the limited series The American Way (2006) and its sequel, The American Way: Those Above and Those Below (2017). On September 29, the Batman: The Joker War Zone anthology will feature a short story by Ridley, with art by Olivier Coipel.
“Following the American Way sequel, I was eager to tell a different story in the DC Universe, one that spotlights heroes who operate outside the prevailing culture,” said Ridley. “Considering the events of the last few months, I don’t think there has been a more urgent need to see the world through a variety of lenses and perspectives. I am deeply appreciative of DC, Cammo, and Andrea, and to all the artisans who have literally put years of work into these stories. I am so enthusiastic for the opportunity to share this series with both the longtime fans of the DCU and a new generation of readers who I hope will feel invited and encouraged to join in.”
This five-issue series reframes iconic moments from DC history, exploring them through the eyes of DC Super Heroes representing traditionally disenfranchised groups. The series centers around the perspectives of Jefferson Pierce, a.k.a. Black Lightning; his daughter Anissa, also known as Thunder; Mal Duncan (Herald) and his wife, Karen Beecher (Bumblebee); Renee Montoya (the Question); and Tatsu Yamashiro (Katana).
“The opportunity to have John, Cammo, and Andrea tell this story couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Mark Doyle, DC Black Label executive editor. “Comic books have a proud history of being a reflection of the world around them, and it only makes sense that includes the viewpoints and perspectives that show the diversity of the superhero experience. I think fans will be very pleased come November.”
This series promises to be an experience unlike any other. DC fans may think they know the history of the DC Universe, but its true history is far more complex. The Other History of the DC Universe isn’t about saving the world—it’s about having the strength to simply be who you are.
The Other History of the DC Universe debuts at open and operating comic book stores and participating digital retailers on Tuesday, November 24. New issues will ship bimonthly, and the series will carry DC’s Black Label content descriptor, with content appropriate for readers ages 17+. For more information on this series and the World’s Greatest Super Heroes, visit the website at www.dccomics.com, or follow on social media @DCComics and @thedcnation.
Bumblebee is a criminally underrated character, so I’m glad to see someone is using her.
That first illustration of Black Lightning looks amazing! I love his classic costume. Not being snarky when I say I hope Tony Isabella isn’t annoyed with me but I love the 70s Black Lightning costume and mark out when I see it!
I don’t mind people who love the 1970s costume. It’s not my favorite, but it’s still a good look. What I am peeved about it is that, once again, The Beat is covering a Black Lightning story even and neglecting to include that the character was created by Tony Isabella with Trevor von Eeden. I guess the Beat’s small budget didn’t allow for an extra sentence in the article. (And that, my friend, is how one does snark.)
The Beat doesn’t want to confuse its young readers with history that’s more than 20 years old.
This site made no mention of the passings of Mort Drucker and Joe Sinnott this year. I guess those guys are ancient history, not relevant like hyping a Star Wars Lego special on Disney Plus.
Speaking as a young 30-something reader, Bill? I’d have much rather seen the articles on Drucker and Sinnott (though I could have sworn The Beat did cover it, though apparently not) than the article on the LEGO Star Wars special. Same goes to crediting Isabella and Von Eeden in this article and all other articles related to Black Lightning.
By the way, what young readership? How young? I’ve seen very few young readers in the comments here, mostly old guys. That’s admittedly not perhaps an accurate measure, but I would think there’d be more of an even spread, or even the reverse, if your assertion was the case.
I’m with you, Tony. No respect for the old guard. Big props to you sir. It’s no secret why my pull list is now one from the big two. I only buy collected editions now. Collector since 1974. Too many floppies to count without sounding ridiculous.
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