Highlights of DC's Plans for 1999 -- And Beyond

DC Comics recently released its plans for 1999. There are big things happening over the next several months -- lots of creative changes, some new characters, and some new titles. Let's take a look at some of the biggest things in store for our favorite universe, shall we?

NEW CREATIVE TEAMS FOR SUPERMAN

Probably one of the most exciting things for me is the changing of the guard on the various SUPERMAN titles. Most of the current group has had a long run, and there have been some fine stories -- but there have been some rocky periods too, and perhaps it's time for a change.

Mark Schultz and Doug Manke, who started on MAN OF STEEL a couple of months ago, will remain on that title. Their work so far has been outstanding.

Joe Kelly, from Marvel's excellent DEADPOOL series, will write ACTION COMICS, with pencils by Steve Epting. It'll be interesting to see Kelly, who has never written for DC before, play around with comics' biggest icon.

Jeph Loeb, writer of the recent, very well received SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS, will take over the writing chores on the adjectiveless SUPERMAN book. Fans, who've read SEASONS, or Loeb's BATMAN Halloween specials, know that Loeb will do justice to Kal-El.

The new creative teams seem to agree that it's time to return a sense of fun and wonder to the Super-titles, and I couldn't be happier. Looks like the future's bright for the Man of Tomorrow.

INTRODUCING. . . HARLEY QUINN!

Harley Quinn, that adorable psychotic from the Batman animated series, gets another one-shot in August (her first being MAD LOVE). The difference this time around is that BATMAN: HARLEY QUINN introduces this beloved character into the actual comics continuity! Written by Paul Dini of the animated series, this book, and Harley's subsequent appearance in a two-part story in the regular Batman books, should give fans exactly what they've been asking for years! (Oh, and the one-shot has a cover by Alex Ross -- how cool is that?)

JLA -- J(UST) L(OSING) A(UTHOR)?

For many fans, the approaching departure of JLA writer Grant Morrison is sad news. After all, Morrison has managed, over the last three years, to return much-deserved majesty to comics' premier super-team, all the while providing us with highly imaginative stories. Morrison will finish up the current Crisis Times Five storyline, and then he has only one more story to tell -- that of Mageddon, which promises to see the death of at least one JLAer -- before he says goodbye.

Now for the good news. Morrison's replacement will be Mark Waid, known for his work on Marvel's CAPTAIN AMERICA, and on DC's FLASH, KINGDOM COME, and last December's controversial KINGDOM EVENT. While Waid promises not to veer wildly from the approach that Morrison has taken, you can bet that Waid's strength of exploring relationship issues will come to the front. And that's okay in my book. With a team composed of the most powerful and interesting characters in the DCU, there would be a lot of relationship issues to explore.

THE JUSTICE SOCIETY RETURNS!

The JSA gets its own ongoing, monthly series in June. The big question on my mind is, do we really NEED the JSA? I understand that the characters are loved by many, but with so many other super-teams around, writers James Robinson and David S. Goyer will have to come up with stories that have a significantly different feel about them. Personally, I don't think this will be too difficult with these two authors.

BOOSTER GOLD -- A COMEBACK?

Okay, not really, but Booster is guest starring in an upcoming issue of GREEN LANTERN, written by Dan Jurgens, Booster's creator. I've also heard rumor that everyone's favorite commercial super-hero is going to be in one of the SUPERBOY "Hypertension" issues. Can a new BOOSTER GOLD series be far behind? Unfortunately, this is only my wishful thinking...

MEANWHILE, OVER AT VERTIGO...

My wife would be upset with me if I didn't mention some exciting things going on in "her" little corner of the DCU -- Vertigo.

Neil Gaiman will return to the character for whom he's best known -- the Sandman, when he writes the hardcover graphic novel, THE SANDMAN: THE DREAM HUNTERS, which will be painted by Yoshitaka Amano.

THE BOOKS OF FAERIE: MOLLY'S STORY bursts onto the scene later this year, first as a 4-issue mini-series and then as an ongoing monthly. MOLLY'S STORY promises to restore Faerie to its rightful place in Vertigo.

PREACHER continues to pick up steam, building up to that last fateful issue (sob) when Jesse Custer will undoubtedly encounter GOD (again) and call Him to task for his irresponsible actions.

There's lots happening at DC Comics this year, in addition to the regular excitement they've been bringing the comics-reading audience for over 60 years. It's a good time to be a DC fan!

Column by Cecil Adkins

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