Way back in January of 2018 DC Comics held an event in Washington D.C. that was aptly titled “DC in D.C.” Out of that weekend of events came news that screenwriter John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, American Crime) would be writing a mini series about the personal lives of some of the disenfranchised characters of the DCU. Way back then, our very own corpsman, John Stewart was named checked in the series’ synopsis. Well, now its 2020 and the series will finally debut in the Fall…but now it looks like a certain Green Lantern didn’t make the cut. F#%&! Guess DC’s Black label will be without this black hero.
Below is the official press release about the series:
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.
Head over to THR for an interview with Ridley where he details which characters are involved in his story. The lack of John is disappointing for sure, but that doesn’t mean he won’t show up. He is featured on a cover by Far Sector artist Jamal Campbell. Both the Campbell and Camuncoli covers are below. I’m not saying its because Black Lightning has a tv series on right now but its definitely because Black Lightning has a tv series on right now. Now where did I put that “change my mind” meme?
