At the end of the summer, DC Comics did something quite bold.  Even in the realm of comic books, a genre that is no stranger to parallel realities, continuity changes and plot bending shenanigans, DC did something that hasn’t really be done before.  They reset 52 of their comic runs to #1 issues.  In some cases, this was done with significant changes to the story, as well as a complete retelling of the comics origins.  Others simply picked up where they (mostly) left off.  This total reboot was prompted by lagging sales numbers, growing disinterest from the public, and probably partly due to their total failure to transition their comics to the silver screen.

From a long time comic readers perspective, this could be very upsetting.  I am not one of those people.  Prior to September, the only comics I had read were Watchmen, V For Vendetta, and the Superman: Birthright mini-series.  But I’ve had a working knowledge of many comics for years, being the total nerd I am.  So when I first heard of the reboot, I immediately became excited.  Instead of jumping into the middle of a story, with years (and even decades) of history to try to understand, I could begin right at the proverbial beginning.

Mostly this success comes (I believe) from the totally accessibility of each series.  Even if you have zero prior knowledge of any of the DC universes characters, you can find the #1 and feel like you haven’t missed out on much.  As was said earlier, each one doesn’t begin with an origin story, and those that don’t, give you plenty of introductory information.  It’s really quite remarkable.Which is exactly what DC was trying to do, get new readers.

I went in thinking I’d get just a handful, Superman, Batman, Justice League.  Nothing major.  But then it occurred to me that I could at least pick up a few #1s and see what they were like.  That’s what happened.  What wasn’t expected, was that each #1 I picked up, provided an intriguing, and in some cases very well written, story that I wanted to follow.  With the 12 series’ I am now following, it’s evident that DC Comics has hit a home run.  The ‘New 52′, as they are calling the reboot, is a major success.

In the coming months, I’m going to be reviewing each of the 12 books I have a subscription to (yes, they’re called books too).  My hope is that this will educate anyone that may think comics are just for kids, or that they’re only for the hardcore nerds.  My main motivation though, is to share my excitement over just how amazing the world of comic books really is.  The story telling nature of picture and word each woven together in their own artistic style, can be very fascinating.

If you haven’t already, go to your local comic store and pick up anything that looks interesting.  Because you’re probably missing out on a piece of history.