In Review: New History of the DC Universe (2025-) #2 From Superman To Crisis

Synopsis: The DC Universe as we know it begins to take shape as a mysterious ship crash-lands in Smallville, and years later, Superman makes his debut. Meanwhile, in Gotham City, Batman emerges from the shadows to clean its crime-ridden streets, and after years of isolation from Man’s World, Wonder Woman leaves the paradise of Themyscira for modern society. A new age of heroes dawns as Barry Allen recounts the formation of the Justice League through the events up to and leading to his death during the Crisis on Infinite Earths!

The Story

Having covered the original Justice Society of America and the Golden Age of DC Comics in the opening issue—which concluded with the arrival of Superman—this second chapter shifts focus to the early days of both Superman and Batman. It explores how these two iconic heroes laid the groundwork for what would become the Justice League of America, an evolution that also sparked the re-emergence of the JSA after a period of dormancy.

The return of Jay Garrick, the original Flash, marks the first reappearance of a classic JSA member during this new era. Alongside the rise of these heroes, we also see the emergence of their villains, including iconic figures like The Joker and Brainiac, who begin to shape the tone of this new age.

Importantly, the issue doesn’t just spotlight the heavy-hitters—it also gives space to lesser-known but equally compelling characters such as The Question, Deadman, and a variety of others, enriching the broader tapestry of the DC Universe.

The book culminates with the multiverse-shaking events of Crisis on Infinite Earths, acknowledging the sweeping consequences and tragic casualties that came with that cataclysmic storyline.

Artwork

Brad Walker and Michael Allred deliver some truly stunning artwork throughout this issue. Each page feels like a lovingly crafted mini-poster, vividly showcasing the heroes and villains being discussed. Their art is both dynamic and reverent, perfectly matching the tone of a book chronicling the evolving mythology of the DC Universe.

A standout moment comes early on, with a breathtaking two-page spread illustrating the early formation of the Justice League. It features Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Arrow, Superman, and Batman, flanked by characters like Adam Strange and the Challengers of the Unknown—offering a sweeping, cinematic glimpse at this new heroic age.

The issue’s final page is perhaps its most emotionally resonant. Depicting the tragic death of Supergirl during the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline, we’re given a hauntingly beautiful image of Superman cradling her lifeless body. It’s a striking and sorrowful reminder of the scale and stakes of the Crisis, and the enormous cost paid to reshape the DC Universe.

Overall

I’m continuing to enjoy this series, particularly for the way it fills in the backstory of characters I know little—or next to nothing—about. Mark Waid’s choice to use Barry Allen as a framing device for the entire book works well, providing a clear narrative thread that ties everything together.

As this issue primarily focuses on the Silver Age of comics, some long-time fans have expressed concern about the absence of Superman and Batman from the previous chapter, given that both characters debuted in the Golden Age. However, I can appreciate why Waid chose to reintroduce them here. It streamlines the history for newer readers without diminishing the legacy of their Golden Age stories—we still have those classics to revisit whenever we like.

The book also revisits a notable retcon in DC history: while the original Golden Age Wonder Woman was indeed Diana in the comics of that era, Mark Waid—like others before him—chooses to simplify the timeline by depicting Hippolyta, Diana’s mother, as the Wonder Woman who fought alongside the JSA. It’s a creative choice likely made to reduce continuity complications for newer readers, even if it deviates from what was originally published.

Overall, this is a fun and engaging read, and I’m especially enjoying the index at the back of the book. It’s a great resource, listing the original comics Mark Waid has drawn from to craft this updated history. For readers who want to explore the source material further, it’s an invaluable touch.