James Gunn’s Superman, released in theaters this summer, reignited my interest in the DC universe. So I checked out what’s been going on in the comics. Anyone who’s familiar with comics knows that the stories go in cycles. There’s typically a big crossover event that features a bevy of characters, and then a “reset” that’s an easy place for new readers to jump into the story. DC “All In” is the latest starting point, and the All In Saga by Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder sets the stage for readers. It includes a variety of issues featuring DC’s biggest characters: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. The main draw is the DC All In Special: A one-shot that sees the creation of a new universe.
In the Alpha universe, the DC Universe we all know and love, a new Justice League is formed. Justice League Unlimited Vol. 1: Into the Inferno, written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Dan Mora, features a greatly expanded roster of heroes. It gives the chance for unique interactions, like between Wonder Woman and Mary Marvel, which I loved! The League is facing down a super-terrorist group known as “Inferno” and needs to uncover its origins and intentions before they cause irreversible damage to the world. Waid’s character work is amazing and gives emotional grounding to these larger-than-life icons. Paired with Mora’s phenomenal art, Into the Inferno is easy to recommend!
In the Omega universe, or the new “Absolute Universe,” reimagined heroes are introduced, and are now at a disadvantage. In Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo, written by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Dragotta, Bruce Wayne is a civil engineer traumatized by violence. His father, a teacher, was murdered on a school trip. Bruce, who was there when it happened, is shaped by the shooting. With no money, he becomes a brutal, hulking, self-made Batman who faces off against a chaotic, masked gang called the Party Animals. Snyder (no relation to Zach, by the way) brings a new dimension to this unfamiliar Bruce. Dragotta’s art is sharp, dangerous and fits perfectly with this gritty take on the Dark Knight.
Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon, written by Kelly Thompson and illustrated by Hayden Sherman, is a radical reinvention of the character. This Diana grew up in the underworld with Circe as her protector. The story alternates between the current day, with Diana fighting a giant monster called the Tetracide, and her past upbringing in what is essentially Hell. Circe teaches Diana magic and helps her forge wonderful and terrible weapons. The relationship between Diana and Circe is the heart of the story, and I loved how tightly connected the tale is with Greek mythology. The art and colors, by Hayden Sherman and Jordie Bellaire, are perfect. I cannot recommend Absolute Wonder Woman enough.
You can find all of these comics and many more at the Iowa City Public Library!
Brian Visser is a librarian at the Iowa City Public Library. He likes to fall asleep listening to books and is partial to sci-fi and fantasy. This article was originally published in Little Village’s September 2025 issue.
