by Matt Sernaker, Editor-In-Chief
Ever since SDCC 2024, we’ve been hearing all of these wonderful things about DC’s new “ALL IN” launch. DC has brought together some powerhouse creative teams to kick-start the next iteration of the DC Universe, and it all begins with the All In Special #1. With all the hype, can this issue meet fan expectations? I’m pleased to say the answer is a resounding YES.
Official Synopsis:
Following the events of DC’s blockbuster storyline Absolute Power, the heroes of the core DC Universe have fought against the deep divisions in the world around them to usher in a new era of unity. And it’s just in time, too—because Darkseid has returned. Superman must gather every hero on Earth to hold the line against a very different version of the Lord of Apokolips, as they raise our cosmic defenses and prepare for war…and when the first blows land, the shock waves will ripple into every series in the DCU and shake the nature of their reality to its core!But little do they know…the greater threat is still to come. For there is another Earth: the Absolute Universe. Here, DC’s biggest icons are coming of age with fewer advantages and facing greater opposition than ever before…while miraculously retaining the immutable heroism that has inspired fans for decades. But can they really protect the light that shines inside them when the world in which they live is hurtling toward a terrible destiny?
Creative Team: “Alpha”
Writers: Joshua Williamson & Scott Synder
Artist: Daniel Sampere
Center Spread Artist: Dan Mora
Colorist: Alejandro Sanchez
Center Spread Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Steve Wands
Creative Team: “Omega”
Writers: Scott Synder & Joshua Williamson
Artist: Wes Craig
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Steve Wands
This special issue actually features two stories, an “Alpha” and an “Omega”. Presented in a flipbook style format, readers will get to experience the story from the perspective of the newly formed Justice League Unlimited (a new ongoing series coming soon from Mark Waid and & Dan Mora) and through the eyes of Darkseid himself. It’s been 52 days since the events of Absolute Power, and our favorite heroes have been quite busy. The world has definitely changed thanks to Amanda Waller’s actions, but now a new and more strategic Justice League initiative has begun. It’s all hands on deck, and that means bringing together all of the world’s heroes to stand up against the darkness…even Booster Gold. Just as the celebration begins, the JLU is interrupted by Darkseid who makes a major power play against the newly formed group. What comes next will shake the DC Universe to its core. We don’t want to spoil the big reveal and how this leads to the creation of the new Absolute line of DC titles, but this one is BIG.
This launch is on FIRE. You can’t say that they didn’t go big for this special issue. It captures everything I loved about the Justice League cartoons & sets the stage for some epic new challenges for our Super Friends. The artistic visions of Sampere and Craig worked perfectly to craft this dual perspective book, and the colors from Sanchez, Bonvillain, and Spicer paint a truly intense and vivid picture of the world to come. Adding Dan Mora’s art to the mix for the Center Spread is like adding icing to the cake, because it really makes everything that much better. That final page though…I got goosebumps.
Rating: 
The All In Special #1 is a major win for DC, and with creators like these leading the way, this next chapter of the DC Universe is going to be something to pay close attention to.
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