REVIEW: ‘DC All-In Special’ Issue #1

DC All In Special #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, with art by Daniel Sampere, Dan Mora, and Wes Craig, colors by Alejandro Sánchez, Mike Spicer, and Tamra Bonvillain, and letters by Steve Wands. The Justice League returns at the beginning of a new era just as their biggest enemy makes a desperate plan.

DC All In Special #1 represents the start of something new. This time, the Justice League is back with a completely open-door policy. The first part of this comic is filled with heroes, all accepting the call to become new members of a brand-new team. The gathering leads them to the new Justice League Watchtower, created in collaboration with heroes and a mixture of science and magic. This special is brimming with hope and expectation, with a fresh feel that celebrates the heroes.

After a long saga where those in capes and masks have been demonized, blamed, and hunted, returning to their rightful place feels inspired. But then comes their first test, which couldn’t get more extreme. It’s a phenomenal fight scene that opens up important aspects of the All-In era of DC. But the real surprise of DC All In Special #1 is on the opposite side of the book

There is a second story in DC All In Special #1. If you flip the book over, there is a tale all about Darkseid and how he gets to the Justice League Watchtower in the first place. It is the reverse of the first story, appearing upside down and moving towards the center. Darkseid travels through the realms, getting hold of the person who will aid him in his mission. Both stories finish at the same point in the middle of the book. Reading both stories is fascinating as they traverse the DC Universe through different methods.

The characters are interesting in DC All In Special #1. This issue is filled with cameos and voices from around the DC universe. The Justice League storyline primarily concerns heroes still recovering after their ordeal in Absolute Power. At the issue’s core is Booster Gold, a hero who is much loved but not often trusted. His inclusion into the League is contentious in the book’s early stages.

However, Booster’s unique quality as a time traveler means that he is the only one who can be of aid. Darkseid is even more power-hungry than usual on the other side of the issue. No one can reason with Darkseid or control him, not even his family.

Following the closing off of the Multiverse, whatever has appeared draws him towards it more intensely than any other power source. He goes deep into realms, facing the most powerful cosmic beings with ease in his search. Superman narrates the first story, and the second has captions by Darkseid. Just those two being the figureheads of each tale provides an example of their tone.

The art for both sides of DC All In Special #1 is sensational. While Craig works on Darkseid’s quest, Sampere illustrates the Justice League side. Sampere’s art is beautifully picturesque and utterly stunning. The characters look like they are carved out of marble, accurate adonis-like figures as heroes. There are so many faces in this book, and all are impeccably designed. It’s cheerful and bright, with smiling heroes and back-patting. That is until the battle begins.

It’s an expansive fight with dozens of characters involved. However, the heavy metal aspects of DC All In Special #1 are reversed for the opposite side. Darkseid’s story is much more ruthless. The characters are monstrous and repulsive yet extraordinary to look at. The story reaches the farthest reaches of the DC Universe, showing what can be found if you look hard enough.

The alien technology and angular designs on Apokolips make the world look much less welcoming than the other side of the issue. In the middle of DC All In Special #1 is a single spread by Mora. This is the most prominent example of what is to come.

The colors also vary depending on which way up you have the comic; on the side of the Justice League, it is sunny and shiny, celebrating the brand-new set of stories about to begin. The costumes and the set pieces are vibrant and warm. For Darkseid’s story, those shades are darker and more visceral. The lettering is toyed with. With Zatanna in the book, there is already trickery with writing words backward. But then the enemy starts to manifest, and the words are actually upside down, reflecting where they are coming from.

Being able to turn the book over and read another story is an excellent way of drawing readers to comic stores, using the mechanics of the book to tell a dual narrative. And it is much easier to turn a comic upside down than your computer. And while there is a flipped version, it doesn’t have the same impact as how the comic should be read.

DC All In Special #1 is a unique concept. Heralding in a new era, a new world is introduced using heroes and villains. Having both sides rush towards the same thing increases its importance and adds mystery and menace to the new world. The premise of this issue is fantastic for the sale of the physical issue.

DC All In Special #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.