DCU: 1978 Revamp--an Introduction

THE DC EXPLOSION:
DC '78

My first project for "Mash-terpiece Theatre' is a fantasy reimagining

of the entire DCU circa 1978. Consider it a retcon, a rebirth, a merging

of the past 75 years of history into a more manageable 40-year history.

The long-version of the name is "The DC Universe Retcon/Flashback

of 1978," or..."DC '78" for short!

How is this a mash-up?

Characters are paired in new and different ways, and all of the various

acquired properties of DC (Quality, Fawcett, Charlton) are being fully

melded for the first time (especially in a historical context.)

Also, characters from different time periods (everything post-1978)

are being merged with that time period, making for some interesting

mixes. A compressed timeline, if you will.

Although, I have to say that not much past 1987 made it in as

I haven't been very impressed. And thus, the desire to do this project.

The ultimate fan-fic shorthand.

Old and familiar names are reapplied to new teams and fresh concepts.

New line-ups, new names, new characters, new connections, and a

comprehensive crossing-over of all the multiple earths and all the many

retconned histories....with only my faves remaining.

For the most part!

Why 1978?

The year of 1978 was an exciting time for comics fans as DC Comics

had an expansive line and was growing exponentially. Fun new characters

and concepts, new art styles, a good bit more interaction and use of

history, the beginning of legacy characters, and the height of nostalgic

fan writers' arriving. So, before the axe fell!

The Seventies had brought about a new face in comics, with copious

amounts of strange and alluring real-world interests.

This was the era prior to multitudinous rapes and gratuitous murders,

not to mention graphic depictions of violence (even in mainstream,

unlabeled books.) Don't let the simpler times fool you, however.

There were story and character developments that occurred which

probably outraged the fans of that day's prior continuity in the

same way that me and mine were upset by much of the 1980s' and

1990s' developments.

There was the League's betrayal by Snapper Carr, the introduction of

a replacement Doom Patrol, Wonder Woman and Jean Loring

losing their minds, and of course the murders of Mr. Terrific, Iris Allen,

and several others. Speedy was a junkie, for crying out loud.

Changes, major ones even, but in my opinion,

 done better ...and for story content, not merely shock value.

It seemed more like family, not business.

Why 'eliminate' the last 35 years?

There hasn't been much to interest me (on whole) from those years,

and especially the nauseating, endless revamps and rewrites that

have existed since the Crisis have bothered me greatly.

"Multiverse Goodness" by Robert Sayre, FMI

 I especially hated the dark and dire

turn of extremist behavior and death that overtook the industry for

over a decade, still permeating to this day.

1978 was a good focal point for one of the last times comics were

truly fun, magical, simple, and accessible. I wanted to recapture that,

if only for a moment.

(And, from a logical point of view, Ted Knight having a 20-year-old son

in the 1970s makes a good deal more sense than having one in the year

2000! A forty year history of stories ('38 to '78) is a monumental play-

ground, and quite ample for doing a truncated version of DC (et al) and

their massive collection of characters!)

(There's another good reason for a lightening of the load!

The less-populated universe was a less-complicated universe.

You didn't need a manual to comprehend every character,

despite what Marv Wolfman and company thought!)

No character will appear in more than one entry, so some

of your faves will be missing from the spot you may expect

them to be in order to pull duty elsewhere.

Is it too many characters in one place at one time?

Nah...it's comics. We make it work!

DC '78 begins here! DC '78 # 1: Legion of Doom

***

DC '78 # 3: The Outsiders

Of course Thorn and Black Lightning have

the common bond of working Suicide Slum in

Metropolis and being after the infamous 100 gang.

They still do solo work, but as

definite vigilantes, anti-heroes, and true outsiders,

they have learned to discover the benefits of

having colleagues.

In the glossy world of the mainstream heroes, there isn't much

 interest in freaks like Metamorpho or the Odd Man, but

amidst fellow freaks? They can find acceptance while

doing good.

Ragman and Man-Bat also carry the Gotham and Batman

connection, as does Metamorpho. Having been in search

of help with their personal demons brought them in touch

with other Batman friends and allies, and began the

seed of a notion for working together.

Whether it's being a scientific experiment, a refugee from another

dimension, or a victim of a curse, these outsiders know the

sting of living with demons that most don't comprehend.

Mighty Mary and Forager--the true name of 'Bug'--

were alone in the world until taken in by the Outsiders.

Having that enhanced eyesight for those who are hurting

is an inestimable aid for detecting those who need

protecting. This is the path the Outsiders have chosen.

Helping runaways, the homeless, abuse victims,

drug addicts and more escape from their personal hells and

establish a new life is a good deal harder than defeating 

Mongul. It's the day to day worries and afflictions

that the Outsider--one Alfred Pennyworth with a

newfound ability to control his alter--and the 

out-of-step loner Son of Vulcan  are interested in. 

Shade, the Changing Man found allies in the

team when they came to his aid in a battle to

maintain his Meta-vest, and he now finds himself

stranded on Earth.

The Creeper is a rare addition, seeing as he prefers to maintain

his solo presence, and keep up his act as unstable and wild.

Although lately, the line between act and reality seems to

be diminishing.

The Black Orchid remains a mystery; it's unknown

how a completely human woman could experience her range

of powers and skills, but she has proven a valuable asset in

undercover work and extractions.

Members come and go; most outsiders are

unaccustomed to regularity and faith in others.

But when there are innocents hurting,

every one of these heroes can be found

answering the call.

***