Top 5 New DC Comics I’m Looking Forward To

DC Comics recently announced it will be launching 24 new titles in June as part of a lineup refresh.  Many titles are being canceled or re-branded as part of their new focus on diversity. I made a list of the five new titles I’m most excited to see in June.

5) Dr. Fate
I’m a big fan of mystical characters so I am excited to see Dr. Fate getting his own series. Dr. Fate has been many different people over the years of the character’s existence. He currently is Egyptian Khalid Ben-Hassin. It will be interesting to see if long time writer/editor/DC bigwig Paul Levitz keeps the current character or introduces a new Dr. Fate. Sonny Liew is an extremely talented and unique artist. I’m excited to see how Sonny’s retro style with play with the mysticism of Dr. Fate’s world.

4) Dark Universe
James Tynion IV is taking over writing duties from the J.M. DeMatteis run of Justice League Dark. I’m super pumped to see what changes he is going to be making to the book. I’m thinking because the book is now retitled to mirror the upcoming Guillermo del Toro film, the team lineup will closely match the movie. Guillermo’s proposed film lineup is John Constantine, Swamp Thing, Etrigan the Demon, Deadman, Spectre, and Zatanna. I wonder if the current team members of Frankenstein and Black Orchid (two of my favorites) will make it into the book. I am also very excited to see how the ever talented Ming Doyle will draw some of my favorite DC characters.

3) Black Canary
I am always a fan of female characters getting their own books. Black Canary has been getting a lot of recent attention in WB’s Arrow. It makes perfect sense why DC would be willing to give her solo book a chance. I have faith that Batgirl writer Brenden Fletcher will bring a fun edge to Dinah. I’m also delighted to see how Annie Wu’s gritty style will compliment the street hero persona that is Black Canary.

2) Cyborg
I am happy to see that DC hired a team of more diverse writers and artists with its upcoming books. My recent article about what I wanted in the new Marvel Universe pointed out the lack of minority talent at Marvel and DC. David Walker, an Eisner Award nominated author, has been doing great work on Shaft. It will be interesting to see if he can flesh out a character who is not often given a chance. Given that the Cyborg movie is coming out in the near future, hopefully this character will get some much needed depth and attention.

1) Midnighter
Midnighter was originally introduced in the 90’s comic Stormwatch about a secret Superhero team. He is essentially a darker Batman who isn’t afraid to kill his enemies and who happens to be gay. Steve Orlando will be writing DC’s now only gay lead character after Batwoman’s cancellation. Artist ACO has been doing great work on Constantine and I’m excited to see what he will bring to Midnighter. Hopefully Midnighter will continue Steve’s trend of telling compelling stories about gay characters whose homosexuality doesn’t define who they are.

Let me know in the comments what new DC titles you are excited to see in June!