DC Power 2024 #1

by Alitha Martinez, Brandon Thomas, Cheryl Lynn Eaton, Deron Bennett, Greg Burnham, Jarrett Williams, John Ridley, Lamar Giles

DC Power 2024 #1

Illustrated by: Alitha Martinez, Jamal Campbell

Cover art by: Chris Conroy

Written by: Alitha Martinez, Brandon Thomas, Cheryl Lynn Eaton, Deron Bennett, Greg Burnham, Jarrett Williams, John Ridley, Lamar Giles, N.K. Jemisin

Release date: January 31st, 2024

DC Comics

*Minor Spoilers Ahead

DC Power returns for round two with brand-new stories spotlighting Black characters from across the DC Universe by an all-star cast of writers and artists! N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell return to the Hugo Award–winning world of Far Sector for an epilogue featuring the first meeting between Jo Mullein and John Stewart! The Signal, Duke Thomas, finds inspiration from an unlikely ally. Crispus Allen searches for purpose outside of being the Spectre—and goes to Renee Montoya for guidance! Thunder and Lighting (Anissa and Jennifer Pierce), cause sparks to fly at a community event crashed by the Condiment King; Raphael Arce learns the secret origin of the original Bloodwynd; Val-Zod, Earth-2’s Superman, contemplates the balance between his pacifist philosophy and protecting the people of his universe; and Nubia teams up with…Mr. Mxyzptlk?! All these stories and more, just in time for Black History Month!

DC Power returns with an electrifying bang in 2024, delivering a stellar collection of brand-new stories that shine a spotlight on Black characters across the expansive DC Universe. Illustrated by the talented Alitha Martinez and featuring cover art by Chris Conroy, this issue boasts an impressive lineup of writers, including Alitha Martinez, Brandon Thomas, Cheryl Lynn Eaton, Deron Bennett, Greg Burnham, Jarrett Williams, John Ridley, and Lamar Giles.

The issue kicks off with a captivating epilogue set in the Hugo Award–winning world of Far Sector, as N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell reunite to explore the first meeting between Jo Mullein and John Stewart. The narrative is a testament to the creative synergy of these two powerhouses, breathing life into the characters and expanding the universe in meaningful ways.

Duke Thomas, aka The Signal, takes center stage in a story that showcases his journey of inspiration from an unexpected ally. It’s a refreshing perspective for a character not often featured on the front cover, and readers will undoubtedly welcome more of Duke’s adventures in the future.

Crispus Allen’s quest for purpose beyond his role as the Spectre is a poignant exploration that brings him to the wise guidance of Renee Montoya. This storyline adds depth to Allen’s character, offering readers a compelling and introspective narrative.

The Thunder and Lightning duo, Anissa and Jennifer Pierce, inject a dynamic energy into the pages as they confront the quirky Condiment King at a community event. The unexpected team-up of Nubia and Mr. Mxyzptlk adds a delightful twist, demonstrating the creative freedom embraced by the writers in crafting these unique narratives.

Raphael Arce’s discovery of the secret origin of the original Bloodwynd adds an intriguing layer to the DC Power tapestry, enriching the lore of the characters. Val-Zod’s contemplation of the delicate balance between his pacifist philosophy and protecting his universe’s inhabitants provides a thought-provoking storyline that resonates on multiple levels.

The commitment to diversity and representation is evident throughout the issue, making it a fitting tribute to Black History Month. The inclusion of characters like Jo Mullein and the exploration of Duke Thomas’s narrative on the front cover mark a positive step forward for inclusivity in DC Comics.

As a reader, it’s exciting to witness the resurgence of attention to the Green Lantern corner of the DC Universe, particularly with Jo Mullein at the forefront. The hope for a sequel series and the potential for Jo’s character to thrive in the Farthest Sectors of space create a sense of anticipation for what the future holds.

The final Signal story by Brandon Thomas and Khary Randolph stands out as a personal highlight, offering a compelling conclusion to an already remarkable issue. The promise of continued excellence in 2024 is evident, with the assurance that the impact of these stories won’t simply end with this issue.

DC Power 2024 #1 is a must-read for fans of diverse storytelling and character exploration within the DC Universe. It’s a promising sign for the year ahead, and the sheer enjoyment of almost every story within the issue makes it a standout addition to any comic enthusiast’s collection.

DC Power 2024 #1 is available on our weekly new comic book wall.