DC’s biggest heroes have been around for decades. Superman and Batman have been around for more than 80 years. Wonder Woman is not far off that. And while their origins have been revisited and expanded for each new generation, they’re inspired by ideas that originate from the first half of the 20th century.
I’m not saying this is a bad thing. There’s a reason that these stories, ideas, and characters have survived for decades and the occasional cosmic crisis. They’re classic. But what if these heroes were created today? What would their origin story and mythos be?
Luckily, we have the Earth One line of graphic novels to answer those questions! Read on to find out all about them.
What is the Earth One graphic novel line?
The Earth One line of graphic novels is a reinvention the origins of heroes such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman for the 21st century. A “what if these characters were created today instead of decades ago.” By reinventing these characters, a new mythology is born.
Some of the ideas introduced to readers and film-goers will be familiar. Other ideas will be left of centre and go in a very different direction to what you might expect.
What Does Earth One Mean?
Without going too far down the convoluted rabbit hole, Earth One is one of the 52 parallel universes that make up the DC Multiverse. By being on a parallel universe, these graphic novels can do what they want without having to adhere to the pre-existing constructs of the characters.
Do I Need To Read Anything Beforehand?
Nope. Being part of another universe (see above) means that these graphic novels exist in isolation with the regular DC Universe or any other reimaginings that exist.
Furthermore, you don’t have to read any of the other graphic novel series to start. For instance, to read Wonder Woman: Earth One you don’t need to know what’s going on in Superman: Earth One.
This makes these graphic novels very new-reader friendly!
What graphic novels are part of Earth One?
That’s a good question. Take a look below at the graphic novels that you can read as part of this graphic novel line.
Superman: Earth One
Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Art by Shane Davis (Volumes 1 and 2) and Adrian Syaf (Volume 3).
Graphic novels in the series:
- Superman: Earth One Volume 1
- Superman: Earth One Volume 2
- Superman: Earth One Volume 3
Buy Superman: Earth One on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle
Batman: Earth One
Written by Geoff Johns. Art by Gary Frank.
Graphic novels in the series:
- Batman: Earth One Volume 1
- Batman: Earth One Volume 2
- Batman: Earth One Volume 3
Batman: Earth One is also available as an edition that collects all three graphic novels in one big book.
Buy Batman: Earth One on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle
Teen Titans: Earth One
Written by Jeff Lemire. Art by Terry & Rachel Dodson (Volume 1) and Andy Macdonald (Volume 2).
Graphic novels in the series:
- Teen Titans: Earth One Volume 1
- Teen Titans: Earth One Volume 2
Buy Teen Titans: Earth One on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle
Wonder Woman: Earth One
Written by Grant Morrison. Art by Yanick Paquette.
Graphic novels in the series:
- Wonder Woman: Earth One Volume 1
- Wonder Woman: Earth One Volume 2
- Wonder Woman: Earth One Volume 3
Wonder Woman: Earth One is also available as an edition that collects all three graphic novels in one big book and in DC Comics’ new Compact Comics edition.
Buy Wonder Woman: Earth One on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle
Green Lantern: Earth One
Written by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko. Art by Gabriel Hardman
Graphic novels in the series:
- Green Lantern: Earth One Volume 1
- Green Lantern: Earth One Volume 2
Buy Green Lantern: Earth One on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle
Will there be more graphic novels?
There hasn’t been a lot of new about any upcoming Earth One graphic novels.
Previously, a Flash: Earth One and an Aquaman: Earth One graphic novel were announced at SDCC in 2015. But based on this Newsarama investigation, they may never see the light of day. Although, we can always hope that that changes down the line.
I can only speculate that a third Green Lantern: Earth One volume could be released in late 2022 or in 2023. Although, that is purely speculation at this stage.
Where Can I Find The Earth One Graphic Novels?
The Earth One graphic novels can be found at all good comic book shops, online stores, book stores, eBay, Amazon, and digitally on Kindle.
Have Your Say!
Which heroes would you like to see get the Earth One treatment? Sound off in the comments below or via Facebook or Twitter.
I would love to see an Earth One: Martian Manhunter, Earth One: Atom, Earth One: Hawkman and /or Earth One: Green Arrow. And, of course, an Earth One: Justice league.
Seeing the promotional art at the top of the page makes me wish they had just hired Gary Frank to do the art for *all* the Earth One titles — then I’d be sure to buy every one!!!
I would love see Green Arrow: Earth One or even a Justice League: Earth One.
Good guide!
Since Wonder Woman: Earth One Vol. 2 ends in a cliffhanger and stating “to be concluded” I am confident a third volume is planned too.
Actually it was recently confirmed that flash earth one is still happening.
I’ve seen designs and some teases about the storyline over on Twitter. By the people who are making it (I forgot their names already)