Wildstorm Universe

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The Wildstorm Universe is the main fictional shared universe where a core of stories published by Wildstorm take place. It is also part of the wider DC Multiverse and, following the WorldStorm "reboot" and an appearance in 52, is now designated Earth-50.

"Wildstorm Universe" was also the name of one of three brands launched by Wildstorm to help differentiate their titles set in the same universe from other, separate titles. [1]

Contents

[edit] Titles

Main article: List of Wildstorm titles

The main titles expanding on the bulk of the Wildstorm Universe are:

[edit] History

The Wildstorm Universe started as part of the Image Comics Universe. During Broken Image, Wildstorm broke off from image and formed its own separate universe.

[edit] WorldStorm

WorldStorm is a partial reboot and crossover event that redefined the Wildstorm fictional universe of comic books, resulting in a new status quo for its characters.

[edit] Captain Atom: Armageddon

In 2005/2006, DCU character Captain Atom appeared in a nine-part limited series entitled Captain Atom: Armageddon under DC's WildStorm imprint. Captain Atom's sacrifice in Superman/Batman sent him to the WildStorm universe for a certain amount of time in which this series took place. In this title, he wore the yellow/red outfit seen in the Kingdom Come series.

At the moment of his apparent death, Captain Atom experienced a time-shift coinciding with his 2005 appearance in Superman/Batman, resulting in his arrival in the WildStorm Universe. He quickly gets into a fight with an overzealous Mr. Majestic and the fight ended with Majestic taken out of sight while Captain Atom then flew off.. Seeing the frightened reactions of onlookers, and puzzling over his own altered appearance, he realizes that he has somehow become trapped on an alternate Earth, one where super-heroes are feared by the general populace. Mistaken by the local super-heroes as the force destined to destroy their universe, he was in fact an instrument used ultimately by Nikola Hanssen, new host for half the essence of the Void, to reclaim her whole power (partially lodged in his own body, and cause of his altered appearance) and use it to trigger the reboot of the WildStorm universe, in the WorldStorm event.

The Wildstorm Universe is now a part of the recreated DC Multiverse and is designated Earth-50.[2]

[edit] Rebooted WildStorm Universe

As a result the some characters and teams had their past retroactively changed. At first, it appeared as several major changes were made to WiIdstorm continuity, but as stories have unfolded several changes have been explained in a way that preserves continuity from before the Worldstorm event. The largest change is the retcon of the town of Tranquility. Additionally, because of conflicts Grant Morrison was unable to continue writing the Authority and Wildcats series, each only publishing a few issues.

The relaunched titles were:

[edit] World's End

The relaunch faltered, the core was based on Grant Morrison's work on The Authority and Wildcats and both ran into delays. While he has recently stated that Wildcats would continue, when Jim Lee had the time, it appears his run on The Authority may have ended, The title was delayed until it conflicted with 52 and the negative reception to the storyline seemed to be the last straw.[4]

Christos Gage filled in with The Authority: Prime before starting Wildstorm: Armageddon, a series of one-shots based on six of the relaunched titles. This led into a number of bi-weekly limited series: Wildstorm: Revelations and Number of the Beast, cumulating in the World's End storyline, beginning at the end of July/start of August. This set a new status quo in the Wildstorm Universe, and involves the relaunch of a number of titles with different creative teams:[5]

Wildstorm editor Ben Abernathy has discussed his thinking behind this storyline, as part of a long term plan for the Wildstorm Universe:[10]

this direction evolved following our WorldStorm launch a few years ago. Looking at the landscape of the industry, we realized we needed to move our universe in a different direction, something that the “Big Two” couldn’t, or wouldn’t, do for a long period of time. And we decided that direction should be toward a sci-fi/horror direction of a post-apocalyptic setting (to a degree, an almost logical extension to where the WSU has been headed for years). There have been “visions” of a devastated, bleak future in other mainstream super-hero books, but nothing with the lasting impact or direction that the World’s End books will be tackling.

[edit] Description

The concept of the Wildstorm universe has similarities to the real world. It basically shares the same history as the real world except for many differences that set it apart from other universes such as the DC Universe. The existence of fictional cities such as Tranquility, and the stories being set in various countries are a good example. Sentient alien beings (such as Kherubim and Drahn) and even functioning interstellar societies are generally known to exist, and the arrival of alien spacecraft is not uncommon. Technologies which are only theoretical in the real world or are outright impossible according to modern science, such as faster-than-light travel and artificial intelligence, are functional and reproducible, though they are often portrayed as highly experimental and difficult to achieve. Immortal aliens such as the Kherubim have effectively effected Earth's history since ancient times that have led to creation of legends and myths about gods, demons and heavenly places based on their activities on Earth. However, the majority of stories in the Wildstorm universe are farther away from reality. One notable difference is the takeover of the United States Of America by the lethal superhuman team, the Authority.

[edit] Metahumans

There are three types of metahumans unique to the Wildstorm Universe:

Alien-human hybrids: Hybrids are the result of interbreeding between humans and aliens. The most common hybrid are Kherubim-human half-breeds who inherit the powers of the Kherubim race, but also manifest unique powers not found among the immortal alien race. Examples include Voodoo, Backlash, Crimson, and Warblade.

Gen-Active people.

Seedlings: Another type of metahuman are known as seedlings. They are people who are mutated during to a radiation of a special comet that passed close to Earth. Many who were exposed to this comet became superhuman and were known as "Comet Enhanciles" or "Seedlings". Examples include Battalion, Diva, Hellstrike, and Fuji.

[edit] Earth-50

Earth-50 is a fictional reality within the stories of DC Comics, which first appears in the 2006-2007 DC weekly series 52. It is revealed that Earth-50 exists in a parallel universe, and is one of the many newly created Earths of the DC Comics Multiverse, as seen in the finale of 52. This version of the Earth is the Wildstorm Universe. On this alternate earth, metahumans have no inhibitions against removing human political leadership if they engage in initiatives that harm others.

In Countdown Presents: The Search for Ray Palmer: Wildstorm, a team called the Challengers which consists of Donna Troy, Kyle Rayner, Jason Todd, and Bob the Monitor are searching for Ray Palmer, who seems to be the only one who can stop the forecoming Great Disaster which many have been warning about since Countdown began. They learn that Palmer had left New Earth and started traveling through the Multiverse. The first Earth they search is Earth-50, where they begin talking to some of the Wildstorm heroes, such as Gen¹³, Grifter, Wetworks, and Stormwatch Prime. The Challengers find a speedster named Surge, whom Palmer marked as a way to let them know that he left. Surge is killed by Midnighter, who tells them that Surge had assassinated the Pope, and the four battle the Authority. Majestic intervenes and tells them that they are no threat, and forces the Authority to leave. Donna, Jason, Kyle, and Bob then proceed to check another Earth. Meanwhile, Grunge and Burnout meet Donna's doppleganger Dark Angel, now a servant for the Monitors, who is trying to find the Challengers and stop them.

[edit] Collections

There have been a number of trade paperbacks:

  • WildC.A.T.s: Compendium TPB - Written by Brandon Choi and Jim Lee; art by Jim Lee and Scott Williams. Collecting issues #1-4 of WildC.A.T.s (volume 1).
  • WildC.A.T.s: Trilogy TPB - Written by Brandon Choi & Dafydd Wyn; art by Jae Lee. Collecting issues #1-3 of WILDC.A.T.S: Trilogy.
  • WildC.A.T.S./Cyberforce: Killer Instinct TPB Written by Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri, Brandon Choi and Eric Silvestri; art by Jim Lee, Scott Williams and Marc Silvestri. Collects WildC.A.T.s #5-7 and Cyberforce, vol. 2 #1-3. When the WildC.A.T.s are dispatched to Gamora Island to neutralize a Daemonite threat, they uncover an evil plot whose threads intertwine the shadowed past of one of their own, it be the mysterious woman they each once loved… Misery? And will their teammates discover her hidden agenda before they destroy each other?! Following the tremendous success of both WildC.A.T.s and Cyberforce mini-series, Jim Lee and Marc Silvestri prepared to launch both books as on-going titles. What better way to make a splash than a cross-over that would not only show both teams fight against and alongside each other, but better yet, give both powerhouse artists the chance to draw each other's characters! The result has been collected in this volume and features every eye-popping page and cover... including the quadruple spreads from WildC.A.T.s #5!
  • WildC.A.T.s.: A Gathering of Eagles TPB - Written by Chris Claremont; art by Jim Lee and Scott Williams. The classic story from WildC.A.T.s (volume 1) #10-12 that introduced Chris Claremont's Huntsman! When a Raksha spaceship crashes on Earth, it sets off a chain of events that involves the WildC.A.T.s, Alabaster Wu, the Troika, the beautiful and murderous Tapestry, Soldier, Savant, Majestic and the charismatic and dangerous Huntsman!
  • WildC.A.T.s: Homecoming/Gang War - These two trade paperbacks feature the complete work of Alan Moore on WildC.A.T.s as well as much of Travis Charest's art. When the original WildC.A.T.s are lost and presumed dead, Zealot's sister, Savant, forms a new team with disastrous results. Meanwhile, the original team returns to their home planet of Khera and finds that it isn't what they thought it was. Homecoming collects issues #21-27 and Gang War reprints issues #28-34 of WildC.A.T.s (volume 1).
  • Wildcats v2 vol.1-4 - Written by Joe Casey and Scott Lobdell with art by Travis Charest, Sean Phillips, Bryan Hitch, Carlos D'Anda, Steve Dillon and others. Street Smart TPB #1-6; Vicious Circles #8-13; Serial Boxes #14-19; Battery Park #20-28
  • Wildcats v3.0 - Written by Joe Casey with art by Dustin Nguyen, et al. Featured Spartan trying to better the world using benevolent business tactics. Brand Building #1-6; Full Disclosure #7-12. Still uncollected: #13-24.
  • StormWatch TPB Vol. 1-5 - These volumes feature Warren Ellis' original groundbreaking work on the series depicting a complex international peacekeeping force. It laid the groundwork, both thematically and intellectually, for the Authority.
  • The Authority (Vol. 1) #1-29 - Written by Warren Ellis with art by Bryan Hitch (issues #1-12) then Mark Millar and Frank Quitely, et. al (with a brief subplot by Tom Peyer and Dustin Nguyen). The Authority told the stories of a small group of superheroes who took a proactive stance on saving the world.
  • Coup D'etat TPB - Written by Ed Brubaker, Joe Casey, Robbie Morrison and Micah Wright; Art by Jim Lee, Carlos D'Anda, Alé Garza, Whilce Portacio, and various. Tao has tricked the U.S. government into committing an interdimensional atrocity, and only the Authority can save the planet! The crossover event that brought the WildStorm Universe to its knees is now available as a trade paperback that collects Coup D'état: The Authority, Coup D'état: Stormwatch, Coup D'état: Wildcats and Coup D'état: Sleeper. When The Authority decides to take control of the situation - and the world - their actions send out shock waves that shake the foundation of the WildStorm Universe. Can Stormwatch: Team Achilles and the Wildcats co-exist with the Authority under the new status quo?
  • The Authority: Revolution Books 1-2 - Written by Ed Brubaker with art by Dustin Nguyen. After the events of the linewide crossover Coup D'etat, the Authority must deal with the political ramifications of ruling the United States of America. Collects The Authority: Revolution #1-6 (Book 1) and #7-12 (Book 2).
  • Sleeper TPB Vol. 1-4 - Written by Ed Brubaker with art by Sean Phillips. Exploring the ramifications of a superpowered soldier becoming a sleeper agent infiltrating an international crime syndicate run by the world's most manipulative man.
  • Team 7 #1-4 - Written by Chuck Dixon and Aaron Wiesenfeld. Team 7 are the nation's most elite soldiers. So what happens when they become a lab experiment intended to create psychic soldiers?
  • Gen¹³ Collected Edition TPB - Written by Brandon Choi, Jim Lee, and J. Scott Campbell; art by J. Scott Campbell and Alex Garner. Collecting the entire 5-issue Gen¹³ mini-series. Aided by former Team Seven leader John Lynch, five teenagers with remarkable power must make their escape from the clutches of Ivana Baiul's array of killers from Internal Operations. NOTE: this volume is now available as Gen¹³: Who They Are and How They Came to Be TPB released in 2006.
  • Gen¹³: Starting Over TPB - Written by Brandon Choi, J. Scott Campbell and Jim Lee; Art by J. Scott Campbell, Alex Garner, Jim Lee, and Scott Williams. Collecting issues #1-7 of Gen¹³ (volume 2). Under the leadership of their mentor Lynch, the super-powered teenagers of Gen¹³ live a life of fighting evil, saving the world, and partying hard. From the sunny shores of California to the exotic jungles of Coda Island, these five super-powered teenagers (Fairchild, Burnout, Freefall, Grunge, and Rainmaker) tour the world as they stay one step ahead of the covert organization that's out to get them. Even in the cobbled streets of Italy, the Gen-Active gang finds starting over isn't as easy as they thought! Employing strong characterization and wacky humor, this trade paperback presents the offbeat adventures of Gen¹³.
  • Planetary TPB Vol. 1-3 - Written by Warren Ellis with art by John Cassaday. The secret history of the world which featured a Warren Ellis take on classic comic book superheroes and classic literary heroes.
  • Deathblow: Sinners and Saints TPB - Written by Jim Lee and Brandon Choi; Art by Jim Lee and Tim Sale (artist). Collects Deathblow (volume 1) #1-12. While on a top-secret mission as part of an elite Cold War black ops team, Navy Seal Michael Cray was betrayed and exposed to a hazardous mutagen. Twenty years later with the exposure finally manifesting itself, the world's deadliest mercenary suddenly became a living weapon with extraordinary powers. Changing his ways and taking on the guise of Deathblow, Cray now looks to save his soul by becoming mankind's last hope of survival in an epic battle between good and evil. Standing alone against the Dark Angel and his four horsemen, Deathblow must find a way to protect the Holy Grail and the child of Light or bear witness to Armageddon.
  • Deathblow/Wolverine TPB - Written by Aron Weisenfeld with art by Weisenfeld and Richard Bennett. Collects Deathblow/Wolverine #1-2.
  • Wetworks: Rebirth TPB - Written by Brandon Choi & Whilce Portacio with art by Whilce Portacio & Scott Williams. Collecting issues #1-3 of the original Wetworks series. Dispatched on what was believed to be a mission to stop a group of nationalists from gaining access to a powerful biological warfare agent---members of Team 7 discover that they have been betrayed by their superiors at International Operations. After surviving the suicide mission and subsequent merging with a powerful symbiotic armor, the team goes rogue. Now pledging allegiance to industrialist Armand Waering, WetWorks uses their new-found powers to wage a secret battle against the Vampire Nation and other supernatural threats.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Wildstorm Unveils New Branding, Comics Bulletin
  2. ^ 52: Week Fifty-Two
  3. ^ Wondercon '08: The Wildstorm Panel, Newsarama
  4. ^ NYCC '08: The Grant Morrison Panel, Newsarama, April 19, 2008
  5. ^ NYCC '08: LIVING IN THE RUINS: WS Editor Ben Abernathy on 'Worlds End', Newsarama, April 19, 2008
  6. ^ WildCats: World's End #1 details at DC
  7. ^ The Authority: World's End #1 details at DC
  8. ^ Stormwatch: Post Human Division #13 details at DC
  9. ^ Gen¹³ #21 details at DC
  10. ^ Wild at Heart: Ben Abernathy, Newsarama, May 19, 2008