The expansive realm of DC Comics has been captivating audiences for nearly a century. Maintaining a cohesive narrative over such an extensive timeline poses significant challenges, necessitating occasional adjustments. As a result, DC Comics has seen its share of significant retcons throughout the years, many of which have shocked fans given their far-reaching implications.
With countless creators contributing to the same characters over decades, it’s little wonder that inconsistencies arise. Perhaps the most surprising aspect is that even pivotal events—like the tragic murder of Batman’s parents—are not immune to retconning. While retcons are a common trope in comic books, the scale and impact of DC’s more significant alterations are noteworthy.
8 Superman’s Historical Ties with the Legion of Super-Heroes
Retcon: A Post-Crisis DC Universe Perspective
Superman remains one of the most inspirational heroes within the DC Universe, influencing characters well into the 31st century, particularly through the Legion of Super-Heroes. These heroes strive to honor Superman’s legacy while ensuring the safety of their world. A crucial aspect of Superman’s teenage experience was his profound isolation, which his interactions with the Legion helped alleviate, shaping him into the hero we recognize today.
However, this rich history has become complicated in recent years. Following the events of “Crisis on Infinite Earths,”written by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, it was established that it was not young Clark Kent but his brother, Mon-El, who had substantial ties with the Legion. This retcon obscured a fundamental part of Superman’s formative years, making subsequent stories that involved him and the Legion harder to reconcile.
7 Wonder Woman’s Origin: Linked to Zeus
Retcon: Wonder Woman #3 by Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang
Wonder Woman’s origin story is one of the most emblematic in comic lore. Initially, Diana was birthed from clay, magically animated by the Greek goddesses, symbolizing a female-centric origin devoid of male influence. This crucial backstory held significant meaning, yet DC opted to dramatically alter it in the New 52 era. This revision positioned Zeus as her father, a shift that alienated many devoted fans who felt it undermined her character’s strength.
6 Rogol Zar and the Fall of Krypton
Retcon: Action Comics #1000 by Brian Michael Bendis and Jim Lee
A cornerstone of Superman’s narrative is the cataclysmic destruction of Krypton—a tragic event that had always been shrouded in mystery. However, following the New 52 initiative, DC introduced Rogol Zaar as the orchestrator of Krypton’s downfall. He believed Kryptonians posed a universal threat and aimed to exterminate them. This retcon not only altered Superman’s backstory but also expanded Rogol Zaar’s narrative as he pursued any Kryptonians across the cosmos, impacting significant locales like the Lost City of Kandor.
5 Cyborg: A Justice League Member?
Retcon: Justice League #1 by Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, and Scott Williams
Cyborg is traditionally recognized as a core member of the Teen Titans, yet during the New 52 revamp, DC controversially promoted him to the Justice League. This transition was puzzling as Cyborg had minimal connections with the established league members, most of whom were considerably older. This decision influenced various media portrayals, including Zack Snyder’s Justice League, presenting Cyborg as a founding member—a change that many regard as purposeless, especially considering his return to the Titans in modern storylines.
4 Mr. Freeze’s Origin: A Complete Overhaul
Retcon: Introduced in Batman: The Animated Series
Initially depicted as a minor villain named Mister Zero, Mr. Freeze was a standard mad scientist obsessed with diamonds and cold technology. However, the character underwent a remarkable transformation in Batman: The Animated Series, revealing Victor Fries as a tragic figure striving to save his terminally ill wife, Nora. This poignant backstory elevated Mr. Freeze to a complex character, making him one of Batman’s more memorable foes.
3 Lobo’s Controversial Reinvention
Retcon: Justice League #23.2 by Marguerite Bennett and Ben Oliver
Lobo, the larger-than-life bounty hunter, has made a significant mark within the DC Universe, thanks to his outrageous personality and humor. Unfortunately, during the New 52, DC decided to replace the well-loved Lobo with a new incarnation entirely, denouncing the classic character as an impostor. Fans were perplexed and displeased with this move, which lived only briefly before the company reverted to the original version of Lobo.
2 The Underlying Motive Behind the New 52 Reset
Retcon: Revealed in Doomsday Clock by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank
The New 52 initiative failed to resonate with many veteran readers, often resetting character arcs and overwriting beloved narratives. Acknowledging the backlash, DC sought to transition away from this dark chapter, and introduced the concept that Dr. Manhattan was manipulating events in the DC Universe, ultimately responsible for the altered continuity. This newfound insight transformed the perspective on the New 52 into a broader critique of resilience against darkness.
1 Crisis on Infinite Earths: The Pinnacle of DC’s Retcons
Retcon: Crafted in Crisis on Infinite Earths by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez
While there have been numerous retcons throughout comic history, none have matched the scale and significance of Crisis on Infinite Earths. This ambitious crossover was enacted to streamline an increasingly convoluted multiverse—introducing the formidable Anti-Monitor, whose mission was to obliterate universes. The unifying effort from countless heroes culminated in a tragic resolution, wherein the multiverse condensed into a single Earth, allowing DC to reinvent its storytelling possibilities while simultaneously laying bare the consequent stakes.
This monumental event exemplified DC’s audacity to navigate complex narratives and firmly established itself as a cornerstone of comic book history.