DC Comics Quick Takes for the Week of June 25, 2025
Here’s a selection of new DC Comics from this week… June 25, 2025…
New History of the DC Universe #1
If you care about canon and what stories are currently in play that may be referenced, etc, then this is a book you’ll be interested in getting. It doesn’t play out so much as a story, but like it’s original post-Crisis on Infinite Earths predecessor, History of the DC Universe, is a history that briefly touches on the major events in the DC Universe. Some notable mentions this time around include the new reason the Justice Society of America was out of action for decades and the return of Hippolyta as the Golden Age Wonder Woman. There is a series of notes at the end of the issue that includes the comics in which these events took place. It’s a difficult task to bring all this information together and these notes provide some insight, including a few details that don’t pop up in the issue itself the Golden Age Aquaman, “Adam Waterman,” for example. So it’s possible there’s even more stories to be told at some point. Using Barry Allen as the narrator and acknowledging the fact that he’s sort of aware of the changes to history is a nice touch. Todd Nauck and Jerry Ordway who’ve become DC’s default “golden age” artists each draw alternating sections with great skill adding a familiarity to the proceedings. If there’s a drawback, it’s the notion that there are (and will be more) stories that have not been kind to characters in recent years that will be included as part of the series (Alan Scott: The Green Lantern -even if there are already indications of contradictions- and I would expect Tom King’s current Wonder Woman run). (Just because it’s the newest iteration doesn’t mean it’s good! Something DC is struggling with). However, it’s interesting to see things like the Young All-Stars and Hippolyta’s role as Wonder Woman made official one again. For longtime readers there will undoubtedly be disappointments (I’m terrified to see what happens to Power Girl in upcoming issues), but I’m ecstatic to see the Golden Age Aquaman referenced again. Oh, the main cover by Chris Samnee is great!
Mr. Terrific: Year One #2
Al Letson navigates some of the pitfalls in retelling an origin pretty well. We get the Spectre and Terry Sloan aspects of Michael Holt’s origin, but I think a reread of the original may be necessary to determine how much has been changed. It certainly feels like some things have been added to Paula Holt’s character. What’s added seems to fit with the alternate universe Mrs. Terrific we met in The Terrifics, but it feels awkward making Paula Michael’s superior instead of just making them equals (Maybe I need to reread The Terrifics, too). Darkseid’s role is only hinted at this issue, and the more I think about it three things come to mind: 1. Writer Al Letson appears to be heading in a direction that will make it work (unbelievably), 2. It’s completely unnecessary, not everything has to be connected, and 3. It feels contrived; no matter what happens it will feel superfluous. The art is quite good and Valentine de Landro has a similarity to Mike Perkins which fits this series very well.
Superman #27
Marilyn Moonlight- yawn. Superman poisoned by Red Kryptonite- interesting. Luthor trying to figure out who he is now- interesting. Superman family focused on villains who almost all need second chances- tiresome- why is Jimmy dating a villain? Darkseid’s Legion- potential. Joshua Williamson just can’t figure out which of his ideas are really good, which ideas need more time, or how to execute his ideas well. Moonlight swooping in as a savior is boring and contrived. Everything wrapping up so quickly just feels rushed. It’s like in two issues everything has reset. It’s fine to get back to that point, but some of these ideas need more time to be developed. The whole Lexcorp subplot needed to end, and the fact that it got so much time puts the wrong emphasis on something that was a mistake to begin with. Eddy Barrow’s and Eber Ferriera’s art is the best part of this issue while most everything else is all over the place. While the tease for Darkseid’s Legion has promise, the expected associated crossover with the Absolute Universe is the biggest “don’t care” moment I can imagine.
Green Arrow #25
The art by Montos in this issue is quite evocative. There’s a textural quality to the art that is lovely. The story is equally enjoyable as Chris Condon conjures up old time for Ollie and Roy as well as the reader. It’s a heck of an accessible issue for new or lapsed readers. There’s the introduction of a new villain that presents a slight personal angle for the bow-wielding duo, and though it may seem too “on the nose,” it also makes a lot of sense. Overall, it’s a fun and very enjoyable issue. Sometimes there just aren’t enough comics that take the “less is more” approach. There’s a history referenced here with the acknowledgement of the passage of time with Ollie and Roy and…it just hits. It’s not convoluted, it’s not contrived, it’s just a refreshingly good comic that doesn’t try too hard, and yet succeeds wonderfully.
…Quick Takes for the Week of June 25, 2025. Be sure to comment on what you’re reading and enjoying and check out the full reviews for the week at DC Comics News!
What are you reading this week? What are your favorite DC Comics for the week of June 25? Be sure to leave a comment below!
