For seasoned DC Comics enthusiasts, terms like Earth-4, pre-crisis, and rebooted Legion of Super-Heroes are nothing new. The world of DC Comics, from its inception with New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine in 1935, has been a beloved part of many childhoods. The iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman have graced the pages for over 80 years.

However, the comic world faced a significant setback, as not only the DCEU is undergoing a transformation under James Gunn, but DC Comics itself is also in the midst of a major shake. DC Comics indeed is going through a comic book restart with Ghost Machine.

DC Comics to Ghost Machine- A new era

At New York Comic-Con, Ghost Machine, a new creator-owned comics venture, was unveiled. The lineup featured renowned talents like Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Peter J. Tomasi, and Maytal Zchut. They committed to exclusive work with Ghost Machine after finishing their ongoing projects. This innovative team aims to go beyond traditional superheroes and introduce four shared universes with diverse characters and genres.

Geoff Johns and Gary Frank will commence the first project in November with “GEIGER: GROUND ZERO”. The official debut of Ghost Machine is scheduled for January 2024, as reported by AIPT Comics. GHOST MACHINE #1, a 64-page special, will introduce the shared universes. Publishers plan to release titles on shelves in April 2024. This will mark a significant development in creator-owned comics and provide readers with fresh and compelling content.

Amidst the sad news from DC Comics, another piece of information emerged from the DCU. Blue Beetle wrapped up its theatrical journey as the lowest-grossing DCU film.

Blue Beetle goes beneath The Flash in its theatrical run

As the DCEU faced a tumultuous period of transformation led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, its latest projects struggled at the box office. Blue Beetle, the second-to-last film of the previous DCU era, initially garnered critical acclaim for introducing the first Latino superhero. Despite the promising start, it hit a snag. While the movie found an audience during its digital premiere, its theatrical run concluded on a somber note, making it the lowest-grossing DCU movie in Warner Bros. history.

With $128 million in global earnings, including $71.2 million domestically and $56.8 million from overseas territories, it fell significantly behind the much-criticized The Flash, which earned $270 million worldwide. It was, however, appreciated by Jaden Smith and Tom Cruise. The future of the DCU now hinges on Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, also known as Aquaman 2, which faces the challenge of achieving success or potentially descending even lower than Blue Beetle.

What do you feel about this new comic book era? Share your thoughts in the comments below.