The Impact of DC Rebirth on The New 52: What Remains and What Changed

DC's Rebirth marked a significant transitional period for the company's long-running DC Universe. While some of the stories and characters from The New 52 have seen notable alterations, many others remain largely intact. This article explores the extent to which the original stories and character developments of The New 52 have been preserved or altered with the advent of Rebirth.

The Doomsday Clock's Revelation

According to Doomsday Clock, Doctor Manhattan's involvement in the creation of the New 52 universe was a significant factor in its establishment. Though the exact details of this revelation remain undisclosed, it suggests that the New 52's origins trace back to the early 2000s, much earlier than initially thought. For fans of Before Watchmen Doctor Manhattan, the final issues of this series provide a clear answer, yet it's best to check official sources or fan forums for the full story.

Characters and Story Elements

Several well-known characters from The New 52 have yet to be reintroduced or brought fully into continuity. Characters such as Bart Allen, Max Mercury, and Booster Gold are among those whose status remains unclear. In contrast, stories involving characters like the Flash and Superman have undergone significant changes, with the introduction of previously non-existent elements and the removal of others.

Subset of Stories and Character Alterations

The events of The New 52 are not entirely intact, and certain stories and character developments have been significantly altered. For instance, the subsequent death of Superman during The New 52's storyline led to a change in the character's timeline, with the introduction of a son, Jon Kent, in Superman Reborn. Meanwhile, characters like Mr. Oz, while still a major threat, no longer carry the same iconic status they had during The New 52.

The JSA and the Court of Owls

Notable tribulations within the DC Universe, such as the fate of the Justice Society of America (JSA) and the Court of Owls, have seen significant changes. The Button Pt. 4 confirmed the JSA's fate, either lost in time or deceased, which significantly alters the narrative landscape for the heroes of the New 52. However, the Court of Owls, though diminished in prominence, continues to pose a threat, implying its continuity with The New 52.

Changes in Superman's Continuity

The most significant changes in The New 52 can be seen in the history of Superman. Supernan Reborn, for example, merged the pre-Flashpoint Superman's history with that of the New 52, making Superman's timeline more grounded and connecting his son Jon Kent to the main continuity. However, the ramifications of these changes on the broader DC Universe remain to be fully realized, as Superman's revised history may still influence the stories and narratives of other superheroes.

Conclusion

While many stories and character developments from The New 52 remain intact, the advent of DC Rebirth brought about a significant reset. The changes to Superman's and the Flash's characters, as well as the reduction in importance of the Court of Owls and the JSA, signify a shift in the direction of DC Comics' continuity. For fans keen on understanding the impact of Rebirth on The New 52, it is crucial to keep abreast of the latest developments in DC Comics.