Silver Age Redux

We’re closing back in on the “present” — 1986 — as we look at superhero revamps following the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths. So far, we’ve seen the changes in Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, the Justice League and Robin, as well as a collection of villains. Next up is Captain Marvel as DC tries once again to introduce the denizens of Fawcett City into the DCU.

The Power of Shazam! (DC Comics, 1994) — Jerry Ordway updates the lives of the wizard, Shazam, Billy Batson, Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel, Black Adam and Sivana, among others. Things start out with Billy and Mary’s archeologist parents and explode from there.

Legends of the DC Universe 6: Robin and Superman (DC Comics, 1998) — Through team-ups in the pages of World’s Finest, Superman is almost as much an influence on the man young Dick Grayson will grow up to be as Robin’s “father,” Batman. This story reflects that influence and pays homage to those classic silver age tales by teaming the Man of Steel and the Boy Wonder.

The Brave and the Bold: Flash and Green Lantern 1-6 (DC Comics, 1999) — This is yet another tribute to the friendships and team-ups of the silver age, focusing on the friendship between Hal Jordan and Barry Allen. But along the way, their various extended families and relationships also play a role, so there are cameos by Iris West, Carol Ferris, Alan Scott, Jay Garrick, Ralph and Sue Dibny, Wally West, Oliver Queen, Dinah Lance and Roy Harper.

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight 127-131 (DC Comics, 2000) — “The Arrow and the Bat” brings Green Arrow and Batman together and let’s the sparks fly between these two intense and explosive personalities. Along the way, both heroes are forced to examine the reasons why they put on their respective costumes and battle crime.

Batgirl Year One 1-9 (DC Comics, 2003) — Batgirl Barbara Gordon was another character changed pretty drastically by the Crisis, but mostly by accident. The character wasn’t seen much in the few years preceding Crisis. During the various revamps of Batman’s origin, the Dark Knight’s supporting cast was changed to the point where it was no longer possible for Barbara to be Police Commissioner James Gordon’s biological daughter and still be the right age to be Batgirl. So Barbara becomes Gordon’s niece, and later, his adoptive daughter. Still intact is the young girl’s fascination with Batman. This series also shows how others also inspired the young Batgirl, heroines like Black Canary.

The Batman Chronicles 9 (DC Comics, 1997) — Another element retained in Batgirl’s new origin is the infatuation Robin had for the new crime-fighter and how Batgirl felt the same way, up to a point. In the silver age, the two young heroes shared a number of adventures together. The first story in this comic shows more of that budding relationship that wouldn’t mature until several years later.

Legends of the DC Universe: Flash 15-17 (DC Comics, 1999) — These three issues focus on an early adventure of the Flash, or rather, his alter-ego, police scientist Barry Allen, and showcases a number of the Flash’s colorful rogue’s gallery.

Short entry today, but not as much time this time around. Check back next time for more stories revamping the past of the DC Universe in the wake of Crisis.