Overview:
DC’s Generations event, published in 2020, is a unique exploration of the legacy and evolution of its iconic heroes. Written by Joshua Williamson, the series features notable artists like Andy Kubert and Cliff Chiang, whose work visually ties together different eras of DC storytelling. The event is structured around the concept of time, with heroes such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman at its center, alongside new and legacy characters.
As the story unfolds, it dives into the relationships and histories among these heroes, highlighting their impacts across generations. The main antagonists, the Darkest Knight and the Grim Reaper, challenge the protagonists, forcing them to confront not only external threats but also their internal struggles and histories.
Critical reception to “Generations” is mixed; some fans appreciate the depth and character development, while others feel it lacks the urgency of previous events. Overall, it serves as a reflective piece on legacy, identity, and the passage of time within the DC Universe, aiming to bridge old and new narratives for both longtime readers and newcomers.
Background Reading:
- TBD
Related Guides
Best Way To Read:
Main Collection
- Generations
- Collects: Generations Shattered #1, Generations Forged #1, and material from Detective Comics #1027
For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.
For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.
Reading Order:
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Wonder Woman #750 | Prelude | Not Collected |
| The Flash #750 | Prelude | Not Collected |
| Flash Forward #1 | Prelude | Not Collected |
| Detective Comics #1027 | Main Story | Generations |
| Generations: Shattered #1 | Main Story | Generations |
| Generations: Forged #1 | Main Story | Generations |
Publications Impact
Generations was initially planned to be connected to Future State but became a standalone story.
References:
Feature Image from Generations Shattered #1 cover art by Joe Prado, Ivan Reis, and Hi-Fi
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