DC Comics is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year by launching a unique initiative to mark its upcoming 100th anniversary. At the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), the publisher unveiled plans for a decade-long celebration, starting with a focus on the years 1935 to 1945, the era that laid the foundation for its legendary legacy.
The immersive booth at Comic-Con serves as a tribute to this pivotal period in DC’s history, featuring significant artifacts such as New Fun no. 1, the very first comic book published by DC. The booth also pays homage to the iconic DC Trinity—Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a classic DC newsstand, where they can pick up a complimentary 1940s-style Daily Planet newspaper. This newspaper includes classic advertisements sourced directly from DC’s extensive comic book archives and provides a schedule of panels and events for this year’s SDCC.
“We wanted to get into the idea of celebrating the past as well as the present and future,” stated Anne DePies, DC’s General Manager, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “For the next 10 years, and every year at the convention, we’re going to be celebrating a decade.” DePies, along with Jim Lee, the President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer of DC, plans to showcase era-specific cosplay at SDCC. This year, they will make their appearances on Friday, dressed in outfits reflecting the chosen decade.
In addition to the nostalgic displays, the booth will feature exclusive and limited-edition comic books, graphic novels, and merchandise. Highlights include special editions from the bestselling Absolute line, items adorned with a new logo from the forthcoming Batman comic, a Krypto the Super-Dog hoodie, and a gold necklace featuring Superman’s iconic S-shield.
DC is heading into this major cultural event with significant momentum, buoyed by the success of the recent film Superman. This movie has generated excitement at the domestic box office and has sparked lively discussions among fans. On the publishing front, DC reports a rebound in sales compared to last year, indicating strong potential for growth in the latter half of the year through various ambitious initiatives. “The market is still very tough, but we’re glad to be bringing excitement back,” DePies remarked. “We’re having a good time here.”
Looking forward, DC is set to return to the Javits Convention Center for New York Comic Con for the first time since 2018. DePies expressed enthusiasm about this return, stating, “We’ve been back for some panels and announcements, but we miss engaging with our fans on that higher level. We can’t start this march to 100 without New York Comic Con.”
As DC prepares for this decade-long celebration, it emphasizes the importance of connecting with fans and honoring its rich history. The initiative not only marks a significant milestone for the publisher but also aims to engage a new generation of comic book enthusiasts.
