DC Comics launched its Earth One line of original graphic novels in 2010 with Superman: Earth One and today it doubled down on these retellings of origin stories in a contemporary setting by announcing the 2012 publication of a second volume of Superman: Earth One as well as Batman: Earth One, a retelling of the Batman legend in a contemporary setting, which Geoff Johns is writing and Gary Frank is illustrating.  The focus in Batman: Earth One is one the young Bruce Wayne who, according to Frank, is “not the Batman people know, but he might be one day.  The fun is to watch him piece his persona together..”

 

The creative team behind the original Superman: Earth One, J. Michael Straczynski and artist Shane Davis, are back for Superman: Earth One, Vol.2, which will present more “fresh takes on the youthful struggles of Krypton’s superpowered survivor.”  Davis told DC’s The Source blog that he was excited that the new volume gave him the opportunity to re-create one of Superman’s villains, the Parasite… Earth One Parasite is one of the most complicated and disgustingly beautiful characters I have ever designed!”

 

The success of the Earth One line of graphic novels (a similar line of original graphic novels from Marvel) demonstrates that there is room for original graphic novels featuring well known characters re-enacting their equally well known origin stories in a contemporary setting.  The initial volume in the line Superman: Earth One spent 37 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, a testament to the book’s success in the bookstore market where it provides a “reader-friendly” entry point that is unburdened by decades of continuity.