Having just completed the multiverse-spanning crossover epic Infinite Crisis, DC knew they had to do something equally spectacular to top it. And they succeeded with flying colours in the form of 52, an unprecedented comic book crossover that saw five writers and eight artists collaborate on a series that starred pretty much every single character in the known universe, and came out weekly to boot. The year-long arc clued readers into the "missing" year after the latest Crisis, as the world of DC struggled with the absence of its holy trinity: Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman. So instead of those flagship heroes, readers were treated to a time-travelling tale starring the likes of Booster Gold, the Elongated Man, The Question, Batwoman, and Doctor Fate. All neat characters, but all previously under-utilised and decidedly B-string (or less) characters, 52 gave the chance for the DC Universe's supporting cast to enjoy the limelight. In the hands of writers like Mark Waid, Greg Rucka and Grant Morrison, they became many fans' new favourties. Besides resurrecting the careers of lesser-known superheroes, 52 was also a ruddy enjoyable comic book story in the classic sense. There were big, over-the-top villains, double-crosses, twists, globe-trotting escapades and travels through both time and space. It may all have built up to the slightly underwhelming World War III miniseries, but it was a fun ride in itself.
Tom Baker is the Comics Editor at WhatCulture! He's heard all the Doctor Who jokes, but not many about Randall and Hopkirk. He also blogs at http://communibearsilostate.wordpress.com/
