Justice League’s Conflicting Origins Retconned, Cyborg’s Role in DC History Explained

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In simpler terms, the history of DC Comics has been quite confusing due to numerous retcons (rewrites) and universe-wide reboots. To clear up this complexity, a miniseries titled “New History of the DC Universe” provides an updated timeline. This revised timeline clarifies which stories are no longer considered part of the canon and which ones belong to the era known as “DC All-In”. Notably, changes in minor details such as Cyborg’s role in the formation of the Justice League are among these updates.

In the second issue of “The New History of the DC Universe,” penned by Mark Waid and illustrated by Brad Walker and Mike Allred, we dive right into the debut of Superman and Batman, marking the start of a new wave of superheroes. This surge in super-powered beings culminated in the establishment of the initial Justice League, which was formed as a response to an invasion on Earth by extraterrestrial creatures known as the Appellaxians.

In the initial account, the group consisted of Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter. Not long after, Batman and Superman joined them. However, a subsequent revision replaced Wonder Woman with the second Black Canary, Dinah Lance, due to alterations in Wonder Woman’s backstory concerning her departure from Themyscira.

Introducing the character Cyborg made things more difficult in the storyline. Originally, he belonged to a fresh wave of superheroes who joined the New Teen Titans team. However, this narrative was altered in 2011 during the New 52 overhaul.

In this updated scenario, Victor Stone acquired his powers during Darkseid’s initial attack on Earth, eventually joining forces with Superman, Batman, and others to establish the Justice League. However, instead of Martian Manhunter, it was Cyborg who became one of the original founders. This change in the New 52 era led to complications concerning the Teen Titans’ past history, causing Cyborg to be unexpectedly estranged from his close friends.

New History Allows Cyborg to Found Justice League and Join Teen Titans

In the intriguing narrative of “New History of the DC Universe #2,” I found an ingenious concept that harmoniously blends three distinct timelines. In this reimagined chronology, Darkseid’s invasion of Earth occurred prior to the Appellaxians’ arrival. The heroic Cyborg was instrumental in thwarting Darkseid, but following his triumph, he was placed in a state of suspended animation for healing. Years later, I was thrilled to witness him reawaken and join the New Teen Titans.

In much the same way, Martian Manhunter and the second Black Canary united to fight off the Appellaxian invasion. This demonstrated a connection to the legacy of the Justice Society of America and the emergence of the following generation of superheroes. Consequently, this paved the way for the Justice League to become an official team in the revised timeline.

New History of the DC Universe #2 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

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2025-07-24 16:16